Correspondences:
Element: Earth
Direction: North
Planet: Jupiter
Herb: Lemon Balm
Colour: Green
Month: April
Season: Spring
Incense: patchouli, lemon balm, devil’s claw, sandalwood, gum Arabic
Other: Absinthe, erotically shaped pastry
Enn: Lyan Ramec Catya Ganen Belphegore
Belphegor’s roots trace back to ancient Middle Eastern traditions, specifically the Moabite deity Baal-Peor, worshipped on Mount Peor. In the Hebrew Bible, Baal-Peor is associated with idolatry and sexual immorality, as depicted in the Book of Numbers. Over time, this deity’s image evolved, merging with other myths and becoming part of Christian demonology.
In medieval Christian traditions, Belphegor was transformed into a demonic entity. Thomas Aquinas, in his Summa Theologica, classified Belphegor as a demon of sloth, one who seduces people into laziness and indulgence, thereby leading them away from productive and virtuous lives. This characterization stuck, and Belphegor’s reputation as the demon of sloth was solidified.
Belphegor is often depicted as a demon with a grotesque appearance, sometimes shown as a monstrous figure with sharp claws and a gaping mouth. However, he is also portrayed as a beautiful and alluring figure, capable of seducing humans with promises of wealth, comfort, and ingenious inventions. This duality reflects his nature: a being that can embody both the repulsive and the seductive.
From a Christian demonology perspective, as the demon of sloth, Belphegor does not simply promote physical laziness but a deeper, spiritual apathy. He tempts individuals with the allure of easy solutions and unearned wealth, fostering a mindset that avoids effort and embraces idle comfort. This can lead to stagnation and moral decay, as those influenced by Belphegor may neglect their responsibilities and higher aspirations.
Interestingly, Belphegor is also linked to the idea of ingenuity and invention. This aspect of his character is somewhat paradoxical, given his association with sloth. However, it highlights the deceptive nature of his influence. Belphegor is said to inspire clever inventions and shortcuts, promising effortless success.
From the Dictionnaire Infernal by Collin de Plancy (1863):
“Belphégor, démon des découvertes et des inventions ingénieuses. Il prend souvent un corps de jeune femme. Il donne des richesses. Les Moabites, qui l’appelaient Baalphégor, l’adoraient sur le mont Phégor. Des rabbins disent qu’on lui rendait hommage sur la chaise percée, et qu’on lui offrait l’ignoble résidu de la digestion. C’était digne de lui.
“C’est pour cela que certains doctes ne voient dans Belphégor que le dieu Pet ou Crepilus ; d’autres savants soutiennent que c’est Priape. — Selden, cité par Banier, prétend qu’on lui offrait des victimes humaines, dont ses prêtres mangeaient la chair. Wiérus remarque que c’est un démon qui a toujours la bouche ouverte ; observation qu’il doit sans doute au nom de Phégor, lequel signifie, selon Leloyer, crevasse ou fendasse, parce qu’on l’adorait quelquefois dans des cavernes, et qu’on lui jetait des offrandes par un soupirail.”
Which translates to:
“Belphegor, demon of discoveries and ingenious inventions. He often takes on the body of a young woman. He gives riches. The Moabites, who called him Baalphegor, worshiped him on Mount Phegor. Rabbis say that they paid homage to him on the close stool [an early portable toilet], and that they offered him the ignoble residue of digestion [excrement, in other words]. It was worthy of him.
“This is why some learned people only see in Belphegor the god Pet or Crepilus; other scholars maintain that it is Priapus. — Selden, quoted by Banier, claims that human victims were offered to him, the flesh of which his priests ate. Wiérus notices that it is a demon who always has his mouth open; an observation that he undoubtedly owes to the name Phégor, which means, according to Leloyer, crevasse or cleft, because he was sometimes worshiped in caves, and offerings were thrown to him through a vent.”
It is also stated that Andres Serrano, a 16th century Jesuit priest in Mexico and the Philippines put Belphegore in charge of the deadly sin of gluttony, as did the 1409 Lollard manuscript titled Lanterne of Light. Serrano said that this could be countered by the virtue of temperance and the Angel Sealtiel, both under the influence of Jupiter.
Usually regarded as the Dameon that you want to call on for business opportunities if you already have a business. This is a spirit that will take what you have and improve upon it, so if you are trying to start a business or need emergency funds, not the spirit to call upon.
In terms of his association with sloth, I would also consider Belphegore to be an excellent addition to the team if you are looking to expand your income in the direction of passive income. This can also include his inventive nature to come up with new ideas in that area.
Mirta Wake adds the following warning, “…oddly connected to excrement. Expect excrement in dreams, pets defecating in wrong places and similar when connecting to this spirit.” And also adds in her personal notes, “Had a long conversation on why they’re connected to excrement and was told that because all wealth is shit. It is all temporary and decays and here we are chasing self esteem based on a number. It is all shit.” As well as, “Belphegor will work with anyone, but the price of what he asks may be too steep for some. He did not elaborate further on that. No deal is made upon contact, so you can always safely reach this spirit and converse with him until you find out what your personal price may be.”
Jehannum notes that, “Eliphas Levi postulates that the medieval witch sabbats were resurrections of the ritual veneration of Belphegor. Among Belphegor’s devotees were the Kadeshoth, being religious (ceremonial) prostitutes. He was often venerated in the form of a phallus, or as a semi-bestial man with a phallus-shaped tongue. He was primarily venerated on Mount Peor, and his devotees are said to have eaten the sacrifices of the dead.” Liber Azerate states that, “Belphegor manifests before men as a beautiful, naked, demonic princess and before women as an elegant, naked, demonic prince, revealing his face which has the aspect of a wild and peculiar beast. If you survive beholding his countenance, he will manifest before you as Sorath, who is described in the bible as the Antichrist or the Beast 666.”
