In previous profiles,we saw a throughline in a spirit’s etymology from ancient to modern times. We’ve seen examples of mistranslations, scribal errors, and even intentional corruption of their names.
For Eligos, however, there is no definitive or universally accepted root. Nonetheless, there are many working theories based on historical texts that are interesting to explore.
The Latin word “abigo” is a compound of the prefix ab, meaning away or off, and the verb agō, which means to drive or act. Its literal translation means “to drive away” or “to expel”.
So, how does this fit into “Abigor”?
For example:
The name “Abigor” is theorized to signify a commander who drives an army forward or drives the enemy away. This aligns with Eligos’ primary office, which is foreseeing the outcome of wars and advising leaders on how soldiers should assemble. His active and commanding nature also fits well with what “Abigor” means.
So, which one is it? How did we come to have two very different names for the same entity? It is rare for grimoire names to happen by accident. Typically, they came from corrupted versions of names pulled from various manuscripts such as Hebrew, Arabic, or Greek.
However, in the Duke’s case, there is a lack of a direct ancestor in the ancient polytheistic pantheons for his name. As such, another widely accepted theory is that the name Eligos might have been coined in late medieval or early modern European demonology.
Because these Latin grimoires are considered foundational texts for many occult practices, the name Eligos became more widespread in use and eventually became the standard way of referring to him.
On a side note, there are also those who speculate that Eligos may have come from the Hebrew root “El” meaning “God” or “mighty”. This is largely speculative, though.
Title / Rank: Duke
Hierarchy / System: Goetic (Ars Goetia); Pseudomonarchia Daemonum
Command / Legions: 60 Legions of Spirits (roughly 360,000 spirits).
Notes on Variations:
What does a spirit’s rank and role indicate? These aren’t just simple titles, but they also provide the “blueprint” for their character and the nature of their influence.
As a Duke, Eligos is associated with the planet Venus. This is similar to other spirits of the same rank, such as Agares.
While Venus is commonly linked to romance, in high-magickal and historical context, it is also the planet that governs diplomacy, social harmony, and the “favor” of those in power.
This would explain why a skilled military strategist like Eligos fits this rank well. His power is rooted in the social and strategic side of conflict, including winning over “Lords and Great Persons”. Essentially, he can ensure that the right people are in the right places to help guarantee victory.
In order to learn more about Eligos and create a full “picture”, tracing his evolution from grimoires to modern practices is important. After all, he isn’t just a medieval military consultant. For many practitioners today, he represents something far more.
In this text, Eligos is listed as Abigor. He is described as a handsome knight who carries a lance, a military standard or flag, and a sceptre. One of the most distinguishing features in Weyer’s imagery is the appearance of his mount, which is a large, spectral horse.
Much of the text about Eligos focuses on the mechanics of medieval warfare and divination. It is mentioned that his primary function is the discovery of “hidden things”. His specialty? He knows of the wars that are yet to come and is capable of providing exact details on how soldiers must prepare for them.
The Ars Goetia standardized the use of Eligos as his name. While it borrows many elements from Weyer’s work, the grimoire does add one unique layer to the Duke’s description: the concept of “social magick”.
This is significant because it moves us away from warfare and toward Eligos’ more society-related skills. In fact, he is described as such:
“The Fifteenth Spirit in Order is Eligos, a Great Duke, and appeareth in the form of a goodly Knight, carrying a Lance, an Ensign, and a Sceptre. He discovereth hidden things, and knoweth things to come; and of Wars, and how the Soldiers will or shall meet. He causeth the Love of Lords and Great Persons. He governeth 60 Legions of Spirits.”
With his introduction in the Goetia, he is no longer limited to the military. Eligos can assist anyone seeking to strategically navigate high-stakes social hierarchies and secure the favor of those in power. Interesting, right?
When it comes to modern practices, S. Connolly is a name most people would know. Her take on Eligos transforms him from military strategist to a teacher or energetic force.
In her writing, Eligos is often seen as the spirit of strategic wisdom. She associates him with the element of Earth (or water, in some cases) and advises practitioners to seek his assistance and guidance in legal battles and complex business ventures.
Connolly, as well as other modern practitioners, also link Eligos with the 8 of Swords in Tarot. Traditionally, this card symbolizes the feeling of being stuck or trapped, but Eligos provides the clarity and strategy needed to break through it.
While Connolly focused on the “mentorship” aspect of working with a spirit like Eligos, Ford emphasizes the more predatory aspects of the spirit. No, we’re not talking beast-like or scary. This simply pertains to the kind of mindset a predator would have towards their “prey” or “goal”: disciplined focus.
Ford also moves away from the Goodly Knight or handsome imagery we’ve seen in older texts. Instead, he depicts Eligos as a “Black Knight” or as “Phantom Rider”. For the author, the spirit represents the “Black Flame”; the “Master of the Art of War” in a psychological sense.
Similar to Connolly’s writing, Eligos is said to help initiates or practitioners overcome internal and external “enemies” or “blockages” through sheer will. In fact, in his writings, Ford describes the lance and the standard that Eligos carries as representations of the Directed Will.
If Eligos’ powers were distilled, they would be Strategic Order. In many ways,this is somewhat unique within the infernal hierarchy. While other spirits represent raw elemental force or chaotic transformation, Eligos is all about structure, positioning, and results.
There is a reason why he is known as a “Goodly Knight”. His influence is governed by protocol, logic, and the outcome. Think of him as the smartest guy in the room, but not necessarily the loudest.
What’s the first thing you noticed about Eligos’ sigil? For many, it’s the weapon-like appearance that stands out the most. Unlike the often linear or purely circular seals you may find, this is said to reflect both his social and military influence.
In both Traditional practices and Western occult research, the visual components of Eligos’ sigil can be interpreted as such:
Its large, sweeping loops and vertical lines are said to represent the unfurled flag he carries. In battle, the standard wasn’t just for show; it served as a coordinate by which the entire army or legion navigated.
In the context of his sigil, it functions as a coordinate for the practitioner’s intent.
These lines are suggested to be the convergence or meeting point of the soldiers he is said to manage. The points where lines cross the loops also represent the strategic intersection where a conflict is decided; acies (battle formation) and dispositio (the tactical arrangement of troops).
Aside from its Goetic or “binding” use, many practitioners see these sigils as more of a meditation focal point and a way of tapping into Eligos’ frequency for communication.
In rituals, it also works as a Lamen. This is a physical talisman worn over a practitioner’s chest. Traditionally it gave them a ‘badge of office,’ to command a spirit, but modern beliefs see it as a sign of respect and protection.
One of the most interesting things about the Goetic hierarchy of spirits is that no entity within it operates in a vacuum. Yes, spirits like Eligos, Bael, and Paimon operate within certain niches, but their offices often have overlaps.
While Bael, the first spirit of the Goetia, is often associated with both war and visibility, his “specialty” when it comes to conflict differs from Eligos.
So, how does this compare to Eligos? People work with Bael to help them vanish from the “enemy’s” radar, allowing them to conceal plans and their actions.
Meanwhile, Eligos is the one to approach when the ‘enemy’ (legal team or a business department in modern context) is already on the move and you need to know exactly where to strike to achieve your goals.
Eligos and Paimon can both grant love and favor from people of great power such as Lords or, in modern context, politicians or higher-ups at work.
The means by which they can help you with it greatly differ, however. Paimon’s way is through absolute mental dominance; basically a show of intellect.
Meanwhile, Eligos’ influence is more diplomatic. He creates strategic alignments where the practitioner is placed in a position that tactically benefits the “person of great power” hence receiving their favor.
Marchosias is known as a “Great and Strong Fighter”. He represents raw prowess, strength, and loyalty required on a battlefield. In this context, Marchosias is the soldier, while Eligos is the General. Think of them as the brute force and the strategist behind winning a fight.
Does being known as a ‘Goodly Knight’ affect how he should be approached? Yes and no. He is a spirit who requires both respect and protocol.
So, approach him in the same way you would approach other infernal spirits. What varies is the rituals associated with communicating with him and the energy you might get in return.
Imagine yourself being granted an audience with one of the greatest war generals to have existed and yet you approach them with an unfinished plan for battle. How do you think they’d feel about that?
With that in mind, rather than a desperate plea for help, be straightforward with your petition. Make him see and understand your motivations.
Using clear language, such as “I need to understand the hidden motivations of the team I’m working against in this legal/work dispute.” is much better than simply asking for general assistance.
Whether you’re meditating to tap into his frequency or communicating, always use his demonic Enn: “Aylan Abigor tasa uchi ya.”
The most consistent feedback from practitioners who have communicated or worked with him is that Eligos brings a “cool-headed” energy into any space.
If you feel panicked, worried, or desperate, he acts as a kind of “heat-sink”. Those who have invoked him say that the emotional distress they felt was replaced by a colder and more clinical ability to see what actions they need to take next.
Eligos will not always give you what you want. There are times when he would choose to show you the outcome of your current path and what you can do to change it for the better. Yes, there will be uncomfortable truths to face. But this “Tower” moment serves to help you build better for what’s coming.
Because Eligos is a Duke and also holds a martial office, his offerings should reflect his “Venusian Knight” nature. Essentially, you’ll need a balance of beauty and utility.
Remember, the altar need not be expensive or grand. Your intent matters most, so research appropriate correspondences.
Are You Ready to Work With Eligos?
Working with Eligos might feel like a high-level consultation with a seasoned military advisor. While he has a “calming” energy, preparing yourself mentally and physically is still important.
Don’t expect him to validate your feelings, especially if you’re playing the victim. He is indifferent to the emotional (drama) aspect of the situation and only cares about its outcome.
Lastly, despite his martial energy, do not go to him for mindless revenge. You will be met with distance or unresponsiveness.
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