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'''Astaroth''' (also Ashtaroth, Astarot and Asteroth) is a [[demon]] who serves as a Great Duke of Hell in the [[hierarchy of Hell]] with [[Beelzebub]] and [[Lucifer]]; he is part of the evil trinity. He is a male figure most likely named after the Near Eastern goddess Astarte. | '''Astaroth''' (also Ashtaroth, Astarot and Asteroth) is a [[demon]] who serves as a Great Duke of Hell in the [[hierarchy of Hell]] with [[Beelzebub]] and [[Lucifer]]; he is part of the evil trinity. He is a male figure most likely named after the Near Eastern goddess Astarte. | ||
The name "Astaroth" as a male demon is first known from ''[[ | The name "Astaroth" as a male demon is first known from the ''[[Book of Abramelin]]'', written in 1458, and recurred in most [[occult]] [[grimoire]]s of the following centuries. Astaroth also features as an archdemon associated with the qliphoth (adverse forces) according to later [[Kabbalah|Kabbalistic]] texts, as he rules over the qlipha of [[Jupiter]], known as Gha'agsheblah. | ||
He | He was the 29th [[Goetic demon]] summoned by [[King Solomon]]. Astaroth is ruled over by the [[Kabbalistic angel]] [[Reiaiel]]. | ||
==Description== | ==Description== | ||
Dutch demonologist Johann Weyer also described Astaroth in his ''[[Pseudomonarchia Daemonum]]'' (1577) thus: "Astaroth is a great and a strong duke, coming forth in the shape of a foul angel, sitting upon an infernal dragon, and carrying on his right hand a viper", who also claimed to rule 40 legions. Also, he had to be approached by the conjurer with a magical ring on account of his stinking breath. He is similarly referred to in the 17th-century work the ''[[Lesser Key of Solomon]]''. He also makes an appearance in the notorious | Dutch demonologist Johann Weyer also described Astaroth in his ''[[Pseudomonarchia Daemonum]]'' (1577) thus: "Astaroth is a great and a strong duke, coming forth in the shape of a foul angel, sitting upon an infernal dragon, and carrying on his right hand a viper", who also claimed to rule 40 legions. Also, he had to be approached by the conjurer with a magical ring on account of his stinking breath. He is similarly referred to in the 17th-century work the ''[[Lesser Key of Solomon]]''. He also makes an appearance in the notorious ''[[Grimorium Verum]]'' (''True Grimoire''), as the infernal principality which rules the Americas. | ||
In the [[hierarchy of Hell]], Astaroth is the prince of accusers and [[inquisition|inquisitors]]. In art, in the ''[[Dictionnaire Infernal]]'' (1818), Astaroth is depicted as a nude man with feathered wings, wearing a crown, holding a serpent in one hand, and riding a beast with dragon-like wings and a serpent-like tail. | In the [[hierarchy of Hell]], Astaroth is the prince of accusers and [[inquisition|inquisitors]]. In art, in the ''[[Dictionnaire Infernal]]'' (1818), Astaroth is depicted as a nude man with feathered wings, wearing a crown, holding a serpent in one hand, and riding a beast with dragon-like wings and a serpent-like tail. This description is very similar to the demon [[Egyn]]. | ||
==Abilities== | ==Abilities== | ||
August is the month during which this demon's attacks against man are stronger. According to Sebastien Michaelis, he is a [[demon]] of the [[hierarchy of Hell|First Hierarchy]], who seduces by means of laziness, self-doubt, and rationalized philosophies. His adversary is St. Bartholomew, who can protect against him for he has resisted Astaroth's temptations. To others, he teaches mathematical sciences and handicrafts, can make men invisible and lead them to hidden treasures, and answers every question formulated to him. He was also said to give to mortal beings the power over serpents. | August is the month during which this demon's attacks against man are stronger. According to Sebastien Michaelis, he is a [[demon]] of the [[hierarchy of Hell|First Hierarchy]], who seduces by means of laziness, self-doubt, and rationalized philosophies. His adversary is St. Bartholomew, who can protect against him for he has resisted Astaroth's temptations. To others, he teaches mathematical sciences and handicrafts, can make men invisible and lead them to hidden treasures, and answers every question formulated to him. He was also said to give to mortal beings the power over serpents. | ||
In [[Kabbalah]], Astaroth rules over the [[qlippoth]] [[Gha’ag Sheklah]]. | |||
Astaroth was a co-signatory of a [[diabolical pact]] with [[Urbain Grandier]], and was the demon thought responsible for possessing the nuns in the convent of Loudun. | Astaroth was a co-signatory of a [[diabolical pact]] with [[Urbain Grandier]], and was the demon thought responsible for possessing the nuns in the convent of Loudun. | ||
In the [[Black Mass]] ceremony used by notorious French poisoner [[La Voisin]], Astaroth was called a "Prince of Friendship" along with [[Asmoday]]. | In the [[Black Mass]] ceremony used by notorious French poisoner [[La Voisin]], Astaroth was called a "Prince of Friendship" along with [[Asmoday]]. | ||
He is a servant demon to those born August 7 - 11. | |||
==In popular culture== | |||
Astaroth has been featured as the antagonist in several films, including: | |||
* ''Der Golem, wie er in die Welt kam'' (1920), this silent film depiction of the "Golem of Prague" legend shows Rabbi Judah Loew summoning the demon Astaroth to reveal the Word that will bring the clay monster to life. | |||
* ''Bedknobs and Broomsticks'' (1971), the Star of Astoroth is a magical artifact sought by the protagonists, previously belonging to a sorcerer of the same name. | |||
* ''To the Devil a Daughter'' (1976), depicting a [[cult]] attempting to transform a girl into an avatar of Astaroth. | |||
* ''Ghoulies'' (1984), one of the demons summoned throughout the film. | |||
* ''Extra Ordinary'' (2019), Christian Winter summons Astaroth to regain his popularity. | |||