Classication of demons

The Testament of Solomon is an Old Testament

pseudepigraphical work, purportedly written by King
Solomon, in which Solomon mostly describes particu-
lar demons whom he enslaved to help build the temple,
the questions he put to them about their deeds and how
they could be thwarted, and their answers, which pro-
vide a kind of self-help manual against demonic activity.
The date is very dubious, though is considered the old-
est work surviving particularly concerned with individual
demons.[1][2]

1.2 Psellus classication of demons

Michael Psellus prepared a classication of demons

in the 11th century, which was an inspiration for the
classication Francesco Maria Guazzo prepared later.
Psellus divided demons into Empyreal (Fiery), Aerial,
Subterranean, Lucifugi (Bound), Aqueous, and Terrene
(Terrestrial).[3]

1.3 The Lanterne of Lights classication

of demons
The Temptation of St. Anthony by Martin Schngauer.
In 1409-1410 The Lanterne of Light (an anonymous
English Lollard tract often erroneously attributed to
There have been various demonologies (classications of
Wyclie)[4] provided a classication system based on the
demons) in Christian demonology and classical occultism
Seven Deadly Sins, establishing that each one of the men-
and Renaissance magic. Classication systems are based
tioned demons tempted people by means of one of those
on the nature of the demon, the sin with which they tempt
sins.[5][6] This list was later used in the works of John Tay-
people, the month in which their power is believed to be
lor, the Water Poet.<ref name="John Taylor, Works of
the strongest, the saints that were their adversaries, or
John Taylor, the Water Poet, Volume 2, Spenser Soci-
other characteristics.
ety, 1873, p33">John Taylor, Works of John Taylor, the
Water Poet, Volume 2, Spenser Society, 1873, p33</ref>

1 Classication by domain Lucifer: pride

It can be noted that according to each author listed below, Beelzebub: envy (envious)
the domain of each demon is very dierent (with the ex-
ception of Francesco Maria Guazzo, who seem to have Sathanus: wrath (wrae)
copied Michael Psellus with little dierence). It can also
Abaddon: sloth (slow)
be seen that each author chooses and classies demons
dierently. Mammon: greed - avarice (avarouse) & covetous-
ness (covetise)
1.1 The Testament of Solomon Belphegor: gluttony (glotouns)

Main article: Testament of Solomon Asmodeus: lust (leccherouse) - later reported as us-
ing the name Asmodeum

1
2 1 CLASSIFICATION BY DOMAIN

1.4 Spinas classication of demons 1.6 Binsfelds classication of demons

Alphonso de Spina, in 1467, prepared a classication of Peter Binsfeld prepared a classication of demons in
demons based on several criteria: 1589. His demon classication was, like the earlier En-
glish Lanterne of Light, based on the seven deadly sins,
Demons of fate though it diered slightly from the English text.

Goblins Lucifer: pride

Incubi and succubi Mammon: greed

Wandering groups or armies of demons Asmodeus: lust

Familiars Leviathan: envy

Beelzebub: gluttony
Drudes
Satan: wrath
Cambions and other demons that are born from the
union of a demon with a human being. Belphegor: sloth[9][10][11]

Liar and mischievous demons

1.7 Michaelis classication of demons
Demons that attack the saints

Demons that try to induce old women to attend In 1613 Sebastien Michaelis wrote a book, Marvelous
Witches Sabbaths History, which included a classication of demons as it
was told to him by the demon Berith when he was exor-
cising a nun, according to the author. This classication is
This classication is somewhat capricious and it is dif-
based on the Pseudo-Dionysian hierarchies, according to
cult to nd a criterion for it. It seems that Spina was
the sins the devil tempts one to commit, and includes the
inspired by several legends and stories. The drudes be-
demons adversaries (who suered that temptation with-
long to German folklore. Familiars, goblins, and other
out falling).
mischievous demons belong to the folklore of most Eu-
ropean countries. Note that many demons names are exclusively French
or unknown in other catalogs. St. John the Baptist and
The belief in incubi and succubae (and their ability to pro-
St. John the Evangelist are the two St. Johns to whom
create) seem to have inspired the seventh category, but
Michaelis refers. The other saints are cited only by their
it could also have been inspired in the Talmudic legend
name without making clear, i.e., which Francis is (of As-
of demons having sexual intercourse with mortal women
sisi?).
(see also Mastema).
The visions of tempting demons that some early (and not
so early) saints had, perhaps inspired the ninth category 1.7.1 First hierarchy
(e.g. the visions of Anthony the Great).
The rst hierarchy includes angels that were Seraphim,
The idea of old women attending Sabbaths was common Cherubim and Thrones.
during the European Middle Age and Renaissance, and
Spina mentioned it before the Malleus Malecarum. Beelzebub was a prince of the Seraphim, just be-
low Lucifer. Beelzebub, along with Lucifer and
Leviathan, were the rst three angels to fall. He
1.5 Agrippas classication of demons tempts men with pride and is opposed by St. Francis
of Assisi.
In De occulta philosophia (1509-1510), Cornelius
Agrippa proposed several classications for demons. One Leviathan was also a prince of the Seraphim who
is based in the number four and the cardinal points, tempts people to give into heresy, and is opposed by
with the ruling demons being Oriens (East), Paymon St. Peter.
(west), Egyn (North) and Amaymon (South). The same
Asmodeus was also a prince of the Seraphim, burn-
four demons appear in the Semiphoras and Schemham-
ing with desire to tempt men into wantonness. He is
foras.[7][8] Another classication, based in the number
opposed by St. John the Baptist.
nine, has the following orders of demons: False spir-
its, Spirits of lying, Vessels of iniquity, Avengers of Berith was a prince of the Cherubim. He tempts
wickedness, Jugglers, Airy powers, Furies sowing mis- men to commit homicide, and to be quarrelsome,
chief, Sifters or triers, Tempters or ensnarers (See Bar- contentious, and blasphemous. He is opposed by St.
retts classication below). Barnabas.
1.8 Barretts classication of demons 3

Astaroth was a prince of Thrones, who tempts men 1.8 Barretts classication of demons
to be lazy and is opposed by St. Bartholomew.
Francis Barrett, in his book The magus (1801), oered
Verrine was also prince of Thrones, just below As-
this classication of demons, making them princes of
taroth. He tempts men with impatience and is op-
some evil attitude, person or thing:
posed by St. Dominic.
Gressil was the third prince of Thrones, who tempts
Beelzebub: False Gods - idolaters
men with impurity and is opposed by St. Bernard.
Sonneillon was the fourth prince of Thrones, Pythius: Spirits of Lying - liars
who tempts men to hate and is opposed by St.
Stephen.[12] Belial: Vessels of Iniquity - inventors of evil things

Asmodeus: Revengers of Wickedness

1.7.2 Second hierarchy

The second hierarchy includes Powers, Dominions, and Satan: Imitators of Miracles - evil witches and war-
Virtues. locks

Carreau was a prince of Powers. He tempts men Merihem: Aerial Powers - purveyors of pestilence
with hardness of heart and is opposed by St. Vincent
and Vincent Ferrer Abaddon: Furies - sowers of discord

Carnivale was also a prince of Powers. He tempts Astaroth: Calumniators - inquisitors and fraudulent
men to obscenity and shamelessness, and is opposed accusers
by John the Evangelist.
Oeillet was a prince of Dominions. He tempts men Mammon: Maligenii - tempters and ensnarers[14][15]
to break the vow of poverty and is opposed by St.
Martin.
Rosier was the second in the order of Dominions. 2 Classication by oce
He tempts men against sexual purity and is opposed
by St. Basil. There were also classications by oce, like those written
Belias was the prince of Virtues. He tempts men in several grimoires.
with arrogance and women to be vain, raise their
children as wantons, and gossip during mass. He
is opposed by St. Francis de Paul. 2.1 The Book of Abramelin

The Book of Abramelin, possibly written in the 14th or

1.7.3 Third hierarchy
15th century, lists four princes of the demons: Lucifer,
Leviathan, Satan and Belial. There are also eight sub-
The third hierarchy includes Principalities, Archangels,
princes: Astaroth, Maggot, Asmodee, Beelzebub, Oriens,
and Angels.
Paimon, Ariton (Egin) and Amaymon. Under the rule of
these there are many lesser demons.
Olivier was the prince of the Archangels. He tempts
men with cruelty and mercilessness toward the poor
and is opposed by St. Lawrence.
2.2 Le Livre des esperitz
Luvart was prince of Angels. At the time of
Michaeliss writing, Luvart was believed to be in the Main article: Livre des Esperitz
body of a Sister Madeleine.[13]
Verrier was the prince of Principalities. He tempts Written in the 15th or 16th century, this grimoire was a
men against the vow of obedience and is opposed by likely source for Wierus hierarchy of demons, but while
St. Bernard. Wierus mentions 69 demons, Le Livre des esperitz has
only 46. Wierus omitted, however, the four demons of
Many of the names and ranks of these demons appear the cardinal points: Orient, Poymon, Aymoymon and
in the Sabbath litanies of witches, according with Jules Equi (see Agrippas classication) and the three great
Garinets Histoire de la magie en France, and Collin De governors of all the other demons: Lucifer, Bezlebut and
Plancys Dictionnaire Infernal. Satan.[16]
4 2 CLASSIFICATION BY OFFICE

2.3 Le Dragon Rouge (or Grand Grimoire) demons that King Solomon is said to have evoked and
conned in a bronze vessel sealed by magic symbols, and
Main article: Grand Grimoire that he obliged to work for him.
The Ars Goetia assigns a rank and a title of nobility to each
Like many works of mystical nature, Le Dragon Rouge (or member of the infernal hierarchy, and gives the demons
the Red Dragon) claims to come from Solomon and his signs they have to pay allegiance to, or seals.
priests and is said to be published in 1517 by Alibeck the
Egyptian. However, it was most likely written in France
in the 18th century. 2.6 Dictionnaire Infernal
The grimoire details the dierent hosts of hell and their
powers, describing how to enter a pact with them to attain Main article: Dictionnaire Infernal
the magicians goals. The demons of hell are classied by
three dierent tiers from Generals to Ocers.[17] The Dictionnaire Infernal (English: Infernal Dictionary)
is a book on demonology, organised in hellish hierarchies.
It was written by Jacques Auguste Simon Collin de Plancy
2.4 Pseudomonarchia Daemonum and rst published in 1818. There were several editions
of the book, but perhaps the most famous is the edition of
Main article: Pseudomonarchia Daemonum 1863, in which sixty-nine illustrations were added to the
book. These illustrations are drawings which depict the
Pseudomonarchia Daemonum, by Johann Weyer, is a descriptions of the appearance of a number of demons.
grimoire that contains a list of demons and the appropri- Many of these images were later used in S. L. MacGregor
ate hours and rituals to conjure them in the name of God, Mathers's edition of The Lesser Key of Solomon though
Jesus and the Holy Ghost (simpler than those cited by The some of the images were removed.
Lesser Key of Solomon below). The book was rst published in 1818 and then divided
This book was written around 1583, and lists sixty- into two volumes, with six reprints and many changes be-
eight demons. The demons Vassago, Seir, Dantalion tween 1818 and 1863. This book attempts to provide an
and Andromalius are not listed in this book. Pseu- account of all the knowledge concerning superstitions and
domonarchia Daemonum does not attribute seals to the demonology.
demons.[18] De Plancy presented a hierarchy of demons based in
modern European courts:
2.5 The Lesser Key of Solomon
Princes and dignitaries: Belzebuth, supreme chief
Main article: The Lesser Key of Solomon of the empire of hell, founder of the order of the
Fly. Satan, prince dethroned and chief of the oppo-
sition party. Eurynome,[19] prince of death, Grand
The Lesser Key of Solomon or Lemegeton Clavicula Sa-
Cross of the order of the Fly. Moloch, prince of
lomonis is an anonymous 17th century grimoire, and one
the country of tears, Grand Cross of the order.
of the most popular books of demonology. The Lesser
Pluton, Prince of Fire, also Grand Cross of the or-
Key of Solomon contains detailed descriptions of spirits
der and governor of the regions in ames. Pan,
and the conjurations needed to invoke and oblige them to
prince of incubi and Lilith, princess of succubi.
do the will of the conjurer (referred to as the exorcist).
Leonardo, the great lord of the Sabbath, Knight of
It details the protective signs and rituals to be performed,
the Fly. Balberith, great ponti, lord of alliances.
the actions necessary to prevent the spirits from gaining
Proserpina, archdiablesse, princess of evil spirits.
control, the preparations prior to the invocations, and in-
structions on how to make the necessary instruments for
Ministers of the Oce: Adramelech, Grand Chan-
the execution of these rituals.
cellor and Grand Cross of the Order of the Fly.
The author of The Lesser Key of Solomon copied Pseu- Ashtaroth, general treasurer, Knight of the Fly.
domonarchia Daemonum almost completely, but added Nergal, chief of the secret police. Baal, comman-
demons descriptions, their seals and details. der in chief of the armies of Hell, Grand Cross of
the Order of the Fly. Leviathan, Grand Admiral,
Knight of the Fly.
2.5.1 The Ars Goetia
Ambassadors: Belfegor, Ambassador of France.
See List of demons in the Ars Goetia Mammon, of England. Belial, of Italy. Rimmon,
Ars Goetia is the rst section of The Lesser Key of of Russia. Thamuz, of Spain. Hutgin, of Turkey.
Solomon, containing descriptions of the seventy-two Martinet, of Switzerland.
 5

Justice: Lucifer, chief of justice, Knight of the Fly. 3 See also

Alastor, executor of his sentences.
Christian angelic hierarchy
House of the princes: Verdelet, master of cere-
monies. Succor Benoth, chief of the eunuchs of the Jewish angelic hierarchy
seraglio. Chamos, Grand Chambelain, Knight of
the Fly. Melchom, payer treasurer. Nisroth, chief
of the kitchen. Behemoth, chief cupbearer. Dagon,
grand pantler. Mullin, rst valet.
4 References
Secret expenses: Robals, director of theaters. [1] The Testament of Solomon, trans. F. C. Conybeare,
Asmodeus, superintendent of the gambling houses. Jewish Quarterly Review, October, 1898
Nibas grand buoon. Antichrist, charlatan and
necromancer. [2] Conybeare, F.C. The Testament of Solomon, The Jewish
Quarterly Review, Vol. 11, No. 1, (October ,1898)

Alexis-Vincent-Charles Berbiguier used some of these
names and ranks for the demons who tormented him, in
his autobiographical work Les farfadets ou Tous les d-
mons ne sont pas de l'autre monde(1821).
[3] De operatione daemonum. Tr. Marcus Collisson. Sydney
1843. Full online text, p.42-43
[4] Milford, Humphrey. Introduction, The Lanterne of Lit.
Oxford University Press, 1917

[5] Morton W. Bloomeld, The Seven Deadly Sins, Michigan

2.7 The Satanic Bible State College Press, 1952, pp.214-215.

Main article: The infernal names [6] Anonymous, The Lanterne of Lit, ed Humphrey Milford,
Oxford University Press, 1917, page 60

LaVey utilized the symbolism of the Four Crown Princes [7] Cornelius Agrippa, De occulta philosophia
of Hell in The Satanic Bible, with each chapter of the book
being named after each Prince. The Book of Satan: The [8] The Sixth and Seventh Books of Moses
Infernal Diatribe, The Book of Lucifer: The Enlighten- [9] Encyclopedia of Demons and Demonology, By Rosemary
ment, The Book of Belial: Mastery of the Earth, and The Guiley, p. 28-29, Facts on File, 2009.
Book of Leviathan: The Raging Sea.[20] This association
was inspired by the demonic hierarchy from The Book of [10] Dictionary of Demons, by Fred Gettings, Guild Publish-
the Sacred Magic of Abra-Melin the Mage. ing, 1998, p.55-56

[11] The Encyclopedia of Witchcraft and Demonology, by

Satan (Hebrew) Lord of the Inferno": Rossell Robbins, Crown Publishers, 1959, p.127

[12] " les demons estans interrogez respondirent qu'ils estoient

The adversary, representing opposition, the element of
re, the direction of the south, and the Sigil of Baphomet
during ritual.
Lucifer (Roman) The Morning Star":
The bringer of light, representing pride and enlighten-
ment, the element of air, the direction of the east, and
candles during ritual.
trois au corps de Louyse, y estans par le moyen d'vn
malece, & que le premier d'eux se nommoit Verrine,
l'autre Gresil, & le dernier Sonneillon, & que tous es-
toient du troisiesme ordre, sauoir au rang des Throsnes.
" (Histoire admirable de la possession et conversion d'vne
penitente [] exorcisee [] soubs l'authorit du R.P. F. SE-
BASTIEN MICHAELIS [] Edition troisiesme & derniere.
Paris, Chastellain, 1614, page 3. From Michaeliss work,
available on BNF: online text from Gallica Histoire ad-
mirable

[13] The Encyclopedia of Witchcraft and Demonology.

Belial (Hebrew) Without a Master":
Rossell Hope Robbins (1912). Bonanza Books. New
York. 1959. 1981 Edition.
The baseness of the earth, independence and self-
suciency, the element of earth, the direction of the [14] Barretts The Magus at. Sacred-texts.com. Retrieved
north, and the sword during ritual. 2011-06-22.

[15] Gettings, Fred. Dictionary of Demons Trafalgar Square

Leviathan (Hebrew) Serpent of the Abyss": Publishing, 1988. pgs. 182-183; Orders, table 17.

[16] Le Livre des esperitz

The great dragon, representing primal secrecy, the ele-
ment of water, the direction of the west, and the chalice [17] A.E. Waites Book of Ceremonial Magic, p.97 and
during ritual. p.109
6 4 REFERENCES

[18] Weyers Pseudomonarchia Daemonum at Twilit Grotto.

Esotericarchives.com. Retrieved 2011-06-22.

[19] Dictionnaire Infernal, p. 157 and p. 205: Preview in

Google Books

[20] LaVey 2005, pp. 121140.

 7

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