Question:
What types of sources/resources do you use when exploring your religion, and how do you establish a criteria within which to evaluate them?
In addition, are any of these resources contested? If so by whom and why?
When I first started into this realm, my practice mostly stemmed from that which was found in Google searches and my own gut reactions to what I was reading. I picked up a basic book,
Egyptian Paganism for Beginners, at a used book store. I read the book cover to cover and although, I never fully agreed with anything they preached within, I found it a helpful source. I did more research into the various temples found online and realized that nothing there was for me. After that, I decided to get my information from the horse's mouth, so to speak.
I had already started collecting books on ancient Egypt and had been for years at that point, so my collection was incredibly helpful. I chose a lot of the older books first, mostly those published by Weigall, before I moved forward in time. I also found it fascinating to watch the synthesis of old knowledge melding into the newer concepts. This way, I was able to get a farther scope of knowledge than your average Joe, as well, which has helped in my faith.
When it comes to establishing criteria, I have to agree with WebenBanu--the only way to get the feeling that what you're reading is what you need or desire is by reading a lot of sources, both old and new. After a while, as she said, you tend to get a feeling for what you're reading. Having a thousand degrees is helpful when writing an authoritative source on the religion and magical practices of ancient Egyptians, but I don't always find that to be true, myself. Sometimes, I find the most intriguing suppositions and theories put out to be by someone who can only attest to a high school diploma and a myriad of attempts at trying for a higher education.
I believe most of my Weigall books are contested, although I do not know by whom or why. I think it comes down to the basic fact that his thoughts on the ancient Egyptian religion stem from suppositions from over a hundred years ago and so, therefore, not as popular as say something put forth by Zawi Hawass.
In case you want specific names: I have found
Ancient Egyptian Magic by Bob Brier very helpful.
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