HEKA

also spelled hike in ancient Egyptian religion, the personification of one of the attributes of the sun god Re; the term is usually translated as "magic," or "magical power," though its exact meaning remains obscure. Heka was believed to accompany Re in his solar boat on its daily trip across the heavens; it could also be given to and used by common men. Consequently, the Egyptians believed that heka could be used to procure the favour of the gods, to acquire what was ordinarily unobtainable, or to prevent the return of the dead to this world.