Samael is a prominent figure in various mythologies and occult traditions, often considered a demon or an angel with complex and diverse attributes. It’s important to note that interpretations of Samael vary widely across different belief systems, and he is not universally considered a demon in all traditions. The perception of Samael depends on the specific religious or occult context in which he is discussed.
Here are some key aspects of Samael in different contexts:
1. *Jewish Tradition*: In Jewish mysticism, Samael is often seen as an accuser, seducer, and angel of death. He is sometimes identified as the chief of the Satans (adversaries) and is associated with harsh judgments.
2. *Gnostic Tradition*: In certain Gnostic sects, Samael is considered one of the seven archons who created the material world. He is often depicted as a malevolent, arrogant being responsible for trapping human souls in the physical realm.
3. *Christianity*: Samael is not a prominent figure in mainstream Christian theology, but some early Christian sects viewed him as a malevolent force or a fallen angel.
4. *Occult and Esoteric Traditions*: In modern occultism, Samael is sometimes associated with the Qliphoth, the dark and negative aspects of the Kabbalistic Tree of Life. He is seen as a representation of destructive or chaotic forces.
*Occult and Esoteric Traditions*
In occult and esoteric traditions, Samael is often regarded as a significant and complex figure with various interpretations and associations.
Samael is often viewed as a symbol of confronting the darker aspects of the self and using that confrontation as a catalyst for personal and spiritual growth.
It’s important to emphasize that interpretations of Samael in occult and esoteric traditions can vary significantly depending on the specific belief system and the practitioner’s perspective.
Here are some aspects of Samael in these contexts:
1. *Archdemon*: In some occult systems, Samael is considered an archdemon associated with the left-hand path or dark aspects of spirituality. He represents the shadow self, chaos, and the adversarial forces challenging the status quo.
2. *Qliphoth*: Samael is closely linked to the Qliphoth, which are the reverse or negative aspects of the Kabbalistic Tree of Life. The Qliphoth represents the hidden, chaotic, and often malevolent forces in the universe. Samael is often associated with the Qlipha called “Gevurah” or “Din,” which represents severity and judgment.
3. *Duality and Transformation*: Samael is sometimes seen as a symbol of the duality present in the human psyche. He represents the transformative power of confronting one’s inner darkness and integrating it into one’s spiritual journey.
4. *Alchemy*: In alchemical traditions, Samael is sometimes connected with the process of putrefaction, which is the breaking down of matter to its most basic components before spiritual transformation can occur. This process is seen as a necessary step in the journey toward spiritual enlightenment.
5. *Astrology*: Samael is sometimes associated with the planet Mars and its aggressive, assertive, and passionate qualities. Mars is considered a symbol of conflict and war, and Samael’s connection with it reinforces his role as a force of challenge and conflict.
6. *Serpent Symbolism*: Samael is occasionally depicted as a serpent or dragon, linking him to the symbolism of the serpent as a primal and transformative force. This connects with the idea of shedding old skin and undergoing profound change.
Other Collected Info
For the Jews, Sammael is the prince of demons. In Rabbinical legend he is a storm demon, and his name is linked with Samiel or Simoon, which is the name of a desert wind.
According to tradition, Sammael was said to have been the highest throne-angel. He was said to have twelve wings, which was twice the number of wings of the Seraphim and other living creatures. According to the Debarim Rabbi (xi), Sammael is the wicked angel who is the chief of all the Satans.
It was Sammael (also associated with Satan) who, under the guise of the serpent, tempted Eve in paradise. According to chapters 13 and 14 of the Pirke de Rabbi Eliezer, Satan’s fall was mainly out of jealousy and envy on the part of the angels. The angels were in opposition to the creation of man, and were jealous that man was allowed to give names to all creatures. They saw this act as proving that man was superior to themselves.
Sammael, who was the first of all the angel princes, led a group of angels to earth in an attempt to conspire against Adam, so that by his fall, they might again gain supremacy over man. In the Bereshith Rabba (xix), the serpent was described as possessing hands and feet and it resembled a camel. It also could speak. Sammael took possession of the serpent and thus deceived Eve. Because of this act, the angels were cast out of heaven and the feet of the serpent were cut off.
3 Baruch makes reference to this event. The Greek version uses the name ‘Samael’ while the Slavic text replaces the name with ‘Satanael.’
“And I said, ‘I pray you, show me which is the tree which caused Adam to stray.’ And the angel said, ‘It is the vine which the angel Samael planted by which the Lord God became angered, and he cursed him and his planting. For this reason he did not permit Adam to touch it. And because of this the devil became envious, and tricked him by means of his vine.'” – 3 Baruch 4:8 (Greek)
“And during the transgression of the first Adam, she gave light to Samael when he took the serpent as a garment, and did not hide, but on the contrary, waxed.” – 3 Baruch 9:7
(Greek)
Sammael plays the role of the accuser, seducer, and destroyer (and is identified with Satan in some traditions). Another example of the deeds of Sammael is his role in the trial of Abraham. Sammael stood before God to accuse Abraham of selfish piety. God decided to test Abraham by asking him to sacrifice his son, Isaac. Sammael then tried to persuade Abraham not to sacrifice Isaac, and also to persuade Isaac to rebel against this trial. When he saw that Abraham would not disobey God, he revenged himself by telling Sarah that Isaac had been slain. She then died of her grief and terror.
Sammael is also a symbol of the ‘venom of God.’ This title refers to his role as executioner of the death sentences ordered by God, and links him to the Angel of Death. In T.B. Abuda Zarah, Sammael is represented as standing by a dying man with a drawn sword in his hand. The point of the sword has a drop of gall on it. When the dying man sees him, he is startled and opens his mouth. The drop of gall then falls into his mouth and the man dies. In this personification, Sammael is said to have brought about Moses’ death. According to the T.B. Baba Metzia (86a), the Angel of Death did not fall but remains one of God’s angels.
Sammael also, as an uncircumcised mate of Lilith , fathered a huge family of demons.
According to a fifteenth century story, a Spanish Kabbalist of that era tried to gain power over Sammael by summoning him in the name of God. When Sammael appeared in the form of a serpent, the conjurer bound the demon by placing on his head a crown inscribed with magic letters which spelled out: ‘Thy Master’s Name is upon Thee.’ But Sammael was not to be duped that easily. He cunningly convinced the magician to burn incense to seal his victory. When the conjurer obeyed, the demon was instantly freed from the spell, as the burning of incense was an act of idolatry.
In the Kabbalistic tradition, Sammael is the chief of the ten evil Sephiroth. He is said to fly through the air like a bird. The dark blemishes on the moon’s surface are supposed to be this archdemon’s excrement.