Three Things Working With Demons Has Taught Me

 I don’t use the ‘demon’ word often in my practice.  I view these very ancient entities as old gods who were historically vilified and categorized as demonic. 

Here is the thing about these very old gods… they have wonderfully complex personalities. And even though I might not use the word ‘demon’ in my own practice. I have found texts like the Goetia to be very helpful in learning each demon’s expertise and general nature. 

I will be using the word demon in this article. This is because I find there tends to be a cautionary tale attached to demons. I heard warnings on multiple occasions they don’t give away anything for free. 

I find the sentiment has been misleading. This demonic characteristic has actually been an extremely positive force in my life. It has taught me so much about self worth, balance, and boundaries.

A big part of working with demons is there is the element of ‘exchange’. An offering is given at the request of a ‘service’.  Even if a practitioner does not use Solomonic methods exactly, I personally do not, some level of ritual is employed to ‘summon’ a demon.

To recklessly summon a demon empty handed without understanding the inherent risks, and without showing the proper respect… never ends well. 

Successful demonic working entails a good deal of research prior to summoning. Creating a ritual as well as a ritual space. Knowing the appropriate days and times for workings, and learning about the demon’s preferred offerings. 

I would like to add a note here from my own experience, when researching the nature of a demon, analyse whether your ‘personalities’ will harmonise well. Trust your intuition, if something feels off, it’s not the right time to connect. 

Having a balanced and pleasant connection with a demon means always showing mutual respect. Following through with any pacts, and continuing to dedicate time to one’s practice and goals. 

Now that I have briefly outlined the nature of demonic workings in my personal practice, I want elaborate three ways demons have helped me balance my life outside the spiritual realm. 

1. Demons have taught me to be aware of energetic exchange.

Demons don’t just do something because they want to be perceived as nice. Demons only show genuine kindness and favour towards practitioners who put continued effort into the relationship. This has taught me to take a close look at my relationships. Is there equal give and take? If there is not, I withdraw my energy. 

2. Demons expect consistently, and now, so do I.

Anyone who has worked with a demon long term knows their altar needs to be regularly cleaned, their offerings need to be refreshed, their ritual connections need to be consistent. I have heard some very amusing stories from practitioners who began neglecting their practices. Demons don’t like it, and they let you know. 

Having this kind of regularity in my own practice has made me come to expect the same things of the people in my life. I no longer have the time or energy for inconsistent people. 

3. Demons have taught me to stop worrying about my reputation and what others think of me… or at least I don’t worry as much. 

When you look closely at demons ‘backstories’ you will usually follow the thread back to an ancient god or goddess. I go over this phenomenon more and share my feelings in my article Do You Worship The Devil?

But even with hundreds, sometimes even thousands, of years of degradation… demons have still remained potent beings. Humans might have changed their names, people might have convinced the masses to fear or mock them. But they are still here, and they are still powerful. 

In this case. Demons have taught me other people do not define me. There may be times where I will be disliked… possibly even hated… but I don’t have to lose my power because of it. As a chronic people pleaser this has been a big change, and I’ve been happier and much more authentic for it. 

Ultimately… demons taught me how to value my time, energy, and personal power. I hope in the future when you hear the cautionary warnings about demons expecting fair exchange… you hold the same standards for yourself.