Astaroth

Astaroth (Asterot, Astoreth) (heb. עשתרות‏‎ - flocks, crowds, gatherings), according to Western demonology, is one of the highest-ranking demons in the hellish hierarchy. He is also known by the name Astarte, which in the Latin translation of the Bible (Vulgate) appeared from the names Astarte (singular) and Astaroth (plural). The last name is given in the King James Bible (1611)[1].

In the book The Lesser Key of Solomon, he is described as the Duke of Hell. However, other grimoires draw attention to his angelic origin. He was not just an angel, but a seraphim and an angel of the Sun. Later Kabbalah calls him the demon of Mercury. In Christian demonology, he is the prince of the eighth rank of demons, who act as accusers and observers.

## **Origin**

In the book The Lesser Key of Solomon, he is described as the Duke of Hell. However, other grimoires draw attention to his angelic origin. He was not just an angel, but a seraphim and an angel of the Sun. Later Kabbalah calls him the demon of Mercury. In Christian demonology, he is the prince of the eighth rank of demons, who act as accusers and observers.

It is interesting that the goddess Astarteis called the wife of this demon. She, in turn, is often identified with the wife of the ancient Egyptian god of war, Seth. Also, this demones is called the personification of the Sumerian goddesses Ishtar and Inanna.

But there is an assumption that the name Astarte was distorted during the demonization of the images of pagan gods and the demon Astaroth turned out.

It is not necessary to personify Astaroth with the Semitic sun goddess Ashtoret. These are two different characters.

## **demonology**

Astaroth - an unusual demon, the information is preserved, it is assumed that he told the sorcerers how to escape from the people, for whom he was considered the patron of the Holy Inquisition. In the ancient books, the information is preserved: Astaroth often appears in months of mania in France, transferring itself to nuns. He even worships the king's mistress, Madame de Motepsan, offering human sacrifices. He is mentioned in Doctor Faustus. It is curious when Bulgakov originally planned to name the main demon of the book not after Woland, but after Astaroth. Many medieval and modern demologists believed that the demons Astaroth and Astarte were husband and wife. But researchers of Old Testament stories come to the conclusion that this goddess of the Sumerians is the wife of Satan.

As legend has it, King Solomon was able to trap 72 demons in a jar and seal it with his ring. When the Babylonian priests released the prisoners, they were forced to create as many small sagils as possible to overcome the forces of evil. There is a version in which Astaroth - a symbol is similar to the Egyptian Ankh, which means:

1. A pentagram with points is where energy flows from all the power places on earth.
2. The points are located along the five roads.
3. Vertical bars are columns of force.
4. The sign is used for growth, the energy comes from below.

## **performance**

All the secrets of mankind are in his power, and he is able to open them. He knows everything about everyone. He knows the reason for the rebellion in heaven. He patronizes those who seek the truth. As a demon, he is called the culprit of various epidemics. In addition, exorcists consider him a frequent culprit in the obsession of people. According to legend, he moved into nuns, organized riots in monasteries. Together with Asmodeus, Astaroth allegedly called on the mistress of Louis the fourteenth to sacrifice a baby to him.

## Fall from heaven

He wanted to share knowledge with mankind, taught them secret truths, for this he brought down the wrath of the Lord upon himself. It can be compared with Prometheus, who, wishing to help people, was severely punished for this.

## **scientific classifications**

* **Physical Description**: A handsome young and lithe man with angel wings. riding a dragon in his hand, looking like a wolf or a dog but with a trailing tail.
* **Personality**: The Grand Duke. Chief Treasurer of Hell. The Lord of Transmutations. Patron of the Sun. part of evil trinity (beelzebub and Lucifer)
* **type/class**: archdevil.
* **Domain**: Hell
* **Alignment**: evil
* **Symbolism**: lazy.
* **enemy**: angels and holy trinity (god the son/god the father/god the holy spirit)
* **special: powers:** vast demonic powers, magic, possession.