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| One of the most dark and controversial figures from
esoteric lore, Azrael continues to puzzle and fascinate theologians
and occult scholars to this day. This reflects the fact that, in popular
lore, Azrael is the Angel of Death, a role bound to surround this
entity in a thick cloak of ambivalence. For is not death both feared
above all, but regarded as the path to salvation in every major faith?
Reflecting this, Azrael has both been regarded as a servant of Darkness
and the right hand of the Almighty. The search for the roots of this
shadowy entity take us back to ancient Jewish lore. |
A 19th Century carved relief of the herald of death a later day manifestation
of... Azrael |
These early rabinnical writings identify Azrael as only one of a small
host (a dozen or more) of angels entrusted with the dominion of death.
In this tradition this host is expressly under the command of God,
ending the lives of mortals at his bidding. It is worth noting that
in original Old Testament lore Satan too began as a mere servant of
the Almighty, until later texts turned Satan into the Lord’s Adversary.
In the same way, Azrael transformed in common Jewish lore from a necessary
evil into a creature of pure evil. Part of this may have resulted
from confusion with Azazel, a demon associated with goats, who it
is said encouraged man to try and draw the sun and moon closer to
the earth by sorcery in order to worship them. |
The Angel of Death takes a soul in this 1508 woodcut |
Azrael features prominently in Islamic theology as the bringer of
death, his mighty wings heard to beat when the soul departs the body.
He is described as possessing ‘70,000 feet and 4,000 wings, with a
body possessed of as many eyes and tongues as there are men in the
world’. According to Arabic sources, Azrael carries out his duties
in a great book, writing the birth of a man, then erasing it when
his time has come. |
A 15th century Flemsih Painting representing the Angel of Death
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To this day a few ritual magicians and esoteric scholars claim some
contact with this grandiose but grim spirit. Leilah Wendell, the controversial
New Orleans authority on all things funereal, claims to enjoy an intimate,
even romantic relationship with Azrael. Other, less morbid students
of the dark arts are inclined to treat this eeriest of angels with
a little more caution... |
17th Century early print showing Azrael guiding the freshly departing
soul towards eternity |
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