The Purpose of Queen Tera "Now, as to the Star Jewel! This she manifestly regarded as the greatest of her treasures.

On it she had engraven words which none of her time dared to speak.
"In the old Egyptian belief it was held that there were words, which, if used properly--for the method of speaking them was as important as the words themselves--could command the Lords of the Upper and the Lower Worlds.

The 'hekau', or word of power, was all-important in certain ritual.

On the Jewel of Seven Stars, which, as you know, is carved into the image of a scarab, are graven in hieroglyphic two such hekau, one above, the other underneath.

But you will understand better when you see it! Wait here! Do not stir!" As he spoke, he rose and left the room.