#sistra

Many thanks <3

i totally forgot this ask was in my bin rip. Have an info dump about sistra

The sistrum usually comes in two styles: the hathor-headed style (above) and the loop style (below)

The sistrum is heavily associated with Hathor. It's thought that the sistrum may have originated as shaking papyrus flower bundles. This is mimicked a bit in the "sesheshet" name. Hathor is associated with the papyrus and it's shaking (imagine cattle walking through papyri groves).

According to Wilkinson, the sound of the instrument was regarded as protective and the instrument itself was a symbol of divine blessings and embodied the concept of rebirth. In certain circumstances, the sistrum can carry erotic or fertility connotations (also closely related to hathor).

Originally, it was central to Hathor's cult center, specifically with Ihy playing it for her. He says the sistrum entered the cults of other deities, especially those of Amun and Aset. So if you want historical backing to use the sistrum outside of Hathorian/Bast contexts, there is a precedent.

He mentions that it was specifically used by priestesses in antiquity, but i don't think that really matters in the modern era.

imo, the sistrum can be used to call gods, even though Wilkinson doesn't specifically mention it. They seem to come to nice things, things that smell good, taste good, sound good, look good. So why not? Also worth mentioning that it can also be used to pacify gods.

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This method evokes primal spiritual rites. Historically, this method was utilized in ancient Anatolia, Egypt, Nubia, North Africa, the Middle East, and the Mediterranean. This method enhances space cleansing by adding protective, aura boosting and spirit summoning properties.

Preferred instruments include cymbals, sistra, tambourines, and/or frame drums. At least some of these instruments are required for effective cleansing, and at least some of the instruments must have metal parts. Supplement with other drums, flutes, rattles, and percussion as desired.

Although musical skill and experience certainly never hurts, it’s not necessary for cleansing purposes. All that is required is that everyone grabs an instrument and allows the spirits to guide them. Reverberations removed negative debris. In addition, there is an element of banishing: The theory behind the spell is that low-level malevolent entities are frightening by the raucous clatter of percussion and will quickly depart. The sounds also extend a part invitation to sacred revelers like Kybele, Dionysus, the Dactyls, Astarte, Hathor, Isis, Bes, and Taweret. Their presence, even if fleeting, provides blessings and protection. The goal, therefore, is to make a joyful noise. Make a lot of noise. This is a party cleansing: it’s not solemn and serious. The mood contributes to the ritual. A room that felt uneasy prior to this ritual will feel friendly and inviting once it’s over.

This cleansing is an effective ritual itself. It raises a lot of power and energy and is an excellent precursor to spells dealing with love, sexuality, and the more passionate aspects of protection, finances, justice, and healing. It may also be a prelude to a great party. It is not the appropriate cleansing to choose, however, if you wish to follow purification rites with serene, controlled, sedate ritual. [...]