Abrahadabra
Abrahadabra is a significant word within Thelema, a religion founded by Aleister Crowley early in the 20th century. Crowley first proposed this respelling of the word "Abracadabra" in January 1901 and included it in the central sacred text of Thelema, The Book of the Law, the manuscript of which was written in April 1904. Thelemites believe Abrahadabra represents the Great Work accomplished—the union of the microcosm (individual) and the macrocosm (universe)[1] and consider it the key to the Aeon of Horus and a word of power that symbolizes the realization of True Will.[2]
Origin and symbolism
The word is derived from the older magic word "Abracadabra". Crowley’s adaptation the word as part of his broader practice of recontextualizing ancient symbols and practices within his occult framework.[3] Crowley wrote in his essay "Gematria" that he changed the spelling to include 'H' for qabalistic reasons.
"Abrahadabra" consists of 11 letters, a significant number in Thelema. The number 11 represents the dynamic interaction between the microcosm and the macrocosm, bridging the infinite, represented by Hadit and the finite, represented by Nuit Crowley referred to it as embodying the concept of unity through diversity.[4]
The Golden Dawn, in their Neophyte, ritual linked the H in the spelling with breath, life,[lower-alpha 1] and the god Horus.[lower-alpha 2]
Qabalah and gematria
Crowley emphasized the numerological and Qabalistic significance of "Abrahadabra." According to Crowley, the numerical value of "Abrahadabra" is 418, which corresponds to the Hebrew letter "Cheth", meaning "fence" or "enclosure", symbolizing containment and protection, which Thelemites believe is represented by The Chariot card in the Tarot.[5]
Use in Thelema
The practice of using "Abrahadabra" in meditations and rituals is aimed at achieving one's True Will. This concept is central to Thelema, emphasizing that each individual has a unique purpose or path in life, which "Abrahadabra" helps to realize.[6] Through repeated use and contemplation of the word, practitioners seek to align their actions and intentions with their innermost desires and cosmic purpose. [7]
"Abrahadabra" is often used in Thelemic rituals and invocations to signify the accomplishment of the Great Work. It serves as a word of invocation, believed to draw upon the energies of the Aeon of Horus and aligning the practitioner with their True Will.[6] The word appears repeatedly in the 1904 invocation of Horus that preceded the writing of Liber Legis and led to the founding of Thelema.[8]
It sees use in affirmations, protective spells, and as a focus in rituals aimed at materializing specific intentions. Practitioners reinforce their spiritual practice through invoking the word. It is believed the word acts as a bridge between the spiritual and physical realms, facilitating the manifestation of higher ideals in tangible form.[9]
In Thelemite Tarot
"Abrahadabra" is extensively discussed in The Book of Thoth,[5] where Crowley links it to the Thoth Tarot and magic. [10]
In Tarotas practiced in Thelema, "Abrahadabra" is associated with five cards in the Major Arcana: The Fool (A), The Magician (B), The Sun (R), The Hierophant (H), and The Empress (D).[5] The word as a whole is represented by The Chariot.{{efn|Due to its value being the same as the sum of the letters of the Hebrew letter name (Cheth) attributed to this card.[citation needed]}[11]
Critical perspectives
Scholars and critics have examined "Abrahadabra" from various perspectives, analyzing its role within Crowley's broader esoteric framework. It has been interpreted as a symbol of Crowley's attempt to synthesize different mystical traditions and as a key component in his reformation of modern occult practices.[10]
The word is seen as embodying Crowley's philosophy of Thelema, where the individual will is aligned with universal forces. Critics have also explored its implications in the context of Crowley's personal spiritual journey, noting how "Abrahadabra" reflects his quest for enlightenment and transformation.[12]
Psychological and spiritual impact
Practitioners of Thelema report that working with "Abrahadabra" can lead to profound psychological and spiritual transformations. The word serves as a catalyst for inner change, promoting self-awareness and spiritual growth.[7]
Adherents believe practices involving "Abrahadabra" lead to experiences of heightened consciousness, deep emotional release, and a stronger connection to one’s inner self.[13]
See also
References
Notes
- ↑ Regardie (1989), p. 118: "Hiero: Is there any peculiarity in these names? Hierus: They all commence with the letter 'H'. Hiero: Of what is this letter a symbol? Hierus: Of life; because this letter 'H' is our mode of representing the ancient Greek aspirate or breathing, and Breath is the evidence of Life.
- ↑ Regardie (1989) links Horus with the letter 'H' on p. 345, and with the Hierus, p. 338, 352.
Citations
- ↑ Crowley (1997), "Liber Samekh".
- ↑ Sutin (2002); Kaczynski (2012).
- ↑ Sutin (2002).
- ↑ Booth (2000).
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 Crowley (1969).
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 Hymenaeus Beta (1995).
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 Starr (2003).
- ↑ The Equinox, I (7), 1912.
- ↑ Hymenaeus Beta (1995); Bogdan & Djurdjevic (2014).
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 Bogdan & Djurdjevic (2014).
- ↑ Starr (2003); Bogdan & Djurdjevic (2014).
- ↑ Sutin (2002); Pasi (2014).
- ↑ Booth (2000); Pasi (2014).
Works cited
- Primary sources
- Crowley, Aleister (1962). Germer, Karl J., ed. The Book of Lies [with commentary]. Ilfracombe, Devon: The Hayden Press. Search this book on
- Crowley, Aleister (1969) [1944]. The Book of Thoth: A Short Essay on the Tarot of the Egyptians. Illustrated by Lady Frieda Harris (reprint ed.). New York: Samuel Weiser. Search this book on
- Crowley, Aleister (1974). Magical and Philosophical Commentaries on the Book of the Law. Montreal: 93 Publishing. Search this book on
- Crowley, Aleister (1976). The Book of the Law: Liber AL vel Legis. York Beach, Maine: Weiser Book. ISBN 978-0-87728-334-8. Search this book on
- Crowley, Aleister (1996). "Commentaries on the Holy Books and Other Papers". The Equinox. York Beach, Maine: S. Weiser. IV (1).
- Crowley, Aleister (1997). Magick: Liber ABA, Book 4, Parts I-IV (2nd rev. ed.). Boston: Weiser. ISBN 0-87728-919-0. Search this book on
- Secondary sources
- Bogdan, Henrik; Djurdjevic, Gordan, eds. (2014). Occultism in a Global Perspective. Taylor & Francis. ISBN 978-1-317-54446-3. Search this book on
- Booth, Martin (2000). A Magick Life: The Biography of Aleister Crowley. London: Hodder & Stoughton. ISBN 978-0-340-71805-6. Search this book on
- Hymenaeus Beta, ed. (1995). The Equinox: The Review of Scientific Illuminism. Samuel Weiser. Search this book on [ISBN missing]
- Kaczynski, Richard (2012). Perdurabo: The Life of Aleister Crowley (rev. & exp. ed.). North Atlantic Books. ISBN 978-1-58394-576-6. Search this book on
- Pasi, Marco (2014). Aleister Crowley and the Temptation of Politics. Taylor & Francis. ISBN 978-1-317-54630-6. Search this book on
- Regardie, Israel (1989). The original account of the teachings, rites and ceremonies of The Golden Dawn (6th ed.). Woodbury, MN: Llewellyn Publications. Search this book on [ISBN missing]
- Starr, Martin P. (2003). The Unknown God: W. T. Smith and the Thelemites. Bollingbrook, Illinois: Teitan Press. ISBN 978-0-933429-07-9. Search this book on
- Sutin, Lawrence (2002). Do What Thou Wilt: A Life of Aleister Crowley. Macmillan. ISBN 978-0-312-25243-4. Search this book on
Other sources
- Thelemapedia. (2004). Abrahadabra. Retrieved April 16, 2006.
Further reading
- Asprem, E. (2013). Arguing with Angels: Enochian Magic and Modern Occulture. State University of New York Press. ISBN 978-1-4384-4190-0. Search this book on
- Bogdan, Henrik; Starr, Martin P., eds. (2012). Aleister Crowley and Western Esotericism. Oxford University Press. ISBN 978-0-19-999606-3. Search this book on
- Crowley, Aleister (Autumn 1910). "The Temple of Solomon the King". The Equinox. London: Privately printed. I (4) – via Sacred-texts.com.
- Crowley, Aleister (1973). 777 and other Qabalistic writings of Aleister Crowley. York Beach, Maine: Samuel Weiser. ISBN 0-87728-222-6. Search this book on
- Crowley, Aleister (1991). The Equinox of the Gods. New Falcon Publications. ISBN 978-1-56184-028-1. Search this book on
- Crowley, Aleister (1996). The Law is for All. Tempe, AZ: New Falcon Publications. ISBN 1-56184-090-4. Search this book on
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