Red wineBurnt offeringsActs of necessary destructionWarfare ritualsIronAcknowledging death and plague
Invocation Approach
Tone
Warrior respect for deadly force
Address
Lord NergalKing of the DeadScorched Earth
Relationship
Underworld ally and war god
Warning
Brings death and destruction
Resonance
Warriors death workers plague acceptors
Symbols
LionMaceSwordScorpion
Mythology Summary
Mesopotamian god of war, plague, and underworld. Married Ereshkigal and became king of the dead. Represents destructive aspect of sun—summer heat that scorches and kills. War god who brings plague, death, necessary destruction. Teaches that some destruction is natural, that heat can kill as well as nurture, that underworld needs king as well as queen.
Modern Practice
Patron of warriors, death workers, those working with plague/disease magic, destroyers. Invoked for war magic, necessary destruction, death work, accepting natural destruction. Teaches that some things must burn, that heat kills as well as nurtures, that destruction serves cycle.