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Demonology, Basic Info - Posted by: "Darknyss ~"

"The other shape,
If shape it might be call'd, that shape had none,
Distinguishable in member, joint, or limb;
Or substance might be call'd that shadow seem'd;
For each seem'd either; black it stood as night,
Fierce as ten furies, terrible as Hell,
And shook a dreadful dart; what seem'd his head
The likeness of a kingly crown had on.
Satan was now at hand; and from his seat
The monster, moving onward, came as fast
With horrid strides; Hell trembled as he strode."
-- John Milton

Introduction The term "demons" was not always understood to have the absolutely negative connotation that it does today. Homer used the terms "demons" and "gods" more or less interchangeably. Another opinion was that demons were intermediaries between men and gods, and that demons had once been men. Plutarch speaks of "human souls as commencing, first heroes, then demons, and afterward as advancing to a more sublime degree." Philo of Byblus seems to draw on this same tradition when he states that, "The most ancient of the barbarians, especially the Phoenicians and Egyptians, from whom other people derived this custom, accounted those the greatest gods who had found out things most necessary and useful in life -- and had been benefactors to mankind."
Our current use of the term "demon" is to denote a malignant spirit, and comes to us primarily form New Testament writers. However, there is still uncertainty as to whether or not demons are considered to be distinct and separate from the Devil and his fallen angels.

Demoniacal Possession Demon possession - that is, a human who has become inhabited or "taken over" by a demon and who cannot, consequently, exercise his own will - is noted in the New Testament, specifically in Mark, Chapter 5, ver. 12. Josephus also mentions a method of exorcism prescribed by Solomon, which had "prevailed or succeeded greatly among them down to the present time." Unfortunately, Josephus does not describe the method used.
There is little doubt that most of what was described in older times as "demon possession" would today be diagnosed as some sort of mental illness, and treated accordingly. Nevertheless, a few cases of possession do seem to crop up from time to time, and the Roman Catholic Church does continue (sparingly) to perform exorcisms.

Periods of Increased Demon Activity Some historians of times past believed that there were cycles during which demonic activity increased, and used this theory to explain various occurrences, much in the same way as today's economic historians might explain historical events in terms of trade, productivity and other factors. These older historians saw a rise in demonic activity accompanying such occurrences as the destruction of Jerusalem, the fall of Rome and the French Revolution, and would in all likelihood also have viewed the demonic theory at work in relation to the rise of Nazism and World War II.

Demoniacal Prophesy Ancients also had a sort of faith in the prophetic words spoken by those whom they believed to be possessed by demons, and this was sometimes a component of ancient oracles. In connection with this, it is worth pointing out that a respected modern-day professor of psychology once witnessed a friend, who was suffering from paranoid schizophrenia make a specific and surprising prophecy that turned out to be perfectly accurate. The professor had no explanation for this event. although one is tempted to hypothesize that there is a link between altered mental states and psychic ability. Some also associate the ouija board with demoniacal prophesy, and those who have seen Linda Blair in The Exorcist will recall that this was how her character's problems began.

Species of Demons, as Described by Alphonse de Spina (1467)
Fates, who alter destiny
Poltergeists, who cause mischief
Incubi and Succubi, who stimulate lust and perversion
Marching Hordes, who bring about war
Familiars, who assist witches
Nightmares, who disturb sleep through bad dreams
Demons formed from Human Semen
Disguised Demons
Demons who Assail the Saintly
Demons who Instigate Witchcraft

Correspondence of Demons to the Seven Deadly Sins (According to Peter Binsfield, a Jesuit, 1589)
Lucifer Pride Mammon Avarice Asmodeus Lust Satan Anger Beelzebub Gluttony Leviathan Envy Belphegor Vanity and Sloth

List of Demons
Acham - the demon of Thursday.

Alrinach - demon of shipwrecks.

Alocer - demon in astrology.

Any - the presiding demon of Hell.

Anamalech - the demon of bad news.

Andras - the demon of discord.

Aquiel - the demon of Sunday.

Arachula - evil spirit in the air.

Ardad - demon that leads travelers astray.

Ascaroth - demon of spies and informers.

Asmodeus - mentioned in the Book of Tobias; Asmodeus (aka Abaddon) is "The Destroyer."

Astaroth - one of the Chief Devils, sometimes spelled as Ashtaroth. Astarte is its female.

Baal - one of the Great Demons. Also given as Baalim.

Bechard - the demon of tempests.

Bechet - the demon of Friday.

Behemoth - the demon of animal strength.

Belial - demon of the Sidonians.

Beelzebub - one of the Princes of Hell. Also given as Beelzeboul.

Belphegor.

Braathwaate - demon of Ignorance.

Bucon - the demon of Hatred.

Byleth - one of the Kings of Hell.

Cheitan - demon born of Smoke.

Chemos

Lanithro - demon of the air.

Legassa - demon of Hypocrisy.

Leviathan.

Lucifer - "Light-bearer."

Mammon.

Mastiphal - one of the Princes of Darkness.

Moloch

Saalah - demon that entices into the woods.

Tenebrion - Spirit of Darkness.

Verdelet - demon who carries witches to Sabbath...

Posted by: "Darknyss ~" massupriestess@yahoo.com massupriestess

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Permalink Reply by voron on March 20, 2009 at 3:08am: I can add some information that was left out. Also please note, technically Satan is not a "demon", so if the original post could be edited, that would be great. Also Chemos is not normally used, at least not in most forms of Theistic Satanism. In fact I've never heard of him until now. However I have looked a good deal into some variants of his name, like Chemosh, who comes from stories from the Old Testament (same goes for Moloch). Lastly, Mammon is not a demon. It is simply the Hebrew word for money. As Theistic Satanists, these demons are considered our friends in a way that they are willing to help us when we are in need.

Belphagor- Demon of brilliant discoveries and wealth.
Leviathan- Demon of subconsciousness, imagination, and dreams.

Other goetic gods/demons:
Agares- Demoness of virtues
Amon (Also known in other religions as Merodach, Ra, and Marduk)- Known as one of the sons of Satan, and has various "functions". He is the demon of the past, future, and brings about deep emotions such as love.
Aini (Also known as Aym, Aim and Harborym)- Known to teach others in various ways, such as: Answering questions with truth, teaches things such as cunning and shrewdness, and can bring about destruction with the element of fire.
Alloces or Allocen (Also known as Alloien and Allocer)- Demon of astronomy and revenge.
Amdusias- Demon of music.
Amy/Avnas- Demon of astrology.
Andras- Known to be very dangerous, and can destroy enemies.
Andrealphus- Known to provide knowledge, especially in the topic of mathematics and measurement, which are very important in building human societies.
Andromalius- Reveals all who are enemies of Satan, and thieves.
Asmodeus/Asmoday (Also known as Sydonay)- Demon of pleasure.
Astaroth (Also known in other religions as Astarte, Inanna, Ishtar, Ashtart, Ashtoreth, Asherah, Astoreth, Isis, Ashet and Aset, Tanit-Ashtart, Ashtaroth and Anat)- Known by some as a male demon, however by most as a demoness. She also (besides Aini and others) answers questions with truth, especially regarding the past present and future. She befriends those who are in power and symbolizes luxury and ease. Lastly, she can cause one to have dreams or visions that are associated with divinity and/or the future, and provides words of wisdom to those who are close to Satan.
Beelzebub/Bael (Also known as Baalzebub, Enlil, Bel, Pir Bub, Baal Zebul, and Beelzebuth)- Known as a half-brother of Satan. An important note being that he was known as "Lord over all that flies" by early humans, until it was perverted by the Hebrews into "Lord of the flies". He helps if there is problems with unity between those who are close to Satan. His main function is to help fulfill and support what Satan encourages. He also provides protection and support to others, and is seen in some ways as an authority figure.
Balam- Also has great knowledge of the past, present and future. Other aspects of him are mental ability, wit and humor.
Barbatos- Yet another demon who can teach knowledge of the past, present and future. Other aspects are that he can give the ability to communicate with and understand other creatures among us, such as animals. He can also correct misunderstandings, ease hurt feelings, and protect the good will (if applicable) of those in power.
Bathin (Also known as Bathym, Marthim and Nephthys)- Demoness who can help humans with astral projection.
Beleth (Also known as Byleth and Elyth)- Can be described by some as a Demoness of love.
Belial- In right hand beliefs he has a falsified identity (as most were), and associated with the wicked and worthless. However in truth, he is very respecful and helps one get ahead or gain a higher position. He also carries out favors.
Berith (Also known as Baal-Berith, Baal-Bereth, Baal-Tamar, Beal, Bofi, Bolfry)- Father of the yule season/tree. To worship/symbolize him different trees were used in ancient times, where in the end christians took his image to make the "xmas-tree". He is similar to Belial in some ways, and possesses the rank of "Duke" among the others. Yet again, he is also a bearer of great knowledge in terms of the past and future.
Bifrons- Teaches various forms of science, and can use spirits to aid the use of magick and answer questions.
Botis- Can help others with courage and making important decisions, and protects in a similar way to Bael, and has other aspects that are similar to other demons.
Buer- Healer of diseases, and teaches philosophy pertaining to morals, natures, and logic.
Bim (Also known as Bune)- Demoness who helps in terms of wealth (similar to Belphagor), and "provides sophistication and worldly wisdom". She also gives ease to speech and "a flair for words". I'm not sure what it means but I have read that she "changes the places of the dead".

Ok, well it did take me quite a while to look all that up and put it in my own words, but I will continue with the list later in future posts. I hope this helps.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by TempleUVUP Administrator on March 20, 2009 at 10:28am: This post has sparked a thread full of really good information, not to mention the post being so well written in and of itself. Thank you for for posting!; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by voron on March 23, 2009 at 2:29am: I just finished typing up another whole list but I clicked on something by accident and it all got removed before I could send it so I'll go over the major ones again, and finish the others another time. Thank you for the comment Samilyn.

Azazel (Also known as Zazel, Samyaza, Samyazazel, Shamgaz, Shemyaza, Shamyaza, Shemihazah, and in ancient cultures as Shamash, Utu, Samas, Babbar, Ashur, Shamiyah and Semjaza)- He is a warrior demon of revenge, justice, and truth. He is "a master of the black arts and the protector of travelers" (and spiritual alchemy). His symbol is called the faravahar, which "represents freedom of choice and protection".
Agaliarept- Although he is very similar to other demons due to his ability to uncover secrets and mysteries, he has a much higher rank.
Fleruty- Performs any labor during the night, and can cause hailstorms at will.
Sargatanas- He is "directly under Astaroth's command." He can transport anyone anywhere through astral projection and open any lock. He can also grant invisibility and skill in the act of sexual intercourse.
Satanachia- A demon with a deep knowledge of luminous bodies, such as planets and has complete power over femininity.

I want to continue however my body must rest early tonight.. Expect to hear from me again in a couple of nights or so.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by voron on March 25, 2009 at 2:26am: Other high ranking demons:
Abaddon (Also known as Apollyon)- An advisor for all goetic demons.
Adramelech- Grand chancellor
Alastor- "Executor of decrees handed down by Satan's court."
Ipos (Also known in ancient times as Anubis)- "Makes one charismatic and bold". He is known to help humans keep friendships and create new ones.
Behemoth- Demon of indulgence.
Charon (Also known as Chiron)- Demon who guides souls to Hell, known in ancient Greece as one who ferries souls across the river of Styx.
Cimeries (Also known as Cimejes, known in ancient Egypt as Khepera. Other variations include Kheperi, Khepri, Kheprer and Chepera)- Prefers to be addressed as Khepu. He grants courage and strength of spirit, and can make one a hero on the battlefield. He is also a "patron of soldiers and military personnel".
Zagan (Also known as Dagon)- Demon of fertility (in terms of agriculture/farming).
Purson (Known in ancient times as Horus)- Other than his identity in ancient times very little about him is known to humans, except that he is very respected and high ranking within the others.
Lilith- Demoness of feminine strength and sexual pleasure. Satans favorite of his five wives.
Mastema (Also known in ancient Egypt)- Demoness who "rules over and is expert with black magick and sorcery."
Morax (Also known as Foraii, Forfax, Marax, and in ancient Egypt as Maat)- Demoness of order, justice and truth (While Azazel is the male aspect of these things). She teaches many things, including magickal uses of stones and herbs.
Mulciber- Beelzebub's second in command. He is also the architect and engineer of the city known as Pandemonium and Satans Grand Palace. Also, he "is an expert at strategy and warfare".
Nergal (Also known in ancient times as Hades and Pluto)- Ruler of the underworld, with power over the dead. His wife is named Erishkegal.
Neberius (Also known as Cerberus and Nerbiros)- "Has the power to inflict evil on anyone." He is an expert at prediction and necromancy.; ▶ Reply to This