The Dictionary of Demons: Names of the Damned

There are not demons, as there are not goods, angels and things like that, everyone knows that.
I bought that book to learn a little more about us, humans been, that live in the real and only world.
We must to do something or be happy here, there is not another place.

The Dictionary of Demons: Names of the Damned is the latest, much-anticipated book from Michelle Belanger. This sizeable, extraordinarily thorough work records over 1500 demons and their attributes in concisely-worded entries. The book contains numerous cross-references for each demonic name to others with similar attributes. It also easily cross-references the various Medieval and Renaissance books from which Belanger draws these names and descriptions.

The compilation's theme is that names hold power. In our modern view' the concept seems obvious in that trademarks, tradenames, and logos hold power to direct our economy. However, Belanger points out that power of these demonic names were not for the masses, but were disclosed in ancient times to only a privileged few who were deemed worthy enough to use the powerful names and symbols for God's glory. That perceived power is underscored by the fact that a mere 300 years ago - a flash in history - the volumes, from which The Dictionary of Demons draws upon, often found themselves, their writers, and their readership put to the flames.

The book utilizes original source texts and contemporary translations. Where there is a discrepancy between original and subsequent versions of a text, Belanger explains the discrepancy and how the two sources differ. Variations within particular texts and misprintings of names are occasionally noted.

In addition to the names listed, Belanger explains how these original grimoires and books of ceremonial magick were used to summon and control angels, demons, and spirits. This information is both intriguing and useful in understanding the context in which these demonic names were used.

The Dictionary of Demons is not simply a morbid curiosity. Readers interested in cultural anthropology, western religion, and psychology may find the reference useful where their studies turn to western demonology. Persons working in deliverance ministries will find the work useful in their practice.

Overall, the The Dictionary of Demons is an impressive work of study and compilation. However, Belanger points out that the work is limited to works derived from Christian sources (which often drew upon the esoteric beliefs and practices of Jewish Qabbalah). Demons outside this tradition are not included. Moreover, in order to be included in the listing, a demon must have a proper name (as opposed to a general category or class) and must be considered "infernal" within the original source (as either a demon or fallen angel). For example, spirits listed in the Heptameron grimoire were not included in the listing, although they presented similar qualities to demons listed in the Sworn Book of Honorius. While most readers would find the omissions to be inconsequential, they are noted for those using the work for research purposes.

In spite of its self-imposed limitations, The Dictionary of Demons is an exceptional achievement that cries out to be an organic document with subsequent editions compiling the demons of Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and the Americas. This is an impressive work that deserves a space in any library that concerns itself with the unknown.

If you are interested in demons/demonic spirits and fallen angels then this is a great book! Not only does it give a list of their names but it also provides information on the origin/meaning of the name and where they were first mentioned/recorded. It also provides good background information on the belief in demons throughout the ages and the grimoires in which their names have been recorded. If you are looking for a good/informative guide then I recommend this. However if you are looking for a guide on summoning demons then this might not be your best choice since it doesnt cover summoning and banishment (though it does give the purposes the demons were usually summoned for). My only problem with this book is that there is no index in the back, many times now I've found a demon that highly interests me but later when I wish to read about it again I have a hard time finding it. Oh and I recommend you purchase this book from the store.com, I bought this book in a local bookstore and paid twice as much for it.

This book condenses and combines demons from quite a number of sources, with extensive cross-referencing to identify duplicates and mis-translations. The original text that each demon comes from is referenced in each entry, should the curious scholar be inclined to delve further.

I rate this book 5 stars because it represents an exhaustive amount of research - research that future demonologists won't have to do!

The Dictionary of Demons: Names of the Damned is the latest, much-anticipated book from Michelle Belanger. This sizeable, extraordinarily thorough work records over 1500 demons and their attributes in concisely-worded entries. The book contains numerous cross-references for each demonic name to others with similar attributes. It also easily cross-references the various Medieval and Renaissance books from which Belanger draws these names and descriptions.

The compilation's theme is that names hold power. In our modern view' the concept seems obvious in that trademarks, tradenames, and logos hold power to direct our economy. However, Belanger points out that power of these demonic names were not for the masses, but were disclosed in ancient times to only a privileged few who were deemed worthy enough to use the powerful names and symbols for God's glory. That perceived power is underscored by the fact that a mere 300 years ago - a flash in history - the volumes, from which The Dictionary of Demons draws upon, often found themselves, their writers, and their readership put to the flames.

The book utilizes original source texts and contemporary translations. Where there is a discrepancy between original and subsequent versions of a text, Belanger explains the discrepancy and how the two sources differ. Variations within particular texts and misprintings of names are occasionally noted.

In addition to the names listed, Belanger explains how these original grimoires and books of ceremonial magick were used to summon and control angels, demons, and spirits. This information is both intriguing and useful in understanding the context in which these demonic names were used.

The Dictionary of Demons is not simply a morbid curiosity. Readers interested in cultural anthropology, western religion, and psychology may find the reference useful where their studies turn to western demonology. Persons working in deliverance ministries will find the work useful in their practice.

Overall, the The Dictionary of Demons is an impressive work of study and compilation. However, Belanger points out that the work is limited to works derived from Christian sources (which often drew upon the esoteric beliefs and practices of Jewish Qabbalah). Demons outside this tradition are not included. Moreover, in order to be included in the listing, a demon must have a proper name (as opposed to a general category or class) and must be considered "infernal" within the original source (as either a demon or fallen angel). For example, spirits listed in the Heptameron grimoire were not included in the listing, although they presented similar qualities to demons listed in the Sworn Book of Honorius. While most readers would find the omissions to be inconsequential, they are noted for those using the work for research purposes.

In spite of its self-imposed limitations, The Dictionary of Demons is an exceptional achievement that cries out to be an organic document with subsequent editions compiling the demons of Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and the Americas. This is an impressive work that deserves a space in any library that concerns itself with the unknown.

If you are interested in demons/demonic spirits and fallen angels then this is a great book! Not only does it give a list of their names but it also provides information on the origin/meaning of the name and where they were first mentioned/recorded. It also provides good background information on the belief in demons throughout the ages and the grimoires in which their names have been recorded. If you are looking for a good/informative guide then I recommend this. However if you are looking for a guide on summoning demons then this might not be your best choice since it doesnt cover summoning and banishment (though it does give the purposes the demons were usually summoned for). My only problem with this book is that there is no index in the back, many times now I've found a demon that highly interests me but later when I wish to read about it again I have a hard time finding it. Oh and I recommend you purchase this book from the store.com, I bought this book in a local bookstore and paid twice as much for it.

This book condenses and combines demons from quite a number of sources, with extensive cross-referencing to identify duplicates and mis-translations. The original text that each demon comes from is referenced in each entry, should the curious scholar be inclined to delve further.

I rate this book 5 stars because it represents an exhaustive amount of research - research that future demonologists won't have to do!

Excellent Demon book. Practical, and detailed for those that maybe wanting to learn about which demon to Conjure Up during a Sigil Magick Session. I've come across others that are Speculative and Romantic, this one seems authentic.

Browsing through the book in a BN store I noticed Ms Belanger uses the old albatross of that boring old "Tree of Life" rather than the demonic Tree of Night which is the reverse used by the LHP. For The best example of it
read Thomas Karlsson's 'Qabalah, Qliphoth, and Goetic Magic'.
The rest of the book is fine as I could tell but I didn't buy it.