The name Astaroth was ultimately derived from a Phoenician goddess Astarte 4000 years ago, similar to Babylon’s Ishtar, and the Sumerian Inanna. Astarte was connected with fertility, sexuality, and war. Her symbols were the lion, horse, sphinx, dove, and the planet Venus symbolized by a star within a circle. Ashtoreth is mentioned in the Torah as the principal goddess of the Sidonians representing the fertility of Nature. The Testament of Solomon mentions Asteraoth (Greek) as an angel, who is opposed to the demon of power.
The name “Astaroth” as a male demon is first known from The Book of Abramelin, written in 1458, and quoted in grimoires to this day. Astaroth has also been associated with an arch-demon of the qliphoth (adverse forces) according to later Qabalistic texts.
It is interesting to note here the transformation(like most polytheistic beings, (in particular Goddesses) have been “transformed” into the direct opposite of the original conception. We see this often in human history, the accepted “good” being supplanted by the new politically correct version to conform with the new agenda. The original Goddess Astare of sexuality, fertility and conflict becomes a Male Demon who seduces by means of laziness, vanity, and rationalized philosophies.
By re-examining all of the world’s traditions we find the Monotheistic paths tend to exclude everything (save One) as Evil and we are to avoid them. Other traditions through out the world see races of beings everywhere; some helpful, some harmful but most are unconcerned with us entirely. In modern fiction we see a “reclaiming” of Demons as simply “other beings” rather than Satan’s Minions; a good example is the Golden Compass (Northern Lights) by Philip Pullman. In his tale he describes a world where many people have relationships with Demons as a very mundane arrangement.
The Lesser Key of Solomon or Lemegeton Clavicula Salomonis is a 17th century grimoire (book of Shadows), one of the most popular books of demonology. It contains detailed descriptions of spirits and what is needed to invoke and oblige them to do the will of the conjurer. (An extremely un-friendly arrangement. One would think it better to have a relationship of mutual respect rather than making demands on a being much stronger than you!) Referred to in The Lesser Key of Solomon as a very powerful demon, Astaroth teaches mathematical sciences and handicrafts, can make you invisible and lead to hidden treasures, and answers every question formulated to him (choose your words carefully!).
Astrologers, Tarotists and other seekers of wisdom have since chosen a different path with this Being. He(She?) has become a conduit to deeper understanding of what is hidden. The texts of the Lesser Key of Solomon have been interpenetrated with a deeper understanding of the Mysteries. “Hidden Treasure” of the mind and spirit, and seeking the Philosopher’s Stone (the sanctity of one’s Inner Being). As long as one holds themselves in the best of intent, the exchange is positive for all concerned. As soon as one seeks selfishness, the result becomes corrupt.
In the creation of the Astaroth Amulet I have cut into a disk of silver His Seal and mounted a top bail and jump ring. The piece is only 3/4” and easily used as a charm or pendant. This is for those who are readers of the Tarot or other workers of the Oracle. Those who wear this amulet may be honed and well focused for deep insight.
If you wish to learn more about the Astraroth Amulet, please visit the web page featuring the pendant.