Andromalius in the Ars Goetia: The Great Earl of Hell

Andromalius is a powerful demon and the Seventy-second Spirit listed in the Ars Goetia, the first book of the Lesser Key of Solomon. He is typically described as a Great Earl within the infernal hierarchy, commanding thirty-six legions of spirits.

His dark traits center on exposing and punishing sin and deceit. Interestingly, according to lore, the demon is typically invoked to bring back stolen goods and to bring the thief to justice. This bizarre “trait” makes him a unique demonic entity focused on recovering material possessions and exposing wickedness.

---

---

Key Takeaways

Attribute	Details
Name	Andromalius, Andro-malius
Title	Great Earl, Seventy-second Spirit
Gender	Male
Origin	Fallen Angel, as listed in the Ars Goetia
Appearance	A man holding a great serpent in his hand
Hierarchy	Earl (sometimes cited as a Duke in older texts)
Superior Demon	Generally subordinate to the four Crowned Princes of Hell (e.g., Lucifer, Satan) in the larger hierarchy of the Goetia
Servitors	Thirty-six legions of lesser spirits
Associated Figures	King Solomon (who traditionally bound the Goetic spirits)
Powers	Recovers stolen goods, punishes thieves, uncovers all wickedness and underhanded dealings, reveals hidden treasures
Weaknesses	Subservient to the will of the conjurer when compelled by the power of God or divine authority, susceptible to the proper use of his sigil and Solomon’s Ring
Opposing Angel/Saint	Not explicitly named, but generally opposed by the power of God and the Angels of the Shemhamphorasch
Equipment/Tools	A great serpent held in his hand
Pantheon	Christian Demonology, Solomonic Tradition (Goetia)
Notable Myths	Primarily cataloged in the Ars Goetia, which details his powers and rank as the final spirit

Etymology

The name Andromalius likely derives from a combination of Greek and Latin roots. However, its precise etymology is debated among occult researchers. The first element, Andro-, comes from the Ancient Greek root ἀνήρ (anēr), meaning “man” or “male.” This element is common in words related to humanity or manliness.

The second part, -malius, is less clear but may relate to the Latin word malus, meaning “bad,” “evil,” or “wicked.” If this is the case, the name could be interpreted to mean something along the lines of “Man of Evil” or, given his powers, perhaps more appropriately, “Man against Wickedness” or “The Man who Punishes Evil.”

On the other hand, the name might be a distorted (or coded) form intended to cover the demon’s true nature or to possess ritualistic significance within the Solomonic tradition. The name’s structure strongly implies a connection to the Classical world, consistent with the blend of Hebrew, Greek, and Latin influences found throughout the Lesser Key of Solomon and associated grimoire.

What Does the Demon Andromalius Look Like?

The demon’s appearance is consistently and specifically detailed across the foundational texts of the Solomonic tradition, particularly the Ars Goetia. He is said to appear in the form of a man and is usually depicted in a powerful, imposing manner.

His most distinctive and essential attribute is the object he holds: a great serpent clutched firmly in his hand.

The serpent is an essential iconographic detail that symbolizes his unique function. In this context, the serpent represents subtlety, hidden knowledge, and the ability to detect deceit, which directly correlates with his power to uncover wickedness and thieves.

The texts do not provide extensive detail about his clothing, stature, or other features, keeping the focus primarily on the man-like form and the symbolic serpent. This simple, strong imagery—a man holding a great serpent—communicates his authority over the forces of trickery and his ability to root out the hidden, making him a figure of rough, investigative power within the infernal world.

---

---

Historical and Mythological Background

Unlike some demons that have origins in ancient myths and legends, Andromalius was specifically “created” within the context of late medieval and Renaissance magic practices.

Andromalius in the Ars Goetia

Andromalius has a significant position in the Ars Goetia, as he is the Seventy-second and final spirit listed among the seventy-two demons that King Solomon is said to have bound into a brass vessel. The text lists him as a Great Earl and specifies that he commands thirty-six legions of spirits.

His role, as described in the Ars Goetia, is primarily to correct injustices and seek fairness, which is quite unusual for a demonic figure. The text mentions that he’s responsible for returning stolen items, uncovering wrongdoings, and punishing thieves and wicked individuals. Additionally, he is believed to be able to find hidden treasures.

The account implies that King Solomon, through the power granted by God, was able to control these spirits, including Andromalius. That’s why, the conjurer—by using the correct rituals and divine names—can compel this demon to perform these actions, essentially turning the infernal Earl into an agent of a form of justice or retribution concerning material and moral transgressions.

Historical Mentions

“The Seventy-second Spirit is named Andromalius. He is an Earl, Great and Mighty, appearing in the Form of a Man holding a great Serpent in his hand. His Office is to bring back all stolen Goods, and to discover all Wickedness, and to deal with and punish all Thieves and Wicked People; and also to discover all Treasures that are concealed. He governeth 36 Legions of Spirits. His Seal is this, which wear thou as aforesaid.” [The Lesser Key of Solomon (Lemegeton Clavicula Salomonis), Ars Goetia]

“Andromalius, Dux Magnus & Potens, apparet in forma viri, serpentem magnum tenentis: reddit merces ablatas; detegit omnem nequitiam, & fures & sceleratos homines punit; invenit thesauros, qui sunt absconditi; habet sub se triginta sex legiones.” [Pseudomonarchia Daemonum (Appended to the Fifth Book of Weyer’s De Praestigiis Daemonum, 1563), Original Text (Latin)]

“Andromalius, a Great and Mighty Duke, appeareth in the form of a man holding a great serpent: he restoreth stolen goods; he discovereth all wickedness, and punisheth thieves and wicked people; he findeth treasures that are hid; he hath under him thirty-six legions.” [Pseudomonarchia Daemonum (Appended to the Fifth Book of Weyer’s De Praestigiis Daemonum, 1563), English translation]

Andromalius’s Powers and Abilities

Andromalius has a set of powers that are highly unusual for a Goetic demon, as they are primarily focused on retributive justice and the recovery of property, rather than general temptation or destruction. His abilities are largely based on his capacity to uncover hidden truths and exert authority over transgressors.

He uses his powers to directly interfere in mortal affairs by reversing acts of thievery and deceit. The temptation or corruption he offers is one of vengeance and easy justice; a mortal can compel a powerful demon to act as a private investigator and punisher, sidestepping mortal legal systems.

This promise of swift, supernatural retribution can corrupt a human by fostering a desire for total control over their enemies or for magical shortcuts to recover material loss.

Powers and Abilities Breakdown

Power/Ability	Description	Source (e.g., Grimoire)	How It Tempts/Corrupts Humans
Recovery of Stolen Goods	His primary power is to magically locate and physically compel the return of any item that has been stolen from the conjurer.	Ars Goetia	Tempts by offering a shortcut to material gain or recovery, bypassing moral or legal effort.
Punishment of Thieves	He has the authority to seek out, discover, and inflict punishment upon the individuals who committed the theft or carried out the wickedness.	Ars Goetia	Corrupts by encouraging the desire for personal, disproportionate vengeance using infernal power.
Discovery of Wickedness	He reveals all hidden deceit, underhanded dealings, and acts of moral transgression committed against the conjurer.	Ars Goetia	Tempts one to obsessively seek out and expose the flaws and sins of others for personal power.
Discovery of Hidden Treasures	He can reveal the location of concealed or buried treasures and fortunes.	Pseudomonarchia Daemonum	Tempts with the promise of unearned wealth and material power without labor.

---

---

How to Counter Andromalius’s Powers

To protect yourself from the potential negative influence of this demon, especially if you worry about theft or have experienced wrongdoing through magical practices, it’s important to focus on symbols of goodness, purity, and spiritual safety. Engaging with these objects and practices can help strengthen your sense of security and well-being.

The most potent counter to any Goetic demon is the invocation of a higher, divine authority, as the system itself posits that the demons were only bound by the power of God through King Solomon.

Holy Water (blessed by a priest) is a powerful tool due to its ability to protect and purify spaces or objects. It is frequently used to cleanse an area of negative energy or unwanted forces. Items linked to the divine (such as a crucifix or symbols representing sacred names) can also act as strong shields against evil spirits.

If you’re looking for personalized protection, an amulet or medal with the image of an archangel, such as Archangel Michael—who is known for fighting against evil—can also be helpful. Additionally, salt, especially when blessed, is commonly used to create protective boundaries, as it is considered a symbol of purity.

For those facing serious spiritual challenges, the best course of action is to seek help from a priest, shaman, or spiritual advisor. They can provide support through cleansing rituals or exorcisms to effectively deal with any lingering negative influences.

Andromalius’s Role in the Hierarchy of Hell

Andromalius is a Great Earl of Hell. This title suggests that he has significant authority, placing him above many other lesser demons. Some older writings even refer to him as a Duke, but the title of Earl is the most commonly accepted.

He is the last of the spirits listed in the Ars Goetia, which is quite meaningful. Being the final spirit in this collection symbolizes that he wraps up the roles of the seventy-two important demons who are expected to follow the commands of a magician using special tools.

His position suggests that Andromalius is responsible for resolving loose ends or addressing leftover issues. This aligns with his main abilities, which include helping to recover lost items and dealing with those who have done wrong.

As an Earl, Andromalius has control over thirty-six legions of spirits, showcasing the significant influence he has within the demon hierarchy.

He is, in the end, subordinate to the great Kings and Princes of Hell (like Lucifer, Belial, or Paimon) and, most importantly, is considered to be fully subject to the authority of the divine when compelled by a properly prepared conjurer.

Astrological Associations and Symbolism

As mentioned, the demon is known for his role in addressing wrongdoings and uncovering hidden truths. Because of that, his symbolism is closely related to themes of justice and revealing secrets. He is famous for returning stolen items and punishing wrongdoers, which reflects the idea of setting things right and restoring order.

In astrology, Andromalius is sometimes connected to Mars, a planet associated with action and conflict, which suits his role in delivering justice. He may also relate to Libra, a sign known for its focus on fairness and balance, or to Scorpio, which deals with hidden things and investigation.

The serpent he carries symbolizes wisdom and cunning, highlighting the skills needed to uncover deception and reveal what is concealed.

Astrological and Symbolic Associations

Association	Details
Zodiac Sign	Capricorn (Dec 22 – Jan 19) or Scorpio (Investigation)
Planet	Mars (Action and Force) or Saturn (Justice and Constraint)
Element	Earth (Materiality, as he deals with physical goods)
Metal	Iron (Associated with Mars and binding demons)
Stone/Crystal	Jasper (Protection and grounding), Black Tourmaline (Repulsion of negative energy)
Color	Black, Deep Red (For retribution and punishment)
Tarot Card	Justice or Strength
Number	36 (Legions commanded)

Andromalius’s Sigil

The sigil of Andromalius is a unique magical seal that serves as a visual and ritualistic representation of the demon’s essence and power. In the Solomonic tradition, specifically the Ars Goetia, the sigil is an absolute necessity for the successful and safe invocation and compulsion of the spirit.

The sigil is composed of specific lines, curves, and angles, which are not arbitrary but are believed to encode the name, nature, and rank of the demon. It serves as a focal point and a means of controlling the demon. The Ars Goetia instructs the conjurer to wear the sigil, typically engraved on a metal talisman, during the operation.

This practice is believed to grant the conjurer the necessary authority and protection to compel the Great Earl, guaranteeing that he performs his office—recovering stolen goods and punishing wrongdoers—without causing harm to the summoner.

Associated Symbols and Offerings

Symbol/Item	Association/Meaning	Use in Rituals
Serpent Image	Subtlety, hidden truth, wisdom, and deceit	Used as an altar image to focus the ritual on the discovery of hidden wickedness.
Iron Filings	Martial energy, strength, and the traditional material for binding demons	Placed within the ritual circle to compel obedience and add force to the punitive power.
Black Candles	Retribution, darkness, and the uncovering of the concealed	Burned to create a suitable atmosphere for an entity concerned with punishment and hidden things.
Copper	Associated with the Planet Venus, which is sometimes used as a grounding element	Used to inscribe the sigil if a less forceful metal than iron is desired.

---

---

Similar Demonic Entities

Demon Name	Gender	Primary Religion	Type / Class	Sphere of Influence	Weaknesses
Bune / Bime	Male	Goetia / Christian	Duke / Spirit	Wealth, dead, necromancy, hidden knowledge of the dead	Divine Names, the Solomonic Seal
Purson	Male	Goetia / Christian	King / Spirit	Hidden treasures, discovery of secrets, past, present, and future	Holy Authority, consecrated vestments
Mammon	Male / Androgynous	Christian	Demon / Spirit	Greed, material wealth, avarice, unrighteousness	Fasting, Prayer, Charitable Acts
Belial	Male	Judaism / Goetia	King / Spirit	Lies, worthlessness, sedition, wicked deals	Sacred Oath, God’s True Name
Aeshma (Ashmedai)	Male	Zoroastrianism	Daeva	Wrath, fury, vengeance, lust	Holy Incense, Divine Spells, Archangel Raphael
Pazuzu	Male	Mesopotamian	Demon / Spirit	Southwest wind, famine, plague, protection against other demons	Image of Lamashtu, magical amulets
Gremory	Female	Goetia / Christian	Duke / Spirit	Love of women, past, present, and future, finding hidden treasure	Solomonic Authority, the Triangle of Art
Murmur	Male	Goetia / Christian	Duke / Earl	Philosophy, Necromancy, commanding the souls of the deceased	Divine Compulsion, the Shemhamphorasch

Conclusion

Andromalius is a distinctive figure among the seventy-two spirits of the Ars Goetia, serving as the final demon and holding the unique office of the Great Earl, dedicated to investigative justice. His core functions—the recovery of stolen goods, the discovery of all wickedness, and the punishment of thieves—set him apart from the more generalized tempters and destroyers of the infernal catalog.

Appearing as a man holding a great serpent, his symbolism is entirely focused on the power to uncover and deal with deceit and hidden transgressions.

While a demon, his powers are instrumentalized to restore material order and enact retribution, making him a complex figure who can be compelled by the skilled conjurer to serve a form of dark, supernatural justice.