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| Magic Square |
Magic Square
An arithmetical curiosity formerly believed to have occult significance. A square is divided into smaller squares, each containing a number so arranged that the sum of each row, vertical, horizontal, or diagonal, is the same.
In a variant form, letters are used instead of numbers, the most popular arrangement being the rows:
SATOR
AREPO
TENET
OPERA
ROTAS
A variant form:
SALOM
AREPO
LEMEL
OPERA
MOLAS
The variant form is specified in The Book of the Sacred Magic of Abra-Melin the Mage as a charm to obtain the love of a maiden.
Other magic squares were composed of numbers or letters in irregular arrangements that were believed to have magical power. Such squares were inscribed on parchment or other materials and worn as talismans.
Other talismans were made in circular format, in wax or in metal, and used to invoke spirits. These were sometimes termed ‘‘seals.’’ The term magic circle more properly indicates the protective circle traced upon the ground by the magician when invoking spirits.
Talismans in the form of magic squares have long been used by Hindus and Moslems for magical purposes and in religious rituals.
An arithmetical curiosity formerly believed to have occult significance. A square is divided into smaller squares, each containing a number so arranged that the sum of each row, vertical, horizontal, or diagonal, is the same.
In a variant form, letters are used instead of numbers, the most popular arrangement being the rows:
SATOR
AREPO
TENET
OPERA
ROTAS
A variant form:
SALOM
AREPO
LEMEL
OPERA
MOLAS
The variant form is specified in The Book of the Sacred Magic of Abra-Melin the Mage as a charm to obtain the love of a maiden.
Other magic squares were composed of numbers or letters in irregular arrangements that were believed to have magical power. Such squares were inscribed on parchment or other materials and worn as talismans.
Other talismans were made in circular format, in wax or in metal, and used to invoke spirits. These were sometimes termed ‘‘seals.’’ The term magic circle more properly indicates the protective circle traced upon the ground by the magician when invoking spirits.
Talismans in the form of magic squares have long been used by Hindus and Moslems for magical purposes and in religious rituals.
