Caim
From Thelemapedia
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In demonology, Caim appears in Ars Goetia , the first part of Lesser Key of Solomon as a Great President of Hell, ruling over thirty legions of demons. Much detail is offered: he is a good disputer, gives men the understanding of the voices of birds, bullocks, dogs, and other creatures, and of the noise of the waters too, and gives true answers concerning things to come.
He is depicted in 19th and 20th century occultist illustrations as appearing in the form of the black bird called a thrush, but soon he changes his shape into a man that has a sharp sword in his hand. When answering questions he seems to stand on burning ashes or coals.
The title 'président' of Hell would suggest a parallel with the presiding officer of a college or convocation, the only pre-modern uses of the term. Other authors consider Caim a 'Prince' of Hell instead and depict him as a man wearing rich and elegant clothes, and the head and wings of a blackbird.
Demonological directories give an etymology from a supposed Latin word 'Chamos', 'Chamus', said to be a name given to Baal Peor, and possibly corrupted from Hebrew 'Chium', an epithet given to several Assyrian and Babylonian gods. Epigraphy does not confirm this etymology.
Other spellings: Camio, Caym.
See also
References
- Wikipedia (2005). Caim (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caim). Retrieved Nov 19, 2005
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