Asturel
Asturel: The Demon of Authority in the Sacred Magic of Abramelin the Mage
The Sacred Magic of Abramelin the Mage is a seminal text in Western occultism, offering a detailed system for summoning and commanding spirits. Among the many entities listed in its pages is Asturel, a demon who serves under the four princes of the cardinal directions: Oriens, Paimon, Ariton, and Amaimon. Samuel Liddell MacGregor Mathers, the renowned occultist and translator of the Abramelin text, suggests that Asturel’s name derives from a Hebrew word meaning “bearing authority.” This article delves into Asturel’s role, symbolism, and significance within the context of the Abramelin tradition and broader demonology.
Origins and Context
The Sacred Magic of Abramelin the Mage is a 15th-century grimoire attributed to Abraham of Worms, a Jewish traveler who claimed to have learned its secrets from an Egyptian mage named Abramelin. The text outlines a rigorous six-month ritual designed to achieve communion with one’s Holy Guardian Angel, after which the practitioner gains the ability to command spirits, including demons.
Asturel appears in the text as one of many subordinate spirits under the authority of the four demonic princes:
- Oriens (East)
- Paimon (West)
- Ariton (South)
- Amaimon (North)
These princes govern the cardinal directions and their associated elemental forces, forming a hierarchical structure that reflects the medieval worldview’s emphasis on order and symmetry.
Etymology and Symbolism
Mathers’ interpretation of Asturel’s name as “bearing authority” is rooted in Hebrew linguistics. The name may derive from the root astar (אסתר), meaning “to hide” or “to conceal,” combined with el (אל), a divine suffix. This etymology suggests a being who wields hidden or esoteric power, aligning with the Abramelin tradition’s focus on uncovering and mastering occult forces.
Asturel’s association with authority also reflects his role as a servant of the four princes. In this capacity, he acts as an intermediary, executing the will of his superiors and enforcing their dominion over specific realms. His name implies a certain level of autonomy and responsibility, as he “bears” the authority delegated to him.
Role and Attributes
As a subordinate demon, Asturel’s specific duties and attributes are not detailed in the Abramelin text. However, his position within the hierarchy offers clues to his nature:
- Servant of the Four Princes:
Asturel’s allegiance to Oriens, Paimon, Ariton, and Amaimon places him within a structured system of command. He likely assists in maintaining the balance of elemental forces and enforcing the princes’ will in the material world. - Bearer of Authority:
Asturel’s name suggests that he embodies the concept of delegated power. He may act as a messenger, enforcer, or executor, carrying out tasks that require precision and discipline. - Elemental Associations:
Given his connection to the four princes, Asturel may be linked to one or more of the classical elements (earth, air, fire, water). His specific elemental affinity could influence his methods and manifestations.
Ritual and Practical Considerations
In the Abramelin system, summoning and commanding spirits like Asturel requires the practitioner to first achieve a state of spiritual purity and alignment with their Holy Guardian Angel. This process involves months of prayer, fasting, and ritual preparation, emphasizing the importance of moral and spiritual discipline.
Once the practitioner has established contact with their Holy Guardian Angel, they may call upon Asturel and other spirits to perform specific tasks. These tasks could range from acquiring hidden knowledge to influencing events in the material world. However, the text warns against using this power for selfish or malevolent purposes, as such actions risk corrupting the practitioner and attracting the wrath of the spirits.
Cultural and Modern Interpretations
Asturel’s role as a demon of authority resonates with broader themes in occult and esoteric traditions:
- Hierarchy and Order:
The structured hierarchy of the Abramelin system reflects the medieval fascination with order and symmetry, as seen in other works like the Lemegeton and the Key of Solomon. Asturel’s position within this hierarchy underscores the importance of discipline and obedience in the pursuit of occult power. - Delegated Power:
Asturel’s name and role highlight the concept of delegated authority—a theme that appears in various mythologies and religious traditions. He serves as a reminder that power is often distributed and exercised through intermediaries, whether divine, demonic, or human. - Modern Occultism:
In contemporary occult practice, Asturel may be invoked as a symbol of disciplined authority or as a guide to navigating hierarchical systems. His association with hidden knowledge also makes him a figure of interest for those seeking to uncover esoteric truths.
The Authority of Asturel
Asturel, the demon who “bears authority,” occupies a unique niche in the rich tapestry of the Sacred Magic of Abramelin the Mage. His name and role reflect the text’s emphasis on order, discipline, and the responsible use of power. Whether viewed as a literal entity or a symbolic archetype, Asturel serves as a reminder of the complexities and responsibilities inherent in the pursuit of occult knowledge.
In the words of the Abramelin tradition, true power lies not in domination but in alignment—with the divine, with the self, and with the intricate web of forces that shape our world. Asturel, as a bearer of authority, stands as a testament to this timeless truth.
“To command the spirits is to first command oneself—for only in discipline lies true power.”
—Adapted from the Sacred Magic of Abramelin the Mage
SOURCE:
The Dictionary of Demons written by Michelle Belanger
