Voces magicae (singular: vox magica, "magical names" or "magical words") or voces mysticae[1] are pronounceable but incomprehensible magical formulas that occur in spells, charms, curses, and amulets from Classical Antiquity, including Ancient Greece, Egypt, and Rome.[2]
These formulas may include alternative names of gods or other unusual phrases which may have been intended as the secret, authoritative true name of certain gods.[3][4] As an example: in the Greek Magical Papyri, the first spell of the first papyrus intended to summon a daimon assistant and included the phrase (in translation) "[This] is your authoritative name: ARBATH ARBAOTH BAKCHABRE".[5]
The voces magicae have been said to be related to the Greek Ephesia Grammata.[2]
