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The First Female Pharaoh: Sobekneferu, Goddess of the Seven Stars

Collins, Andrew
Reader rating
4.6
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📚 ABOUT THE BOOK

Uncover the lost legacy of Egypt's first female pharaoh, a goddess reborn.

Delve into the enigmatic life and reign of Sobekneferu, Egypt's pioneering female pharaoh, whose monumental achievements and profound spiritual connections were unjustly obscured by history. This compelling work meticulously reconstructs her era, exploring her unique devotion to the crocodile god Sobek and the hippopotamus goddess Neith, intricately linked to stellar patterns. Beyond her ancient impact, discover her astonishing 'resurrection' among Victorian occultists and her surprising influence on iconic gothic literature, offering a complete picture of a truly forgotten ruler.

Key themes
Egypt's Lost Matriarch Stellar Serpent & Hippo Victorian Occult Resurrection
Historical context

This work bridges ancient Egyptian history with Victorian occultism, placing Sobekneferu within the esoteric tradition of stellar mythology and gothic literary influence. It serves as a bridge between archaeological reconstruction and spiritual resurrection narratives found in Western mysticism.

Difficulty
●● Moderate
Fans will love it
Margot Adler · Aidan Kelly · Dion Fortune
🕯️ Occult Philosophy
🏛 Bear & Company 📅 2023 📖 464 pages 📔 Paperback 📐 Paperback ISBN: 9781591434450
Fun fact
Collins has masterfully resurrected a crucial, yet overlooked, figure in Egyptian history. This book excels in its meticulous historical reconstruction, seamlessly blending archaeological detail with the profound esoteric dimensions of Sobekneferu's reign and her subsequent occult 'rebirth.' While traditional historians may find its foray into Victorian esotericism unconventional, it is a vital read for anyone seeking to understand the complete, mystical tapestry of ancient Egypt and its enduring influence on the Western esoteric tradition.

📝 Description: The First Female Pharaoh: Sobekneferu, Goddess of the Seven Stars

The cult, magic, reign, and resurrection of the first female ruler in Egypt - Reveals the achievements of Sobekneferu, the political and religious issues of her age, the temples and ruins associated with her, and her continuing impact on ancient Egypt after her reign - Discusses Sobekneferu's magical beliefs and practices centered on the crocodile god Sobek, the hippo goddess Neith, and their representation as constellations - Examines the modern-day resurrection of Sobekneferu among mystics and occultists of Victorian London, including her role in Bram Stoker's shocking gothic novel, The Jewel of the Seven Stars Cleopatra. Nefertiti. Hatshepsut. All of them are ancient Egyptian female rulers who rose above their predominantly patriarchal societies to become controllers of a great empire. Missing from this list, however, is Sobekneferu, ancient Egypt's first female ruler. Why was the reign of this powerful woman all but forgotten? Piecing together the lost history of the first female pharaoh, Andrew Collins presents the first comprehensive biography of Sobekneferu. Using every text and monument that concerns Sobekneferu and her time in power, he examines her achievements as ruler, the political and religious issues of her age, the temples and ruins associated with her, and her continuing impact on ancient Egypt after her reign. He explores her relationship with her brother Amenemhat IV, her sister Neferuptah, and their father Amenemhat III, regarded as one of the most beloved pharaohs of the Middle Kingdom. He examines Sobekneferu's untimely end, the fate of her body, and the cult that developed in her name. Discussing Sobekneferu's magical beliefs and practices, Collins shows how they centered on the crocodile god Sobek, the hippopotamus goddess Neith, and Sekhmet, the goddess presiding over divine power. He reveals also how Sobekneferu's suspected pyramid was positioned to align with the setting of Eltanin, the brightest star in the constellation of Draco, seen in ancient Egypt as the celestial form of Sobek. Examining the modern-day resurrection of Sobekneferu among the occultists and mystics of Victorian London, Collins shows how she is the true inspiration behind every ancient Egyptian female queen who comes back to life after her tomb is found--as featured first in Bram Stoker's shocking 1903 novel The Jewel of Seven Stars and later in several modern blockbuster movies. Revealing how Sobekneferu has left a lasting impact on culture and occulture through the ages despite being nearly erased from history, Collins shows how her continuing legacy is perhaps, ultimately, her true resurrection.

💎 Expert review

💎
Esoterica Books editorial team
Occult literature desk
This title appeals strongly to enthusiasts of Egyptian esotericism and Victorian occult history. However, it may disappoint readers seeking rigorous, citation-heavy academic historiography or those uninterested in mystical interpretations of ancient figures. The focus on 'resurrection' narratives and literary influence might feel too speculative for strict historians. It is best suited for those who enjoy the blending of myth, magic, and biography rather than dry factual recounting. Readers looking for straightforward political analysis of the Middle Kingdom will likely find the spiritual and gothic angles distracting or insufficiently grounded in standard historical consensus.
✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

Readers fascinated by the intersection of ancient mythology and modern occultism will find this book particularly rewarding. It offers a unique perspective on Sobekneferu, not merely as a historical figure but as a spiritual archetype resurrected by Victorian thinkers. Those interested in how gothic literature draws from esoteric sources will appreciate the detailed exploration of her influence. The narrative provides a compelling alternative to traditional history, highlighting the unjust obscuring of her legacy. It is ideal for those seeking to understand the deep connections between stellar patterns, divine feminine power, and the enduring impact of forgotten rulers on contemporary spiritual thought.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Esoterica Books —
⭐ Esoterica editorial review Editorial rating 4.7/5
★★★★
If you're drawn to hidden histories, powerful female figures, or the esoteric currents that link ancient civilizations to modern occultism, this meticulously researched volume is essential. Prepare to challenge your understanding of Egypt's royal lineage and spiritual traditions.

Reader rating

4.6
Based on 1 reviews
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Esoterica Books editorial team

This title appeals strongly to enthusiasts of Egyptian esotericism and Victorian occult history. However, it may disappoint readers seeking rigorous, citation-heavy academic historiography or those uninterested in mystical interpretations of ancient figures. The focus on 'resurrection' narratives and literary influence might feel too speculative for strict historians. It is best suited for those who enjoy the blending of myth, magic, and biography rather than dry factual recounting. Readers looking for straightforward political analysis of the Middle Kingdom will likely find the spiritual and gothic angles distracting or insufficiently grounded in standard historical consensus.

❓ Frequently asked questions

While thoroughly grounded in historical and archaeological evidence, this book transcends a mere biography. It delves deeply into Sobekneferu's spiritual world, examining her unique magical beliefs, and crucially, explores her unexpected 'resurrection' within Victorian occultism and gothic literature.
Unlike works focusing on Hatshepsut or Cleopatra, this volume is the first comprehensive biography dedicated to Egypt's initial female ruler, Sobekneferu. It uniquely combines historical reconstruction with an exploration of her distinct magical practices and later occult impact, setting it apart.

📖 Who should read this

If you're drawn to hidden histories, powerful female figures, or the esoteric currents that link ancient civilizations to modern occultism, this meticulously researched volume is essential. Prepare to challenge your understanding of Egypt's royal lineage and spiritual traditions.

🎯 Key themes and symbolism

Egypt's Lost Matriarch

Explore the compelling story of Sobekneferu, the groundbreaking female pharaoh whose reign predated more famous queens. This book unearths her political prowess and the societal challenges she navigated, revealing why her significant contributions were largely omitted from historical records, and challenging conventional narratives of ancient Egyptian leadership.

Stellar Serpent & Hippo

Uncover Sobekneferu's deep engagement with unique spiritual practices, particularly her veneration of Sobek, the crocodile god, and Neith, the hippopotamus deity. The text illuminates how these divinities were interwoven with celestial observations and ancient magical traditions, offering a rare glimpse into her personal cosmology and ritual life.

Victorian Occult Resurrection

Trace the extraordinary posthumous journey of Sobekneferu from ancient obscurity to a surprising revival among 19th-century mystics and esoteric societies. Discover how her legend captivated figures like Bram Stoker, influencing seminal gothic literature and showcasing the enduring power of ancient Egyptian mystique in modern occult thought.

💬 Quotes from the book

“Her name, once etched in stone and spoken in sacred rites, slipped through the sands of time, only to whisper again in the hushed seances of Victorian London.”

“Beyond the crown, Sobekneferu's true power lay in her communion with the stellar crocodile and the cosmic hippopotamus, linking her earthly reign to the infinite celestial dance.”

📜 Historical context

This work significantly enriches our understanding of the Middle Kingdom, challenging the historical oversight of Egypt's first female pharaoh. It extends beyond conventional Egyptology, weaving in threads of ancient magic and later esoteric revivals. By bridging historical scholarship with an exploration of occult influences, it stands as a unique contribution to both academic and spiritual studies of ancient Egypt.

📚 Glossary

Sobekneferu
Middle Kingdom
Seven Stars

📔 Questions to reflect on

  1. What does Sobekneferu's story reveal about the deliberate erasure of powerful female figures in history, and what parallels might we draw to other historical narratives?
  2. How might the unique combination of animal deities (Sobek, Neith) and celestial observations have shaped Sobekneferu's personal philosophy and approach to governance?
  3. Reflect on the enduring human fascination with ancient Egypt. Why do figures like Sobekneferu continue to inspire occultists and artists centuries later?

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