Ahriman
Zoroastrian spirit of destruction and chaos—opponent of Ahura Mazda (good principle). Represents necessary darkness, destructive principle, the lie as opposed to truth. In dualistic Zoroastrianism, represents evil principle.
Living tradition (Zoroastrianism): Angra Mainyu is the destructive spirit, not a god to be worshipped - the liturgy is directed against him, and no cult, prayer or sacrifice was ever offered to him. 'Lord of Darkness' is a Manichaean/Zurvanite and Western-occult epithet; the invocation framing is a modern Left-Hand-Path reading.
Correspondences
- Planetary Correspondence
- Saturn
Offerings
- Offerings
- None, traditionally
Sacred timing
Symbols and forms
- Alternate Names
- Angra MainyuSpirit of DestructionThe Lie
- Gender Expression
- Masculine
- Titles
- Angra MainyuSpirit of DestructionThe LieLord of DarknessThe Destructive SpiritOpponent of Ahura Mazda
- Symbols
- SerpentDarknessWinterScorpion
Practice
- Invocation Approach
- ToneRespect for necessary oppositionAddressAhrimanDestructive SpiritLord of DarknessRelationshipNecessary opponent in cosmic balanceWarningRepresents destructive principle itselfResonanceThose working with darkness as necessary
- Modern Practice
Not a figure of worship in Zoroastrianism, which opposes him with good thoughts, words and deeds and whose liturgy is a weapon against him. In modern Left Hand Path and shadow-work readings (explicitly not the Zoroastrian account) he is treated as the necessary opposition, the darkness that lets light be seen, and destruction that permits creation.
Nature and meaning
- Domain
- DarknessDestructionChaosNecessary oppositionThe lieWinterDeath
- Mythology Summary
Zoroastrian spirit of destruction and chaos—opponent of Ahura Mazda (good principle). Represents necessary darkness, destructive principle, the lie as opposed to truth. In dualistic Zoroastrianism, represents evil principle. In Left Hand Path interpretation, represents necessary opposition, darkness that enables light to be recognized, destruction that allows creation. Teaches that opposition serves evolution, that darkness has place, that destruction is part of cycle.
Details
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Referenced by 5
Every entry that names Ahriman, grouped by the system it comes from.
☥ Deities 5
- Ahura Mazda Related Deities
- Mithra Related Deities
- Asha Vahishta Related Deities
- Yaldabaoth Related Deities
- Chernobog Related Deities
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