How to Summon Pazuzu, Mesopotamian Demon of Protection (5/16/2023)

Pazuzu is a demonic entity from ancient Mesopotamian mythology, particularly associated with the Sumerian, Assyrian, and Babylonian cultures. He is thought to have originated around the 1st millennium BCE and has been worshipped by the commoners and summoned by magicians ever since.

In this article, I will share with you the powers and attributes of this renowned demon, and instructions for a ritual should you dare summon him for protection or banishing purposes.

Who is Pazuzu?

Pazuzu is often depicted as a hybrid creature with a combination of human, animal, and bird features, including the face of a lion or dog, a pair of wings, a scorpion’s tail, and talons for feet. He is typically portrayed as a fearsome and malevolent being, associated with storms, drought, and famine and consequently caused fear in the masses.

But he also had protective qualities. He was invoked to protect against other malicious spirits, particularly the demoness Lamashtu, who was believed to cause harm to pregnant women and infants. As a result, amulets and statues depicting Pazuzu were used as protective charms.

Pazuzu’s attributes and powers include:

1. Control over the wind: As the demon of the southwestern wind, Pazuzu has the power to bring forth storms and the destructive forces of nature.
2. Protection: Despite his malevolent nature, Pazuzu offers protection against other evil spirits. He can also be summoned to banish evil spirits that have already infiltrated one’s person or private space.
3. Disease and famine: Pazuzu’s association with the wind and storms also made him a symbol of disease and famine, which could be carried by the wind and caused by drought.
4. Fear: Pazuzu’s fearsome appearance and his control over destructive forces made him a figure that inspired fear and respect among the people of ancient Mesopotamia.

Please note that people have interpreted Pazuzu’s influence across time in various ways. In popular culture, Pazuzu gained notoriety due to his appearance in the 1971 novel “The Exorcist” by William Peter Blatty and its subsequent film adaptation.

There Pazuzu was portrayed as a powerful demonic force possessing a young girl. This portrayal, however, is not an accurate representation of the demon’s historical role and prior depictions. However, the first part of the movie that focuses on the symbolism surrounding Pazuzu is artistically well made. This video provides an interesting breakdown:

Pazuzu Ritual for Protection

So, if you’re struggling with negative energies, entities or want to act preemptively, consider performing this ritual.

Find a secluded and quiet space, preferably indoors, where you will not be disturbed. Cleanse this area by burning sage or a purifying incense to eliminate any lingering negative energies.

Draw a large magic circle on the floor using chalk or salt. This circle will act as your protective barrier throughout the ritual.

Adjacent to the circle, draw a smaller triangle, where Pazuzu will be contained for the duration of the ritual.

Prepare the following items:

1. Candles: Arrange five black candles at the points of a pentagram within the circle. These represent the five elements of earth, air, fire, water, and spirit.
2. Incense: Choose a potent incense, such as myrrh or frankincense, to help create an atmosphere suitable for summoning Pazuzu.
3. Scrying Mirror: Place the scrying mirror within the triangle as a conduit to communicate with Pazuzu. if it’s a small mirror, place it on a table or an altar so that you can comfortably gaze into it and focus during the ritual without entering the triangle.
4. Chalice and Wine: Fill the chalice with an expensive red wine, for you will present it to Pazuzu as a symbolic offering.
5. Athame (ceremonial blade): The athame will represent your unwavering intention throughout the ritual. Keep it within reach at all times. A bronze or gold athame is preferable.

Ritual Steps:

1. Don a ceremonial robe and ensure all distractions are eliminated before beginning the ritual.
2. Light the black candles, starting from the east and moving to the south, west, north, and finally the center candle representing the spirit.
3. Ignite the incense, allowing the smoke to permeate the space and create an atmosphere suitable for the evocation.
4. Stand within the magic circle, holding the athame in your dominant hand. Close your eyes and take several deep breaths to center yourself and focus on your intention.
5. Recite the following chant to invoke the elements: “I call upon the elements, guardians of the quarters, Earth, Air, Fire, and Water, lend me your powers, As I embark on this magical endeavor, elevate my standing in the eyes of Pazuzu.”
6. Open your eyes and, with the athame, draw a pentagram in the air while observing the scrying mirror and reciting: “By the power of the pentagram, I summon thee, Pazuzu, demon of the wind, come forth to me.” However, do not enter the triangle.
7. Gaze into the scrying mirror, continuing to focus on your intention. When Pazuzu’s presence is felt, show respect and humility by lowering your gaze and reciting: “Mighty Pazuzu, I stand before you, a humble seeker, I beseech your protection from the darkness that threatens me, In exchange for your assistance, I offer you this wine, May its essence please you and strengthen our binding.”
8. Carefully pour a small amount of wine from the chalice onto the ground within the triangle as an offering.
9. With the athame, draw your own blood by making a small cut on your fingertip. Add a drop of blood to the remaining wine in the chalice, sealing the pact with Pazuzu. Hold the chalice aloft and declare: “With this blood, I forge our bond, Pazuzu, I am forever in your servitude, Protect me from harm, and I shall honor you, In the name of the wind and the storm, our pact is true.”
10. Place the chalice back within the circle and stand before the scrying mirror once more. Stare into its depths, seeking a sign of Pazuzu’s acceptance of your offering and pact. Be patient and vigilant, for the demon’s response may be subtle.
11. Once you receive a sign of acceptance, express your gratitude to Pazuzu by reciting: “Pazuzu, I am grateful for your aid, With your protection, I am unafraid, I release you now, go in peace, And let this connection gently cease.”
12. Extinguish the candles in the reverse order in which they were lit, starting with the center candle and moving outwards. As you do so, recite: “I thank the elements, guardians of the quarters, Earth, Air, Fire, and Water, for your unwavering support, As I leave this sacred space, I carry your blessings, And your protection, in the face of darkness and adversity.”
13. Once the ritual is complete, cleanse the area again with sage or incense and remove all ritual items.
14. It is crucial to properly dispose of the wine mixed with your blood and the remnants of the candles. Bury them in a secluded spot, away from any human dwelling or frequently visited area in order to maintain the sanctity of the ritual.

Further Thoughts on This Ritual

This ritual is a bit different from the ones that I’ve shared previously. This is because Pazuzu doesn’t belong to the tradition of Ars Goetia.

The approach to his summoning hasn’t changed much over the centuries and has retained the classical form of presenting an offering to the spirit.

And speaking of offerings, there are others that can be used, such as money, jewelry or in more dramatic cases, a small animal. The value of the offering should be adjusted to the severity of danger that one faces, but for ordinary protection the offering off wine is adequate.

Another variable is introduced if the magician is not doing the ritual for general protection, but is instead aware of a specific danger and can present it to the demon in a sensory format.

For example, if the evil spirit is often seen and the magician can draw it or there is a popular depiction that can be presented, it can be done as part of the ritual. A picture, an audio file or some other item can be introduced into the ritual and brought inside the triangle so that Pazuzu is immediately made aware of the target. The magician can also explain the danger in his/her own words as part of step #7.

I’ll also mention that Pazuzu is far from the only demon of protection that can be evoked. There are seven other demons of protection worth knowing about.