Who Is Astaroth, the Great Duke of Decay?

Astaroth is known in Western demonology as a powerful demon, often referred to as a Grand Duke of Hell. He is said to have deep knowledge of the past, present, and future, and can teach all the liberal sciences. Despite these abilities, he is also described as having deadly, foul breath and a deceptive nature that tempts people toward vanity and laziness.

Astaroth is part of the infernal trinity with Lucifer and Beelzebub, making him a key entity in demonic authority. He is often shown as a source of philosophical corruption, using clever arguments to weaken people’s faith and accuse them of their faults before the divine.

---

---

Key Takeaways

Attribute	Details
Name	Astaroth, Ashtaroth, Astarot, Asteroth
Title	Grand Duke of Hell, Lord of the 40 Legions, Prince of Accusers, Treasurer of Hell
Gender	Male (though derived from the female deity Astarte)
Origin	Evolved from the Phoenician goddess Astarte; later classified as a fallen angel and Great Duke in Renaissance grimoires.
Appearance	An unseemly angel seated upon an infernal dragon, holding a viper in his right hand.
Hierarchy	Grand Duke; one of the three supreme spirits (with Lucifer and Beelzebub) in the Grand Grimoire.
Superior Demon	Lucifer
Servitors	Forty legions of spirits; specifically mentioned are the spirits of the Order of Thrones and the Order of Angels.
Associated Figures	Astarte (mythological precursor), King Solomon (who allegedly bound him), Belial (frequent peer).
Powers	Granting knowledge of liberal sciences, revealing hidden treasures, inciting sloth, and declaring the truth of the Fall.
Weaknesses	Magical rings held to the face to ward off his breath; the presence of the Archangel Bartholomew.
Opposing Angel/Saint	Saint Bartholomew
Equipment/Tools	A serpent or viper held in the hand; an infernal dragon or beast as a mount.
Pantheon	Christian Demonology, Abrahamic Occultism
Notable Myths	Listed as the 29th spirit in the Goetia; cited in the Testament of Solomon; featured in the Grimoirium Verum.

Etymology

Researchers believe the name Astaroth comes from a masculine version of Ashtaroth, which is the plural of the Phoenician goddess Astarte. In the Hebrew Bible, Ashtaroth usually refers to the worship of foreign female gods or local forms of the goddess of fertility and war.

As Middle Eastern pagan beliefs were reinterpreted by monotheistic religions, these deities came to be regarded as evil. By the medieval and Renaissance eras, the plural feminine form had turned into a single male demon.

The change from Astarte to Astaroth shows a shift in language, where the ‘t’ or ‘th’ endings used for feminine nouns in Semitic languages became part of a new identity in demonology. This change removed the goddess’s links to fertility. It granted Astaroth the trait of intellectual temptation and a high rank in the underworld.

What Does the Demon Astaroth Look Like?

Many old grimoires describe Astaroth in similar ways. He is usually shown as an unattractive or ‘hurtful’ angel, combining both beauty and horror. Instead of walking on earth, he appears riding a beast that resembles a dragon or a large, winged serpent.

A critical feature of Astaroth’s appearance is his hands; he is almost always shown holding a venomous viper in his right hand. His most dangerous physical trait, however, is not a weapon but his breath. It is described as being exceptionally foul and noxious, capable of causing great harm or death to anyone who inhales it.

For this reason, those who claim to have encountered him in occult literature insist that one must wear a protective ring made of silver or gold, holding it to the nose to filter the air. He is also sometimes described as having a very dark, “black” complexion in certain accounts, further emphasising his status as a prince of darkness.

---

---

Historical and Mythological Background

The Possession of the Nuns at Loudun

One of the most famous stories involving Astaroth is the Possessions of Loudun in 17th-century France. In this case, a group of Ursuline nuns led by Sister Jeanne des Anges began to show signs of demonic possession, such as convulsions and speaking in tongues.

They accused the local priest, Urbain Grandier, of sending spirits to torment them. During the trial and exorcisms, people claimed a diabolical pact was found, supposedly signed by Grandier and several high-ranking demons.

The possessed nuns said Astaroth was one of the main spirits behind the possession. He was named as part of the ‘first hierarchy’ of spirits involved. The story reached its peak when a document appeared, supposedly written backwards and signed by the demons.

Astaroth’s signature was on this pact, where he and other demons promised to help Grandier achieve his desires in exchange for his soul. The story concludes with Grandier’s execution, making it one of the rare instances in which Astaroth is described as participating in real legal proceedings.

Astaroth and the Golem of Prague

In the legends about Rabbi Judah Loew ben Bezalel of Prague, Astaroth plays a smaller but important part in the story of the Golem. When the Rabbi wanted to bring a clay monster to life to protect the Jewish community, some versions say he had to look beyond holy texts to learn how to do it.

The story states that the Rabbi performed a ritual to compel a spirit to reveal the Shem Hamephorash, the secret name of God required to bring the Golem to life. In these versions, Astaroth is the spirit who is summoned to give this forbidden knowledge.

The demon, shown in his usual form riding a dragon, is forced by the Rabbi’s spells to reveal the ‘Word’ that brings life to the Golem. Instead of tempting people, Astaroth is shown here as a reluctant keeper of secrets, made to obey a human’s command.

The Temptation of Saint Bartholomew

Christian narratives and medieval traditions recount a conflict between Saint Bartholomew and the demon Astaroth. While traveling in India and Greater Armenia, Bartholomew found a temple where people worshipped a local idol. They believed the spirit in the idol was Astaroth, who gave false prophecies and healings to keep people worshipping him.

The story continues as the Saint enters the temple and confronts the demon. Bartholomew told Astaroth to show his true form to everyone. Forced by the Saint’s power, the demon came out of the idol, showing himself as a dark and foul being.

Bartholomew then chained the demon and ordered him to leave for the desert. This story is meant to show how faith can overcome intellectual trickery, as Astaroth, the prince of accusers, was silenced and sent away by the apostle.

Historical Mentions

Pseudomonarchia Daemonum (1577, original Latin):

“Astaroth Dux Magnus & fortis, prodiens angelica specie turpissima, insidens in dracone infernali, & viperam portans manu dextra. Hic veraciter respondet de præteritis, præsentibus & futuris: Arcanis scit respondere. Libenter de spirituum lapsu loquitur, & quomodo ceciderit ipse. In scientiis liberalibus reddit hominem admirabilem. Imperat quadraginta legionibus. Ab hoc quilibet exorcista caveat, ne prope os suum admittat, ob fœtidum halitum quem spargit. Ideo annulum argenteum magicum in digito habeat, eumque ori admoveat, quo facile ab eo halitu defenditur.”

Pseudomonarchia Daemonum (English translation):

“Astaroth is a great and a strong duke, coming foorth in the shape of a fowle angell, sitting vpon an infernall dragon, and carrieth on his right hand a viper: he answereth truelie to matters present, past, and to come, and also of all secrets. He talketh willinglie of the fall of spirits, and howe they sinned, and fell: he maketh a man woonderfull learned in the liberall sciences. He ruleth fourtie legions. Let euerie exorcist take heed, that he admit him not too neere him, bicause of his stinking breath. And therefore let the conjuror hold neere his face a magicall ring of siluer, which may defend him from the stinking breath.”

---

---

Dictionnaire Infernal (1863 edition, original French):

“Astaroth, grand-duc très-puissant aux enfers. Il a la figure d’un ange fort laid, et se montre monté sur un dragon infernal; il tient à la main droite une vipère. Quelques magiciens disent qu’il a les narines et les oreilles grosses, qu’il souffle une haleine fétide et qu’il faut, pour lui parler, porter au doigt un anneau d’argent qu’on tiendra sous son nez. Il répond sur le passé et l’avenir, et connaît toutes les choses secrètes. Il enseigne volontiers les arts libéraux. Il commande quarante légions.”

Dictionnaire Infernal (1863 edition, English translation):

“Astaroth, a very powerful grand duke in hell. He has the face of a very ugly angel, and shows himself riding on an infernal dragon; he holds a viper in his right hand. Some magicians say that he has large nostrils and ears, that he breathes a fetid breath and that, to speak to him, one must wear a silver ring on the finger to be held under the nose. He answers about the past and the future, and knows all secret things. He willingly teaches the liberal sciences. He commands forty legions.”

Astaroth’s Powers and Abilities

Astaroth mainly influences people through intellect and administration. Unlike other demons who cause violence, he corrupts minds. He is skilled in the liberal arts, such as geometry, astronomy, and rhetoric. By giving people deep knowledge, he encourages pride and vanity, making them think they don’t need divine help.

Astaroth can see the past, present, and future, which lets him reveal secrets and hidden treasures. He often uses this power to tempt greedy people or those who want forbidden knowledge. He is also known for causing laziness, making people feel that spiritual efforts are pointless. As the ‘Prince of Accusers,’ he points out people’s faults to push them toward despair.

Powers and Abilities Breakdown

Power/Ability	Description	Source	How It Tempts/Corrupts
Scientific Mastery	Provides instant mastery of all liberal arts and sciences.	Ars Goetia	Incites vanity and the belief that human intellect is supreme over God.
Temporal Vision	Knows all things that have happened, are happening, or will happen.	Pseudomonarchia Daemonum	Encourages obsession with the future and the discovery of secrets for personal gain.
Treasure Location	Can reveal the location of hidden gold and ancient artifacts.	Grimoirium Verum	Corrupts through greed and the pursuit of unearned wealth.
Infernal Accusation	Accuses mortals of their hidden sins and failures.	The Magus (Barrett)	Drives individuals to despair by convincing them they are beyond redemption.

How to Counter Astaroth’s Powers

To protect yourself from Astaroth’s influence, focus on purity and use physical barriers. Traditionally, the main defense against his presence is to hold a silver or gold ring to your face.

For everyday protection, the following items are traditionally used:

• Saint Bartholomew: This saint is the traditional celestial adversary of Astaroth. Keeping an icon or calling on his name is believed to neutralize the demon’s power.
• Holy Water and Salt: Standard tools for cleansing a space of noxious or “fetid” spiritual energy associated with Astaroth’s breath.
• Amulets: The use of a Pentacle of Solomon or a silver ring engraved with protective symbols can act as a shield against intellectual manipulation.
• Protective Plants: Rue and St. John’s Wort are often hung over doorways to prevent the entry of high-ranking spirits and to ward off the “foul air” of the infernal realm.
• Cleansing: Regular spiritual cleansing by a priest or someone experienced in deliverance is recommended for individuals experiencing overwhelming laziness or despair.

---

---

Astaroth’s Role in the Hierarchy of Hell

Astaroth has a position of supreme administrative and strategic authority within the structured governance of the infernal world. According to the Grand Grimoire and the Grimoirium Verum, he is one of the First Three Spirits, forming a triumvirate of power alongside Lucifer (the Emperor) and Beelzebub (the Prince).

In this group, Astaroth is called the Grand Duke and acts as the Treasurer of Hell, meaning he controls both earthly riches and the knowledge of the underworld. Some traditions even say he rules over the Americas as his territory.

The demon’s rank is further described in the Pseudomonarchia Daemonum and the Ars Goetia, where he is listed as a Mighty and Strong Duke who commands forty legions of spirits.

These legions include entities from the Order of Thrones and the Order of Angels, showing Astaroth’s claim that he was a high-ranking celestial being before his fall. His place in the First Hierarchy of fallen angels, as classified by Sebastien Michaelis, puts him among the most ancient and powerful entities, ranking alongside Beelzebub and Leviathan.

Astaroth’s relationships with other demons are marked by working together rather than fighting. He is often paired with Asmodeus in later occult traditions. While Asmodeus rules over the passions of the flesh, Astaroth rules over the corruptions of the mind, making them a strong pair in undermining human virtue.

In the Grimoirium Verum, Astaroth commands two main subordinates, Sagatana and Nesbiros, who act as his officers. These officers then rule over a large network of specialized spirits.

Servitors and Subordinates in the Grimoirium Verum

Under the direct command of Grand Duke Astaroth, the Grimoirium Verum identifies a specific chain of command involving powerful inferior spirits who manage various aspects of human life and nature:

• Sagatana (or Sargatanas): Serving as a brigadier under Astaroth, he has the power to make a person invisible, to transport them anywhere instantly, and to open all locks. He is said to have under his command several other spirits, including Zoray, Valefar, and Farai.
• Nesbiros (or Nebiros): Holding the rank of field marshal or inspector general, he is a spirit of necromancy and prophecy. He has the power to inflict evil on anyone he wishes and can teach the virtues of metals and plants. He is particularly known for his ability to see into the future.
• The Subjects of Nebiros: Under Nesbiros, several specific spirits perform specialized tasks:
• Hael: Enables the conjurer to speak any language and reveals hidden secrets.
• Sergulath: Provides means of speculation and teaches military strategy and the breaking of enemy ranks.
• The Eight Powerful Subordinates: These entities fall under the broader jurisdiction of Astaroth’s officers and include:
• Proculo: Causes forty-eight hours of sleep.
• Haristum: Allows one to pass through fire unharmed.
• Brulefer: Makes a person beloved by the opposite sex.
• Pentagnony: Grants invisibility and the favor of great lords.
• Aglasis: Transports the conjurer to any place in the world.
• Sidragosam: Forces individuals to dance.
• Minoson: Ensures victory in any game.
• Bucon: Incites hatred and jealousy.

Astrological Associations and Symbolism

Astaroth is strongly connected to knowledge and communication. Since he rules over sciences and secrets, he is often linked to the planet Venus, showing his roots as Astarte, or to Mercury, reflecting his role as a teacher and messenger.

Category	Association
Planet	Venus or Mercury
Zodiac Sign	Capricorn (10-20 degrees) or Leo
Metal	Copper (Venus) or Silver (Protection)
Element	Earth or Air
Color	Green, Brown, or Black
Day of the Week	Wednesday
Number	29 (His rank in the Goetia)

---

---

Astaroth’s Sigil

Astaroth’s sigil is a complex geometric symbol used in Renaissance magic to represent him. People usually draw it on parchment or engrave it on metal to connect with the Duke. The sigil acts as his ‘signature,’ and without it, the demon is not believed to be bound to tell the truth.

Associated Symbols and Offerings

Symbol/Item	Association/Meaning	Use in Rituals
Viper	Deception and lethal power.	Represents his command over venom and secrets.
Dragon	Primal power and the infernal mount.	Symbolizes his status as a Grand Duke.
Silver Ring	Protection and purity.	Used by the practitioner to shield against his breath.
Sandalwood	Intellectual clarity.	Burnt as incense to provide a medium for his arrival.

Similar Demonic Entities

Demon Name	Gender	Primary Religion	Type / Class	Sphere of Influence	Weaknesses
Asmodeus	Male	Judaism / Christian	King of Demons	Lust, Wrath, Gambling	Fish heart/liver smoke
Beelzebub	Male	Christian / Philistine	Prince of Devils	Gluttony, False Idols	Name of Jesus, Holy Water
Belial	Male	Judaism	Prince of Darkness	Lawlessness, Worthlessness	Archangel Gabriel
Paimon	Male	Christian	King of Hell	Arts, Sciences, Secrets	Water, Host of Angels
Bael	Male	Christian	First King	Invisibility, Wile	The ring of Solomon
Agares	Male	Christian	Duke	Language, Earthquakes	Holy names, Iron
Gremory	Female	Christian	Duke	Love, Hidden Treasure	Silver, White candles
Vassago	Male	Christian	Prince	Divination, Lost things	Solomonic Seals
Andromalius	Male	Christian	Earl	Theft, Punishment	Iron, Salt
Buer	Male	Christian	President	Philosophy, Healing	The herb Sage

Conclusion

Astaroth is still seen as one of the most intellectually powerful figures in demonology. His change from a strong Semitic goddess to a foul-breathed Grand Duke of Hell shows how mythological beings can evolve over thousands of years.

Although Astaroth offers great knowledge and secrets, his influence is always shown as leading to spiritual decline through vanity and laziness. Learning about his history and traits helps us understand the traditional hierarchy of the infernal world.