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Classification of demons
There have been various demonologies (classifications
of demons) in Christian demonology and classical
occultism and Renaissance magic. Classification
systems are based on the nature of the demon, the sin
with which they tempt people, the month in which their
power was strongest, the saints that were their
adversaries, or other characteristics.
Classification by domain
It can be noted that according to each author listed
below, the domain of each demon is very different
(with the exception of Francesco Maria Guazzo, who
seem to have copied Michael Psellus with little
difference). It can also be seen that each author chooses
and classifies demons differently.
Demons of fate
Goblins
Incubi and succubi
Wandering groups or armies of demons
Familiars
Drudes
Cambions and other demons that are born from the union of a demon with a human being.
Classification of demons
This classification is somewhat capricious and it is difficult to find a criterion for it. It seems that Spina was inspired
by several legends and stories. The drudes belong to German folklore. Familiars, goblins, and other mischievous
demons belong to the folklore of most European countries.
The belief in incubi and succubae (and their ability to procreate) seem to have inspired the seventh category, but it
could also have been inspired in the Talmudic legend of demons having sexual intercourse with mortal women (see
also Mastema).
The visions of tempting demons that some early (and not too early) saints had, perhaps inspired the ninth category
(e.g. the visions of Anthony the Great).
The idea of old women attending Sabbaths was common during the European Middle Age and Renaissance, and
Spina mentioned it before the Malleus Maleficarum.
Mammon: greed
Asmodeus: lust
Leviathan: envy
Beelzebub: gluttony
Satan: wrath
Belphegor: sloth[4]
Classification of demons
Second hierarchy
The second hierarchy includes Powers, Dominions, and Virtues.
Carreau was a prince of Powers. He tempts men with hardness of heart and is opposed by St.s Vincent and
Vincent Ferrer
Carnivean was also a prince of Powers. He tempts men to obscenity and shamelessness, and is opposed by John
the Evangelist.
Oeillet was a prince of Dominions. He tempts men to break the vow of poverty and is opposed by St. Martin.
Rosier was the second in the order of Dominions. He tempts men against sexual purity and is opposed by St.
Basil.
Belias was the prince of Virtues. He tempts men with arrogance and women to be vain, raise their children as
wantons, and gossip during mass. He is opposed by St. Francis de Paul.
Third hierarchy
The third hierarchy includes Principalities, Archangels, and Angels.
Olivier was the prince of the Archangels. He tempts men with cruelty and mercilessness toward the poor and is
opposed by St. Lawrence.
Luvart was prince of Angels. At the time of Michaelis's writing, Iuvart was believed to be in the body of a Sister
Madeleine.[6]
Beelzebub: idolators
Pythius: liars and liar spirits
Belial: vessels of iniquity and inventors of evil things
Asmodeus: vile revenges
Satan: witches and warlocks
Merihem: pestilences and spirits that cause pestilences
Abaddon: powers of war and devastation
Astaroth: inquisitors and accusers
Mammon: tempters and ensnarers[7]
Classification by month
During the 16th century, it was believed that each demon had more strength to accomplish his mission during a
special month of the year. In this way, he and his assistants' powers would work better during that month.
Belial in January
Leviathan in February
Satan in March
Belphegor in April
Lucifer in May
Berith in June
Beelzebub in July
Astaroth in August
Thammuz in September
Baal in October
Classification of demons
Asmodai in November
Moloch in December
The classification of demons by month seems to have astrological implications more than religious ones.
Classification by office
There were also classifications by office, like those written in several grimoires.
Pseudomonarchia Daemonum
Pseudomonarchia Daemonum, by Johann Weyer, is a grimoire that contains a list of demons and the appropriate
hours and rituals to conjure them in the name of God, Jesus and the Holy Ghost (simpler than those cited by The
Lesser Key of Solomon below).
This book was written around 1583, and lists sixty-eight demons. The demons Vassago, Seir, Dantalion and
Andromalius are not listed in this book. Pseudomonarchia Daemonum does not attribute seals to the demons.[9]
Classification of demons
Dictionnaire Infernal
The Dictionnaire Infernal (English: Infernal Dictionary) is a book on demonology, organised in hellish hierarchies.
It was written by Jacques Auguste Simon Collin de Plancy and first published in 1818. There were several editions
of the book, but perhaps the most famous is the edition of 1863, in which sixty-nine illustrations were added to the
book. These illustrations are drawings which depict the descriptions of the appearance of a number of demons. Many
of these images were later used in S. L. MacGregor Mathers's edition of The Lesser Key of Solomon though some of
the images were removed.
The book was first published in 1818 and then divided into two volumes, with six reprints and many changes
between 1818 and 1863. This book attempts to provide an account of all the knowledge concerning superstitions and
demonology.
References
[1] "The Testament of Solomon" (http:/ / www. esotericarchives. com/ solomon/ testamen. htm), trans. F. C. Conybeare, Jewish Quarterly
Review, October, 1898]
[2] Conybeare, F.C. The Testament of Solomon, The Jewish Quarterly Review, Vol. 11, No. 1, (October ,1898)
[3] De operatione daemonum. Tr. Marcus Collisson. Sydney 1843. Full online text (http:/ / www. esotericarchives. com/ psellos/ daemonibus.
pdf), p.42-43
[4] Encyclopedia of Demons and Demonology, By Rosemary Guiley, p. 28-29, Facts on File, 2009.
[5] les demons estans interrogez respondirent qu'ils estoient trois au corps de Louyse, y estans par le moyen d'vn malefice, & que le premier
d'eux se nommoit Verrine, l'autre Gresil, & le dernier Sonneillon, & que tous estoient du troisiesme ordre, sauoir au rang des Throsnes.
(Histoire admirable de la possession et conversion d'vne penitente [] exorcisee [] soubs l'authorit du R.P. F. SEBASTIEN MICHAELIS []
Edition troisiesme & derniere. Paris, Chastellain, 1614, page 3. From Michaelis's work, available on BNF: online text from Gallica (http:/ /
gallica. bnf. fr/ ark:/ 12148/ bpt6k83485n)
[6] "The Encyclopedia of Witchcraft and Demonology." Rossell Hope Robbins (1912). Bonanza Books. New York. 1959. 1981 Edition.
[8] A.E. Waite's "Book of Ceremonial Magic," p.97 (http:/ / www. sacred-texts. com/ grim/ bcm/ bcm20. htm#page_97) and p.109 (http:/ / www.
sacred-texts. com/ grim/ bcm/ bcm23. htm#page_109)
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