Neopagans and the LBP?

Question

I've been noticing lately that some of neopagans make use of the Lesser Banishing Ritual of the Pentagram. This makes sense, as it is a strong and useful rite.

But I'm curious. My question is, how do you, as witches, feel about intoning the cabalistic cross, which arguably gives lip service to Yahweh?

In response to Deborah Lipp:

She's Alexandrian, or was it a different sect? I think I read something of hers before.

Response:
"...merely invoking your own highest Self..."
Wow. That's actually similiar to my reasoning. It becomes clear when you say "Unto thee, the kingdom..." that the human body is acting as the microcosm of the caballa.

I have seen writers interpret this as "Unto thee (God, who dwells in Kether)", though, hence the question.

I've never heard of Yahweh and YHVH being seperate concepts. I've just assumed that the term Yahweh was simply one of the pronouncable alternatives to saying "tetragrammaton". Would you mind terribly if i asked for information or study material?

Answer 1

The QC is not paying lip service to Yahweh. If you translate the Hebrew, you understand that you are merely invoking your own highest Self (Atoh) which is identical to the Highest Source into full grounded manifestation (Malkuth), then balancing the complimentary forces of severity (ve Geburah) and mercy (ve Gedulah), toward the healing of self and world (le Olaam. Amen.). There is significant confusion among the uninitiated as to the sameness/difference between the Judeo-Christian deity known commonly as "Yahweh," and the true essence of Tetragrammaton. Yahweh bears much more resemblance to what the Gnostics refer to as Demiurgos, while YHVH is closer to the Ineffable Source. Apologies if this only adds to confusion. Feel free to email me if you would like some suggestions on study material.

Answer 2

I've asked Deborah Lipp, a writer on such matters. I'll edit this answer when I get an opinion from her.

Edit: D. Lipp says:
"There's a lot of variation. Many Neopagans don't use the LBRP (or the
GBRP). Some see it as "different names for the same thing." Some see
Yahweh as one among many Gods. Some probably don't understand the
implications. Ceremonially-trained Pagans may practice a sort of bilateral
thinking; practicing both Pagan and monotheistic magic at different times.

If you're really curious, I could drop a line to Donald Michael Kraig, who
is really the expert."

Answer 3

Never tired it. I suppose it would work for some. I don't think it would work for me for my subconcious would recognise the sign as for what it represents nowadays and that would weaken my resolve for the magick to work.

Answer 4

I don't use the LDP, so I can't answer personally, but I would think that if "all Gods are one God" it wouldn't be an issue, would it?