ABRACADABRA

The word abracadabra - in it's earliest
known use - was written in this
 pattern and worn around the neck
 or sewn into clothing in order to cure fever.

In our class on tuesday, we talked about the occult in the history of knowledge.  The discussion really sparked my interest (just as anything I don't know much about piques my curiosity).  Coincidentally, another professor in my religion class a few days ago mentioned something interesting.  He talked about the possible origin of the word abracadabra.  Although there are many different ideas as to where the word came from, many believe that the word originates from the Aramaic for "I will create as I speak" or possibly from the Hebrew words "ab" (Father) "ben" (Son) "ruach hakodesh" (Holy Spirit).  Maybe it as a stretch but we might also interpret the general idea as the Father creating through his Word - "I the Father will create by my Word".  Interesting stuff.  It might change the way you feel about the next children's magic show you see or maybe you will think twice before saying what may have been at one point in time a very sacred phrase.

Magic! (and its place in Ancient Egyptian culture)

King Tut's burial mask

Harry Potter can do magic, why not you? If you were living in Ancient Egypt you were believed to be able to do magic, especially if you were a priest. Magic was a very real force to Ancient Egyptians. Today magic is by and large dismissed as a farce and sometimes even sacrilegious, but to the Ancient Egyptians it was a part of everyday life and was very important. Religion and magic were intertwined to the Egyptians. Magic permeated the very culture of Ancient Egypt and was used in many areas of life such as healing, preserving the dead, protection, dream interpretation, religious ceremonies and even controlling/influencing the gods.