Astaroth

**Astaroth**, formerly known as **Esther**, is a Crowned Prince and Great Duke of Hell.

## Astaroth

### Aliases

Ashtaroth, Astarot, Asteroth, Astarte, Ishtar, Esther (Formerly), Diabolus, Great Duke of Hell, Prince of Accusers and Inquisitors, Demonized Deity (Mistakenly), Patron of Battles and Engagements, Eater of Souls, Father of the Executioners One of the Incarnations of Death, Descendant of Ishtar

## Physical Description

### Spirit of

Laziness, Self-Doubt, Rationalized Philosophies, Accusations, Battles, Engagements, Death, Execution, Inquisitions

## Overview

Astaroth is also the twenty-ninth spirit listed in the Ars Goetia. He is an exceptionally powerful Duke of Hell assisted by four demons: Aamon, Barbatos, Rashaverak and Pruflas.

Astaroth is one of the highest-ranking demons, a Duke of Hell. The strongest of them all. He is the patron of battles and engagements, eater of souls, the Father of the executioners. Astaroth is also said to be one of the incarnations of death.

According to Judaic lore, he was a high-ranking Angel, either one of the seraphim or a prince of thrones, prior to his fall. Astaroth is a grand duke and treasurer of Hell and commands 40 Legions of Demons.

Astaroth is perhaps one of the lesser threats to humanity so far as physical danger is concerned, though it appears that he is fond of manipulation and corruption that is intellectual in nature.

When he was an Angel, he was a former prince of the Thrones. Astaroth also features as an archdemon associated with the qliphoth (adverse forces) according to later Kabbalistic texts.

Once this demon appears his summoner should not stand too close, as Astaroth gives off a deadly stench. He willingly answers all questions regarding the past, present, and future and will give up easily any secrets that he knows.

## Appearance

He is depicted as a naked man with a dragon's hands, feet and wings, a secondary pair of angel's wings, wearing a crown, holding a serpent and riding a wolf. Although he is also portrayed as a woman riding a serpentine bat-like beast.

Texts that describe Astaroth depict him as a wretched angel. Other accounts mention Astaroth having horned wings and often note the gloomy nature of the being.

He also appears as a serpent with a colored tail, two small feet, a chestnut neck, and spines similar to a hedgehog that can grow up to a finger’s length

## Personality

He also developed an immense hatred for his fellow demon Leviathan, who returned this feeling likewise. It needed both Satan and Lucifer to keep the two from starting a civil war within Hell.

Astaroth is also known to be a great mentor to turn to if in need of assistance – especially if that assistance is needed to make important political or business connections. According to many legends, Astaroth serves as a council to both humans and demons – though he seems to have a preference towards human affairs. This is possibly because Astaroth seems to have a conscience when it comes to giving advice and does not want his wisdom to be associated with evil or ill intent.

Interestingly enough, although Astaroth is considered to be part of the evil trinity, he is only willing to give power to those who seek his help in order to accomplish good deeds. It is said that if anyone attempts to summon him for ill intentions, he will refuse to give them assistance. Additionally, many people claim that Astaroth will only appear to those who see him as the goddess Astarte. Anyone who doesn’t recognize her a goddess and tries to summon Astaroth in demon form is usually ignored, though there are a small amount of success stories.

Astaroth enjoys talking at length about the creation of the world, the Fall, and the faults of demons, taking great care to point out how he is being punished unjustly.

When conjured in magical rites, which must be performed on Wednesday nights between 10:00 and 11:00, he will give true answers to questions about the past, present, and future. He discovers secrets and is skilled in liberal sciences. He encourages slothfulness and laziness.

## History

### Fall from Heaven

He was on Lucifer's side during the War in Heaven, and was cast down to Hell alongside all other rebel-angels. He was present at Pandemonium during Lucifer's Rally, officially declaring himself as an enemy of God forever.

It's said that after Lucifer conquered Hell but before the Seven Princes of Hell came to be, there was an evil trinity between Lucifer, Beelzebub and Astaroth.

### Modern times

The Demon was said to instigate cases of Demonic Possession, most notably that of the Loudun nuns in France in the 16th century. The nuns accused a priest, Father Urbain Grandier, of causing their possession. At Grandier’s trial, a handwritten “confession” of his was produced detailing his Pact with the Devil, witnessed and signed by Astaroth and several other Demons.