The Origins of Sorcery: Harut and Marut Angels of Magic

The story of Harut and Marut is one of the most intriguing and enigmatic tales in Islamic tradition. These two angels, sent from the heavens to the ancient city of Babylon, are central figures in a narrative that explores the themes of temptation, knowledge, and divine testing. Their tale is recounted in the Quran and has been expanded upon in various Islamic commentaries and external texts, making it a rich subject for study and reflection.

Harut and Marut are primarily known from a brief mention in the Quran, specifically in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:102). The verse mentions that these two angels were sent to Babylon and that they taught people magic, but only after warning them that they were being tested and that learning such knowledge could lead to mischief and disbelief.

The Quranic verse reads:

"They followed what the devils used to recite during the reign of Solomon. It was not Solomon who disbelieved, but the devils disbelieved, teaching people magic and that which was revealed to the two angels in Babylon, Harut and Marut. But the two angels do not teach anyone unless they say, 'We are a trial, so do not disbelieve [by practicing magic].' And [yet] they learn from them that by which they cause separation between a man and his wife. But they do not harm anyone through it except by permission of Allah. And they [i.e., the people] learn what harms them and does not benefit them. But the Children of Israel certainly knew that whoever purchased the magic would not have in the Hereafter any share. And wretched is that for which they sold themselves, if they only knew."

Islamic tradition and tafsir (exegesis) provide a more detailed narrative about Harut and Marut. According to these sources, the story begins in the heavens where angels observed the sins of humans and questioned Allah about why He would forgive such beings. In response, Allah decided to test the angels themselves. He chose Harut and Marut, known for their piety and wisdom, to be sent to Earth in human form.

Upon their arrival in Babylon, Harut and Marut were tasked with living among humans and upholding divine laws. They were also granted knowledge of magical practices, which they were to teach as a test to humanity. However, they were to caution everyone that practicing such magic was a severe trial and could lead to misguidance and sin.

Despite their divine origin and wisdom, Harut and Marut faced numerous temptations on Earth. The most famous of these temptations involved a beautiful woman named Zuhra (or Venus in some accounts), who desired the forbidden knowledge of magic. She tempted the angels, and depending on the version of the story, either one or both angels succumbed to her advances, revealing the secrets of magic to her.

As a result of their actions, Harut and Marut were punished by Allah. According to different accounts, they were either imprisoned beneath the earth, suspended by their feet, or confined in a well in Babylon. There, they remain, continuing to warn anyone who seeks them out about the dangers and consequences of practicing magic. In my experience, their imprisonment by Allah is allegorical. When I connected with Harut it was in an abyssal domain of the astral realm. Though his spirit or essence is within the council, he can be found in the dry dark places of the astral realm. 

The story of Harut and Marut has influenced not only Islamic culture but also other traditions and literature. In the Jewish tradition, there are parallels with the fallen angels Shemhazai and Azazel, who also taught forbidden knowledge to humans and faced divine retribution, echo my thoughts on the multifaceted nature of beings at higher levels of reality. 

Many grimoires have been written and attributed to the teachings of Harut and Marut, some channeled and others passed down through different magical orders. Before engaging with this entity or any other a period of energetic cleansing is required. Refer to the Astral Mind Foundation facebook group for ongoing information and techniques pertaining to harut and marut.