Astaroth

This article is about the goetic demon. For the album by the Jamie Saft Trio, see Astaroth: Book of Angels Volume 1. For the Soul series character, see Astaroth (Soulcalibur).

Not to be confused with Ashtoreth, Ataroth, Azathoth, or Azeroth (disambiguation).

Astaroth illustration from the Dictionnaire Infernal (1818)

Astaroth (also Ashtaroth, Astarot and Asteroth), in demonology, is the Great Duke of Hell, in the first hierarchy with Beelzebub and Lucifer; he is part of the evil trinity. He is a male figure named after the Mesopotamian goddess Ishtar.

Background

The name Astaroth was ultimately derived from that of 2nd millennium BC Phoenician goddess Astarte, an equivalent of the Babylonian Ishtar, and the earlier Sumerian Inanna. She is mentioned in the Hebrew Bible in the forms Ashtoreth (singular) and Ashtaroth (plural, in reference to multiple statues of her). This latter form was directly transliterated in the early Greek and Latin versions of the Bible, where it was less apparent that it had been a plural feminine in Hebrew.

The pseudepigraphal work Testament of Solomon, attributed to King Solomon of Israel, but thought to date to the early centuries AD, mentions "Asteraoth" (in Greek) as an angel, who is opposed to the demon of power. (cf. 1 Kings 11:4-5).

Appearances in literature

The name "Astaroth" as a male demon is first known from The Book of Abramelin, purportedly written in Hebrew ca. 1458, and recurred in most occult grimoires of the following centuries. Astaroth also features as an arch-demon associated with the qliphoth (adverse forces) according to later Kabbalistic texts.

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, and 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.

Astaroth's seal (according to The Lesser Key of Solomon)

According to some demonologists of the 16th century, August is the month during which this demon's attacks against man are stronger. According to Sebastien Michaelis, he is a demon of the 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.

According to Francis Barrett (c. 1801), Astaroth is the prince of accusers and 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.

Satanism

According to Joy of Satan Ministries (a Satanism organization), Astaroth is a beautiful female deity, part of a first hierarchy consisting of Satan/Lucifer, Beelzebub/Baal, and Azazel. Astaroth is Beelzebub's granddaughter. Her parents are Ningal and Nanna. Given that she was known as the Canaanite goddess Asherah (in ancient Satanic origins), it is believed she held the Sumerian title of Queen of Heaven before the Virgin Mary stole it from her. She has always been very popular, much loved and revered in locales where she was worshipped. Satanic High Priest Vovim Baghie gave his description of her:

"Astaroth appears with a very immense aura. It has a very soft blue color, not soft in terms of strength, but soft in a sense of beauty. Astaroth’s energy is invigorating and comforting; it is truly beautiful in every way. She has long Golden Hair; she is quite tall and is surrounded by a vibrant white-gold. I feel her most when I make the connection during the Invocation of the Four Ruling God Powers of Duat. She is always there to guide me when I feel lost or I am struggling. Her voice is very powerful, Astaroth is very caring, but she is very clear and concise when she is directing me. She helps me so much and I am so thankful to Her for everything."

Satanic High Priestess also described her:

Astaroth is very beautiful with light blonde hair. Though tall, she is delicately built. Astaroth's colors are red and blue. She sometimes appears with white wings with red and blue streaks in them. She often visits me and other JoS clergy on her own and is a friend and guide for us.

Astaroth in Satanism answers truly concerning past, present, and future She discovers all secrets, and is an excellent teacher of the liberal sciences. She causes one to have prophetic dreams and/or visions about the future and gives insight into the unknown. She also counsels humans who are close to Satan and actively working for him. She obtains friendship of those in power and represents luxury and ease.

See also

• Astaroth in popular culture
• Ishtar
• Astarte
• Asherah

Sources

• S. L. MacGregor Mathers, A. Crowley, The Goetia: The Lesser Key of Solomon the King (1904). 1995 reprint: ISBN 0-87728-847-X.