im not sure 'placate' is the right word. heres the definition of placate:
pla·cate ( P ) Pronunciation Key (plkt, plkt)
tr.v. pla·cat·ed, pla·cat·ing, pla·cates
To allay the anger of, especially by making concessions; appease. See Synonyms at pacify
you see, the stories about the dieties (shiva cutting of ganesha's head) is a story. teaches morals as the bibles parables do. you do not pacify their angry, but only worship a specific aspect (deity) of One God. duh.
what does that passage of the volcano have to do with what were talkin about?
you are correct, there are two types of God. ONE who has many attributes (thus represented by mythological dieties like shiva, and ganapati, also can be worshiped as ONE under a name of One diety). the Other type of God, not in worshippable form is the philosophical Supreme Being.
hope that adds some intelligence. cya!