"a mortal can work beneficently with demons, if one knows the rituals of power to control them. Asmodeus, the king of Demons, was co-opted by Solomon to good ends. Demons can be turned against other demons (Lev. R. 24). Sometimes the demon will do so willingly (Pes. 106a), but usually this involves controlling the demons magically and forcing the captured spirit to do the will of the adept. R. Eliezer of Metz (12th Century), permitted the use of demons in spells and amulets, writing, "Invoking the demons to do one's will is permitted" for what difference is there between invoking demons and angels?" At the same time, anything that smacks of demon veneration or worship, such as making offerings or burning incense to a demon, is expressly forbidden (Sanh. 65b)." this quote is from Rabbi Geoffrey W. Dennis' article ''Demon''
Now, I want to know why it seems that a lot of people are so fixated with demons? I just want to know, so I can understand more and see different points of view.
I think the word "demon" is beginning to mean just any astral entity. For astral beings, magic is their element... so they are a great advantage to work with. Even if you only want to use your own power, you can't help meeting people. (Even non-human, non-physical people.)
Many old gods, especially Sumerian gods, were demoted to demons with the spread of Christianity... the devils as people usually think of them (half-goat, half-man, with a pitchfork) is really a negative image of the god Pan with Neptune's trident.
Djinn are (strictly) elementals, but are sometimes considered demons... so, a lot of elemental beings even fairies are called demons by some people. Even human ghosts are called demons if they're angry or powerful enough. The way Socrates used the word, spirit guides and totems are a kind of inner demon (not negative, the word demon just used to mean spirit.)
also remember the fact that demons, in catholic religion, is an angel who followed lucifer and fought against god
as to the fixation with demons, i have no clue
it is probably the fact that demons are able to teach and be a strong influence of the world, that most religions fear their power and in this fear, they make so many comments about demons, there fore trying to persuade others from actually looking to demons for knowledge and other things.
also, you have to remember the fact that some demos have caused exorcisms and that gives another reason to fear them.
it is all complicated, so sorry if i dont have the best answers.
Fairies known as Demons...now that is something new to me. Also, the belief of a human spirit angry being a demon is quite common, since sometimes is hard to differ. But in this site, I seem that people want to be something besides of what they are, Your points of view are similar to mine, but I am still wondering what other reasons can be that I have not thought about.
Well maybe I'm just unlucky ^_^ talking about the fey folk I've met with my teacher and a random person passing by goes like "Devil child, devil child!! >:-O" ...
I think it's just many people are afraid of demons-- fear is power, and we're most of us into magic for Power right? So, say we deal with fairies or angels, and even if some of those beings are nasty or wrathful, others would think it's still a little "safe" because the popular image of them is "neutral" or "good"... but say you work with demons and the impression is, you're getting really deep into powerful dangerous stuff...?
I've read that another kind of "robust" earth fairy, was called vulgus gobelinum in old Latin-- it means demon, even though some elemental magicians say gobelinum or goblin only means "follower of Ghob" a Ghob being a king of the earth fairies.
I think djinn are a kind of fire fey, but whenever something very bad happens in superstitious cultures they say "djinn" or demons did it. That kind of confusion I kind of get, since everyone "knows" that hell is fiery and demons come from hell, so a firey entity must have come from...
I think it's just the way we use the word "demon" is so confusing.
also demons have nothing to do with religion even though they are in the bible and other religious books for being evil. All the evils ones can be trained and controled and the good ones are very helpful.
I will have to agree...demons are just plain bad and angels are plain good...no grey areas... ^_^ so people should be more specific when saying they want to summon a demon....instead of just putting what kind of creature or entity they want to bring forth,
actually, there are some good demons, cause not all demons are evil, if u think about it, demons are angels who made a mistake
like i said before
but there are some demons that wish to be back in heaven, anyway
just saying wat i have to say, nothing more
