Egypt Closes Great Pyramid on 11/11/11 after Ritual Rumors

Protestors in Egypt have successfully shut down the Pyramids for 11/11/11 amid fears of rumored spiritual ceremonies at the site for Magic Friday.

Egypt's Supreme Council of Antiquities succumbed to pressure after protest groups behind the revolution that overthrew Hosni Mubarak in February demanded that the famous Pyramids be sealed off for the entire day Friday.

The antiquities authority's head Mustafa Amin said in a statement Friday the pyramid of Khufu, also known as Cheops, would be closed to visitors.

The protesters were angry that the council reportedly gave permission to a Polish numerologist group that wanted to hold a ceremony to protect the world from cosmic forces intent on destroying the planet next year.

The group, calling itself Dar Swiatowida, called on people to come for a ceremony of love at the Great Pyramid called hug the pyramid, during which two interpenetrated pyramid-shaped crystals were to be placed inside the iconic structure to infuse it with special powers.

According to numerologists, the number 11/11/11 is one of the most potent days in the planet's history.

The Polish group said the crystals, from a mountain in India, would harness the energy of all sacred sites in the world. The crystals would apparently create a shield between the planet and cosmic forces.

Like many other doomsday believers, Dar Swiatowida shares the belief that the world will come to an end on Dec. 12, 2012, which is the end of the ancient Mayan calendar.

The proposed ceremony, cloaked in superstition, alarmed many in the conservative country. Though the pyramid complex's director Ali al-Asfar said Friday the organization's request was denied, it didn't stop concerned Egyptians from organizing Internet campaigns to prevent the ritual.

Emotions grew as unconfirmed reports in the local media detailed what would allegedly happen in the pyramid based on the meaning of 11/11/11.

It was rumored that over 1,000 Jews would hold a ceremony and erect a Star of David above the Great Pyramid to assert their claim that it was built by ancient Israelites. It was also alleged that Masons, sometimes associated with Satanism by people in the Arab world, were also planning a ceremony of their own.

To avoid further controversy, the Supreme Council of Antiquities said the structure would close for maintenance reasons after the influx of tourists during the Muslim Eid al-Adha holiday last week, adding that it would reopen on Saturday. They also said reports of planned ceremonies at the site were completely lacking in truth.

Mohamed Hegazy of the Egyptian Tourist Authority denies any ceremony was ever planned for the pyramid.

Rumors come, rumors go, he said.

Hegazy told the International Business Times the structure is simply closed for maintenance reasons, adding only the imperial chamber is closed.

Now one of Egypt's main tourist attractions, Khufu is credited with building the Giza complex's largest pyramid. Khufu founded the 4^th Dynasty around 2680 B.C. and ruled Egypt for 23 years thereafter.