Abracadabra
For years I have been fascinated by the use of and power in magic words. Recently, my over-analytic brain has fallen upon the old word “abracadabra” and wondered why it is what it is. I have also wondered if it shouldn't be in greater use these days. Certainly, a word with so much fame shouldn't be forgotten in the world of witchcraft. The Online Etymology Dictionary tells us that the word is a . . . magical formula, 1690s, from Latin (Q. Severus Sammonicus, 2c.), from Late Gk. Abraxas, cabalistic or gnostic name for the supreme god, and thus a word of power. It was written out in a triangle shape and worn around the neck to ward off sickness, etc. Another magical word, from a mid-15c. writing, was ananizapta. This is interesting, albeit brief. It doesn’t really explain the use of the spell. Wikipedia has this to say about the word: Abracadabra Abracadabra is an incantation used as a magic word in stage magic tricks, and histor...