[FN#66] Here we have another instance of the important part which the
spittle played in magical ceremonies that were intended to produce evil
effects. The act of spitting, however, was intended sometimes to carry
a curse with it, and sometimes a blessing, for a man spat in the face
of his enemy in order to lay the curse of impurity upon him, and at the
present time, men spit upon money to keep the devils away from it.

[FN#67] The gods were, according to one belief, nothing more than the
various names of Ra, who had taken the forms of the various members of
his body.

[FN#68] Thus the god's own name became his most important talisman.

[FN#69] The position of Isis as the "great enchantress" is well
defined, and several instances of her magical powers are recorded. By
the utterance of her words of power she succeeded in raising her dead
husband Osiris to life, and she enabled him by their means to beget
Horus of her. Nothing could withstand them, because they were of
divine origin, and she had learned them from Thoth, the intelligence of
the greatest of the gods.

[FN#70] Or, "the period of the summer." The season Shemmu, began soon
after the beginning of April and lasted until nearly the end of July.

[FN#71] Khepera, Rd, and Temu were the three principal forms of the
Sun-god according to the theological system of the priests of
Heliopolis.