A Journey Through Ancient Egypt: Embracing Rituals of Self-Care

By Anne Sayers

When I was in fifth grade, my class embarked on a field trip to the Museum of Natural History. Our teacher granted us the freedom to explore, as long as we stayed with our field trip buddy. Lucky for me, my partner shared my fascination with Ancient Egypt. We entered the exhibit through a three-story replica of an ancient Egyptian tomb, crafted from the grand chambers of an authentic 5th Dynasty Pharaoh. There was something otherworldly about the experience. While our classmates were captivated by the giant T-Rex or the great civilizations of Africa, my friend Patty and I spent nearly the entire visit in the Egyptian rooms. I was entranced by the architecture, the vast history, and the stunning artwork. I vowed that one day, I would visit the Great Pyramid. Decades later, I finally joined a group traveling to Egypt, eager to explore its mysteries.

The Midnight Adventure

That transformative journey took place in 2010. I traveled with friends to Giza, where we spent eight days at a hotel directly across from the Sphinx and the Great Pyramid. On our first night, we were granted a rare opportunity to enter the Great Pyramid at midnight, candles in hand. It was an experience like no other.

The original entry to the Great Pyramid was tiny—less than 3.5 feet high and about 3 feet wide. To enter, we had to crawl through a long, narrow shaft in the dark. The woman in front of me froze, paralyzed by fear. We were all stuck, with only one option: to keep moving forward. Eventually, we stood upright, only to find ourselves on an angled ramp that led downward to a turning point. Here, we faced a choice: continue downward or ascend. Our group chose to head to the King's Chamber, located at the top of the pyramid. We walked upward in silence, the air thick with anticipation.

The interior was narrow and dimly lit. I marveled at the stone walls and the sheer size of each block—over two million stones, each weighing more than two tons! The precision with which each stone was aligned was astonishing. It looked as if someone had cut squares with a sharp knife into the smooth walls. The ramp was steep, forcing us to lean forward as we climbed.

The King's Chamber Experience

We moved in silence, passing the Queen's Chamber on our way to the King's Chamber. This large, rectangular room boasted a ceiling nearly 20 feet high. The walls were made of granite, and at the chamber's end sat a sarcophagus crafted from the same red granite. The atmosphere was cool and dimly lit, with sounds muffled. We stood in reverent silence as we were instructed to light our candles. Our leader offered us words to chant, and one by one, we approached the marble sarcophagus to climb inside.

When my turn came, I climbed in like the others, positioning my head toward the north end. Suddenly, I realized something felt wrong. We should be lying inside the sarcophagus in the opposite direction. A flood of images and sensations washed over me. After a few minutes, I was helped out of the sarcophagus to allow the next person their turn. Once all thirty participants had taken their turns, someone led us in a beautiful, simple prayer. We then sat in silence for another fifteen minutes before being directed to leave. We descended down the same wooden ramp until we reached the original entry point. As we exited the Pyramid, we were a mix of awe and excitement, chattering all the way back to our hotel, just across the street.

Repeated Visits and Magical Experiences

During that trip, I entered the Great Pyramid several more times, as well as each of the smaller pyramids. The entire experience was one of the most magical of my life. Words fail to capture the depth of emotion I felt; everything was sensory and profound. I knew I would never experience anything quite like it again.

About ten years later, I returned to Egypt, taking a cruise up the Nile from Luxor to Cairo. Along the way, we visited temples and crumbling remnants of monolithic buildings from ancient Egyptian culture. This journey contrasted sharply with the vibrant Arab culture surrounding us, marked by the Islamic call to prayer recited multiple times each day.

The Call of Ancient Egypt

Visiting the Great Pyramid was not just an opportunity to engage with ancient history; it was a chance to participate in an intimate ceremony I will never forget. I often wonder what it is about Ancient Egyptian culture that resonates so deeply with so many of us. Standing within those ancient walls created a tangible connection to the past—an experience I have not felt since.

I have learned much about the Ancient Egyptians, who cherished ritual and ceremony. Each experience held significance, including their bathing rituals, which were integral to their daily lives. These rituals were not merely tasks; they were sacred acts of self-care.

There is no doubt that Egypt calls to many of us, drawing us in with its mystery and magic. This allure has inspired Amunari's rituals and naturally based products. I hope it awakens a sense of curiosity within you, inviting you to explore something greater and deeper than what we often encounter in our hectic modern lives. My wish is that it opens you to a tactile experience that resonates emotionally and spiritually.

Embracing Mindful Self-Care

In our fast-paced world, it is easy to overlook the importance of self-care. Yet, taking time for ourselves is essential. It allows us to reconnect with our inner selves and cultivate a sense of peace. Amunari's products are designed to transform your daily self-care into a sacred, mindful ceremony inspired by ancient traditions.

Imagine immersing yourself in a warm bath infused with luxurious oils, each drop carrying the essence of ancient rituals. As you soak, let the stresses of the day melt away. Feel the warmth envelop you, creating a cocoon of tranquility. This is not just a bath; it is a ritual, a moment of reverence for your body and spirit.

The Ritual of Bathing

Bathing rituals have been practiced for centuries, serving as a means of cleansing both body and mind. The Ancient Egyptians understood the significance of water in their rituals. They believed that bathing was not only about physical cleanliness but also about spiritual renewal.

Incorporating these ancient practices into our modern lives can be transformative. As you prepare your bath, consider lighting your scented candle and playing soft music. Create an atmosphere that invites relaxation and reflection. Allow yourself to be present in the moment, savoring the sensations of warmth and serenity.

Conclusion: A Call to Radiance

As I reflect on my journeys through Egypt, I am reminded of the power of rituals in our lives. They ground us, connect us to our history, and invite us to embrace the present moment. Amunari seeks to be your guide in this journey toward luxurious, mindful self-care. Together, let us transform our daily routines into sacred ceremonies that foster a sense of radiance and longevity.

I invite you to explore these rituals, to immerse yourself in the magic they offer. May you find the beauty in every moment, and may your self-care practices become a cherished part of your life. Embrace the call of something greater, and let it lead you to a deeper understanding of yourself.