Deadly Sins And Their Symbolic Meanings: A Guide

The seven deadly sins, also known as the cardinal or capital sins, are a grouping of vices within Christian teachings. They are pride, greed, wrath, envy, lust, gluttony, and sloth. Each sin has a corresponding symbol, and these symbols have been used in art, literature, film, and television. For example, in some depictions, animals represent each sin, such as a lion for pride and a snake for envy.

Pride = Lucifer Morningstar

Lucifer Morningstar is the personification of the sin of Pride in Christianity's list of the seven deadly sins. Pride is considered the original and worst of the seven deadly sins and is thought to be the source of the other capital sins.

In Christian theology, the seven deadly sins are a grouping of major vices. The list includes pride, greed, wrath, envy, lust, gluttony, and sloth. The concept of the seven deadly sins originated with Tertullian and continued with Evagrius Ponticus, evolving over time based on historical context and influenced by the Latin language of the Roman Catholic Church and Greek language and religious traditions.

In the context of the seven deadly sins, Lucifer Morningstar is often depicted as a fallen angel, retaining his brilliant appearance as a demon but with his wings cut off. He is the founder and former leader of the Deadly Sins, serving as the ruler of Hell before his absence, which led to Satan taking control. Lucifer is the highest-ranking member, reigning over the Pride Ring and all of Hell. He is second only to the royal Morningstar family in Hell's hierarchy.

Pride, also known as hubris or futility, is considered the opposite of humility. It is described as an anti-God state, where the ego and self are directly opposed to God. This state of mind can lead to all other vices and is seen as a complete severance from God and His grace-giving Presence. Lucifer's pride, in particular, is referenced in C.S. Lewis's "Mere Christianity," where it is noted that "it was through Pride that Lucifer became wicked."

The sin of Pride is associated with a sense of arrogance, self-overestimation, and grandiosity. It can lead individuals to become slaves to themselves and their desires, blinding them and causing them to act foolishly against common sense.

Wrath = Satan

Wrath, one of the seven deadly sins, is often associated with Satan, the Devil in Christianity. Satan is a fallen angel, regarded as the chief of demons who tempt humans into sin. In the Book of Matthew, Jesus alludes to the dangers of wrath while admonishing one of his disciples who brandishes a sword against his captors: "Put your sword back into its place; for all who take the sword will perish by the sword".

Wrath is defined as a strong feeling of hatred or resentment with a desire for vengeance. This desire for revenge distinguishes wrath from anger, which is a natural and balanced emotion. Wrath is a sin that builds over time, permeating and growing within an individual until it is released, like a volcano erupting. It often stems from anger, which in itself is not a sin, but can lead to wrath if not managed properly.

In the Catechism of the Catholic Church, anger becomes the sin of wrath when it is directed against an innocent person, is excessively strong or prolonged, or seeks excessive punishment. The Bible frequently warns against wrath and anger, with Psalm 37:8 advising, "Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath... it leads only to evil."

In art, wrath has been depicted in scenes from the Bible and classical stories, such as Peter Paul Rubens' paintings "Cain Slaying Abel" and "The Wrath of Achilles". Dante, in his 14th-century work "Inferno," assigned sinners guilty of wrath to the fifth circle of hell, where they attack each other in a muddy swamp.

Wrath, as a deadly sin, is believed to generate other sins and immoral behaviour. It is often associated with Satan, who is seen as the embodiment of evil, tempting humans to commit sins and rebel against God. Satanism, as a religious and ideological belief system, venerates or worships Satan, either as a supernatural deity or as a symbol of certain human traits.

In conclusion, wrath is closely associated with Satan due to their shared connection to anger, vengeance, and the temptation to commit sins. Wrath, as a deadly sin, can lead to immoral behaviour and is often depicted in art and literature as a destructive force. Satan, as a symbol of evil, represents the embodiment of wrath and is worshipped by Satanists, who may see him as a supernatural deity or a metaphor for human traits.

Gluttony = Beelzebub

Beelzebub, also known as the Lord of the Flies, is a name derived from a Philistine god, formerly worshipped in Ekron, and later adopted by some Abrahamic religions as a major demon. Beelzebub is associated with the Canaanite god Baal and is another name for Satan in Christian theology. Beelzebub is one of the seven deadly demons or seven princes of Hell, representing gluttony and envy.

Gluttony, as defined by Thomas Aquinas, is the overindulgence and overconsumption of anything to the point of waste. Medieval church leaders such as Aquinas took a broad view of gluttony, arguing that it could include the obsessive anticipation of meals and overindulgence in delicacies and costly foods. Aquinas identified five forms of gluttony:

• Laute: eating too expensively
• Studiose: eating too daintily
• Nimis: eating too much
• Praepropere: eating too soon
• Ardenter: eating too eagerly

Beelzebub, as the embodiment of gluttony, is often depicted as obese, reflecting the sin of wastefulness and consumption in excess. However, some artists have chosen to portray Beelzebub as skinny, symbolising the insatiable nature of gluttony, where consumption is relentless and wasteful, even as the masters starve.

In some interpretations, Beelzebub is described as the Monarch of Hell and Minister of Gluttony, ruling over the theoretical dominion of Hell. Beelzebub is also referred to as the Demon Lord of Gluttony, worshipped as the "Queen of Gluttony" in the mortal world. She is known for her overindulgence and is often depicted holding and eating a huge meat drumstick. Beelzebub is described as having a petite figure, blue-black hair, green eyes, and small black wings. She is portrayed as having a sweet and merciful demeanour, but her true capabilities are unknown.

Greed = Mammon

Greed, or the desire to possess wealth, goods, or objects of abstract value, is personified by Mammon, one of the seven princes of Hell. The word Mammon comes from the Aramaic 'māmōnā', meaning 'profit' or 'wealth', and is associated with the greedy pursuit of gain. In the New Testament, Jesus uses the word in the phrase, "You cannot serve both God and mammon", alluding to the idea that one cannot serve two masters – one will always be favoured over the other.

Mammon is often depicted as a demon or false idol in extra-Biblical works, and is sometimes referred to as the "God" or "Prince" of Greed. He is described as having a wolf-like appearance, with golden skin and dragon-like feet and hands. In some sources, Mammon is said to have a female form, with voluptuous features and blonde hair.

Mammon is credited with creating alchemy and bestowing forbidden knowledge upon humans, such as the proper alchemical compounds needed to create gold. He is also associated with Faustian bargains of wealth and the creation of homunculi, or humanoid entities of great power and strength.

In the Middle Ages, Mammon was commonly personified as the demon of wealth and greed, and was included in the seven princes of Hell. This interpretation of Mammon as a demon or deity can be found in various literary works, such as Spenser's "The Faerie Queene" and Milton's "Paradise Lost".

Mammon is also associated with capitalism and the consolidated wealth and power of banking and corporate institutions, particularly during the 19th century.

Lust = Asmodeus

Lust is one of the seven deadly sins, also known as the cardinal or capital sins, in Christian teachings. It is considered the least serious of the seven, and is generally understood as an intense longing or unbridled sexual desire that may lead to sinful acts.

Asmodeus is the Demon Lord of Lust, and is sometimes referred to as the 'True King of Hell'. In some depictions, Asmodeus is male, and in others, female.

In male form, Asmodeus is described as having a muscular upper body, black eyes, two rows of shark teeth, and bat wings protruding from his back. From the waist down, he has kangaroo legs and a dragon's tail. He also has a lion's head on his left shoulder and a goat's head on his right. This form of Asmodeus is intended to strike fear into those who fall into Hell.

Asmodeus, the male embodiment of Lust, is said to manipulate the sexual desires of humans, and those who fail to resist his corruption will be condemned to an eternity in the second layer of Hell. He is a ruthless monster and a mischievous expert in satire. He is also a commander of hundreds of legions of demons, second in authority only to Lucifer and Satan.

In female form, Asmodeus is a gorgeous young woman with pink eyebrows, eyelashes, and hair, white skin, pointed ears, and green eyes. She has small retractable black wings, a knee-length tail, and a very revealing outfit. She is described as having irresistible sexual charm and seductive ways, and is known for sweeping everyone off their feet, regardless of their sex or age. She is also a skilled fighter, adept at using magic to manipulate the winds and the environment.

Asmodeus, the Demon Lord of Lust, is a powerful entity, and a key figure in the seven deadly sins.

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