Why work with Demons?

Even amongst other witches, the demonolator's path is an outlandish one. It is often scoffed at and dismissed as something witches don't want to be known for. This is understandable, as some witches want to completely detach themselves from any misconceptions the public has about witchcraft; most especially that it is the work of the devil. However, witches mistakenly label this path as a "negative" group of practices. Those who spend much time dabbling in it will know that this simply isn't true. While any practice or spiritual endeavor can have aspects of dark and light, help or harm, demonolatry is no different. You will get out of it what you put into it. And the entities you encounter are not what you may think they are.

What are Demons?

The fear most people have towards our practice primarily comes from a fundamental misunderstanding as to what demons actually are. Our English word "demon" comes from the Greek "daimōn." This word originally meant "genius" (a type of helper spirit) or simply "deity." In short, it was basically just a term that generically meant "spirit." It was not until the advent and politicization of western Abrahamic religion that the term, in its anglicized form, became a moniker for "evil spirit." This is mostly because the writers of early biblical scriptures equated the gods of foreign nations with evil spirits. This gave Abrahamic cultures a political incentive to imperialize and topple the gods of neighboring kingdoms, under the guise they were freeing the land's inhabitants from the rule of "evil spirits."

They provoked Him to jealousy with foreign gods; With abominations they provoked Him to anger. They sacrificed to demons, not to God, To gods they did not know, To new gods, new arrivals that your fathers did not fear. (Deuteronomy 32:16-17 NKJV)

Truthfully, we can trace the origin of "daimōn" back many times, to countless words from various cultures that mean mostly the same thing: Spirit. We can also make connections to the middle-eastern concept of the "Djinn." However, perhaps the earliest word we know of would be the Aramaic word, shadim (which even sounds similar to Djinn, and both likely have the same root). This word, shadim, means "guardian spirit." This is probably the best term to describe what a modern demon actually is.

A combination of Hollywood horror and Christian scare tactics have created the modern cardboard cutout image of your typical demon. But with enough research, you'll find that image is quite easily pushed over. Demons, while definitely distinct from other spirits, are not inherently "evil." They are much like humans in that they display both light and dark characteristics, each taking on a nature and likeness that is unique to itself. Demons can have chaotic energy, and sometimes people picture them as more "feral" than evil. I disagree. I think the veil between physicality and spirituality merely gives them a chaotic image as we perceive it. And so sometimes other ritual processes are needed to balance out their energies, such as invocation of elements (some traditions use angels or names of God, but I avoid this as a personal choice).

While some demons are known to be more wrathful and violent than others, you'll find that the vast majority of demons in typical medieval grimoires are more concerned with teaching you about herbology, astronomy, liberal arts, and mathematics. Strangely, most demons within these traditions just want to teach you things.

In some early texts (one such example being the Books of Enoch) demons and fallen angels are known to teach early humans how to use medicinal herbs. Others teach metalworking, smithing, the uses of precious stones, and the secrets of the earth's minerals. Some have been known to teach women about cosmetics, makeup, fashion, etc. Some can teach you about music, art, creativity, innovation. While there are always a handful of demons that can be used for nefarious purposes, even amongst these demons there exists things to be learned, such as military or political strategy. In short, there's a demon for every conceivable human need.

Why is this? It has been theorized that demons, being spiritual entities with little to anchor them in the physical domain, crave to be involved in our reality. They seek meaning and purpose through their interactions with humans. It's often a huge misconception that one needs to make some form of blood sacrifice or pact, or strike a deal where one is beholden to the whims of a demon before the demon will do anything for you. From my experience, this is absolutely false. While certain demons will be more willing to work with you than others, for a variety of reasons, there are those that are simply happy to help for the sake of help. After all, perhaps they merely crave someone to notice them who will appreciate the knowledge they have to offer.

The most common reason people in the occult community are summoning demons is not to send illness or injury on other people, as horror movies would have you believe. No, witches are summoning demons to learn skills from them that might otherwise be difficult for them to learn elsewhere. Skills like writing, playing an instrument, improving memory, flirtation and romance, budgeting and wealth establishment, and so on. A demon, once called and petitioned, will often move things around in your physical life in such a way that you learn this skill, or otherwise that your desire comes to pass. Demons can help you meet new potential romantic interests, or help you understand what limitations you need to eliminate to find love. They can help you find good mentors and coaches, for whatever craft you're endeavoring for.

As an example, about a year ago I sought to learn more about music (particularly singing) in my hopes to one day start a band. I contacted King Paimon, doing a very simple petition ritual and asking him to help me find a good vocal coach. Within the week, I was randomly contacted by a friend who wanted to meet and catch up. During our visit, my old friend told me about her contacts with a world-class vocal coach and musician, who was taking students. Through this connection I was able to take lessons that significantly improved my musical capabilities. Thank you King Paimon!

It is good courteousy to thank a demon with an offering afterwards, but this need not be blood or flesh, like the movies would have you believe. Demons like food, wine, incense, burnt sigils, sexual pleasure, even song or dance. But the best offering you could give them is to hold their imagine in your mind while you partake of these activities, thus offering up the energies of these experiences for the demon to feast upon. When I thanked King Paimon for his help, I did a simple invocation where I invited his presence into the room with me. I then focused on his presence while I ate dark chocolate and drank a bottle of red wine. The experience was quite sweet, and I felt a deep bond with him during this very personal time.

There are endless possibilities with demon magick. And I should also point out that there is one other reason that draws people so strongly to the path of demonolatry: Demons answer you. The "God" of Christianity is quite known for being dismissive of his followers, being silent when needed most, and otherwise ignoring the prayers of desperate humans. I have heard sorrowful stories from other witches about all the time they spent earnestly praying, praying, and praying to Jesus/Yahweh, getting no answer, only to contact a demon once and get an immediate answer and a solution to their problem.

When you get down into it, you'll quickly realize that it works. Not only does it work, but with consistency and skill, it can radically transform your life.

This is why I hope more people will consider working with them! And perhaps after reading this, you might want to give it a try. If that's the case, I highly recommend you start with three books: 1) Demons of Magick by Gordon Winterfield. 2) The Complete Book of Demonolatry by S. Connolly. And, 3) Stellas Daemonum by David Crowhurst. Those are 3 very good foundational books that should teach you the very basics to get started.

Best regards!

Dorian