Theoretically, it is suggested that the name Agares has roots in the Greek language, particularly the word “agrios”, which means “savage”, “wild”, or “of the fields”. This suits Agares’ primary imagery, where he appears as an old man riding a crocodile while a hawk is perched on his hand.
Given this context, occultists and scholars alike have surmised that Agares was initially seen as a personification of the wild. He is a spirit that exists outside the walls of “proper” society, whose energy can be tapped into by a practitioner.
In Greek mythology, Agreas/Agreus is a name associated with hunting.
It is sometimes used as an epithet, as seen in Apollo Agraeus, which designates the man or deity holding it as “the one who hunts”.
Agreus is also the name of a goat-legged spirit of the mountains, known as a “daimon” who personified the hunt for ancient Greeks.
How did Agreas become Agares?
It has been speculated that the authors working on the grimoires took the Greek/Phoenician name and personified it. The change is purely functional, making Agares a spirit that hunts or catches runaways.
Despite this interpretation being quite well-known, there is no existing proof that there is a historical link between the two.
Agares is often referred to as “The Returning One” or “The One Who Brings Back”, which is why some scholars have suggested that there might be links to the Hebrew root “A-G-R” or “aleph-gimel-resh”.
Read as “agar”, this root word means “to gather” or “to store up” and is a word that’s often used in the context of harvesting. As for how the transformation from gatherer to “the one who brings back” happened, this likely came about after the Semitic concept was translated into Latin grimoires.
As often happened, grimoire writers had a tendency to personify many of the concepts they adapted. For example, King Vine‘s transformation from a medieval tool of war to a functioning spirit.
In the same vein, they also adapted the concept of “agar” and merged it with Agares’ primary office. However, as with much of Agares’ etymological origins, this also remains purely speculative and not an established link.
To better understand Agares’ position in the infernal hierarchy, we must look at him as a high-ranking officer within a highly organized system.
His title as Duke is considered to be the highest rank below the monarchs or kings. In the Goetic context, these ranks aren’t just for vanity; they also dictate the spirit’s energy and the materials required to work with them.
For example, Dukes are traditionally associated with the planet Venus. This might seem strange, considering Agares is a spirit known for commanding a vast army and causing earthquakes, but it does align with his powers over social standing, languages, and reconciliation.
See the duality there? It isn’t accidental. Many spirits in the Goetia share a similar paradoxical nature.
In both the Pseudomonarchia Daemonum and the Ars Goetia, the world is divided into four cardinal directions, each ruled by a great king. This is important because Agares is noted for being the gatekeeper of the East who serves under King Amaymon.
When it comes to symbolism, the East is associated with new beginnings and the element of Air (or Earth, depending on the tradition you follow). This also aligns with Agares’ role as a spirit who breaks stagnation and ushers in new movement.
An infernal spirit said to have originated from one of the angelic choirs is significant, especially when it comes to Renaissance grimoires. This isn’t just a “spice” to give their description more flavor, but rather defines the specific frequency of their power.
This is why Agares, once belonging to the Order of Virtues, holds weight.
To put it in context, let’s discuss what The Virtues are first. They are the second hierarchy, ranked alongside Dominions and Powers. Virtues oversee the governance of nature and the performance of miracles and signs on Earth.
Think of them as the “movers” of the physical world; entities that ensure that the planets stay in their orbits and the elements behave according to divine law.
Do note that this is grimoiric lore (specifically the Ars Goetia) and is not accepted as theological consensus.
Tracing Agares’ transformation throughout the centuries is a fascinating journey from medieval grimoires to modern occult practices. The shift in how he is perceived is just as symbolic.
Here’s a look at how he first appeared in historical texts and how he has become a revered spirit from today’s perspective.
These two texts are considered to be foundational and have been referenced by many authors both old and new. Between them, Agares’ descriptions are remarkably consistent, offering us a visual paradox between his refined and primal natures.
In both, he is depicted as a “comely” old man. He appears handsome with pleasant features, despite his aged appearance.
This meekness is in stark contrast to his crocodile mount, an apex predator in many ways. Upon his fist, he holds a goshawk (a predatory hawk), which also feels misaligned when we consider the entire picture.
Unlike other spirits, Agares is described as being mild-mannered, which is quite rare. After all, in many grimoires, infernal spirits are often said to be “furious” or “terrible”. Some examples include King Beleth, King Purson, and King Bael.
“He maketh them to run that stand still, and fetcheth back all runaways. He teaches all Languages or Tongues presently. He hath the power also to destroy Dignities both Spiritual and Temporal, and causeth Earthquakes. He was of the Order of Virtues. He hath under his government 31 Legions of Spirits. And this is his Seal or Character which thou shalt wear as a Lamin, etc.” – Ars Goetia
Another notable aspect of his persona mentioned in these texts is his ability to control movement and language. He is a spirit known to make people stand still or fetch back runaways. Aside from this, Agares is also said to be a master of all languages.
As often happens in modern practices, what is described as literal in grimoires takes on a more symbolic tone when viewed from this lens.
In Agares’ case, the “old man on a crocodile” imagery is often seen as a kind of mask or a representation of his specific elemental energy.
S. Connolly describes him as a steady and earthy yet heavy presence. He is less of a character and more of a grounding force. While earlier grimoires place him under the element of Air, she classifies him under the element of Earth.
As for his nature, he is said to be a spirit of both communication and reconciliation. For followers of modern Demonolatry, they know that Agares’ mild nature can help with finding common ground during disputes. He is also capable of assisting whenever a practitioner feels scattered or lost; hence his “grounding” energy.
In Michael Ford’s writing, specifically in the Luciferian and Left Hand Path tradition, Agares symbolizes the primal depths of the human mind. Like S. Connolly, he also interprets Agares’ appearance as symbolic rather than literal.
For example, the crocodile isn’t viewed as an actual mount, but as a symbol of the “reptilian brain” or that ancient and instinctive part of our consciousness that controls survival and base movement.
Aside from this, Ford also refers to Agares as the master of the “Word of Power”. In this context, he doesn’t just teach languages, he also assists in mastering one’s ability to speak their will into the universe and manifest the changes they wish to see.
Lastly, he is also seen as a “Shadow of the Earth”. His goshawk represents sharp intellect, while the crocodile represents the subconscious (chthonic depth). As such, working with Agares calls for learning how to balance these two extremes.
When it comes to Agares’ powers, he is best described as a master of communication and momentum. While there are many Goetic spirits who have powers of raw destruction or hidden knowledge, Agares’ power is uniquely mechanical. He regulates how things move, how they stay still, and how they are understood.
There are two interpretations when it comes to a spirit’s sigil. In the traditional sense, such as those discussed in the Ars Goetia, it serves as a way of binding a spirit so that a practitioner may command them to do their bidding.
For modern practitioners, such as those who follow Demonolatry, it acts as a way of tapping into the spirit’s frequency. Some consider it their “calling card”, allowing them to get in touch whenever they need.
Agares’ sigil has terminal circles, often thought to represent “nodes” of power or the spirit’s ability to manifest in the physical directions (North, South, East, and West).
There are also cross-bars, which occultists believe symbolize authority. For Agares who “destroys dignities”, these bars can be seen as his power to cancel the social standing of others.
His sigil is also slightly asymmetrical, which some traditions see as symbolic of his dynamic movement. Basically, it reflects his power to both create and stop movement.
Foras and Buer have similar ranks and functions to Agares. Both are teachers, but they differ in expertise. Buer is regarded for teaching and philosophy, while Foras also teaches language and ethics.
To better understand the difference between the three of them, let’s look at what each would do if a practitioner asks for assistance after losing an object.
If you intend on working with a high-ranking spirit such as Agares, preparation is important. While he is described as having “mild” energy, do not mistake this for weakness.
He is a spirit of immense power and requires both intellectual discipline and grounded patience from those who seek his mentorship and assistance.
What does this mean? Before you attempt communication, look at yourself and your situation through an unbiased lens. Identify the areas where you need his help.
This could be a stalled personal project, communication issues within your relationships, or perhaps you’re struggling with a habit that you’ve lost control over.
Understanding this is key because approaching him, or any infernal spirit, with vague intent will not get you anywhere. Knowing what you need and being specific with your intentions resonate better.
Courtly etiquette is a must whenever you meet with high-ranking spirits. In Agares’ case, your energy speaks louder than words. Approach him with calm authority. Ease your nerves beforehand and avoid frantic or excited energy when speaking with him.
Aside from preparing yourself, look after your space as well. Make sure the ritual space is organized and that your physical tools are clean and dedicated to his energy. This will signal your sincerity and seriousness as a practitioner.
Altars serve as a kind of “landing pad” for his energy. As such, it should reflect his rank and contain elements that correspond to him.
While the altar need not be grand in nature, it should be organized and decorated accordingly to show sincerity, respect, and humility on your part.
To communicate with Agares, a practitioner must always use his traditional Enn: “Rean ganen wyan etar Agares.” But before you do so, it is important to create a Lamen based on his sigil. This serves as both protection and “badge of office”.
The beginner’s lamen doesn’t require a lot of work. If you are unable to work with metals, drawing his sigil thoughtfully on a high-quality piece of green parchment is enough. You can also use a clear copper disc if it is available.
Always ensure that you are drawing his sigil exactly as it appears on the Goetia. No extra lines or flourishes. Lastly, wear this lamen over your heart.
While it is not always possible, timing your rituals with his frequency can make them more effective.
Because Agares is a Duke and traditionally governed by the planet Venus, Friday is always a good day to perform a ritual invoking him. According to many practitioners, the best times to do so are as follows
What should you expect when working with Agares? Prepare for your foundations to be “shaken”. It can be a daunting process, which is why practitioners must be certain that they are ready for new movement to enter their lives.
Working with infernal spirits, especially for big life changes, is never gentle. However, this is the exact type of energy that’s often required to bring forth necessary changes.
Become A Living God Forum:
Reddit:
