The Ars Goetia is the first section of the Lemegeton or Lesser Key of Solomon, an early modern English compilation of ceremonial magic. It is famous for a catalogue of seventy-two spirits, each described by name, rank, appearance, abilities, and a seal or character. In modern occultism the term “Goetia” is often used loosely for demon-summoning or work with these spirits, but historically the Ars Goetia…
Azazel is a figure associated with the Day of Atonement in Leviticus, a rebellious Watcher in 1 Enoch, and a demonological and occult figure in later traditions. This article traces the development of Azazel from ancient Jewish texts through later demonology and modern Satanic interpretations.
Ceremonial magic uses formally organized ritual actions. Its historical systems combine preparation, symbols, instruments, and accounts of spiritual authority in different ways.
Polytheism involves belief in multiple deities. The existence of several gods does not by itself settle their relationships, moral authority, or the forms of devotion directed toward them.
A founder and major author of the Temple of Set, associated with the modern Setian interpretation of Xeper.
The temptation of Jesus is an encounter with Satan in the wilderness narrated by Matthew, Mark, and Luke. Its differing forms connect hunger, divine sonship, scriptural argument, worldly rule, and worship.
The different holiday calendars published by the Church of Satan and The Satanic Temple, with dates and organizational meanings.
A school of the Western mysteries associated with Paul Foster Case, Ann Davies, Tarot, and Qabalistic study.
A nineteenth-century French occult author associated with ceremonial symbolism and the influential image of Baphomet.
The author and religious figure associated with Thelema, The Book of the Law, and a large body of magical instruction.
Tarot developed as playing cards before becoming an influential tool of occult interpretation. The history of the cards differs from later claims about their hidden origins.
Invocation and evocation are terms used for related but differently framed religious or magical actions. Their definitions vary between authors and practice systems.
Milton’s Paradise Lost gives Satan an influential literary characterization. His persuasive speeches must be read alongside the narrator’s account and the consequences of his actions.
A Goetic prince portrayed with a leopard head and griffin wings, whose stated office concerns desire.
A Goetic duke depicted as a red-clad soldier whose entry concerns attraction and fertility.
Traditions associated with the rose and cross, the early modern Rosicrucian manifestos, and later initiatory societies.
A grimoire with a hierarchy centered on Lucifer, Beelzebub, and Astaroth, followed by spirit operations and practical recipes.
A divinatory or visionary practice involving a reflective surface, crystal, or other focus for reported images and messages.
Religious syncretism concerns the combination of ideas, figures, and practices from different traditions. Similarity of names or imagery alone does not establish identity or historical continuity.