Ablanathanalba is a palindromic magical name, reading the same forwards and backwards, widely attested in the Greek Magical Papyri and inscribed on Gnostic amulets and engraved gemstones, generally glossed as meaning "thou art our Father." Its palindromic form was itself considered to add to its protective power, and it is frequently paired with other divine names such as Iao and Sabaoth in the same invocations, though it is structurally and etymologically distinct from the three-vowel IAO formula, which this atlas also covers.
Facts
Practice
Who Performs ItTrained or authorised specialists 1 FrequencyAs the occasion requires 1 Solitary or Communal Use
What It Is Used ForProtection against harm 1 Attributions
TraditionGnosticism, Hermeticism and ancient magical practice 1 Form
Type of MantraPalindromic magical name 1 Connections
Attested In
Source The Greek Magical Papyri in Translation, Including the Demotic SpellsHans Dieter Betz, editor
Belongs to Tradition
Source The Greek Magical Papyri in Translation, Including the Demotic SpellsHans Dieter Betz, editor
Source The Greek Magical Papyri in Translation, Including the Demotic SpellsHans Dieter Betz, editor
In Language
Originates in Language
Source The Greek Magical Papyri in Translation, Including the Demotic SpellsHans Dieter Betz, editor
Related To
Sources
1. The Greek Magical Papyri in Translation, Including the Demotic Spells
Hans Dieter Betz, editor, University of Chicago Press, 1986on Ablanathanalba in the Greek Magical PapyriView the Source The Golden Dawn
Israel Regardie, Aries Press, 1937on Gnostic and Hermetic magical namesView the Source Reader Challenges (0)
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