#mythcreature

King Baal: In the tradition of the Ars Goetia, the first section of the 17th-century grimoire known as The Lesser Key of Solomon, King Baal (also spelled Bael) is the first spirit listed among the 72 demons and is no accidental. He's the King, who command 66 Legions, and the first spirit of the Goetia. In ceremonial magic texts, Baal is described as ruling over a vast number of infernal legions. In occult symbolism, “legions” don’t necessarily mean literal armies, they often represent domains of influence or spiritual forces. Being listed first suggests primacy, seniority, or foundational status within the hierarchy. Baal appears with three heads: A toad, a man, and a cat. Three heads in occult symbolism often imply layered perception, divided domains, or composite power. Medieval demonology loved hybrid forms, they represent fractured order or inverted creation. The grimoire claims that Baal grants invisibility, gives wisdom or cunning, and provides knowledge to the summoner. “Invisibility” in occult language symbolize literal concealment, influence without detection, acting unseen and operating beneath perception. The name Baal comes from ancient Semitic religion, especially Canaanite traditions, where “Baal” simply meant “Lord” or “Master.” It was a title used for various deities, particularly storm and fertility gods. Over centuries, as monotheistic traditions developed, rival gods were reinterpreted as demons. Baal transitioned from regional deity to infernal king in later christian demonology. Baal becomes a symbol of hidden authority, fragmented identity, the power to move unseen and the transformation of former gods into demons. Many “demons” in grimoires are echoes of older gods reframed by new theological systems. Mythology is political memory wearing horns.

On the tree

A gift for Oracle_Sphinx. We have been discussing birds with shiny feathers and here is the result of this discussion :D

The Cockatrice is a legendary creature from medieval European folklore, a hybrid monster born from symbolism, superstition, and humanity’s deep love of terrifying farm animals. The cockatrice is traditionally described as: The body of a rooster, the tail of a serpent, with dragon-like wings, often crowned with a comb like a king of barnyard nightmares. Medieval bestiaries — those strange illustrated encyclopedias of real and imaginary animals, helped solidify its image. The cockatrice was feared for one primary reason: Its gaze could kill. Much like the basilisk (a related creature), the cockatrice could slay with eye contact alone. In some versions, its breath was also poisonous, and its touch could wither crops or crack stone. Interestingly, mirrors were believed to defeat it, because the creature would be killed by its own deadly reflection. Medieval logic: beautifully circular and slightly paranoid. A cockatrice was said to hatch from: A rooster’s egg (already biologically suspicious) incubated by a serpent or a toad. This inversion of natural order, a male bird laying an egg, a reptile nurturing it, symbolized corruption and unnatural creation. Medieval minds loved symbolic warnings disguised as monsters. It represents the fear of unnatural birth, deadly pride, and the idea that corruption can hatch from within the ordinary. It’s a fusion of familiar farm life and primordial fear, the chicken coop meets the abyss. It embodies the medieval anxiety about inversion of order: when nature breaks its own rules, something monstrous emerges.