In Christian theology and occult literature, demons have long been categorized within structured hierarchies, reflecting the celestial order of angels. This detailed classification stems from early attempts to understand evil not as chaos, but as a perverse imitation of divine order.
The Origin of the Infernal Hierarchy
According to Christian tradition, the heavens are organized into seven celestial choirs: Angels, Archangels, Principalities, Powers, Virtues, Dominions, and Thrones. These ranks represent a divine order of service and proximity to God.
Satan, the ultimate antagonist in Christianity, is depicted as a fallen angel—a being of light turned prince of darkness. He is believed to have led a rebellion against Heaven, resulting in the fall of numerous angels who now serve as demons. These fallen beings retained their ranks, forming a satanic hierarchy that mimics the angelic one.
Occult Literature and Demonology
Occult scholars and grimoires from the Middle Ages and Renaissance, such as J.A.S. Collin de Plancy’s Dictionnaire Infernal (1863), adopted this celestial model to structure the demonic realm. Just as medieval society was highly stratified, so too were the imagined hierarchies of hell. These demonic ranks often aligned with the vices and sins they were believed to tempt humans with.
Let’s explore the Infernal Hierarchy of Demons, divided into three levels—each mirroring a portion of the celestial order.
First Hierarchy: Seraphim, Cherubim, and Thrones
These demons once belonged to the highest angelic orders before their fall. They are the most powerful and closest to Satan himself.
1. Beelzebub – Prince of the Seraphim
Often called the “Lord of the Flies,” Beelzebub is second only to Satan in power. Formerly a Seraph, he now leads demonic legions and is associated with pride and gluttony.
2. Leviathan – Ruler of Heresy
Another fallen Seraph, Leviathan tempts humanity with doubt and heretical thoughts, turning them away from faith. He embodies envy and false doctrine.
3. Asmodeus – Demon of Lust
Still burning with Seraphic fire, Asmodeus drives humans to lust, luxury, and debauchery. He is known as the prince of wantonness and impurity.
4. Balberith – Prince of the Cherubim
Balberith incites violence, murder, and blasphemy. As a former Cherub, he now twists divine knowledge into deceit.
5. Astaroth – Demon of Sloth
Once among the Thrones, Astaroth tempts humans with laziness and despair, drawing them into spiritual apathy.
6. Verrine – Spirit of Impatience
Also of the Thrones order, Verrine fuels restlessness, discontent, and impulsiveness.
7. Gressil – Tempter of Impurity
Another Throne-turned-demon, Gressil leads people into impurity, filth, and moral degradation.
8. Sonneillon – Demon of Hatred
The final of the fallen Thrones, Sonneillon ignites anger, resentment, and hatred, particularly toward enemies.
Second Hierarchy: Powers, Dominions, and Principalities
This class of demons is deeply involved in corrupting institutions, spreading heresy, and tempting humans in subtle, systemic ways.
9. Carreau – Hardener of Hearts
As Prince of Powers, Carreau causes emotional coldness, apathy, and cruelty.
10. Carnivean – Promoter of Obscenity
Another Power, Carnivean leads humans into shamelessness, indecency, and sexual immorality.
11. Oeillet – Breaker of Poverty Vows
A former Dominion, Oeillet tempts monks and the religious to abandon poverty in favor of wealth and comfort.
12. Rosier – Demon of Seduction
Rosier manipulates emotions and tempts individuals with romantic infatuation, often disguised as love.
13. Verrier – Tempter of Disobedience
Once a Prince of Principalities, Verrier encourages rebellion against lawful authority, particularly divine or religious commands.
Third Hierarchy: Virtues, Archangels, and Angels
These demons focus on individual temptation, whispering directly into the hearts of humans and corrupting their everyday decisions.
14. Belias – Instigator of Arrogance
As a fallen Virtue, Belias incites pride, vanity, and narcissism.
15. Olivier – Demon of Cruelty
A former Archangel, Olivier inspires indifference to suffering and cruelty toward the vulnerable.
16. Iuvart – Leader of Lesser Demons
Now Prince of the Angels, Iuvart tempts through deception and trickery, operating at the most personal level of influence.
The Inversion of Divine Order
This detailed hierarchy of devils is not merely theological fiction—it reflects a deep psychological understanding of human vice. Each demon represents a facet of sin, each rank a level of spiritual corruption. By organizing evil in the image of divine order, theologians and occultists suggest that sin is not random but strategically designed to undermine virtue.
Conclusion: Understanding the Infernal to Resist It
From the summoning of Beelzebub to the invocation of Iuvart, each demonic conjuration reflects a dark counterpart to Heaven’s order. Engaging with these rituals reveals the deceptive beauty and calculated seduction behind every infernal name. For theologians, occult scholars, and spiritual seekers, each summoning becomes a confrontation with structured evil—and an opportunity to understand, resist, or command it.