Rank: King
Ruling Angel: Vasariah
Associated Symbols: Bulls, rams, geese, dragons, lances and banners
Associated Colours: Yellow, black, crimson, blue
Suggested Offerings: Mint, saffron, cinnamon, orange, olive oil, wormwood, sandalwood
Warnings: Can be challenging and adversarial
Enn
Ayer Avage Aloren Asmoday Aken
Asmoday (also spelt Asmodeus, Ashmedai, or Asmodai) is the thirty-second spirit listed in the Ars Goetia of the Lesser Key of Solomon. A mighty King and Great Duke of Hell, Asmoday commands 72 legions of demons, making him one of the most powerful and influential spirits in the Goetic hierarchy. He is known for his mastery of mathematics, geometry, astronomy, and hidden treasures and his ability to teach practitioners how to invisibly move objects or manipulate others. Asmoday’s powers extend to both intellectual pursuits and practical applications of magic, making him a formidable ally for those seeking to enhance their knowledge or achieve success through strategic manipulation.
Historical Origins and Mythological Background
The name Asmoday is derived from the Hebrew Ashmedai, which itself has roots in the Persian Aeshma Daeva, a demon of wrath and destruction from Zoroastrian mythology. In various traditions, Asmoday is associated with lust, rage, and destruction, though his role in the Ars Goetia focuses on his intellectual powers and ability to grant mastery over various disciplines. Asmodeus, one of the versions of his name, is also a prominent figure in the Book of Tobit, where he is portrayed as a demon who disrupts marriages.
As a King and Great Duke of Hell, Asmoday holds a high rank in the infernal hierarchy, granting him dominion over both earthly and intellectual matters. His influence spans practical, scientific, and magical disciplines, allowing him to guide practitioners in mastering complex subjects such as mathematics, astronomy, and the occult arts. Asmoday is often invoked by those who seek hidden knowledge, wish to uncover treasures, or desire to manipulate their surroundings and gain power over others.
Appearance and Iconography
Asmoday is typically depicted with three heads: one of a man, one of a ram, and one of a bull, symbolising his dominion over different realms of knowledge and power. The human head represents intellect, reason, and wisdom, reflecting Asmoday’s mastery over intellectual pursuits such as mathematics, astronomy, and the arts. The ram’s head signifies leadership, aggression, and fertility, emphasising his power to grant strength and command. The bull’s head, traditionally associated with strength, wealth, and the Earth, highlights Asmoday’s connection to material success, hidden treasures, and mastery over physical environments.
Asmoday is also often depicted riding a dragon or serpent, which are creatures symbolic of wisdom, power, and hidden knowledge. The dragon or serpent suggests Asmoday’s ability to navigate the unseen realms and uncover hidden truths, both material and esoteric. His powerful mount emphasises his mastery over both the intellectual and physical worlds, granting him the ability to move between them effortlessly.
In his iconography, Asmoday is shown holding a lance or a burning standard, symbolising his leadership and fiery nature. His lance represents action, power, and strategic thinking, while the burning standard reflects his destructive side and his ability to bring about significant changes through manipulation and force.
Powers and Abilities
Asmoday’s primary power is his ability to grant knowledge of mathematics, geometry, astronomy, and other scientific disciplines. He can teach practitioners how to master complex subjects and provide deep insights into the underlying laws that govern the universe. Asmoday’s teachings in geometry and mathematics are particularly valuable for those engaged in architectural or engineering projects, as he can guide practitioners in designing structures that align with both physical and metaphysical principles.
In addition to his intellectual powers, Asmoday is a master of hidden treasures. He can help practitioners locate and acquire wealth, whether it is a literal treasure, material success, or hidden opportunities for prosperity. His influence extends to both physical treasures buried in the earth and metaphorical treasures, such as knowledge, talent, or hidden potential. Asmoday’s ability to uncover what is hidden makes him a powerful ally for those seeking to enhance their financial situation or discover hidden opportunities.
Asmoday is also skilled in the art of manipulation. He can teach practitioners how to control and influence others, whether through subtle manipulation, persuasion, or more overt means. His power to manipulate extends to both people and objects, granting practitioners the ability to move things invisibly or manipulate their surroundings without being detected. This makes Asmoday a valuable spirit for those seeking to gain power over their environment or achieve strategic advantage in competitive situations.
Another key aspect of Asmoday’s powers is his ability to grant invisibility and protection. He can teach practitioners how to make themselves or their actions invisible to others, allowing them to move unnoticed or avoid detection in dangerous situations. Asmoday’s power of invisibility is particularly useful for those who need to operate discreetly or avoid conflict, whether in professional, legal, or personal matters.
As a spirit of transformation and change, Asmoday can also help practitioners bring about significant transformations in their lives. His ability to manipulate circumstances and reveal hidden opportunities makes him a potent force for those seeking to overcome obstacles, achieve their goals, or transform their personal or professional situation.
Summoning Asmoday: Ritual and Offerings
Summoning Asmoday requires respect, focus, and a clear desire for knowledge, power, or transformation. His sigil, found in the Lesser Key of Solomon, is essential for invoking his presence, and his enn—”Ayer avage Aloren Asmoday Aken”—is chanted to align oneself with his energy. Practitioners should be clear about their intentions when summoning Asmoday, as his influence is powerful and can bring about significant changes in both intellectual and material realms.
Offerings to Asmoday should reflect his connection to knowledge, power, and hidden treasures. Items associated with learning and intellect, such as books, scrolls, or symbols of mathematical or scientific knowledge, can be appropriate tributes. Gold or black candles, symbolising power, wealth, and transformation, can be used in rituals dedicated to Asmoday. Practitioners may also offer coins, jewels, or other valuable objects that align with his influence over material wealth and hidden treasures.
Incense such as frankincense, myrrh, or sandalwood, which are associated with clarity, wisdom, and power, can help create an atmosphere conducive to summoning Asmoday. Since his powers revolve around knowledge, manipulation, and transformation, practitioners should be mentally prepared and focused on their goals before invoking his presence.
Planetary and Elemental Associations
Asmoday is often associated with the Sun, which governs vitality, authority, and illumination. The Sun’s influence enhances Asmoday’s ability to inspire confidence, leadership, and clarity of purpose, allowing practitioners to harness their inner power and manifest their desires more effectively. This solar connection aligns with Asmoday’s role as a spirit of transformation and mastery, as the Sun’s energy promotes strength, ambition, and success.
Elementally, Asmoday is linked to Earth, representing stability, material success, and grounding. This Earthly aspect reflects his ability to provide practical solutions and tangible results through strategic manipulation. Practitioners may incorporate Earth symbolism into their rituals by using stones, crystals, or objects that signify strength and stability, reinforcing Asmoday’s influence in manifesting goals and achieving mastery in both the intellectual and material realms.
Practical Applications in Magic
Asmoday’s powers are particularly valuable for practitioners seeking knowledge, material success, or strategic advantage. His ability to teach mathematics, geometry, and astronomy makes him an ideal spirit for those involved in scientific or intellectual pursuits. Practitioners can call upon Asmoday to improve their understanding of complex subjects, enhance their analytical skills, or gain deeper insights into the laws that govern the universe.
In addition to his intellectual abilities, Asmoday’s mastery over hidden treasures makes him a valuable ally for those seeking to improve their financial situation or discover hidden opportunities for success. Practitioners can call upon Asmoday to help them locate wealth, whether in the form of literal treasure, financial gain, or hidden talents and opportunities.
Asmoday’s powers of manipulation and invisibility are also useful for those seeking to gain control over their environment or influence others. His ability to grant invisibility and move objects without detection makes him valuable for those operating in competitive or high-stakes environments, where discretion and strategy are key to success. Practitioners can call upon Asmoday to help them manipulate their surroundings, influence others, or avoid conflict in professional or personal matters.
For those seeking transformation and change, Asmoday’s ability to reveal hidden opportunities and manipulate circumstances can help practitioners overcome obstacles and achieve their goals. His influence can guide practitioners through personal or professional transformations, allowing them to navigate challenges and emerge successful in their endeavours.
Warnings and Precautions
While Asmoday is a powerful and knowledgeable spirit, practitioners should approach him with respect and clear intentions. His powers of manipulation and transformation can lead to significant changes, and practitioners should be prepared for the consequences of their actions. Asmoday’s influence is not to be taken lightly, as his ability to control and manipulate situations can lead to unintended outcomes if not carefully directed.
Additionally, Asmoday’s connection to hidden treasures and knowledge requires that practitioners be mindful of how they use the wealth and power he grants. Misuse of his gifts, particularly in matters of manipulation or control over others, can lead to negative consequences or karmic repercussions.
Asmoday is known to sow discord and chaos within human relationships. He also has a strong connection to lust.
Conclusion
Asmoday, the thirty-second spirit of the Ars Goetia, is a powerful King and Great Duke of Hell known for his mastery over knowledge, hidden treasures, and manipulation. His ability to teach mathematics, uncover hidden wealth, and grant strategic advantage makes him a valuable ally for practitioners seeking intellectual mastery, material success, or personal transformation. Whether you are looking to enhance your understanding of the universe, gain control over your surroundings, or uncover hidden opportunities, Asmoday offers powerful guidance and support.
By approaching Asmoday with respect, clear intentions, and appropriate offerings, practitioners can harness his abilities to unlock hidden knowledge, achieve material success, and manipulate their environment with precision and power. As a spirit of wisdom, wealth, and transformation, Asmoday guides those who summon him toward greater understanding, success, and mastery over both the intellectual and material worlds.