Utukku : The Good or Bad Spirit?

Benevolent or good Utukku is called Shedu / Lamassu while the malevolent or evil ones are known as the Ekimmu or the Edimmu. These edimmu were seen as the ghosts of people who weren’t buried properly; who were also aggressive to the living, capable of possessing anyone who did not stay away from any sort of taboo like the eating of ox meat.

They are children of An, the sky god and Ki, the goddess of the earth. They act as servants to Nergal, the ruler and god of the underworld. The edimmu could make the ones they possess do evil and fall sick. It is said that libations or the fulfilling of funeral rites on the soul of the dead could appease the ekimmu.  As a spirit that travels through the wind, they can pull the “breath of life” from sleeping youths.

The Akkadians believed that the Utukki were given the job of getting sacrifice offerings which humans have made. They often brought parts such as the liver and other animal entrails, plus their blood as an added bonus.

Cultural and Historical Context

Origins in Mesopotamian Beliefs Derived from Sumerian, Akkadian, and Babylonian traditions, the Utukku are part of a larger pantheon of spirits that reflects ancient Mesopotamian views on fate, health, and the interplay between humans and the divine. These spirits were believed to guide individuals throughout their lives, influencing a range of experiences from health to fortune.

In ancient texts, such as the “Epic of Gilgamesh,” the characteristics and roles of Utukku are illustrated, showcasing their significance as intermediaries between the earthly realm and the divine. They serve both as protectors of humanity and as beings that could exact justice or punishment.

Perception of Utukku in Ancient Cultures The understanding of Utukku was nuanced and multifaceted. As spirits embodying elements of both protection and retribution, they were often evoked in rituals aimed at safeguarding against evil and ensuring positive outcomes in various aspects of life. This duality mirrors the complexities of human experience — the need for protection against harm and the ramifications of one’s actions.

Attributes and Powers

Protective Nature Utukku are primarily known for their role as protectors. Individuals who faced adversities or sought to shield themselves from harmful influences often called upon these spirits for assistance. Utukku are associated with safeguarding both physical and spiritual well-being, making them crucial allies during times of trouble.

Influence on Fate As entities deeply intertwined with the concept of fate, Utukku can provide guidance and insights into life’s journeys. By invoking their energy, practitioners can seek support for personal transformation, clarity, and overcoming challenges.

• The evil Utukku causes sickness and discomfort to people.
• The evil Utukku can possess a person (as they are spirits) and cause him or her to do evil deeds.
• The good Utukku are summoned for protection against the effects of the evil Utukku on the life of a person.
• The good Utukku can also heal a person of sickness (physical or mental) which was inflicted by the bad Utukku.

Appearances:

There is no concrete and detailed description of what the Utukku looks like because the only type of description given to them bears elements of what other demons in Mesopotamian lore look like.

This appearance is simply a dark shadow void of light around it which poisons all life and has a deafening voice.

Case Example: A Ritual with Utukku by Black Witch Coven

Client Context A client approached the Black Witch Coven seeking relief from persistent feelings of anxiety and fear that stemmed from a series of personal challenges. They felt surrounded by negative influences and sought spiritual assistance to cultivate protection and restore inner peace.

Preparation for the Ritual Recognizing the protective and transformative capabilities of Utukku, the coven meticulously prepared for the ritual:

1. Creating a Sacred Space: A ritual was scheduled on a night when the moon was waxing, symbolizing growth and expansion. The sacred space was adorned with symbols of protection, including amulets and colored fabrics.
2. Gathering Ritual Tools: Items gathered included white and green candles, protective herbs like sage and lavender, a sigil associated with Utukku, and offerings representing gratitude.
3. Intention Setting: The client articulated their specific needs for safety and emotional healing, helping to orient the ritual toward achieving those goals.

Conducting the Ritual On the night of the ritual, the following steps were taken to connect with Utukku:

1. Cleansing the Space: The space was cleansed with sage and saltwater to remove any lingering negative energies and create a tranquil atmosphere.
2. Lighting the Candles: The white candles were lit to invite purity and protection, while the green candle symbolized healing and growth. An invocation was recited, calling upon Utukku to lend his protective energy to the ritual.
3. Meditation and Visualization: Members of the coven entered a meditative state, visualizing the protective spirit enveloping the client in a bright, nurturing light. They focused their energies on promoting a sense of safety and empowerment.
4. Offerings: The coven presented offerings of herbs and small tokens as expressions of gratitude for Utukku’s presence and assistance. These served to honor the spirit and acknowledge the journey ahead.
5. Closing the Ritual: After expressing gratitude for Utukku’s support, the coven closed the ritual respectfully, extinguishing the candles and grounding themselves.

Outcome and Follow-Up In the days following the ritual, the client reported significant shifts in their emotional state. They felt a sense of relief from anxiety and an increased ability to navigate their personal challenges. Over time, they experienced newfound clarity and empowerment, enabling them to face obstacles with resilience.

The coven maintained ongoing communication with the client, offering support and additional practices that would continue to foster a sense of protection and well-being. The experience reinforced the belief in Utukku’s protective energy and the value of invoking spiritual assistance in times of adversity.

Engaging with Utukku offers practitioners a unique opportunity to cultivate protection

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HOW TO EXORCIZE AN UTUKKU

Evil Utukku can be sent away through exorcism. There are old texts from Mesopotamia called the Udug hul texts which talks about how an utukku brings sickness on his target, how to cure the sickness  and exorcize the spirit.

To exorcize this spirit, the act of spinning of white and black yarns over the bed of the sick to form a canopy, was practiced by the ancient Babylonians. They would do this while chanting a prayer to expel the evil spirit away from the body of the one afflicted by its evil power. The prayer goes like this:

Evil utukku, evil âlû, evil êdimmu, evil gallu, evil god, evil rabisu, labartu, labasu, âhhazu, lilu, lilithu, handmaid of lilu, sorcery, enchantment, magic, disaster, machination which is not good may they not set their head to his head, their hand to his hand, their foot to his foot–may they not draw near. Spirit of heaven, mayest thou exorcise, spirit of earth, mayest thou exorcise.

Going further, the evil utukku was also mentioned in an Akkadian and Sumerian incantation text. In this text, Asalluh tells his father about udug.  Below is an extract:

O my father, the evil udug, its appearance is malignant and its stature towering,

Although it is not a god, its clamour is great and its radiance [ melam] immense,

It is dark, its shadow is pitch black and there is no light within its body,

It always hides, taking refuge, it does not stand proudly,

Its claws drip with bile, it leaves poison in its wake,

Its belt is not released, his arms enclose,

It fills the target of his anger with tears, in all lands, it’s battle cry cannot be restrained.