Leonard

“Grand-master of the nocturnal orgies of the demons. He is represented as a three-horned goat, with black human face. He marked his novitiates with one of his horns”

– Dictionary of Phrase and Fable (1898)

Leonard or “Master Leonard” is a demon or spirit in the Dictionnaire Infernal, grand-master of the nocturnal orgies of demons.

• He is represented as a three-horned goat, with a black human face.
• He marks his initiates with one of his horns.

Infernal powers obtained from the worship of Master Leonard range from metamorphosis into monstrous animals or men to flight as an incubus.

Leonard has been known to take other forms, and there is some connection to the legend of the werewolf; he has been known to appear as a handsome soldier, a favorite of many demons. In this form he will seduce a young lady and take her to the wilderness where he will lie with her and ejaculate cold semen.  It is said, that any child resulting from this union will be stillborn, an offering for sin, again echoing loosely the story of Aaron.

Link to Witchcraft

Leonard is often identified as a demon associated with livestock, particularly in the context of witchcraft and magical practices relating to agriculture or animal husbandry. He may be summoned for reasons such as gaining favors related to fertility, growth, or protection of animals.

Leonard is the demon closed associated with European Witchcraft – often summoned on sabbats to be the grand master of ceremonies. Witches were said to kneel and kiss his bum!

Often called “le Grand Negre” (The Black Man), Leonard is demon of the first order, grand master of the sabbaths, chief of the subaltern demons, and inspector general of sorcery, black magic and witchcraft. From the waist up, Leonard has a goat’s body with 3 horns on his head, a goat’s beard, hair-like bristles, 2 ears like foxes, and inflamed eyes. He also has a face on his butt, which witches kiss while holding a green candle to adore him. Leonard can take the form of a bloodhound, a beef, a black bird, or a tree trunk with a gloomy face. When he attends the sabbath, he has the feet of a goose, although experts claim that he has no feet when in tree trunk form. Leonard’s attitude is reserved and melancholic, but when he appears at witch and devil assemblies, he is commanding and uses situations to his advantage.

Dictionnaire Infernal – Collin de Plancy (1863)

To Sabbaths dreamed in this manner we must refer the accounts of a goat issuing from pitchers and going back into them after the ceremony; infernal powders obtained from the ordure of this goat, who is called Master Leonard; banquets where abortions are eaten without salt and boiled with serpents and toads; dances, in which monstrous animals or men and women with impossible shapes take part; unbridled debauches where incubi project cold sperm. Nightmare alone could produce or explain such scenes.

– Ritual of Transcendental Magic, xv. 312

The reference about witches kneeling and kissing the “bum” of Leonard may originate from folklore or specific literary works that depict absurd or humorous elements in witchcraft practices. Such imagery is often used to illustrate the bizarre or satirical aspects of witch hunts and the exaggerated myths surrounding witchcraft.

In some historical contexts, witches were believed to engage in odd rituals to gain favor or power from various demons, and these tales were often embellished or exaggerated for entertainment or moral lessons.

Leonard Marking With Horns

Leonard marks his initiates with his and there are several imaginative ways this could be done:

1. Horn Touch: Leonard could use the tips of his horns to touch or press against the initiate’s skin. The contact might leave a physical mark or scar in the shape of the horns, perhaps glowing or imbued with magical properties.
2. Horn Imprint: The demon might press his horns against the initiate, leaving a distinct impression or imprint that resembles the horns’ shape. This mark could be permanent or semi-permanent, symbolizing the initiate’s new allegiance or status.
3. Magical Branding: Leonard could channel his demonic energy through his horns to create a burning or glowing mark on the initiate’s body. This could be a symbol or sigil that represents their initiation into his service.
4. Transformation: The process might involve a temporary or permanent transformation where the initiate gains physical features similar to Leonard’s horns. This could be a part of the initiation rite, where the horns grow on the initiate’s own body as a sign of their new role.
5. Ceremonial Ritual: Leonard could perform a specific ritual involving his horns, where the initiates are marked through a series of ritualistic actions, which might include drawing symbols on their skin or performing an act that leaves a horn-shaped mark.

Source:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leonard_(demon)

A Field Guide to Demons, Fairies, Fallen Angels and Other Subversive Spirits, Carol K. Mack