Demonic Glossary - 51 Terms Every Demonologist Should Know
August 07, 2024 6:44 PM ‐ Demonology • Paranormal
Photo: © Andreas
Understanding the terminology used in demonology and the occult is crucial for anyone interested in the paranormal. This glossary provides clear, matter-of-fact definitions of key terms and concepts associated with demonic entities, rituals, and practices. Whether you're a seasoned paranormal investigator or a curious newcomer, this comprehensive guide will help you navigate the complex and often misunderstood world of demonic phenomena.
1. Abyss
The bottomless pit often referenced in demonology as the dwelling place of demonic entities, a realm of chaos and darkness.
2. Altar
A sacred space used in black magic rituals, often adorned with candles, symbols, and offerings to invoke dark forces.
3. Archdemon
A high-ranking demon, often commanding legions of lesser demons. Known for immense power and influence within the demonic hierarchy.
4. Attachment
A state where a demon latches onto a person, causing negative influences and gradual possession without full control.
5. Banishment
A ritualistic expulsion of a demon from a person or location, intended to send the entity back to its realm.
6. Binding
A powerful incantation or ritual designed to restrict a demon's movements or activities, rendering it powerless.
7. Black Mass
A sacrilegious ceremony that mocks Christian rituals, often involving the invocation of demons and the desecration of holy symbols.
8. Blood Magic
A powerful and dangerous form of magic that uses blood, often from a living being, to amplify the potency of spells and rituals.
9. Candle Magic
A form of ritualistic magic using candles, where different colours represent various intentions and powers, often used in hexes and curses.
10. Conjuring
The act of summoning a demon through rituals, spells, or invocations.
11. Covenant
An agreement or pact made between a human and a demon, often involving the exchange of souls or services for power or knowledge.
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12. Curse
A malevolent spell cast to bring harm, misfortune, or death to the target, typically involving ritualistic incantations and symbolic items.
13. Demon
A malevolent supernatural being associated with evil and hell, frequently involved in possession and destructive rituals in demonology.
14. Demonic Possession
The phenomenon where a demon inhabits and controls a human body, leading to dramatic changes in behaviour and physical condition.
15. Demonolatry
The worship and veneration of demons as deities, often involving rituals, sacrifices, and the invocation of their names.
16. Divination
The practice of seeking knowledge of the future or the unknown through supernatural means, often involving tarot cards, scrying, or runes.
17. Dybbuks
Malevolent spirits from Jewish folklore that possess living beings, causing harm and distress until exorcised.
18. Exorcism
The sacred ritual performed to expel a demon from a possessed individual, involving prayers, holy relics, and powerful incantations.
19. Familiars
Supernatural entities that assist witches and warlocks, often in the form of animals, but in demonology, they are minor demons serving higher-ranked entities.
20. Gnomes
Earth elementals or nature spirits, traditionally benign but can be invoked in black magic to perform specific tasks or cause harm.
21. Goetia
A practice within demonology involving the invocation and command of demons, often through the use of specific seals and rituals.
22. Grimoire
A book of magic spells, rituals, and instructions for invoking and controlling supernatural forces, often passed down through generations.
23. Hex
A spell cast with the intent to bring bad luck or harm to the target, usually involving symbolic actions and spoken words.
24. Imps
Small, mischievous demons known for causing minor trouble and pranks, often summoned to do a demon's bidding.
25. Incantation
A series of words chanted or spoken as a spell or charm to invoke or banish demons.
26. Infernal Hierarchy
The structured ranking system of demons, from lesser imps to powerful archdemons, each with distinct roles and territories.
27. Infernal Realm
The domain of demons, often referred to as hell, where evil spirits dwell and originate.
28. Infestation
The initial phase of a demonic presence in a location, characterised by disturbances and paranormal activity leading up to possession.
29. Invocation
The act of summoning a demon or demonic force through rituals, chants, and the use of specific symbols or items.
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30. Legion
A group or army of demons, often led by a powerful archdemon, capable of causing widespread chaos and destruction.
31. Lesser Demons
Minor demonic entities with limited power, often serving more powerful demons or performing specific tasks.
32. Maleficium
Harmful magic or sorcery, typically involving the summoning of demons to bring about curses, illness, or misfortune.
33. Manifestation
The physical appearance or presence of a demon in the material world.
34. Occult
The study of hidden or supernatural forces and beings, often involving rituals, spells, and secret knowledge.
35. Pact
A formal agreement made with a demon, usually involving the exchange of one's soul or services for demonic power or knowledge.
36. Pentacle
A protective symbol often used in rituals to summon or repel demons, typically a five-pointed star within a circle.
37. Poppet
A doll used in sympathetic magic, representing a person to whom the caster wishes to direct their spells, either for harm or healing.
38. Ritual
A series of actions or words performed in a set sequence, often for religious or magical purposes.
39. Runes
Ancient symbols used in divination and magic, each rune holding specific meanings and powers, often carved into objects or drawn on surfaces.
40. Scrying
A method of divination involving gazing into a reflective surface, such as a mirror, crystal ball, or water, to receive visions or messages.
41. Sex Magic
A form of magical practice that uses sexual energy and acts to empower rituals and spells, often involving the invocation of spirits or demons.
42. Sigil
A symbol believed to have magical power, often used in rituals to summon or control demons.
43. Spell
A ritualistic set of actions, words, and symbols designed to produce a magical effect, ranging from love spells to curses.
44. Succubus/Incubus
Demons that seduce humans in their dreams, feeding off their life force. A succubus is female, and an incubus is male.
45. Summoning
The act of calling forth a demon through specific rituals or incantations.
46. Talisman
An object believed to contain magical properties that bring good luck or protection to the bearer, often created and charged through rituals.
47. Theurgy
The practice of invoking demons or supernatural beings to achieve spiritual enlightenment or material gain, often involving complex rituals.
48. Warding
The act of creating protective barriers, often through the use of symbols, charms, or incantations, to repel demonic entities.
49. Witch Bottle
A protective charm filled with various items, such as herbs, nails, and bodily fluids, intended to ward off evil spirits and curses.
50. Witchcraft
The practice of magical arts involving spells, rituals, and the invocation of supernatural powers, often associated with both benevolent and malevolent intentions.
51. Witching Hour
The time of night, typically around midnight, when supernatural activity is believed to be at its peak.
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