A magical alphabet, or magickal alphabet, [1] is a set of letters [2] [3] used primarily in ceremonial magic ('magick'), [4] occult practices, and esoteric traditions. These alphabets serve various purposes, including encoding secret messages, conducting rituals, creating amulets or talismans, casting spells, and invoking spiritual entities. [5] [6] [7] Several magical alphabets, including the Celestial Alphabet, Malachim, and Transitus Fluvii, are based on the Hebrew alphabet, which itself has a long history of use in mystical and magical contexts. [7] [8]
As ordered letter-sets, magical alphabets are distinct from the various non-alphabetic, non-sequential "magical/magickal scripts" which contain symbols representing entities, [9] festivals, [10] ritual objects or practices, [11] alchemical/ astrological/ astronomical objects or events, [12] or other ideas, [13] rather than sounds. Some alphabets, like runes, may serve both purposes, [14] thus acting as both alphabets and logographic/ideographic scripts according to their use at the time.
The following are examples of alphabets considered magical/magickal:
A natural language's alphabet can also be used for spellwork or encryption, [15] so the above list cannot be exclusive.
Using such an alphabet may or may not involve using the language from which it came, e.g. users might transcribe their own language's words between its alphabet and another. Some traditions, but not all, expect members to inscribe their own tools; [16] thus it is possible an item's owner might not be able to read it.
alphabet: a set of visual characters or letters in an order fixed by custom. The individual characters represent the sounds of a spoken language.
1.a. a set of letters or other characters with which one or more languages are written especially if arranged in a customary order
The Theban alphabet is used quite a lot in the Craft. In Gardnerian [Wicca], for example, it is used for writing the High Priestess's name on her bracelet. It is an attractive form of writing. ... But the Theban was written on parchment, as well as being engraved and etched on talismans....
Symbols and Alphabets for Dynamic Magic Witchcraft: Energize your Wiccan or Pagan practice with rich symbol systems and magical alphabets.[Author is a member of the Order of Bards, Ovates, and Druids (OBOD).]
If the rune-names are recited, they can form part of the verse form for they may carry stress and alliteration.
Using the premise that languages and the alphabets that comprise them are metaphorical microcosms of our world, Nigel Pennick demonstrates how various alphabets function as a metaphysical description of reality. Magical alphabets actually enable seekers to experience a transformative process. This inner transformation is one of the main objectives of all esoteric traditions, and it can be accomplished by using any of the alphabet systems described in this book.
Although most often associated with the practice of Western ceremonial magic, magical alphabets are used by other neo-Pagans as well. ... [illustration: 'Theban alphabet (partial)'] ... Among neo-Pagans, the two most commonly used magical alphabets are runes and Theban. ... Magical alphabets are used in spellwork and for the keeping of records that one wishes to make difficult to decipher. ... Magical alphabets are also used when personalizing talismans.
Any of various magickal alphabets created and used by magicians, alchemists, and Wizards.
A magical alphabet, or magickal alphabet, [1] is a set of letters [2] [3] used primarily in ceremonial magic ('magick'), [4] occult practices, and esoteric traditions. These alphabets serve various purposes, including encoding secret messages, conducting rituals, creating amulets or talismans, casting spells, and invoking spiritual entities. [5] [6] [7] Several magical alphabets, including the Celestial Alphabet, Malachim, and Transitus Fluvii, are based on the Hebrew alphabet, which itself has a long history of use in mystical and magical contexts. [7] [8]
As ordered letter-sets, magical alphabets are distinct from the various non-alphabetic, non-sequential "magical/magickal scripts" which contain symbols representing entities, [9] festivals, [10] ritual objects or practices, [11] alchemical/ astrological/ astronomical objects or events, [12] or other ideas, [13] rather than sounds. Some alphabets, like runes, may serve both purposes, [14] thus acting as both alphabets and logographic/ideographic scripts according to their use at the time.
The following are examples of alphabets considered magical/magickal:
A natural language's alphabet can also be used for spellwork or encryption, [15] so the above list cannot be exclusive.
Using such an alphabet may or may not involve using the language from which it came, e.g. users might transcribe their own language's words between its alphabet and another. Some traditions, but not all, expect members to inscribe their own tools; [16] thus it is possible an item's owner might not be able to read it.
alphabet: a set of visual characters or letters in an order fixed by custom. The individual characters represent the sounds of a spoken language.
1.a. a set of letters or other characters with which one or more languages are written especially if arranged in a customary order
The Theban alphabet is used quite a lot in the Craft. In Gardnerian [Wicca], for example, it is used for writing the High Priestess's name on her bracelet. It is an attractive form of writing. ... But the Theban was written on parchment, as well as being engraved and etched on talismans....
Symbols and Alphabets for Dynamic Magic Witchcraft: Energize your Wiccan or Pagan practice with rich symbol systems and magical alphabets.[Author is a member of the Order of Bards, Ovates, and Druids (OBOD).]
If the rune-names are recited, they can form part of the verse form for they may carry stress and alliteration.
Using the premise that languages and the alphabets that comprise them are metaphorical microcosms of our world, Nigel Pennick demonstrates how various alphabets function as a metaphysical description of reality. Magical alphabets actually enable seekers to experience a transformative process. This inner transformation is one of the main objectives of all esoteric traditions, and it can be accomplished by using any of the alphabet systems described in this book.
Although most often associated with the practice of Western ceremonial magic, magical alphabets are used by other neo-Pagans as well. ... [illustration: 'Theban alphabet (partial)'] ... Among neo-Pagans, the two most commonly used magical alphabets are runes and Theban. ... Magical alphabets are used in spellwork and for the keeping of records that one wishes to make difficult to decipher. ... Magical alphabets are also used when personalizing talismans.
Any of various magickal alphabets created and used by magicians, alchemists, and Wizards.