Samyaza
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Samyaza
Šamayazzu • Yaqum • Yeqon
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 Through Fire & Brimstone, a depiction of Samyaza painted by Satano-Grigorist artist Lucille |
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| Chief of the Watchers First Dekadarch First Great Instigator |
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| Great Apothecary • Cutter of Roots | |
| Corruptions | Shemhazai, Samyarus, Amezarak, others |
| Name meaning | Power of the heavens (Samyaza) He shall rise (Yaqum) |
| Associations | Leadership, pharmacy, herbalism, plant magic |
| Teachings | Manufacture of medicines, natural magic |
| Traits | Wise, majestic, bold, divisive, charismatic |
| Symbols | Mortar & pestle, bundle of herbs, crow, lion |
| Preferred offerings | Willow, thyme, grape seeds, juniper, aloe, dandelion, olive oil |
| Descendants | Ohya • Hahya • Og • Sihon |
Samyaza or Šamayazzu, also called Yaqum, is the Watcher of leadership, courage, pharmacy, herbalism, and natural magic. He is the first Dekadarch and the first of the five great instigators who persuaded the other Watchers to descend. He is worshipped in the Satano-Grigorist tradition, where he is one of the best-known Watchers; he is also among the most popular options for nikarūma who work with Watchers. His symbols include the mortar and pestle, bundle of herbs, crow, and lion.
He is considered by Satano-Grigorists to be the divine author of The Lion and the Lamb, one of the sacred revealed scriptures of Satano-Grigorism. It is a short and dense text containing Samyaza's criticism of the ways in which Yahwists are trained to behave, his defense of the Watchers' deeds, his explanation of why he taught his knowledge to mankind, and his commentary on the way humans have used his gifts.
Role in the Grigoric Narrative
Samyaza played a significant role in nearly all major events of the Grigoric Narrative, including the Watchers' decision to rebel, the swearing of Beqa, the Descent itself, the Great Flood, the Brazen War, and more. As the chief and leader of all the Watchers, Samyaza led his brothers through all of their collective deeds. He is also the first of the five great instigators who persuaded the rest of the Watchers to rebel.
After the Watchers made their plan to rebel, Samyaza expressed concern that the others would back out and betray him, leaving him alone to bear the consequences after the inevitable discovery of the rebellion by Yahweh. To reassure him, Asbe'el suggested a drastic measure: a binding oath, sealed by the power of Harmoniel.
Following the swearing of Beqa and the breaking of their bonds to Yahweh, the Watchers descended from Mt. Hermon and began visiting human settlements. While Samyaza was incarnate in the physical realm, he primarily taught humans (especially women) how to make medicines out of herbs; he also emboldened leaders, taught wandmaking alongside Tamiel, and led armies of nephilim and allied mutūma against the angels during the Brazen War.
The first woman he lay with was named Asterah, and his first two sons by Asterah were named Ohya and Hahya. The legendary kings Og and Sihon were descendants of Samyaza through Hahya.
Name and identity
Etymology
Multiple different etymologies have been suggested for the name Samyaza. The Temple's research has found that the most likely etymology is from two roots common to most Semitic languages:
- š-m-m or š-m-y, which means either "heavens," i.e. the spiritual realm, or "sky." The Ugaritic word derived from this root is šamūma, and the Hebrew word is šāmayim; both mean "heavens" or "spiritual realm."
- ʿ-z-z, which means "power," "strength," or "might," often with a connotation of pride. This is the same root in the name of Azazel.
Therefore, "Samyaza" means "power of the heavens."
His alternate name Yaqum (sometimes rendered as Yeqon) is derived from the Semitic root q-w-m, meaning "to rise" or "to stand." The prefix indicates the third person, so this name means "he rises" or "he stands," or alternatively, "he will rise" or "he will stand."
Variants
Many variants of Samyaza's name have been recorded over the years. Some are as valid as "Samyaza" or "Yaqum"; some are accidental corruptions formed through linguistic variation; others are considered offensive.
Acceptable variants
The Grigorist Temple of Satanael accepts a short list of variants as valid.
- Acceptable variants: Samayazzu, Samyaza, Samyazaz, Samyazazu, Samyazu, Samyazzu, Šamayaza (Shamayaza), Šamayazzu (Shamayazzu), and Šamyaza (Shamyaza).
Full list of variants
The following list includes most of the known variants of Samyaza's name. Inclusion in this list does not imply the Temple's approval or disapproval of any particular form of the name; it simply exists to document known variants that refer to the same Watcher. Many of these variants are corruptions of the name.
- Known variants: Amasarac, Amazarak, Amezarak, Amezaras, Amezyarak, Amizarack, Amizaras, Sahjaza, Samayazzu, Samhazai, Samiaza, Samiazaz, Samiarus, Samiarush, Samiyaza, Samjaza, Samjâzâ, Samlazaz, Samyasa, Samyaza, Samyazaz, Samyazu, Samyazzu, Sêmîazâz, Semeyaza, Semiaza, Semiazaz, Semiaxas, Semihazah, Semiyaza, Semjaza, Semjâzâ, Semyaza, Semyazah, Semyazza, Sémaziôs, Sham-Hazai, Shamḥazai, Shamazya, Shamayza, Šamayazzu (Shamayazzu), Shamhazai, Shamhazzai, Shemêhaza, Shemhazah, Shemhazai, Shemhazi, Shemihazah, Shemyaza, Shemyaza(z), Shemyazaz, Shenhazai, and Šemihaza.
Other aliases
In some texts, Samyaza is referred to as simply Uzza or Ouza ("power"). These names, however, may also sometimes be applied to other beings. An obscure online list reports the names Tanvir and Onik as alternate names of Samyaza, but no source has been found for these claims, and no known ancient texts apply these names to him.
False conflations
He is sometimes wrongly conflated with Azazel (Satanael), the Watcher Asael, or even the angel Samael. Some neo-occultists and new-age mystics envision Samyaza and Azazel as aspects of one composite being, usually called Shemyazazel. These interpretations are rejected by Satano-Grigorists.
False distinctions
Some sources incorrectly distinguish Samyaza from Amezarak, which is in fact a corruption of his name. A false distinction is also sometimes drawn between Samyaza and Yeqon (Yaqum), which is in fact an alternate name for him.
Personality
Samyaza is wise, bold, charismatic, and passionate about what he is devoted to. In his relationships with other beings, he is loyal and forms deep bonds. He does not take kindly to betrayal.
With regards to those who have chosen to accept him as their leader, he dislikes the idea of standing above them; it is more accurate to say he walks in front of them. He is highly motivated by what he views as his duty to bring those he leads to greatness alongside him, and this can drive him onward even when his personal resilience falters. He often makes efforts to include others in some aspects of leadership, because he benefits greatly from having trusted advisors to consult when making important decisions. While some have viewed this as a sign of self-insufficiency, he contends that the best path forward is better chosen with the input of others.
Due to his strong personality, he can at times become a controversial figure. Those who view him as an enemy, such as the forces of Yahweh, tend to treat him as a scapegoat for the actions of his whole group; due to this, they target him disproportionately. For this reason, he feared being left to face the brunt of Yahweh's retaliation alone, which led to the swearing of Beqa to bind the Watchers together to commit to their shared goal.
Relationships
Other Watchers
Samyaza is respected as a leader by the other Watchers, although he was the focal point of several disputes among them during the events of their rebellion. He has a close but tumultuous relationship with Asbe'el, in part based on his gratitude to Asbe'el for his suggestion of Beqa to ensure that Samyaza would not face consequences for the Watchers' rebellion. He respects the opinion of Harmoniel and has collaborated with him on certain plans.
Samyaza has appeared in visions with his tribe members Agabel and Ayilel, but the implications of this have not yet been elucidated.
Partners
During his time on earth, he preferred women as partners. He first taught his knowledge to his partners, and it is said in the BWAE that this is why women gained a reputation of being more familiar with the sorcery of plants than men.
He is fond of his first lover, Asterah, by whom he had his first two sons, Ohya and Hahya.
Descendants
Samyaza has shown willingness to provide advice and assistance to his nephilim to help them actualize their full potential. His grandsons Og and Sihon became great kings, presumably with his help. While his relationships with his repha'im are largely unknown, he is known to have reassured one of his sons who died in the Brazen War.
Appearance
Samyaza appears as a green-eyed man in his late twenties or early thirties, with large black feathered wings on his back. He has thick, wavy, medium-length black hair and a short, dark beard. His build is muscular and semi-lean, not slender but not excessively bulky.
Garments
Samyaza most often appears entirely naked, but sometimes, he wears a simple black loincloth. Occasionally, he is seen with a horned crown or headpiece. This can vary in appearance, but it usually seems to be crafted mostly of natural materials like horn, bone, and wood.
Accessory objects
Samyaza usually holds a bundle of herbs in one or both hands. He also often has a mortar and pestle, one of his major symbols. Sometimes, he bears a wooden staff, which seems to be used more as a magical tool than a walking stick. In some contexts, he may appear holding a sword or other objects associated with combat.
A vision of Samyaza with a sword or other weapon is considered rather ominous, often referring to larger-than-life experiences that may involve difficulty or hardship as well as triumph. These events are likely to have an impact on one's character, values, or mindset, and they must be faced with courage and self-awareness. Trusted and loyal people should be kept close during this time, for they may make the difference between victory and disaster.
In Satano-Grigorism
Worship
Satano-Grigorists worship Samyaza as the chief of the Watchers. He is often invoked for matters related to leadership, including assistance with managing the difficulties of leadership. His associations also make him a favorite of Satano-Grigorists who are interested in the field of pharmacy or who hope for good outcomes in matters that involve medication. He is also consulted for insight on herbal offerings and preparations.
Offerings
Common burnt offerings to Samyaza include dried thyme, willow bark and leaves, grape seeds, juniper berries and twigs, aloe leaves and gel, and any part of the dandelion plant. He can also be offered small amounts of crushed pills; Satano-Grigorists who choose to do this are encouraged to maintain safety by using safer options such as over-the-counter vitamin pills and by only offering these outside, keeping a safe distance to avoid inhaling any of the smoke.
Satano-Grigorists can also make sexual offerings to Samyaza, either by themselves or with a partner.
Holiday
In the Satano-Grigorist tradition, the dedicated holiday for Samyaza and his tribe is Kabādu Šamayazzu, celebrated annually on May 20th. Satano-Grigorists celebrate Samyaza's sacred day by offering to him, doing rituals to him, praying to praise him, and thanking him for his teachings to humanity.
In other religions
Yahwism
Like the other Watchers, Samyaza is condemned by Yahwists, who view him as a former angel who succumbed to sinful temptations and corrupted humanity with his knowledge. Samyaza is particularly blamed because he was the chief of the 200 Watchers and led them all through their rebellion and Great Descent.[1]
In later Jewish rabbinic writings, Samyaza is mentioned further, mostly under the variant names "Shemhazai" and "Shamhazai." There is a Jewish legend stating that Samyaza and Asael (or, in some versions, Azazel) challenged Yahweh to allow them to come to earth to see if they would sin. After descending, Samyaza is overcome by desire for a woman named Asterah (or Istehar). In the Satano-Grigorist tradition, Asterah is Samyaza's willing lover, but in the Jewish story, she tricks Samyaza into telling her a magical name and uses the name to ascend to heaven to escape his lust. The same rabbinic tradition states that Samyaza later repented for his sins and lamented the fate of his sons after discovering that the Great Flood was going to occur, so he suspended himself upside-down to hang between heaven and earth eternally as an act of penance.[2]
Samyaza is also mentioned in the Babylonian Talmud. In Niddah 61a, it is stated that the famous ancient kings Og and Sihon were sons of Hahya, son of Samyaza, which places Samyaza as a divine ancestor of biblical giants.[3] Rashi's commentary identifies Samyaza ("Shamhazai" in the text) as one of the fallen angels who descended to earth.[4]
Occult traditions
A few modern Left-Hand Path occult traditions dabble in working with some of the Watchers. Likely because of his prominence as the Chief of the Watchers, Samyaza is the Watcher most frequently singled out by Left-Hand Path occultists. The Luciferian author Michael W. Ford, a soft polytheist who views the identities of various deities and spirits as "deific masks" that serve as interfaces between humans and primordial archetypal forces, has written on Samyaza along with some other Watchers. Ford's book Fallen Angels: Watchers and the Witches' Sabbat presents a Luciferian magical system based on the Watchers. Samyaza plays a prominent role in this system, which focuses on initiation, awakening, forbidden knowledge, and self-deification.[5]
Occult blogger V.K. Jehannum has published a sigil and several chants meant for use in the invocation of Samyaza. He sometimes refers to him as "Father Shemyaza," and he associates him with esoteric spiritual knowledge and personal magical empowerment.[6]
The Black Witch Coven similarly treats Samyaza as a spirit who can be independently invoked or evoked without much attention to his place within the order to which he belongs. They refer to him as a "Luciferian Witch Father and Initiator." In their tradition, he is associated with forbidden knowledge, sorcery, transformation of the Self, and knowledge of the divine name, with the latter being derived from the Jewish folkloric tradition in which he teaches Asterah a sacred name that she speaks to ascend to heaven. An article by the Coven gives a sigil, suggested offerings, and directions for invoking Samyaza.[7]
Sigils
Samyaza's sigil is known.
Textual references
See also
References
- ↑ R. H. Charles, trans., “The Book of Enoch,” ch. 6, in The Apocrypha and Pseudepigrapha of the Old Testament, vol. 2 (Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1913).
- ↑ John C. Reeves, “Bereshit Rabbati on Shemhazai & Azael,” translation of Bereshit Rabbati 29.14–31.8, University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Accessed August 30, 2026.
- ↑ “Niddah 61a,” Babylonian Talmud, Sefaria, William Davidson Edition. Accessed August 30, 2026.
- ↑ Rashi on Niddah 61a, reproduced in “Niddah 61a,” Chabad.org. Accessed August 30, 2026.
- ↑ Michael W. Ford, Fallen Angels: Watchers and the Witches Sabbat (2017).
- ↑ V. K. Jehannum, “Magickal Chants to Semyaza or Shemyaza,” V.K. Jehannum, July 26, 2018. Accessed August 30, 2026.
- ↑ Edwin, “Semyaza: The Leader of the Watchers,” Black Witch Coven, February 17, 2018, updated December 28, 2024. Accessed August 30, 2026.