A Magical formula used in conjuring, 1630s, earlier Hocas Pocas, common name of a magician or juggler (1620s); a sham-Latin invocation used by jugglers, perhaps based on a perversion of the sacramental blessing from the Mass, Hoc est corpus meum “This is my body.” The first to make this speculation on its origin apparently was English prelate John Tillotson (1630-1694).
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The phrase ‘Hocus Pocus’ refers to trickery of some kind, whether that trickery is meant in fun or used as a form of deception. The term is also used to describe mystifying jargon.
Interesting fact about Hocus Pocus
During the early 1600s, Hocus Pocus was a name commonly adopted by a juggler or magician. The name, and the words ‘hocus pocus,’ which were often chanted during tricks involving sleight of hand, is believed to be a perversion of the Latin blessing from the Catholic mass, Hoc est corpus meum, or “This is my body.”
of Hocus Po
HOCUS POCUS JVNIOR.
The Anatomy of
LEGERDEMAIN.
OR,
The Art of Jugling fet forth in his proper colours, ful- ly,plainly, and exactly fo that an ignorant perfon may thereby learn the full perfection of the fame, after a little practife.
Unto cach Trick is added the Figure, where it is read full for Inftration,
The third Edition, wab many Additietr Pratat nihili quim nihil facere.
Hicaius.Doct
LONDON, Printed by I.D. for R. M. and are to be fold by Francis Gre at his Shop upon Snow-hill,neer the Sarazens-head. 1638.
The Magic of Glamour?
With mental disorder, what are we so sure of?
How does what we want to believe translate into what is true ?
How does the image of and talk by someone thus viewed as knowledgeable help us take that step into faith?