Choosing Your Words

So many things are as dependent on what we say as on what we do. In magic as in all things, this is quite true, and can affect the outcome of any ritual act. In magic derived from Judeo-Christian materials, the power of words to create and control is illustrated in the early chapters of Genesis, and are taken as textual authority for such activities. The same power is granted to words in Egyptian practice, as well as Greek material which survive only from Egypt. Contained in these are several verbal constructions which can be important to utilize in your own rituals, be they oral or written.

I am: By beginning a spell or prayer with these, you are making a formal announcement that you do, in fact, exist, and are calling attention to this fact. From there, you can go in several different directions; I am your faithful servant, humbly asking you, or any other salutation you might like. This might be good enough in some cases, but to really attract attention, the magician should really take this opportunity to present their resume, their bona fides. In Greek spells, this often takes the form of “I may just seem to be lowly human me, but in fact, I am something else as well, or claim these attributes as my own, and as such, deserve a bit more attention when I am talking to you, please”.

Lineage: This manner of giving name, rank and serial number assists the harried Deity in dispensing their benefits upon the correct party. Before the advent of DNA testing, and last names, the surest way of getting it right was giving your own name, and that of your Mother (who else would know?).

I am not/ it wasn’t me: This construction you may be familiar with from Chapter of the Book of Coming Forth by Day (i.e Egyptian Book of the Dead), where the deceased, before Osirus, Thoth, and a devouring demon and his heart before him on a scale, declares that his heart is pure, as he is not (or has not done) the following things. In Classical usage, such an opening is often used when you are attempting to direct a deity’s attention to someone else by pointing out “Look, influence this person for me, as I am a good guy, but they’ve been up to no good”. This snitching usually takes the form of pointing out some sacrilege the other party has performed. Think of it as the Eddie Haskel defensive move, and should be employed in spells concerning court cases, making someone notice you, and generally getting over.

I want it now!: Sometimes, you’re perfectly happy to let things take their course in their own good time, and sometimes you need quick results or you will perish from; longing, no one posting bail, calling, or lack of ready funds. In these instances, the proper ending to your work is right now, right now, quickly, quickly.

And so, off you go, right now, quickly.