Abra Cadabra

Abracadabra is a word used as a spell or incantation in stage magic tricks and by small primitive European tribal groups who professed animism and pantheism. Historically it was believed that she had healing powers when she was inscribed on an amulet.

Etymology

Abracadabra is of unknown origin, and its first appearance is found in the 2nd century works of the Roman physician Serenus Sammonicus. Several popular etymologies are associated with the word: from Hebrew phrases meaning "I will create as I speak", or Aramaic “I believe as I speak,” to folkloric etymologies that point to similar words in Latin and Greek, such as abraxas. According to the online Oxford English Dictionary, “it is not found no documentation to support any of the various conjectures."

Other hypotheses suggest that it means "Send your fire to the end."

History

The first known mention of the word was in the II century in a book called Liber Medicinalis (sometimes known as De Medicina Praecepta Saluberrima) created by Serenus Sammonicus, physician to the Roman emperor Geta, who in chapter 52 prescribed that malaria sufferers wear an amulet containing the written word in the shape of a triangle. The power of the amulet, he explained, makes lethal diseases disappear. Other Roman emperors, such as Alexander Severus, were followers of the medical teachings of Serenus Sammonicus and may also have used incantation.

The Gnostics of the Basilides sect used it as a magical formula to invoke the help of beneficial spirits against illnesses and misfortunes. It is found in abraxas stones that were used as amulets. Later, its use spread beyond the Gnostics.

The Puritan minister Increase Mather dismissed the word as lacking power. Daniel Defoe also wrote disparagingly of Londoners who posted the word on their doors to protect themselves from disease during the Great Plague of London, but Aleister Crowley regarded it as possessing great power, saying its true form is "abrahadabra".