Contained in the Bibliotheque Nationale there is a collection of Greco-Egyptian Demotic texts known the Paris Papyrus.
Within the works one section shines out with a breathtaking beauty and power.
It’s called ‘A Ritual of Immortalization’ and contains a set of specific techniques for guiding oneself, or another, to increasingly higher realms of consciousness. The procedure involves applying a special ointment to the eyes and moving to a state of great focus. It then utilises specific mantra (voces-magicae) of the elements, breathing methods, invocations and visualisations leading to a journey through the planetary spheres and higher realms of awareness.
Although the text is dedicated the Mithras Helios, it’s Egyptian in approach and contains many Jewish influences.
I have never seen another text from the time with such clear instructions, nor a method so elegant for a teacher to guide a student directly.