Astaroth, Beelzebub, and Lucifer: The Supreme Demons of Hell скачать в хорошем качестве

Astaroth, Beelzebub, and Lucifer: The Supreme Demons of Hell

Astaroth, also spelled Ashtaroth, is a powerful male demon believed to have originated from Astarte (Ashtoreth), the ancient Phoenician mother goddess of fertility. In demonology and Judaic lore, Astaroth is described as a fallen angel who held a high-ranking angelic position before his descent; he is often considered to have been either a seraph or a prince of thrones. Within the hierarchy of Hell, he is known as a grand duke and serves as its treasurer, commanding 40 legions of demons. Astaroth is frequently listed alongside Lucifer and Beelzebub as one of the three principal demons in the Grimoire Verum and the Grand Grimoire, dating back to the 18th century. In the Lemegeton, or the Lesser Key of Solomon, Astaroth can manifest as either a beautiful or a grotesque angel, depicted riding a dragon and wielding a viper. Notably, his presence is accompanied by an overwhelming stench, necessitating the use of a magical ring for protection against his foul breath during rituals. He is renowned for teaching all forms of science, revealing secrets of the past, present, and future, and is frequently invoked in necromantic divination. Astaroth is especially responsive to conjuring on Wednesday nights between 10:00 and 11:00, offering truthful answers to questions concerning time and hidden knowledge. He is also said to incite sloth and laziness in humans. Historically, Astaroth has been linked to infamous cases of demonic possession, such as the Loudun possessions in 16th-century France, where nuns claimed a priest, Father Urbain Grandier, was responsible for their possession. A "confession" from Grandier at his trial allegedly revealed a pact with the Devil, reportedly signed by Astaroth and several other demons. In conversation, Astaroth is known to speak about Creation, the Fall, and the perceived injustices suffered by fallen angels, expressing a belief that his punishment was unfair and a hope for eventual redemption. He can, however, be banished or subdued by invoking the aid of St. Bartholomew.