Andras in the Ars Goetia: The Great Marquis of Discord

Andras is the Sixty-third Spirit listed in the Ars Goetia, the first book of the grimoire The Lesser Key of Solomon. He is classified as a Great Marquis of the Infernal Hierarchy.

Andras is a distinctly dangerous and violent entity, renowned for his ability to sow discord and strife among individuals and groups. His primary function is to incite bloody quarrels and murder, often compelling masters to slay their servants or other attendants.

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Key Takeaways

Attribute	Details
Name	Andras
Title	Great Marquis of Hell
Gender	Male
Origin	Christian Demonology/Western Esotericism. First codified in the Goetic tradition of the 17th-century grimoire, The Lesser Key of Solomon.
Appearance	The body of an Angel with the head of a Black Night Raven (or Owl); rides a strong Black Wolf.
Hierarchy	Marquis (or Marquesse)
Superior Demon	Not explicitly listed in primary sources; subordinate to the highest Kings and Emperors of Hell.
Servitors	Thirty Legions of Spirits.
Associated Figures	King Solomon (who supposedly bound the 72 spirits); Flauros (suggested as a servant in some demonological texts).
Powers	Causes and sows discords and strife. Incites people to murder their masters or servants. Provokes rage and anger in others.
Weaknesses	The Exorcist must remain cautious and brave, and must not allow Andras to draw him out of the Magical Circle; vulnerable to the authority of the Divine Name and Godly power invoked by the exorcist.
Opposing Angel/Saint	The Kabbalistic Angel Anauel (or Anavel) is traditionally listed as his opponent.
Equipment/Tools	A Sharp and Bright Sword, which he flourishes aloft in his hand.
Pantheon	Goetic Demonology, Christian Demonology
Notable Myths	Primarily known through his description and office in The Lesser Key of Solomon and Johann Weyer’s Pseudomonarchia Daemonum.

Etymology

The etymological origin of the name Andras is not definitively established within the primary texts of demonology, which often provide names without transparent linguistic roots. Unlike some other Goetic names that can be traced to Hebrew or classical terms, the name doesn’t have a clear, direct parallel in ancient languages.

One speculative link relates the name to the Greek word andros (ἀνδρός), which is the genitive form of anēr (ἀνήρ), meaning man or male. While this may suggest an association with human conflict or warfare—given the demon’s office of inciting bloodshed—it is not confirmed as the historical basis for the demonic name.

Alternatively, the name might be a corruption or phonetic variant of an older, obscure entity’s name, transcribed during the compilation of grimoires like The Lesser Key of Solomon in the 17th century. It is also possible that Andras is an artificial or constructed name designed for the magical system of the Goetia, as many of the 72 spirits may have composite or invented names derived from older, less systematic demonic catalogues.

What Does the Demon Andras Look Like?

The physical description of Andras is consistently detailed across the principal sources of Goetic demonology, presenting a powerful composite image of both heavenly and predatory elements.

The demon appears in the form of an Angel with the distinct head of a black night raven. The raven or crow association suggests an ominous, nocturnal, and highly cunning presence, as these birds are often linked to bad omens and hidden knowledge in folklore.

This angelic body, combined with the raven’s head, creates a bizarre dichotomy, signifying a spirit that has fallen from a higher state yet retains the power of a former celestial being. In some later sources, the head may be described as that of an owl or a cat-owl, maintaining the theme of a nocturnal avian predator.

The demon is depicted as riding on a strong Black Wolf. The wolf further highlights his predatory and ferocious nature, serving as a beast of battle and the hunt.

In his hand, Andras holds a sharp and bright sword (or Saber), which he flourishes aloft. This sword is a direct symbol of his office: the deliberate and violent severing of relationships and the incitement of death and bloodshed.

Historical and Mythological Background

The primary historical and mythological background for this powerful demonic entity is ingrained almost entirely within the Western Esoteric tradition and the grimoire literature of the late Renaissance and early Modern periods.

Unlike major demons such as Lilith or Asmodeus, which appear in biblical or ancient Near Eastern texts, Andras does not appear to have an identity outside of the systematic lists of spirits compiled for use in ceremonial magic. His existence is defined by his inclusion in the Goetic catalogue.

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Andras in the Pseudomonarchia Daemonum

The earliest known documentation of the spirit is found in Johann Weyer’s 1563 work, Pseudomonarchia Daemonum (or False Monarchy of Demons), which precedes The Lesser Key of Solomon.

Weyer’s text serves as a principal source for the later, more famous Goetia. Weyer lists the demon as a Great Marquis who governs thirty Legions and describes him as the author of discords. The text also explicitly mentions his dangerous nature and his capacity to slay the exorcist and their attendants.

Andras in The Lesser Key of Solomon

In the most influential text, The Lesser Key of Solomon (specifically the Ars Goetia section), Andras is designated as the Sixty-third Spirit. This text solidified his place in the established demonic hierarchy and standardized his appearance and office.

The Ars Goetia provides the most common and accepted description of the demon’s appearance and the specific, severe warnings regarding his summoning, which point out his reputation as one of the most hostile entities of the 72.

Due to his nature as a highly specialized entity within the Goetic system, Andras is not featured in older, general mythological narratives, religious parables, or folklore outside of these specific magical texts.

No independent, detailed stories of his actions—such as tempting a saint or being defeated by an ancient hero—exist in the same manner as for more prominent figures of Hell. His entire legendary footprint is contained within the procedural instructions and catalogue entries of the grimoires.

Historical Mentions

Text/Grimoire	Description	Excerpt
Pseudomonarchia Daemonum (Johann Weyer, 1563)	A Great Marquis who appears in the shape of an angel with a black night raven’s head. He rides a black wolf and wields a sword. He is highly dangerous and a source of discord.	Andras est Marchio magnus, apparet in forma angeli, caput nigrum ex more nocturno [sic] habens, in lupo nigro et fortissimo equitans, vibrantque gladium acutum. Hujus officium est discordias serere. Si exorcista non cavebit, interficiet eum et omnes socios suos. Imperat triginta legionibus.
The Lesser Key of Solomon (Ars Goetia, 17th Century)	The Sixty-third Spirit, a Great Marquis. He appears as an angel with a black raven’s head, rides a black wolf, and carries a sharp, bright sword. He sows discord and is deadly to the conjurer if precautions are ignored.	The Sixty-third Spirit is Andras. He is a Great Marquis, appearing in the Form of an Angel with a Head like a Black Night Raven, riding upon a strong Black Wolf, and having a Sharp and Bright Sword flourished aloft in his hand. His Office is to sow Discords. If the Exorcist have not a care, he will slay both him and his fellows. He governeth 30 Legions of Spirits, and this is his Seal, etc.
Dictionnaire Infernal (Collin de Plancy, 1863)	A Great Marquis of the infernal regions, commanding thirty legions. His image features the distinct raven head and wolf mount.	Andras est un grand marquis des régions infernales. Il commande trente légions. Il se montre avec un corps d’ange, une tête de hibou, monté sur un loup noir, et agitant une épée flamboyante.

Andras’s Powers and Abilities

Andras’s powers are highly specialized and directly focused on themes of violence, division, and fatal enmity. He is not a demon of abstract philosophy or knowledge, but a spirit of practical, lethal conflict.

His chief and defining ability is to sow discord and strife among men, turning friends, allies, and even family members into enemies. This power is highly malevolent and is often used to manipulate entire social or military groups.

The most severe extension of his power is his ability to incite murder. The grimoires explicitly state that he can provoke individuals into a murderous rage, especially leading servants to slay their masters or commit other acts of unexpected and brutal bloodshed.

This is achieved by manipulating the emotions of anger, resentment, and violent jealousy, escalating minor disagreements into lethal quarrels. His sharp and bright sword is a physical manifestation of this swift and decisive destructive capacity.

The demon himself poses a direct physical threat, as he is known to seek the death of the conjurer and their assistants, reflecting his innate tendency toward direct, lethal aggression.

How to Counter Andras’s Powers

Countering the volatile and violent influence of Andras, a spirit of discord and murder, requires using specific protective items and practices ingrained in various cultural and religious traditions that focus on cleansing, warding, and spiritual protection. These methods are applicable for everyday people seeking to protect themselves and their environment from sudden, unexplained animosity or violent energies.

One of the most widely used protective items is salt, often specifically coarse sea salt. Due to its association with purity and preservation, salt is traditionally believed to create spiritual barriers. To counter a discordant influence, a person can scatter salt across thresholds or along windowsills to prevent negative entities from entering a space, or perform a simple cleansing ritual by adding a pinch of salt to bathwater.

Holy Water, when blessed by a priest or other religious official, is a powerful tool for energetic cleansing. It can be used to sprinkle a home, person, or object to purify the space and dispel negative or malevolent influences. The simple act of marking a door frame with Holy Water can serve as a spiritual guard.

For personal protection, specific Amulets and Talismans are recommended. While the Pentacle of Solomon is a ritual item, everyday people can rely on broader protective symbols.

The Hamsa Hand (or Hand of Fatima or Hand of Miriam) is a common amulet across many cultures used to ward off the Evil Eye and general misfortune, which can encompass unexpected discord. Similarly, a Cross or Crucifix is a powerful Christian symbol believed to offer spiritual protection against all demonic entities, including those inciting violence.

Specific protective plants and herbs can be used for warding and cleansing. Rue (Ruta graveolens), for instance, has a long history in folklore as a powerful counter to dark magic and negative spirits. Hanging dried bundles of Rue or St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) near entries is a traditional method for warding.

Finally, if a person feels overwhelmed by inexplicable rage, conflict, or malevolent energy, seeking the aid of a priest, clergyman, or spiritual professional is advised. They can perform formal blessings or exorcism rites (minor or simple) over a person or home to cleanse the space and provide powerful spiritual intercession against entities like Andras.

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Andras’s Role in the Hierarchy of Hell

Andras holds the rank of a Marquis (or Marquesse) within the infernal hierarchy, as established in the Ars Goetia and Pseudomonarchia Daemonum.

The Marquis rank is a station of significant nobility and power, positioned below a King or Prince but above a simple Count or President. This rank entitles him to command a substantial force, which is specified as thirty Legions of lesser spirits.

His position as the Sixty-third Spirit in the Ars Goetia numbering indicates a formalized order within the overall roster of the 72 spirits bound by King Solomon. While the texts do not explicitly name a superior demon that directly outranks him, as a Marquis, he would eventually be subordinate to the nine Kings of Hell (such as Bael or Paimon) and the Emperor Lucifer, consistent with the general structure of the infernal courts.

His function as the demon of Discord and Murder suggests a role as a highly specialized agent of chaos, likely sent to execute sudden, destructive, and targeted acts of violence against the enemies of a magician or to punish a careless conjurer.

Astrological Associations and Symbolism

When it comes to Renaissance ceremonial magic, the Goetic spirits are often linked to specific celestial bodies and elemental forces. As a Marquis, Andras is traditionally associated with the Moon. The Moon is a celestial body linked to rapid change, emotional flux, and the subconscious, which symbolically connects to the demon’s function of inciting unpredictable and violent emotional discord.

Association Type	Detail
Planetary	Moon
Metal	Silver (Traditional metal of the Moon)
Element	Water (Often associated with the Moon and emotion)
Zodiac Sign	Cancer or Pisces (Signs traditionally ruled or exalted by the Moon)
Direction	North-West (Direction often associated with Marqui/Moon)
Rank	Marquis

Andras’s Sigil

The Sigil of Andras is the unique, geometric drawing provided in the grimoires for the purpose of summoning and binding the spirit. It serves as a visual representation of his essence. It is considered a mandatory component for any successful magical operation involving him. The sigil is to be drawn or engraved on a Lamen or other physical medium during the ritual.

In ceremonial magic, the sigil acts as a spiritual key, a focus for the magician’s will, and a compelling force to bring the demon into the triangle of art outside the protective circle.

Given Andras’s aggressive and lethal nature, the precise drawing and proper handling of his sigil are particularly critical, ensuring that the spirit remains bound and subservient to the authority of the exorcist, rather than fulfilling his inherent desire to sow death.

Symbol/Item	Association/Meaning	Use in Rituals
Sigil of Andras	Geometric representation of the spirit’s essence and name.	Engraved on a Lamen or drawn on the ground; used to summon, compel, and contain the demon.
Black Night Raven/Owl Head	Ominous intelligence, cunning, nocturnal aggression, and destructive intent.	A feature for visualizing the spirit during the evocation.
Black Wolf Mount	Ferocity, predatory action, and untamed wildness.	Visual sign of the demon’s ability to act quickly and brutally on the material plane.
Sharp Sword	The power to sever and cause bloodshed; lethal authority.	Symbol of his office and the danger he represents.

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Similar Demonic Entities

Demon Name	Gender	Primary Religion	Type / Class	Sphere of Influence	Weaknesses
Leraje / Leraie	Male	Goetic Demonology	Marquis	Causes great battles and quarrels; makes wounds gangrenous and difficult to heal.	The invocation of the Divine Name of Elohim
Sabnock / Savnok	Male	Goetic Demonology	Marquis	Builds high towers and fortresses; afflicts men with wounds that putrefy and breed worms.	The power of the Exorcist’s authority and seals.
Halphas / Malthas	Male	Goetic Demonology	Count/Earl	Builds towers and supplies weapons; incites to warfare and bloodshed.	Protective Pentacles and the limits of the Magical Circle
Balam / Balaam	Male	Goetic Demonology	King	Gives true answers on past, present, and future; can make men invisible and witty.	The authority of the higher Celestial Powers
Glasya-Labolas	Male	Goetic Demonology	President/Earl	Instigates murder and bloodshed; teaches all arts and can cause love between friends and enemies.	The power of Holy Words and consecration.
Marchosias	Male	Goetic Demonology	Marquis	Gives true answers to all questions; is a strong fighter and appears as a fierce wolf with griffin wings.	Ritual compulsion via the Shemhamphorasch
Focalor	Male	Goetic Demonology	Duke	Slays men and drowns them in the waters; overturns warships; has power over the sea.	The Exorcist’s Ring and the Triangle of Art
Zepar	Male	Goetic Demonology	Duke	Causes women to love men; makes them infertile.	The Magical Vestments and the Rod of Art

Conclusion

Andras is one of the most vividly characterized and feared entities within the entire Goetic pantheon. Designated as the Great Marquis of Discord and the Sixty-third Spirit, his office is centered entirely on the malicious incitement of strife and violence, often leading directly to murder.

His remarkable appearance—an Angel’s body topped with a Black Night Raven’s head and mounted on a Black Wolf while wielding a sharp sword—symbolically represents the fusion of cunning intellect with brute, lethal aggression.

His historical prominence, though limited to the grimoires of ceremonial magic such as The Lesser Key of Solomon, serves as a powerful cautionary example in occult studies. The texts consistently highlight the necessity of unwavering bravery and strict adherence to the protective circle when evoking him, reinforcing the reality that Andras is a spirit not of mere deceit, but of instantaneous and deadly physical threat to the negligent practitioner.