Who Is Alloces in Ars Goetia? The Lion-Faced Duke of Hell

Alloces (also spelled Alloca, Alocas, or Alocas) is a formidable Great Duke of Hell, as documented in various grimoires of Western European esoteric tradition, most notably the Lesser Key of Solomon (or Lemegeton). He is recorded as commanding thirty-six legions of demons.

Alloces is depicted as a powerful entity focused on disseminating secret knowledge, particularly in astronomy and the liberal sciences, and is also noted for fostering a favorable social reputation for the summoner.

He is often depicted as a powerful and intimidating warrior figure. Typically, he appears as a soldier or knight riding a large horse, with a lion-like face, bright, fierce eyes, and a booming voice. As a Duke in the realm of demons, he holds a high rank. He has considerable power, allowing him to lead and command other spirits beneath him.

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Key Takeaways

Attribute	Details
Name	Alloces, Alloca, Alocas, Allocer
Title	Great Duke of Hell
Gender	Male
Origin	Christian Demonology, Western Esotericism (Solomonic tradition)
Appearance	A soldier or knight riding a great horse; face like a lion, red-faced and with fiery eyes; speaks with a great and hoarse voice
Hierarchy	Duke, commanding thirty-six legions of spirits
Superior Demon	Likely one of the superior Kings or Emperors of Hell (e.g., Lucifer, Beelzebub, Astaroth, Bael)
Servitors	Thirty-six legions of lesser spirits
Associated Figures	King Solomon (traditionally the figure who bound all Goetic spirits)
Powers	Teaches astronomy and all liberal sciences; can procure good friends for the summoner; can grant knowledge of hidden secrets
Weaknesses	Vulnerable to divine will; commanded by the authority of God; must obey a duly consecrated magician protected by the divine name and appropriate Solomonic seals
Opposing Angel/Saint	Likely the Archangel Sandalphon or Haniel, based on Kabbalistic correspondence; general opposition by all Archangels and the Christian Trinity
Equipment/Tools	A great horse for riding
Pantheon	Christian Demonology (Goetia)
Notable Myths	Listed in the Ars Goetia (part of the Lesser Key of Solomon) as the 52nd spirit.

Etymology

The etymology of the name Alloces is uncertain and obscure. Like many of the names of the seventy-two spirits listed in the Lesser Key of Solomon, it is likely a corruption or an adaptation of an older, non-European, or non-Aramaic word, or perhaps a derivation from a less-known European language or a deliberate occult construction designed to possess power in itself.

One popular idea is that the name in question may have changed over time or been misunderstood, leading to the version we have today. Some names from a famous book about demons are believed to come from ancient languages like Hebrew or Aramaic, or possibly from lesser-known gods or spirits that later came to be viewed as demons in certain belief systems.

However, a clear, direct root meaning in Hebrew, Aramaic, Greek, or Latin for Alloces is not established. It does not appear to directly translate to a quality or attribute, such as Asmodeus (Destroying Angel) or Belial (Worthless), but rather functions purely as a proper name.

There’s another possibility that the name was intentionally created by medieval or Renaissance occultists. These individuals wrote grimoires, or books of magic. These practitioners often used specialized techniques to transform words and create names with particular significance or power. In this context, Alloces might not have a clear meaning based on everyday language, but rather a special meaning tied to magic.

Variation in spelling, such as Alloca or Allocer, further complicates the linguistic origin, suggesting that the name was primarily transmitted through manuscript copies, where scribal errors and regional phonetic variations were common.

What Does the Demon Alloces Look Like?

Alloces is consistently described in the grimoires, specifically in the Ars Goetia, as possessing a grotesque, martial appearance. He manifests as a Great Duke, typically appearing as a soldier or valiant knight (sometimes specified as a horseman or warrior).

One of the most noticeable and unique aspects is his head and face. He is often described as having a lion-like face, sometimes said to be red or flushed. This lion-like appearance is combined with unsettling eyes. Many stories describe his eyes as fiery, as if they burn with a strong, intense light.

Alloces is typically shown mounted on a great horse (or sometimes a monstrous horse), signifying his rank and his ability to travel swiftly. The general image is one of a figure of war and power, reflecting his title as a Duke who commands many legions.

The way he speaks is an important part of how he looks and the impression he gives. He has a deep and rough voice that carries a lot of power. This strong, gravelly sound adds to his scary personality and shows he has control over the spirits he commands. With his lion-like face, intense eyes, and loud, commanding voice, Alloces stands out as one of the most intimidating and authoritative spirits in the Goetia.

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Historical and Mythological Background

The historical and mythological background of Alloces is almost exclusively confined to the Solomonic grimoires, particularly the Lesser Key of Solomon.

Unlike some other demonic entities with roots in ancient mythologies or religious texts (such as Beelzebub or Astaroth), Alloces does not appear in the canonical texts of Judaism or Christianity, nor is he attested in pre-Christian mythologies. His existence is a construct of Western European occultism from the late Middle Ages and the Renaissance period.

Alloces in the Ars Goetia

The primary source for all information regarding Alloces is the first book of the Lesser Key of Solomon, known as the Ars Goetia (or The Art of Goetia).

Alloces is known as the fifty-second spirit among the seventy-two demons, and is said to have been captured and sealed away by King Solomon in a special container. The story behind these spirits comes from the Ars Goetia, which presents them not as original gods but as beings brought under control by King Solomon’s wisdom and the power God gave him. With the right rituals and symbols, a skilled magician can summon and command these spirits.

Alloces’ specific role in the Solomonic lore is strictly functional: he is a source of esoteric and academic knowledge and a figure of martial command within the infernal structure. The text provides his detailed appearance, rank, the number of legions under his command, and his specific powers.

Mentions in Johann Weyer’s Pseudomonarchia Daemonum

Alloces also appears in the Pseudomonarchia Daemonum (False Monarchy of Demons), a catalog of demons published as an appendix to the 1563 edition of Johann Weyer’s De praestigiis daemonum (On the Illusions of the Demons).

Weyer’s list is one of the earliest known attempts to systematically catalog the infernal hierarchy, and it served as a primary source for the later Ars Goetia. In Weyer’s system, the spirit is listed as Allocer or Alloca. The description of his appearance, rank as a Duke, and his specific powers—teaching astronomy and the liberal sciences—are largely consistent with the later Ars Goetia.

Historical Mentions

Text/Grimoire	Year	Excerpt
Pseudomonarchia Daemonum (Appendix to Weyer’s De praestigiis daemonum)	1563 CE	”Allocer, a strong duke, appearth in the shape of a souldier, riding on a great horse, he hath a lions face, verie fierie, he speaketh verie hoarsely, he perfectlie teacheth astronomie, and all the liberall sciences, he procureth also good freends, and hath under him thirtie six legions.“
Lesser Key of Solomon (or Lemegeton) – Ars Goetia	17th Century CE (compiled)	“The Fifty-second Spirit is Alloces, or Allocer. He is a Great Duke, Strong, and Mighty, appearing in the Form of a Soldier, riding upon a Great Horse. His Face is like a Lion’s, very Red and Fiery. He speaketh with a great Voice, hoarse and very big. His Office is to Teach Astronomy, and all the Liberal Sciences. He also bringeth forth Good Servants, and commandeth 36 Legions of Spirits.”
Dictionnaire Infernal	1818 CE	“Allocer, grand duc de l’empire infernal. Il se montre en chevalier, la tête de lion, très rouge, avec des yeux flamboyants.”

Alloces’ Powers and Abilities

The powers attributed to Alloces are focused on the intersection of esoteric knowledge and social influence. He is primarily seen as a teacher and an agent of status.

His most important skill is his deep understanding of astronomy and the liberal arts. During the Renaissance, people believed that astronomy was closely linked to astrology, which was considered essential for understanding fate, predicting the future, and determining the best times to perform rituals.

The liberal arts included subjects like math, geometry, music, and persuasive speaking, making Alloces a bridge to higher learning and intellectual success. However, the Church viewed this kind of knowledge as potentially dangerous because it often challenged established religious teachings and was thought to involve dark, supernatural influences.

Alloces also possesses the power to procure good friends or servants for the summoner. This power can be interpreted as a form of social engineering or charismatic influence. By granting the summoner a favorable social circle, a network of powerful associates, or loyal retainers, Alloces directly aids the summoner’s material advancement and worldly authority, tempting the individual away from reliance on divine Providence.

His powers, while seemingly academic and social, are corrupted by offering a shortcut to forbidden knowledge and earthly power. The magician is tempted to exchange his spiritual purity for intellectual and material gains, acquiring secrets and status through a non-sanctioned, infernal route.

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Powers and Abilities Breakdown

Power/Ability	Description	Source	How It Tempts/Corrupts Humans
Teaching Astronomy	Imparts a profound and complete knowledge of the stars, their movements, and their occult influence.	Ars Goetia, Pseudomonarchia Daemonum	Tempts with cosmic insight and divination (Astrology), offering power to foresee fate and control life events outside of God’s plan.
Teaching Liberal Sciences	Confers mastery over the liberal arts (e.g., rhetoric, geometry, mathematics).	Ars Goetia, Pseudomonarchia Daemonum	Tempts with intellectual vanity and secular mastery, leading the individual to rely on human (or infernal) reason over divine revelation.
Procuring Good Friends/Servants	Grants the ability to attract or command loyal allies, followers, or useful servants.	Ars Goetia, Pseudomonarchia Daemonum	Corrupts by offering worldly ambition and social power, fostering reliance on personal influence and network rather than humility and virtue.
Knowledge of Secrets	Implies the ability to know things hidden from the common man, including the secrets of others or hidden objects.	General Demonic Trope	Tempts with omniscience and control, enabling manipulation and the satisfaction of curiosity through illicit means.

How to Counter Alloces’ Powers

Countering the powers of a Goetic spirit like Alloces is primarily rooted in the proper execution of Solomonic magic and the invocation of divine protection. Since Alloces’ power comes from his ability to impart knowledge and social favor, the countermeasure is a mix of spiritual fortitude and ritualistic defense:

• Divine Authority and Protection: To protect yourself from the demon’s influence and other Goetic demons, the most important tools are the Seal of Solomon (which includes the pentagram and hexagram) and the authority of God. The person doing the ritual must be spiritually clean and empowered by the divine name (Tetragrammaton) and the names of angels who have power over the spirit. By calling on God’s ultimate authority, the person can make the demon obey and lose its harmful influence.
• The Chain of Command: By invoking the names of powerful angels that have authority over Alloces, the person can create a hierarchy that forces the demon to be cooperative and truthful. However, any information obtained from a demon should be carefully verified, as they can be deceptive.
• Spiritual Fortitude: Alloces can tempt people with the promise of knowledge and status. To resist this temptation, it’s important to stay humble and remember that genuine wisdom and favor come from God, not from a demon. By refusing the easy path to knowledge and success that Alloces offers, you can avoid falling into his trap.

Alloces’ Role in the Hierarchy of Hell

Alloces holds the rank of a Great Duke (or simply Duke) within the structured hierarchy of Hell, as detailed in the Ars Goetia. This is a position of significant authority and military command.

In the traditional infernal hierarchy derived from the Lesser Key of Solomon, the ranks are generally ordered from highest to lowest as King, Duke, Prince, Marquis, Earl/Count, and Knight. As a Duke, Alloces is outranked by the nine Kings (Bael, Paimon, Belial, etc.) and by the single Emperor (Lucifer or a similar supreme entity). He is on par with other Dukes like Agares and Valefor, and he outranks the Marquises, Earls, and Knights.

The primary function of a Duke in the infernal military structure is to serve as a field commander and a territorial ruler. The grimoires explicitly state that Alloces commands thirty-six legions of spirits. This enormous number of subservient spirits solidifies his standing as a major military leader, indicating that he is capable of mobilizing vast infernal forces to execute his will or the will of a superior King or Prince.

His role as a purveyor of high knowledge (astronomy/liberal sciences) suggests a dual function: both military/administrative (as a Duke) and intellectual/magical (as a source of esoteric lore). This combination of martial and academic authority makes him a powerful and versatile entity for a summoner seeking both power and knowledge.

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Astrological Associations and Symbolism

As a Duke, Alloces is recognized for his mastery of knowledge, particularly in learning and intellect, which connects him to the element of Air, representing thought and communication. However, his role also ties him to the element of Water, which reflects his noble status.

In the astrological system, Alloces is usually connected to a specific range of degrees in the Zodiac, indicating that he is influenced by certain planets. Most commonly, he is associated with the sign of Sagittarius, known for its qualities of exploration and wisdom.

Astrological and Elemental Associations

Association	Detail
Zodiac Sign	Sagittarius
Decan	Second Decanate (approximately November 30 – December 9)
Governing Planet	Jupiter (by office) or Mars (by appearance)
Element	Water (traditionally associated with the rank of Duke) or Air
Metal	Tin (Jupiter) or Iron (Mars)
Number	52 (his place in the Goetic numbering)
Tarot Card	Possibly the Four of Swords (associated with truce and reflection)

Alloces’ Sigil

The Sigil of Alloces is a special symbol that serves as a unique signature for the spirit it represents. In the practices of the Solomonic tradition, this Sigil plays a crucial role in rituals. It acts as a key that summons the spirit and ensures it responds to the person performing the ritual.

Typically, the Sigil is created on materials like parchment or metal, often using tin, which is linked to the spirit’s rank. The design of the Sigil comes from intricate systems, like the Rose Cross Lamen, which help encode the name of the spirit geometrically.

By presenting this Sigil within the magic circle, the magician symbolically demonstrates his control over the spirit, as the Sigil represents the bond or “chain” that King Solomon used to bind the demon.

The Sigil’s importance is not merely symbolic; it is considered the physical representation of the spirit’s spiritual essence and command structure.

Associated Symbols and Offerings

Symbol/Item	Association/Meaning	Use in Rituals
Tin	Metal of Jupiter, the planet of wisdom and high learning; often the metal for Dukes.	Used for engraving or casting the demon’s Sigil to establish a binding link.
Blue/Purple Color	Colors associated with Jupiter and Sagittarius (higher learning and royalty).	Used for vestments or candles to attune the ritual space to the demon’s nature.
Strong Incense	To aid in visualization and the physical manifestation of a Duke.	Burned during the evocation to create a conducive atmosphere for manifestation.
Horse Iconography	Reflects his appearance as a soldier riding a great horse.	Can be a symbolic offering or focal point to attract the spirit’s attention.
Manuscripts/Books	Symbolizes his office as a teacher of liberal sciences and astronomy.	Placed in the ritual space to attune the intent to the acquisition of knowledge.

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Similar Demonic Entities

Alloces (a Duke who gives knowledge and social favor) can be compared to other Goetic demons who share the attributes of imparting occult knowledge, holding martial rank, or possessing a terrifying appearance:

Demon	Rank/Title	Key Powers	Appearance	Similarity to Alloces
Agares	Duke	Teaches languages, causes earthquakes, makes runaways return.	Old man riding a crocodile, carrying a goshawk.	Shared rank of Duke, provides specific knowledge.
Bune	Duke	Changes the place of the dead, makes men eloquent and wise, gives riches.	Three heads (dog, griffin, man), rides a dragon.	Shared rank of Duke, provides wisdom and eloquence (an associated liberal art).
Amdusias	Duke	Causes instruments to play invisibly, makes trees bend, gives loyal familiars.	Appears first as a Unicorn, but will change to human form.	Shared rank of Duke, though powers are more focused on music and nature.
Vepar	Duke	Governs the waters, guides ships, causes the sea to be stormy, inflicts wounds that rot.	Mermaid.	Shared rank of Duke, demonstrates the diversity of powers within this rank.
Bathin	Duke	Teaches the virtues of herbs and stones, transports men swiftly.	Strong man with a serpent’s tail, riding a pale horse.	Shared rank of Duke, appears mounted on a horse, gives knowledge of natural science.
Purson	King	Discovers hidden things, gives good servants, answers truly about all things on earth.	Lion-faced man riding a bear, carrying a viper.	Gives good servants (a similar power), but holds the superior rank of King.
Malphas	President	Builds houses/towers swiftly, throws down enemy structures, gives good familiars.	Crow.	Gives good servants (similar power), but holds the inferior rank of President.
Gremory	Duke/Marquis	Discovers all things past, present, and future, procures love of women, shows treasure.	Beautiful woman riding a camel.	Shared rank of Duke, but the focus is on prediction and affairs of the heart.

Conclusion

Alloces is a powerful and significant entity within the Solomonic tradition of demonology, classified as the Fifty-second spirit and holding the high rank of a Great Duke of Hell. His persona is defined by a striking martial appearance—a lion-faced soldier with fiery eyes riding a great horse—which highlights his command over thirty-six legions of lesser spirits.

His primary function is intellectual, serving as a demonic tutor who imparts forbidden knowledge in astronomy and the liberal sciences, offering a tempting path to secular wisdom and social advancement (by providing good friends).

As with all Goetic entities, his power is constrained by the Divine Name and the magician’s ritual authority, symbolized by his unique Sigil. Alloces remains a key figure in the study of grimoire-based occultism, representing the dangerous allure of non-sanctioned intellectual power and worldly command.