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Episode 184: Sacred Words

September 16, 2026 · 30 min

Show notes

In episode 184 of the Magick & Alchemy podcast, hosts Kristin Lisenby and Kate Belew kick off season seven! Magic practitioners know that words are spells. That's why we set intentions and recite prayers, study old myths and fairy tales, and petition the spirit word for guidance. In this conversation, they begin with the origins of open sesame and hocus pocus, speaking about the sacredness of words. Next, they discuss invocations and the power of speaking aloud, and the mysterious origins of abracadabra.

Sources & Shoutouts:

Dreaming the Dark: Magic, Sex, and Politics by Starhawk

The Harvest Moments and History of Sesame Seeds Around the World

The Paris Review: Open Sesame

In Babylon They Believed in a Mixture of Honey and Sesame Seeds

The Pagan Origins of Three Catholic Practices

The Women’s Encyclopedia of Myths and Secrets by Barbara Walker

A Candle in the Dark by Thomas Ady

Mithraism

The Witch’s Art of Incantation by Roger J. Horne

Magic Maker by Pam Grossman

Say the Magic Word: The Origins of Abracadabra

The Ancient and Mysterious History of Abracadabra

Lady Gaga Tells Us Everything You Want to Know About Abracadabra After That Spectacular Grammys Reveal



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Tenth House Rising offers seasonal learning for those who seek meaning through myth, magick, and memory. Rooted in the rhythm of the seasons and inspired by the Wheel of the Year, each month brings a new theme that echoes the energies of the natural world. Learn more at TenthHouseRising.com.

For those who desire magick in the mail, you can also subscribe to the Tamed Wild Box, a monthly delivery of magic & earth medicine. Each box is crafted around a season and includes items for the earth-spirited and the lovers of all things mystical and natural. Deliveries can include crystals, herbs & teas, ritual tools, altar items, jewelry, essential oils & other lifestyle pieces.

The Tamed Wild Box is a monthly offering of 5-7 items, chosen for the month and season we are in. Each delivery includes a box card that explains your items and a little ritual you can do with your new tools. You will also receive access to a monthly moon gathering, exclusive to box subscribers!

Created by Tamed Wild.
Production by Julio Montero.
Music by Follow the Wind,
Taizo Audio

Join Tenth House Rising!

Tenth House Rising offers seasonal learning for those who seek meaning through myth, magick, and memory. Rooted in the rhythm of the seasons and inspired by the Wheel of the Year, each month brings a new theme that echoes the energies of the natural world. Learn more at TenthHouseRising.com.

For those who desire magick in the mail, you can also subscribe to the Tamed Wild Box, a monthly delivery of magic & earth medicine. Each box is crafted around a season and includes items for the earth-spirited and the lovers of all things mystical and natural. Deliveries can include crystals, herbs & teas, ritual tools, altar items, jewelry, essential oils & other lifestyle pieces.

The Tamed Wild Box is a monthly offering of 5-7 items, chosen for the month and season we are in. Each delivery includes a box card that explains your items and a little ritual you can do with your new tools. You will also receive access to a monthly moon gathering, exclusive to box subscribers!

Created by Tamed Wild.
Production by Julio Montero.
Music by Follow the Wind,
Taizo Audio

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