What is/are the nature(s) of the Demons/Infernal S Options

I think this would be an interesting discussion for magicians to discuss what they believe the nature of demons is. I think that this would be related to how we work with the so-called infernal spirits.

In Demonolatry(as practiced by the late First Temple of Demonolatry, discussed on the former site Tezrian's Vault, the book Modern Demonolatry, etc.), there is a difference between evoking a demon and invoking a demon. We believe that the so-called demons of today(related to the Judeo-Christian systems) were actually gods and goddesses of pre-Christian religions. The goddess Astarte is now Ashtaroth. The demon Belial is related to Baal, etc. We therefore do not evoke the demons. To evoke is usually to summon or call without, usually into a triangle or mirror or other method. To invoke is to call within the circle, sometimes within oneself. By using set invocations in the Daemonic Language, we can invoke the demons for various purposes, experiencing their energies. There is no need to evoke them, and we see this as a disrespectful way to treat gods.

Now, many wonder, if you shouldn't evoke demons, then when a mage successfully evokes Vassago or another demon from the Goetia, who is it that they call? Many Demonolators believe that these are actually god-forms that have gained power throughout the years that the Goetia has been in use. This is a perfectly fine thing to think, as many magicians know that god-forms are powerful(the Necronomicon comes to mind). Also, some believe that the Christian God is a god-form that has power, though that's subject to debate. Some Demonolators also believe that the demons ARE actually answering, b/c they've gotten used to this method of contact, though it isn't what they desire. However, it usually is the case that the Lucifer Demonolators experience is different from the Lucifer that various mages summon. Therefore, it seems as if we are truly working with different demons.

Anyone else have thoughts on this? What is the nature of the Demons?

I believe in two types of daimons- eudaimons and cacodaimons. I refere to the "good" ones as Daimons and the "bad" ones as demons. Daimons are knowledgeable spirits I think whom have lost their humanity or being for the sake of knowledge or power. While Eudaimons are not evil, nor do they wish any specific harm on mankind they are not pets who will come when called. Each has a specific identity or thought form, that in reality may just be an inherant part of the human pysche. They have specific names and powers. Ranks, in my mind, are symbolic but represent catagorizing the nature of daimons. The nature of any evocable thought form is the the limmitation of is usefulness. The lowest ones have a limmited, simplistic nature. They can not evolve easily or learn new things. They have specific tasks and are the easiest to summon. The greater the entity the harder it is summon, let alone control and banish. But the more it can do for the summoner. Another aspect of orders/ranks is a means of setting a mind frame for the summoner. The greater the spirit the more respect and humilty should be shown. Not just a mask but honest intent. Eudaimons, if true will tell their true name to the summoner. If it refuses than it is probably not the real entity and must be banished.

The latter, cacodaimons, I think are destructive and perverted spirits. They consist of energy that is destructive and abysmal. In order to sustain their pressance on the mandane they most manipulate other beings to sap them of their energy. Spiteful towards humans for having their place in existance. They are not stupid nor are they anything like demons from video games and tv. A real demon of this nature is one that will inspire shear terror just by being in its presances. They are cold to touch, smell bad, have bad tempers and are cruel. They may try to pose as a eudaimon, or even another spirit like a dead relative or some other being that a person may be willing to accept, to get access to one's ritual circle and poison or twist one's mind and afflict them with with any range of negativity. This can manifest as anything from nightmares, maddness, illness up to and including out right possession. If you are in the presance of a demon you know it because the area just seems "bad" or unpleasant. You may encounter the other aspects as well and also poltergiest activity. The few I've encountered made my hair stand on end, before I even realized what it was I was already afraid. And fear is what they are trying to get out of you. I see no real useful reason to rank these demons because they have no real use. Except to perhaps to banish them.

This post has been edited by Acid09: Jun 23 2005, 02:01 PM