Divine Names: A Cross-Cultural Comparison (Papyri Graecae Magicae, Picatrix, Munich Handbook)

This paper offers a systematic examination of divine names in the Greek Magical Papyri, the Latin version of Picatrix, and the late 15th century magic compilation known as the Munich Handbook. Methodological concerns about conducting cross-cultural text-based studies are set out, with a focus on factors of manuscript transmission, transliteration, and the peculiarities of dealing with Semitic languages. The paper includes a table listing all divine names that show evidence of continuity between the three texts under consideration, as well as a diagram illustrating results. There is substantial continuity in the use of certain divine names, especially those of Hebraic origin. The seven archangels are consistently understood as divine beings. The names of four Egyptian deities survive into later periods.