Abracadabra - What the heck does it mean?

Abracadabra


Also spelled abrakadabra and abrahadabra, it is a word that has many ties to the ancient occult.

While the actual origin of the word is unknown, some believe that is was derived from the initials of the Hebraic words Ab, Ben, and ruach a Cadesch which translates as "Father, Son, and Holy Ghost." Others believe that it was the name of the supreme deity of the Assyrians.

Ephraim Goodman, the world-renowned linguist, declares that the term comes from the Aramaic phrase, Avra Kedavra which translates into "I shall create - as that which i say"

The first written record of the word comes from the third-century physician, Quintus Severus Sammonicus. He was a Gnostic physician to Roman Emperor, Septimius Severus and used the word to treat tertian fever, asthma, and agues.

When written, it is usually seen as:

 ABRACADABRA
  ABRACADABR
   ABRACADAB
    ABRACADA
     ABRACAD
      ABRACA
       ABRAC
        ABRA
         ABR
          AB
           A

The above configuration is used in banishing.

           A
          AB
         ABR
        ABRA
       ABRAC
      ABRACA
     ABRACAD
    ABRACADA
   ABRACADAB
  ABRACADABR
 ABRACADABRA

The above configuration is used in invoking.

It is used by conjurers to invoke or banish certain spirits.

It is widely believe that certain evils, including demons would diminsh in the same mannor as the configuration until if finally vanishes.

As a means of protection, the banishing configuration was written on a small piece of parchment and was worn, hanging from the neck on linen thread as an amulet. In the same aspect, this configuration was found on abraxas stones which were also worn as amulets.

Now days, the term is mostly associated with stage magicians when performing.