Aeshma: The Destructive Demon

Aēshma, a prominent figure in Zoroastrian demonology, is a complex and fearsome entity whose role reflects the dualistic cosmology of this ancient Persian religion. As the demon of wrath, rage, and fury, Aēshma embodies the destructive impulses that challenge the order and harmony upheld by Ahura Mazda, the supreme deity of Zoroastrianism.

Below, I’ll explore Aēshma’s origins, characteristics, powers, and how one might summon him, as well as examples of potential positive and negative outcomes of working with him.

Aēshma: The Demon of Wrath in Zoroastrianism

Origins and Characteristics

Aēshma, whose name derives from the Avestan term aēšəma meaning “wrath” or “rage,” is a daeva (demon) in Zoroastrianism, a religion founded by the prophet Zarathustra around the 6th century BCE, though its roots trace back to earlier Indo-Iranian traditions. The name Aēshma has linguistic ties to Proto-Indo-European roots like h₁eish₂- (“strengthen; propel”), connecting it to concepts of violent motion and passion, as seen in cognates like Latin īra (“wrath”) and Lithuanian aistrà (“violent passion”). In Zoroastrian texts, Aēshma is often called “of the bloody mace,” a fitting epithet for a demon associated with aggression, violence, and chaos.

In the Zoroastrian hierarchy, Aēshma serves as a commander under Angra Mainyu (later Ahriman), the destructive spirit who opposes Ahura Mazda. He is one of the most formidable daevas, tasked with sowing discord, inciting violence, and disrupting the sacred order of Asha (truth and righteousness). Aēshma’s chief adversary is Sraosha, the divinity of obedience and religious devotion, who wields a “strong Ahuric mace” to counter Aēshma’s “bloody mace.” This opposition symbolizes the eternal struggle between discipline and chaos, a core theme in Zoroastrian dualism. Aēshma also opposes Asha Vahishta, the Amesha Spenta (holy immortal) of truth, and in later texts, he is pitted against Vohu Manah (good mind) and Mithra, the deity of covenant and judgment.

Aēshma’s role extends beyond mere violence. He is said to interfere with the souls of the dead as they approach the Chinvat Bridge for judgment, a critical moment in Zoroastrian eschatology where souls are weighed for their deeds. He embodies the metaphysical endangerment of the “Good Religion,” distracting humans from proper worship through acts of brutality, war, and drunkenness.

In Middle Persian texts like the Bundahišn and Dēnkard, Aēshma is given seven powers to destroy humanity, including immunity to poisons and magical lightning, and he is described as a towering figure, about 8 feet tall and weighing 500 pounds, often commanding battalions of lesser demons like vrocks or dretches.

Aēshma’s influence transcends Zoroastrianism, appearing in Jewish lore as Asmodeus (from Aēshma-daeva), a demon of lust and fury in the Book of Tobit, where he slays the seven husbands of Sarah before being defeated with the aid of the angel Raphael. This evolution highlights Aēshma’s adaptability across cultures, though his core essence remains tied to wrath and destruction.

Adopted later into Hebrew mythology as Asmodeus.

Has been recorded in history for at least three thousand years. Said to be a small hairy demon able to make men perform cruel acts. devil of sensuality and luxury, originally ‘creature of judgement’. He was the overseer of all the gambling houses in the court of Hell, and the general spreader of dissipation.

In addition, Asmodeus was the demon of lust, responsible for stirring up matrimonial trouble.

Powers and What Aēshma Can Help People Do

Aēshma’s powers are rooted in his dominion over wrath, violence, and chaos, making him a potent but dangerous ally for those who dare to summon him. Here are some of the ways Aēshma can assist practitioners, based on his mythological attributes:

• Inciting Conflict and Overcoming Obstacles: Aēshma’s ability to sow discord can be harnessed to create chaos among enemies or rivals, clearing obstacles in one’s path. For example, a practitioner might call on Aēshma to disrupt a competitor’s plans in a business deal, causing internal strife that gives the summoner an advantage.
• Unleashing Inner Strength and Fury: As the embodiment of rage, Aēshma can help individuals tap into their primal anger to overcome fear, hesitation, or weakness. This can be useful in situations requiring assertiveness, such as confronting an abuser or standing up in a high-stakes negotiation.
• Destroying Barriers to Progress: Aēshma’s destructive power can be directed toward breaking down metaphorical or spiritual barriers, such as self-doubt, societal constraints, or oppressive systems. A practitioner might invoke Aēshma to shatter limitations holding them back from achieving a goal, like escaping a toxic relationship.
• Commanding Lesser Demons: Like Volac, Aēshma’s role as a commander suggests he can grant the summoner authority over lesser demons, providing spiritual allies for protection or assistance in magical workings. This could manifest as commanding a household demon to guard one’s home.

However, Aēshma’s assistance comes with significant risks. His chaotic nature means he may amplify destructive impulses beyond the summoner’s control, leading to unintended consequences. His association with war, slaughter, and drunkenness also warns of potential for violence or loss of rationality.

Ritual to Summon Aēshma

Summoning Aēshma is a serious undertaking, reserved for experienced demonolators due to his high rank and volatile energy, as cautioned on blackwitchcoven.com. This ritual is designed to align with Zoroastrian traditions and Aēshma’s attributes, incorporating elements like his nocturnal nature and opposition to Sraosha. It should be performed with utmost respect and protection, as Aēshma’s wrath can easily turn against the summoner if not properly managed.

Preparation

• Timing: Conduct the ritual at night, ideally during a waning moon to align with Aēshma’s destructive energy, or between January 25th and January 29th, a period of heightened demonic activity noted on blackwitchcoven.com for similar entities like Volac.
• Altar Setup: Cover your altar with a black cloth, symbolizing Aēshma’s darkness. Place his sigil (which can be adapted from traditional daeva symbols or created intuitively) at the center, flanked by a black candle (for wrath) and a red candle (for fury). Include a piece of obsidian (for protection and grounding) and a small iron object (to honor his “bloody mace”). Offerings should include red wine (symbolizing blood and intoxication) and a pinch of black pepper (for fiery energy).
• Protection: Mentally envision a protection circle, as advised on blackwitchcoven.com, and cleanse the space with frankincense or myrrh incense to ward off unwanted energies. Wear dark clothing to align with Aēshma’s nocturnal essence.

Ritual Steps

1. Open the Circle: Light the candles and stand before the altar. Visualize a circle of red fire around you, saying:
   • “I open this circle in the name of the shadows, to summon Aēshma, demon of wrath and fury. May this space be a battleground for truth and chaos, protected by my will.”
2. Invoke Aēshma: Focus on his sigil and chant an adapted enn (since no specific enn exists for Aēshma, we’ll create one based on his name and role): “Aēshma xrvi.dru, kheshm daeva, rise in fury.” Repeat this nine times. Then speak:
   • “Aēshma, of the bloody mace, commander of Angra Mainyu, I call you forth from the shadows. You who oppose Sraosha, you who assail the Chinvat Bridge, I seek your wrathful power. Come to me with your seven powers, and lend me your fury.”
3. State Your Intent: Clearly state your request, such as:
   • “Aēshma, I ask you to unleash your chaos upon my enemies, that they may falter and I may rise.”
   • Be precise, as Aēshma’s energy can spiral if undirected.
4. Communicate: Sit in silence, feeling for signs of Aēshma’s presence—flashes of anger, heat, or visions of a towering figure with a mace. Ask your question or request, and listen for up to 10 minutes. Record any impressions in a journal.
5. Offer and Close: Pour the red wine onto the altar as an offering, saying:
   • “Aēshma, I honor you with this blood of the vine, in gratitude for your presence. Depart in peace, or stay if it serves your will.”
   • Extinguish the candles, close the circle by visualizing the red fire dissipating, and leave the offerings overnight, later disposing of them by pouring the wine into the earth.

Examples of Positive and Negative Cases

Working with Aēshma can yield powerful results, but his chaotic nature often leads to mixed outcomes. Here are hypothetical examples based on his attributes:

Positive Case: Breaking Free from Oppression
A practitioner, feeling trapped in an abusive work environment, summons Aēshma to unleash their inner strength and disrupt the toxic dynamics. During the ritual, they feel a surge of anger and clarity, empowering them to confront their boss with newfound assertiveness. The next day, a scandal erupts among the management (Aēshma’s chaos at work), leading to the abusive boss’s resignation.

The practitioner secures a better position, using Aēshma’s energy to break free from oppression. 

Negative Case: Uncontrolled Chaos
A novice summoner, seeking to outmaneuver a rival in a legal dispute, calls on Aēshma to sow discord among the opposing party. Aēshma responds, but the summoner’s unclear intent leads to chaos spiraling beyond the target.

The rival’s team does implode, but the summoner’s own legal team becomes embroiled in arguments, derailing their case. The summoner’s unchecked anger (amplified by Aēshma) also leads to a public outburst, damaging their reputation.

Cautions and Considerations

Aēshma is a high-ranking demon, and blackwitchcoven.com warns that only experienced practitioners should engage with such entities. His wrath can easily turn against the summoner, especially if intentions are unclear or respect is lacking. His interference with the Chinvat Bridge suggests he may challenge one’s moral balance, stirring guilt or rage that disrupts spiritual growth.  Avoid summoning Aēshma during daylight or without protection, as his nocturnal energy demands darkness and structure.

Aēshma in Your Spiritual Journey

Aēshma offers a path to harness raw, primal energy for transformation, but his gifts come with a heavy price. Working with him over a lunar cycle, especially during his strongest period, can help you channel his fury into breaking barriers or confronting injustices.

History & Other Facts