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Semyaza
For other uses of the word Succubus, see Succubus (disambiguation).
The name Semyaza can refer to the following:
Fallen Angel in Christian Mythology
Semyaza, also known as Ouza, Samiaza, Shemhazai, Amezyarak, Azza, and Uzza was a major leader of the fall from heaven in Christian mythology. He was also one of the angels that came down from heaven alongside Azazel to interbreed with humans. Semyaza before the fall was of the rank of Seraphim.[1] In legend, he is the seraph tempted by the maiden Ishtahar to reveal to her the Explicit Name of God. Often it is speculated that a main reason for Semyaza's expulsion from heaven is that he objected to the high rank given to Enoch when the latter was transformed from a mortal into the angel Metatron. In Solomonic lore the story is that Semyaza was the angel who revealed to the Jewish king the heavenly arcana, thus making Solomon the wisest man on earth. Of the 2 groups of angels headed by Metatron, one of the groups, the angels of justice, were under the rulership of Semyaza, who at this time had not yet fallen. Uzza is the tutelary angel of the Egyptians.[2] The name Semyaza means literally "the name Azza."
Semyaza's sons, Hiwa and Hiya, by one of Eve's daughters, were so mighty that they daily ate 1000 camels, 1000 horses, and 1000 oxen.[3]
In Pagan Arabic Culture
Ouza was one of the major items of worship in the pagan Arabic culture, before the rise of Islam. Al Ouza and Al Lat (The Ouza and the Lat) were considered the Daughters of God and were prayed for. However, with the appearance of the monotheistic religion of Islam, the worship of any other god beside God (Allah) was defeated. The mention of Al Lat and Al Ouza was made in the Chapter of the Star (Surat Al Najm) [chapter no. 53] in the Quran:
19. Have ye seen Lat and 'Uzza,
20. And another, the third (goddess), Manat?
21. Shall the male gender be yours and the female be His?
22. Behold, such would be indeed a division most unfair!
23. These are nothing but names which ye have devised,- ye and your fathers,- for which Allah has sent down no authority (whatever). They follow nothing but conjecture and what their own souls desire!- Even though there has already come to them Guidance from their Lord!
Further description and information about these goddesses could be found in scholar's writings about the Arabic religious practices before Islam.
In Jewish Mythology
Semyaza is the leader of the fallen angels who descended into heaven and entered into unions with human women.
Azza, according to the rabbinic tradition, is suspended between Heaven and Earth along with Azael as punishment for having had carnal knowledge of mortal women. Ouza (Azza, Uzza, Semyaza, etc.) is said to be constantly falling, with one eye shut and the other open, to see his plight and suffer all the more. It is said that he now hangs, head down, and is the constellation of Orion.[4]
References
See also