29. Astaroth (Astarte / Inanna) - Goetia Spirit of Knowledge, Truth and Hidden Influence
Among the spirits described in the Ars Goetia, Astaroth is one of the most complex.
Not just a demon in the usual sense… but a figure with a long history that goes far beyond Goetia.
Different traditions connect Astaroth with names like Astarte, Ishtar, and even Inanna, all ancient figures associated with power, knowledge, and influence over human affairs.
Which already makes things less straightforward.
Who is Astaroth?
Astaroth is traditionally ranked as a Duke and is said to command 40 legions of spirits.
He is often described as appearing as an angelic figure riding a dragon-like beast, carrying a serpent.
But descriptions vary.
Some practitioners report a very different presence - more refined, almost elegant… sometimes even feminine.
And considering the connection to ancient goddesses, this shift in perception doesn’t feel accidental.
Knowledge, Truth, and Awareness
Most classical sources agree on one thing.
Astaroth provides answers.
knowledge of the past, present, and possible future;
understanding of hidden dynamics;
insight into complex situations;
access to intellectual clarity;
But there is a detail that’s easy to miss.
This is not the kind of knowledge that is simply “given”.
It tends to unfold.
Slowly.
Piece by piece.
At first it might feel like fragments thoughts, realizations, connections.
Then, at some point, everything starts forming a coherent picture.
The Nature of His Influence
Unlike more forceful spirits, Astaroth works through awareness.
Not by changing reality directly… but by changing how you see it.
And that alone can shift outcomes.
People often describe:
sudden clarity about past events;
understanding motives of others;
recognition of patterns that were previously invisible;
sharper thinking in important decisions;
It’s subtle, but once it starts, it’s hard to ignore.
A Deeper Layer - Inanna / Astarte
Historically, Astaroth is often linked to ancient goddesses like Inanna and Ishtar.
Figures associated with:
power;
desire;
knowledge;
sovereignty;
Over time, many of these deities were reinterpreted, their roles distorted or inverted.
So what appears in grimoires as a “demon” may actually carry traces of something much older.
And that dual nature is still felt in practice.
When Do People Work With Astaroth?
In modern work, Astaroth is usually approached when:
truth is unclear or hidden;
a situation feels confusing or contradictory;
deeper understanding is needed before making a decision;
someone wants to see beyond surface-level events;
there is a need for intellectual clarity and awareness;
Not for immediate action.
More for seeing things as they actually are.
A Practical Observation
People often expect answers to come quickly.
But more often, it happens differently.
A thought appears.
Then another.
Connections form.
And at some point, you realize you already know the answer.
You just didn’t see it before.
Correspondences
Rank: Duke
Direction: North
Element: Earth
Planet: Venus
Metal: Copper
Plant: Laurel
Colors: Green, Brown, Red, Blue
Incense: Sandalwood
Zodiac: Capricorn
Optimal time: Dec 31 – Jan 10 / Sep 18 – 22 (daytime)
If You Are Considering Working With Astaroth
If your situation involves uncertainty, hidden factors, or the need to understand what is really happening beneath the surface - Astaroth is often approached for this reason.
Not to force change.
But to reveal what is already there.
If you want to explore how this is applied in structured ritual work focused on knowledge, clarity, and truth revelation, you can find more details here:
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Previous articles on this topic:
The Nature of Archdemons
Hierarchy and Classification
Demonology as a Science
Where Demons Exist: A Multidimensional Model
About the Shadow Side of the Universe: The Qliphoth Tree