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[[File:The Black Mass.jpg|250px|left]]
[[File:Map of Hell.png|200px|left]]
'''[[Black magic]]''' has traditionally referred to the use of supernatural powers or [[ritual magic|magic]] for evil and selfish purposes; or magic associated with [[the Devil]] or other evil spirits. It is also sometimes referred to as the "left-hand path", (its right-hand path counterpart being benevolent white magic). In modern times, some find that the definition of black magic has been convoluted by people who define magic or ritualistic practices that they disapprove of as black magic.
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.


While "[[natural magic]]" became popular among the educated and upper classes of the 16th and 17th century, [[ritual magic]] and folk magic remained subject to persecution. 20th century author Montague Summers generally rejects the definitions of "white" and "black" magic as "contradictory", though he highlights the extent to which all magic, regardless of intent, was considered "black," even magic involving [[angel]]s, because it attempted to subvert the will of [[Yahweh|God]] in favor of the [[magician]].
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.


'''([[Black magic|Full Article...]])'''
'''([[Hierarchy of Hell|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...)

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