MAGIC WORDS Ala Some thought he's said Allah, others that he's spoken some magical word . . . -- Clive Barker, The Essential Clive Barker (1999) Meanings: The sound of the magic word ala can represent different mean ings simultaneously. It can mean "à la," as in the French expression meaning "according to" or "from," thereby communicating that a magical effect will happen in accordance to the proper syllables of esoteric knowledge or that the magic word has been handed down through the ages from its source. Ala can also mean "Allah," as in the divine name of Arabic origin (etymologically related to the Hebrew title for God Elohim127), thereby communicating that a magical effect will occur on the authority or with the metaphysical assistance of a higher power. Facts: Ala not only appears in several different magic words (like alakazam, alakazee, a-la peanut butter sandwiches, and alikazoola) but also can be a magic word on its own. Ala is the name of a dangerous demon that envelopes people, mentioned in antiquated Mesopotamian magical texts.128 Variations and Incantations: • À la This French spelling, meaning "according to," is followed by the name of a forefather or sage. • Ala and kazamm -- Steven L. Case, The Book of Uncommon Prayer (2002) • Ala cadabra kazam -- SunSpiritGallery.com (2002) • Ala zam kazam zam ala kazam ala zam zam ala -- "Rapid's Journey," ThePokemonTower.com (2004) • Ali -- Migene Gonzalez-Wippler, The Complete Book of Spells, Ceremonies and Magic (1978) • Alla • Allah This is the divine name, the higher power called upon to manifest a miracle. 127 Penny Warren, "Is the Word Allah Similar to Elohim?" Plim Report (1998) 128 M.J. Geller, Forerunners to Udug-hul, Sumerian Exoristic Incantations (1985)