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Magic Square
Magic SquareAn 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 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. |
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"Magic Square." Encyclopedia of Occultism and Parapsychology. 2001. Encyclopedia.com. 26 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. "Magic Square." Encyclopedia of Occultism and Parapsychology. 2001. Encyclopedia.com. (May 26, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1G2-3403802907.html "Magic Square." Encyclopedia of Occultism and Parapsychology. 2001. Retrieved May 26, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1G2-3403802907.html |
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magic square
magic square a square divided into parts with letters or numbers inscribed therein that, whether combined vertically, horizontally, or diagonally, form the same sum or the same word. In ancient times such squares were thought to have magic properties, perhaps connected with the stars. Magic squares have been found in such widely divergent cultures as ancient China, Egypt, and India, as well as W Europe. Example: |
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"magic square." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2011. Encyclopedia.com. 26 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. "magic square." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2011. Encyclopedia.com. (May 26, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1E1-magicsqu.html "magic square." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2011. Retrieved May 26, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1E1-magicsqu.html |
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magic square
magic square see magic square . |
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Cite this article
"magic square." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2011. Encyclopedia.com. 26 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. "magic square." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2011. Encyclopedia.com. (May 26, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1E1-X-square-m.html "magic square." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2011. Retrieved May 26, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1E1-X-square-m.html |
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