Who Is Azazel, the Demon Blamed for Human Corruption?

Azazel is known as a powerful demon in Hebrew and Christian traditions, often seen as a leader of fallen angels and a source of human corruption.

Although he is not one of the 72 spirits in the Ars Goetia, Azazel plays a key role in the Book of Enoch and in Old Testament rituals. He is usually described as a symbol of the wilderness and as the entity who receives the “scapegoat” during the Day of Atonement.

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Key Takeaways

Attribute	Details
Names	Azazel, Azael, Azaziel, Hazazel, Aziz
Title	Chief of the Se’irim, Leader of the Watchers, Prince of the Desert
Gender	Male
Role	Corruptor of humanity, teacher of forbidden warfare and cosmetics, tempter
Rank	Chief of the Grigori (Watchers), Prince of the Second Hierarchy
Hierarchy	Leader of the 200 fallen angels; subordinate to Semyaza in some texts, often considered an independent adversary
Legions	Commanded 200 Watchers, each leading their own respective divisions
Powers	Granting knowledge of weapon smithing, inciting vanity through cosmetics, and revealing celestial secrets
Associated Figures	Semyaza, Enoch, King Solomon, Beelzebub, Lilith
Weaknesses	Binding by the Archangel Raphael, imprisonment in darkness, and burial under sharp rocks
Opposing Angel/Saint	Archangel Raphael
Pantheon	Abrahamic (Jewish and Christian)
Primary Sources	The Bible (Leviticus), The Book of Enoch, The Apocalypse of Abraham, Dictionnaire Infernal

Who or What is Azazel?

Azazel is a complicated entity who is sometimes seen as a demon, sometimes as a place, and sometimes as a force of evil. In early stories, he is one of the Watchers, angels who came down to Earth and lived with human women. This led to the birth of the Nephilim and the spread of corruption before the flood.

In later Jewish and Christian traditions, Azazel is portrayed as a fallen angel who either refused to honor humans or sought to usurp divine power by teaching forbidden knowledge.

Unlike other demons who possess individuals, Azazel is blamed for corrupting all of human society by introducing weapons and deception. He is often seen as an outsider who lives in empty, wild places far from divine law.

“Azazel” Meaning

Scholars debate the origin of the name Azazel, but there are three main theories. The most common idea is that it comes from the Hebrew words for ‘goat’ and ‘to go away,’ so it means ‘the goat that departs’ or ‘scapegoat.’ This connects to the ritual in Leviticus 16, in which a goat was sent into the wilderness to bear the community’s sins.

Another theory says the name combines words meaning ‘rugged’ and ‘strong,’ pointing to a ‘rugged mountain’ or ‘cliff’ where the goat was sent. This view shifts the focus from Azazel as a demon to a place of judgment.

In the Book of Enoch, Azazel is treated as a personal name. Some researchers think it comes from a root meaning ‘to be strong’ and the ending ‘-el,’ which means ‘Strength of God.’ This may have been his name before he fell from grace.

In different translations, like the Greek Septuagint (where he is called apopompaios) and the Latin Vulgate, the name has been used both as a title for a demon and as a term for the ritual of sending away.

How to Pronounce “Azazel” in English

In English, Azazel is usually pronounced ah-ZAY-zel, with the stress on the second syllable. Other ways to say it include uh-ZAY-zuhl or AZ-uh-zel, but ah-ZAY-zel is the most common in academic and religious discussions.

What Does Azazel Look Like?

Descriptions of Azazel’s appearance vary across sources. In the Apocalypse of Abraham, he is shown as a dirty, unclean bird, especially a bird that eats dead animals, coming down on sacrifices to spoil them. This animal form highlights his role as a soul scavenger and someone who disrupts holy rituals.

In later occult traditions, like those in Colin de Plancy’s Dictionnaire Infernal, Azazel is described as more human-like but still monstrous. He is often pictured as a demon carrying a banner and riding a goat or a camel.

In these images, Azazel often has several horns (sometimes seven), yellow eyes, and leathery wings, fitting the classic wild, satyr-like look. Some texts say he has a man’s face but the body of a dragon or snake, showing his tricky nature and ancient roots.

Origins

Azazel’s story shifts from a ritual entity in early Hebrew law to a leader of a cosmic rebellion. His development is closely tied to Jewish and Christian ideas about angels, especially the ‘Sons of God’ story in Genesis 6.

The Watchers and the Mount Hermon Covenant

The main story about Azazel comes from the Book of Enoch. In this book, Azazel is one of the chief Watchers, a group of angels who were supposed to watch over humans.

According to the story, 200 of these angels, led by Semyaza and Azazel, wanted to be with human women. They came down to Mount Hermon during Jared’s time and made a pact to carry out their plan.

Semyaza is usually named as the rebellion’s main leader. Still, Azazel is seen as the main cause of the world’s decline in morals and technology before the flood.

The Disclosure of Forbidden Secrets

Azazel stands out among the Watchers because he focused on corrupting minds. While the others were punished for living with human women, the Book of Enoch says Azazel’s bigger sin was revealing the ‘eternal secrets’ of Heaven.

He taught people how to work with metals like iron, copper, gold, and silver. This led to the making of the first swords, armor, and shields, bringing organized warfare to a society that had been mostly farming.

At the same time, he taught women about cosmetics and how to make themselves look more attractive. By introducing makeup and jewelry, he started a culture of vanity and deception. The text says that because of these teachings, ‘there arose much godlessness, and they committed fornication, and they were led astray, and became corrupt in all their ways.’

The War in Heaven and Divine Judgment

Azazel’s teachings led to chaos and the birth of the Nephilim, giants who ate all the food people grew. When there was nothing left, the giants started eating humans.

People cried out for help, and the Archangels Michael, Uriel, Raphael, and Gabriel brought their pleas to God, naming Azazel as the one who ‘taught all unrighteousness on earth.’ God then gave each Archangel a task to clean the earth, and Azazel received the harshest punishment.

Raphael was told to capture Azazel, tie him up, and throw him into a deep hole in the desert of Dudael. To keep him there until the final judgment, Raphael covered him with sharp rocks and darkness. This story is seen as the origin of the ‘bottomless pit’ in later writings.

The Scapegoat and the Day of Atonement

Parallel to the Enochic narrative is the ritualistic origin found in Leviticus 16. During the Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement), two goats were chosen. One was sacrificed to the Lord, while the other—the “goat for Azazel”—was sent alive into the wilderness.

This ritual was meant to remove the community’s sins both physically and symbolically by sending them back to their source. Here, Azazel is seen as a kind of spiritual ‘waste-bin,’ a desert demon who takes on the people’s impurities.

Over time, these two traditions blended, and the goat sent into the desert came to be linked with the fallen Watcher, Azazel, who was imprisoned there.

Was Azazel Ever Mentioned in the Bible?

Yes, Azazel is mentioned by name in the Old Testament, especially in Leviticus. But in many English translations, such as the King James Version, his name is often depicted as ‘the scapegoat’ rather than kept as a proper name.

Source	Quote
Leviticus 16:8	“And Aaron shall cast lots upon the two goats; one lot for the LORD, and the other lot for Azazel.”
Leviticus 16:10	“But the goat, on which the lot fell to be the scapegoat (Azazel), shall be presented alive before the LORD, to make an atonement with him, and to let him go for a scapegoat (Azazel) into the wilderness.”
Leviticus 16:26	“And he that let go the goat for Azazel shall wash his clothes, and bathe his flesh in water, and afterward come into the camp.”

Azazel in Grimoires and Other Texts

Outside the Bible, Azazel shows up in other ancient writings and later occult books. In these, he is often described as a high-ranking prince of Hell or as a teacher of the ‘black arts.’

Source	Quote
Book of Enoch 8:1-2	“And Azazel taught men to make swords, and knives, and shields, and breastplates, and made known to them the metals of the earth and the art of working them… and all kinds of costly stones, and all colouring tinctures.”
Book of Enoch 10:8	“And the whole earth has been corrupted through the works that were taught by Azazel: to him ascribe all sin.”
Apocalypse of Abraham 13:7	“And the impure bird spoke to me and said, ‘What are you doing, Abraham, on the holy heights… Leave this man… for they have abandoned him.'”
Dictionnaire Infernal	“Azazel; a demon of the first order, chief of the standard-bearers of the armies of lower-hell.”

Powers and Abilities

Azazel’s powers primarily involve corrupting minds and altering the physical world. Instead of causing madness or sickness like some demons, he gives people the tools to harm themselves.

• Teaching Warfare: Azazel can teach people about working with metals and making weapons. By revealing these secrets, he helps humans create deadly tools, which leads to more violence and organized war.
• Power of Vanity: Azazel rules over cosmetics and the ‘art of deception.’ By teaching people to change their looks with makeup and jewelry, he brings in ideas of lust and false identity. This distracts people from spiritual truth and makes them focus on surface appearances.
• Celestial Knowledge: As a former angel, Azazel still knows the ‘eternal secrets’ of Heaven. He is said to reveal the movements of the planets and the secrets of the sky, leading people to practice forbidden magic and astrology.
• Control of Desolation: Azazel has power over empty, wild places. He can cause people to feel alone and isolated, drawing them into the wilderness where they are more open to his influence.

Azazel Myths, Legends, and Stories

The Corruption of Mankind in the Book of Enoch

In ancient times, Azazel was one of the Watchers who noticed the beauty of human women. Semyaza is usually named as the leader, but Azazel is most often blamed for introducing new technology and moral decline. He didn’t just live with women; he broke the natural order by giving people knowledge they weren’t ready for.

He taught people how to make swords and shields, leading to the first wars. He also taught them how to make dyes and jewelry, which led to vanity and unfaithfulness. Because of what he did, the earth cried out to Heaven, and the Archangels Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael saw the bloodshed and chaos he caused.

The Imprisonment in the Desert of Dudael

After hearing the earth’s cries, God gave a special punishment to Azazel. Raphael was sent to capture him. There was no long fight; instead, Raphael simply tied up Azazel and threw him into the darkness of the desert called Dudael.

To keep him there, Raphael opened the desert and put sharp rocks on top of Azazel. A deep darkness covered his face so he could not see any light. This story explains why Azazel is felt as a ‘voice from the wilderness’ instead of being active in cities.

The Temptation of Abraham in the Apocalypse of Abraham

While Abraham was making a sacrifice to God, Azazel came down as an unclean bird. He spoke to Abraham, trying to make him doubt and feel afraid. Azazel told Abraham he was not worthy and should leave God’s presence.

But the angel Iaoel, who was with Abraham, scolded Azazel. Iaoel told Azazel that his ‘inheritance’ was not in Heaven but on earth, and that he was responsible for the world’s sins. This story shows Azazel as the ‘Accuser’ and someone who tries to break the bond between God and people.

Azazel vs Other Christian Demons

Demon Name	Associated Sin/Temptation	Rank/Origin	Key Traits/Powers
Lucifer	Pride	Emperor / Fallen Seraph	Intellectual pride; ruler of hell
Asmodeus	Lust	King / Book of Tobit	Breaking marriages; inciting lust
Beelzebub	Gluttony	Prince / Philistine roots	Lord of the Flies; spreading rot
Belial	Lawlessness	Prince / Dead Sea Scrolls	Hostility toward God; worthlessness
Mammon	Greed	Prince / New Testament	Material wealth and avarice
Leviathan	Envy	Grand Admiral / Job	Sea monster; representing chaos
Astaroth	Sloth	Grand Duke / Ars Goetia	Teaches liberal sciences; stinking breath
Belphegor	Sloth/Discovery	Prince / Moabite roots	Inventions to make life easier
Moloch	Child Sacrifice	Prince / Old Testament	Demands sacrifice by fire
Abaddon	Destruction	King / Revelation	Angel of the Abyss; locust king
Pazuzu	Plague	King / Mesopotamian	Winds of fever and famine
Balaam	Avarice	King / Ars Goetia	Gives true answers to things past
Paimon	Obedience	King / Ars Goetia	Teaches arts and sciences
Behemoth	Gluttony	Grand Cupbearer / Job	Beast of the land; immense strength
Satan	Wrath	Prince / Biblical	General adversary and tempter

Rank in the Hierarchy of Hell

Azazel has a special place in the ranks of Hell, often called a Prince of the Second Hierarchy. In early Jewish writings, he led the Watchers, making him higher than most fallen angels. In the Dictionnaire Infernal, he is named Chief of the Standard-Bearers of Hell’s armies, showing he has a military role.

Azazel is often shown as an ancient and senior demon compared to others. While Lucifer or Satan is seen as a ruler, Azazel is the ‘field commander’ who initiated the first breach between Heaven and Earth.

Azazel is often linked with Semyaza. In some stories, they compete to lead the Watchers. In contrast, in others, Azazel is the main keeper of secrets for Semyaza. He is rarely shown as lower than the demons of the Ars Goetia because his story is older, making him one of the original fallen spirits, respected even by the Goetia’s kings.

Mystical Correspondences

Attribute	Details
Planet	Saturn
Zodiac Sign	Capricorn
Element	Earth
Direction	North (or the Wilderness)
Color	Black, Dark Red
Number	8 (or 10 in some numerologies)
Crystal/Mineral	Obsidian, Antimony
Metal	Iron, Lead
Herb/Plant	Hellebore, Hemlock
Animal	Goat, Vulture, Camel

Azazel is linked to the planet Saturn, which fits his role as a prisoner and a source of tough, material wisdom. Saturn stands for boundaries, time, and heaviness, much like Azazel’s imprisonment under the rocks in Dudael.

Azazel is also connected to the zodiac sign Capricorn, the Goat, which ties him to the ‘scapegoat’ ritual and the rough mountains where he was sent. These links show his role as someone who brings hard and sometimes harmful knowledge that ties people to the physical world.

Azazel is also strongly linked to the earth element, but in its most empty and barren forms. Instead of fertile soil, his earth is the sand and rocks of the desert. In occult traditions, the North stands for darkness and the unknown, which is said to be Azazel’s home.

Iron and antimony are linked to Azazel because he taught people how to work with metals and make cosmetics. These materials are lasting reminders of the knowledge he gave to humanity.

Azazel’s Sigil

Azazel’s sigil is a symbol of his power and his link to the fallen angels. In old occult practices, sigils were like spiritual signatures that helped people connect directly with a spirit’s energy.

Azazel’s sigil often includes a trident shape or lines that look like a throne or an eye, showing his past as a Watcher. In the past, people engraved these symbols on iron or lead charms to protect themselves or to gain secret knowledge about war and metalworking from Azazel.

Summoning and Rituals

In history, Azazel was most famously invoked not by sorcerers, but by Israel’s High Priests during the scapegoat ritual. This group ritual was meant to put the people’s sins onto a goat sent to Azazel. The goal was not to worship him, but to send sin back to its source in the wilderness.

In medieval and Renaissance magic books, people performed rituals with Azazel to gain power in battle or learn hidden secrets. These rituals were often performed in lonely places, such as deserts, ruins, or crossroads, to reflect his exile.

Witches and warlocks were said to use ‘black mirrors’ or crystals like obsidian to talk to Azazel and seek his hidden wisdom. Books like the Grimorium Verum and the Book of Abramelin describe these practices, in which the person had to undergo strict purification to handle Azazel’s heavy, Saturn-like presence.

Frequently Asked Questions