Abracadabra

This word holds us in fascination. It seems to evoke a magical effect when spoken. The dictionary defines it as a word of magical nonsense.

Where is the origin of this word? Some believe it is connected with Abraxas. He is painted as a demon with snakes for feet. Since the 2nd century, Abraxas was believed to be a god who wards off evil. His symbol was used in rings, bracelets, and gems.

Abraxas originated with the followers of Basilides, an eccentric Christian who taught at Alexandria from about 120-140 AD. They believed that Abraxas ruled the 365 days of the year. The Greek numerical alphabets of Abraxas add up to 365. They believed that there were 365 orders of spirits who occupied 365 heavens, the lowest of which are the spirits who occupied the Earth.

The seven letters of Abraxas may stand for the seven planets known in antiquity to control the hands of destiny.

Daniel Dafoe published his Journal of the Plague Year in 1722 where he wrote that people were terrified of the plague, believing that it was an evil spirit who threatened to take possession of their bodies.

They tried to ward it off with certain words, in particular the word Abracadabra, formed into a triangle.

Well into the Middle Ages, this word was believed to relieve fevers. The instructions were in a poem, composed by Quintos Serenus Sammonicus, a doctor who traveled with the Roman Emperor Severus in the expedition to Britain in 208 AD. It was written down dropping a letter in each line:



A B R A C A D A B R A

A B R A C A D A B R

A B R A C A D A B

A B R A C A D A

A B R A C A D

A B R A C A

A B R A C

A B R A

A B R

A B

A

After writing this, the paper must be tied around the neck of the patient with flax, for nine days after which the paper must be thrown out over the shoulder into a stream running eastward.

It was believed that as the words shrink away, so would the fever.

Another possible origin is a poem that may have been passed down from a Jewish prayer believed to cure fever. The paper on which it is written must be hung around the neck for 24 hours without looking at it, as the heat of the fever builds up to a breaking point, afterward, the temperature comes down.

Ab Abr Abrak Abraka

Abraka! Abraka! Abraka!

Abraka Abrak Abra Abr Ab

And the people called unto

Moses and Moses prayed to God.

And the fire abated. May healing

come from heaven from all

kinds of fever and consumption-

heat of--- to ---

Amen Amen Amen Selah Selah Selah.



ref:- Man, Myth, and Magic
Richard Cavendish

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Bonnie Moss writes to inspire and to motivate her readers to explore the depths of their heart and soul and make a difference in this world. She draws from personal experience and her interest in the New Age Visit her website =>goldencupcafe.tripod.com

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