About

"Abracadabra" is an incantation^[1] originally believed to dispel illness. However in recent years, the word has transformed into a Magic Word, often used in Magic Shows.

Origin

The first know usage of the word was in a 3rd century Roman book, titled "Liber Medicinalis", by then Royal Physician to Emperor Caracalla^[2] , Quintus Serenus Sammonicus^[3]. The book stated that malaria sufferers were to wear an amulet containing the word written in the form of a triangle. It stated that this would then rid the body of lethal diseases.

Spread

The myth surrounding the phrase continued to be adopted by many civilizations throughout history, such as Gnostics^[4] who used it as a magic formula to cure disease and misfortune. It is also noted that the word was also used during The Great Plague of London^[5], with many Londoners posting the word on doors, in order to ward of disease. Many dismissed the word, such as the Puritan Minister Increase Mather^[6], saying that the word is bereft of power. Others, such as Aleister Crowley^[7], stated the word held great power. He stated that the word's true for is Abrahadabra^[8]. In recent words however, the word has become an incantation by stage magicians.

History of References

External References