How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
"No matter what our specialty, each magician's greatest hope is to become a speaker of the Divine Words—to know the language of creation so well that we can fashion reality simply by speaking it, not even using a scroll." (16.74)
So there's more to the language = magic equation than meets the eye. Most magicians are tied to the written word in some form or another, but learning to go the direct route by simply speaking your attentions is apparently the Holy Grail.
Quote #8
"A boat," I said—then realized I'd translated aloud, which I wasn't supposed to be able to do. (4.89)
When Sadie suddenly begins translating hieroglyphics left and right, it's a little jarring for her—and for everyone else. She'd never spent any time around ancient Egyptian stuff before the debacle at the British Museum, so why does this mysterious ability crop up now?
Quote #9
"You were fighting Apophis." All around the parlor, the servant fires dimmed. One dropped a plate and fluttered nervously. "Don't say the Serpent's name," Bast warned. "Especially as we head into the night. Night is his realm." (26.58)
According to Bast, names hold power, too. This is yet another way that language is super powerful in Egyptian magical thinking. Do you think names have any power over people's personalities? Do you think your name fits you? Does it make you who you are?