MAGIC WORDS of parchment, perhaps as a "mystical mind-reading talisman" prop during a mentalism routine, you might consider the rigid lines and sinuous curves of the lettering as forming a circuit-board through which magical energy will flow. This is a tangible way to give shape and meaning to magic words. "Magic squares" and "magic triangles" are also related to circuitry. In such depictions of magic words, letters are stacked upon one another and perhaps repeated to form geometric shapes. These letterforms are found in such diverse places as the magical papyri of Greco-Roman Egypt, fever-curing talismans from Medieval times, and even graffiti unearthed in the ruins of Pompeii. The ancient purpose of such notation might be illuminated by a modern example of a magic triangle depicting the laws of electrical current. In Figure , the P symbolizes "power," the V "voltage," and the I "intensity in amps." The rather mystical arrangement of symbols reveals a variety of relationships and meanings to a body of initiated individuals known as electrical engineers. A skilled practitioner uses the triangle by covering up the unknown to reveal a mathematical solution to an algebraic mystery. For example, if P is unknown, one is left with V next to I (multiply V by I). If V is unknown, one is left with P over I (divide P by I). If I is unknown, one is left with P over V (divide P by V). The laws of power are contained within the diagram, just as our ancestors mapped out their own understandings of cosmic processes. Those ancient diagrams have an occult appearance today, but their purpose is less mysterious in light of the magic triangle of our own electrical engineers. The main difference is that today we separate the fields of science and spirituality, whereas our ancestors did not. Even if all the letters are the same within a magic triangle, the arrangement can hold profound meaning. For example, a single letter A might symbolize the divine singularity, and a row of two A's above or below it might symbolize duality springing forth. The significance of such a simple Figure 3. The laws of electronic circuits are contained with a "magic triangle."