✡ Kabbalistic Canon‘Aza’zel (עֲזָאזֵל)
Primary Source: Zohar 1:37a, 3:102a; Nachmanides (Ramban), Commentary on Leviticus 16:8; Pardes Rimonim 24:16
In Kabbalistic cosmology, Azazel is one of the fallen angels ('Aza and 'Aza'el) cast down to earth who joined the domain of Samael and the Sitra Achra. Associated with the astrological sphere of Mars, barren deserts, and the demonic goat-spirits (se'irim), he receives the Yom Kippur scapegoat as an appointed bribe to pacify the celestial prosecutor and silence Satan's accusations.
“Ramban and the Zohar explain that the scapegoat sent to Azazel in the wilderness is not a sacrifice to a demon, but a divine command to offer a portion to Samael's forces on the left to absorb the defilement of Israel.”
