Abrahadabra is a significant word withinThelema, a religion founded byAleister 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 theGreat Work accomplished—the union of themicrocosm (individual) and themacrocosm (universe)[1] and consider it the key to theAeon of Horus and a word of power that symbolizes the realization ofTrue Will.[2]
The word is derived from the oldermagic word "Abracadabra". Crowley's adaptation the word as part of his broader practice of recontextualizing ancient symbols and practices within hisoccult framework.[3] Crowley wrote in his essay "Gematria" that he changed the spelling to include 'H' forqabalistic 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 byHadit and the finite, represented byNuit. Crowley referred to it as embodying the concept of unity through diversity.[4]
The Golden Dawn, in theirNeophyte ritual, linked theH in the spelling with breath, life,[a] and the god Horus.[b]
Crowley emphasized thenumerological andQabalistic significance of "Abrahadabra." According to Crowley, the numerical value of "Abrahadabra" is418, which corresponds to the Hebrew letter "Cheth", meaning "fence" or "enclosure", symbolizing containment and protection, which Thelemites believe is represented byThe Chariot card in theTarot.[5]
The practice of using "Abrahadabra" in meditations and rituals is aimed at achieving one'sTrue 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 theGreat Work. It serves as a word ofinvocation, believed to draw upon the energies of theAeon of Horus and aligning the practitioner with theirTrue Will.[6] The word appears repeatedly in the 1904 invocation ofHorus that preceded the writing ofLiber 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]
Adherents believe practices involving "Abrahadabra" lead to experiences ofheightened consciousness, deep emotional release, and a stronger connection to one's inner self.[12]
^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.
^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]
