The Christian god is referred to as simply God, usually with different attributes before or after to further categorize or differentiate him, and I have a theory on why that is that I'm not sure Tumblr's going to like, but that I have to get off my chest.
I just need to say, before we start: I primarily wanted to put this together, not to open up like discourse or anything, but to explain and put into words more why I call and refer to this God the way I do. So if you don't agree or have a differing view on it, I think that's neat (not being sarcastic here, I genuinely enjoy hearing about how and why others think the way they do), but I really just want to put my thoughts and ideas, even in this most basic form, in order in at least this small little post. Getting the words out of my head helps free up space, and that's all I really intend this to be!
So here we go! (Note: It is like 5am, and I haven't slept so if this makes no sense or is riddled with errors, please do be patient with me!)
Cavendish puts the basis, or really the jumping point, of my theory well when he explains the importance that a name carries in magic:
"The conviction that the name of a thing contains the essence of its being is one of the oldest and most fundamental of magical beliefs. Names are used to identify things. Instead of reciting a long and detailed description of the characteristics of an animal, it is more convenient to say, this is a 'frog'. . . . For the magical thinker the name sums up all the characteristics which make the animal what it is, and so the name is the animal's identity. If it did not have this name but some other - 'toad' perhaps - it would not be what it is, but something different. This is the root of the magical theory that the name of a thing is a miniature image if it, which can be used as a substitute for the thing itself."
- The Black Arts (1967) Richard Cavendish, p41
When you think of it, King Solomon's control over the 72 demons was heavily reliant on knowing not only the name of the demons, and those of some of their underlings, but also on speaking the "true names of God." We're not going to talk about the whole Hebrew inclusion or background to the workings done, because this post is primarily going to be about names and domination rather than specific systems such as that. But! In knowing the true names of God and speaking them during the conjurations, the magician gains domination over the demons and the right to call on angels for their assistance in their work. (Is it 100% guaranteed? Lol absolutely not. But it is something to be said that calling on His true names can be almost like a bargain chip or incentive. Hey, I know this, and I'm waving it like a VIP backstage pass; please let me in, guys! That's sort of the vibe/energy of it.)
Regardless, the demons called upon recognize the power in the names used and, in recognizing it, heed the call of the magician who pronounces and knows them too. Their fear is based on the efficacy and authenticity of those names.
Back to the Nameless God. What does this mean for him?
It is my opinion that denying his name to the masses was on purpose. If he is an all-knowing, all-seeing entity then he had to have known and been aware of what giving out his name would mean. That's not to say humans are capable of dominating deities on the whole or on average, but it is a wellknown practice to eat your gods, consume your idols, etc. And in some traditions and religions, it is your duty to put your gods on trial.
But I'm not saying he's a coward, but I'm not not saying it, ya know? The Fae know it and the demons know it all alike. Give up your name and you give up power. A loss of control? For the big man? Even in the bible, it wasn't something he was overly fond of.
But anyways, it makes sense, in my mind, to refer to him as the Nameless God - even if I do happen to have the Solomonic texts and the grimoires phonetically spelling out his holy names and such. It's kind of a . . . tip of the hat, really. An "I see you and I respect it" kind of thing.
I mean after all, you know me as Boop. I am well-aware of the value and importance in remaining anonymous and holding onto what's close to you. I also gave The Astrologer my natal chart but we're not talking about that right now.
