Abrasax
Speech parts
1. Abrasax - Noun
2. Abrasax - Proper noun
Meaning
Abrasax
(historical) A theonym of unclear signification, commonly invoked as a magic word on amulets, talismans, and papyri in the Mediterranean basin from the 2nd century B.C. until the 13th century, and viewed in Gnosticism as one of the Archons who follows Sabaoth when he leaves the ranks of the Demiurge to become an aeon alongside Sophia.
Abrasax (plural not attested)
(historical) A gem engraved with the word Abrasax or Abraxas.
Synonyms
Anagrams
Examples
Ablanathanalba Akrammachamarei Eee, who has been stationed over necessity, Iakoub Ia Iaō Sabaōth Adōnai Abrasax."
Bellermann, Versuch, iii., No. 10. With the Abrasax-shield are also found the divine names Sabaoth Iao, Iao Abrasax, Adonai Abrasax, etc. Baudissin, Studien zur Semitischen Religionsgeschichte, i. 189 et seq. *Abrasax with Persian deities.
PGM VIII. 1-63, on the other hand, identifies Abrasax as a name of " Hermes " (i.e. Thoth ).
In the group "Iakoubia, Iaōsabaōth Adōnai Abrasax," Ibid. p. 44, No. 715 the first name seems to be composed of Jacob and Ya.
During the last three centuries attempts have been made to sift away successively those gems that had no claim to be considered in any sense Gnostic, or specially Basilidian, or connected with Abrasax.
In text PGM V. 96-172, Abrasax is identified as part of the "true name which has been transmitted to the prophets of Israel" of the "Headless One, who created heaven and earth, who created night and day..