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'''[[African diaspora religion]]s''' are a number of related beliefs that developed in the Americas as a result of the Atlantic Slave Trade. These belief systems are derived from traditional African religions mixed with influences from the more widespread organized religions. However, unlike [[Abrahamic religion]]s, African religions are not idealizations; instead, they seek to come to terms with reality.
The '''[[Hierarchy of Hell]]''' represents the organizational structure of [[Hell]] as envisioned by [[occult]] authors in their [[grimoire]]s concerning [[demon]]s, especially [[Goetic demon]]s. Depending on the source, different authors ascribe varying ranks and positions to different infernal spirits. The best sources for this information are ''[[The Grand Grimoire]]'' and the ''[[Lesser Key of Solomon]]''. The concept of the hierarchy and the categorization of spirits into various ranks seems to have been a serious preoccupation with the early authors of occult literature. Nearly every book on magic mentions at least a few demons and attempts to assign them a structure analogous to governments common in Europe at the time. They are all monarchical in nature.


Because there are so many varied African diaspora religions and such diverse groups who contributed to their development, it is difficult to generalize about their beliefs and rituals. Also, none of these religions have a centralized authority who can dictate how devotees worship. Afro-American religions tend to involve ancestor veneration and include a creator deity along with a pantheon of divine spirits such as the Orisha, Loa, Vodun, Nkisi, and Alusi, among others.
In most works dealing with the 72 [[Goetic demon]]s, there is a rigid hierarchical structure for the demons, grouping each of them into ranks of nobility (including a knight and presidents). [[Occultist]] author [[Travis McHenry]] further explored these demonic ranks in his book ''[[The Grimoire of Heaven and Hell]]'', giving the reasons various demons were assigned to their specific class of nobility.


In addition to the religious syncretism of these traditions, many also incorporate elements of [[Christianity]], including reverence of Catholic [[saint]]s. Other major influences include: Native American religions, [[Spiritualism|Spiritism]], and [[shaman|Shamanism]] (sometimes including the use of [[recreational drug|entheogens]]).
'''([[Hierarchy of Hell|Full Article...]])'''
 
'''([[African diaspora religion|Full Article...]])'''

Latest revision as of 18:16, 28 July 2025

Map of Hell.png

The Hierarchy of Hell represents the organizational structure of Hell as envisioned by occult authors in their grimoires concerning demons, especially Goetic demons. Depending on the source, different authors ascribe varying ranks and positions to different infernal spirits. The best sources for this information are The Grand Grimoire and the Lesser Key of Solomon. The concept of the hierarchy and the categorization of spirits into various ranks seems to have been a serious preoccupation with the early authors of occult literature. Nearly every book on magic mentions at least a few demons and attempts to assign them a structure analogous to governments common in Europe at the time. They are all monarchical in nature.

In most works dealing with the 72 Goetic demons, there is a rigid hierarchical structure for the demons, grouping each of them into ranks of nobility (including a knight and presidents). Occultist author Travis McHenry further explored these demonic ranks in his book The Grimoire of Heaven and Hell, giving the reasons various demons were assigned to their specific class of nobility.

(Full Article...)