Rank: Duke
Ruling Angel: Cahethel
Associated Symbols: A Robin Hood-like man, all things forest related
Associated Colours: Black, green, purple
Suggested Offerings: Ground ivy, copper, arnica, goats rue, catnip, sandalwood
Warnings: –
Enn
Eveta Fubin Barbatos
Barbatos is the eighth spirit listed in the Ars Goetia of the Lesser Key of Solomon. A Great Duke of Hell, he commands 30 legions of demons and is known for his connection to the natural world, animals and the revealing of hidden treasures. Barbatos is a powerful spirit who governs communication with animals, uncovers lost items, and provides insights into the mysteries of the past and future.
Historical Origins and Mythological Background
The name Barbatos may derive from the Latin word barbatus, meaning “bearded,” which reflects an ancient tradition of associating bearded figures with wisdom and authority. Barbatos appears in several medieval grimoires, including Pseudomonarchia Daemonum and Dictionnaire Infernal, where he is consistently described as a powerful spirit with control over animals, forests, and nature. His knowledge of the hidden and unseen world—both in terms of natural mysteries and material treasures—places him among the most sought-after spirits for those who need assistance in discovering lost or concealed items.
Barbatos is often depicted as a spirit who was once part of the angelic order before his fall, placing him within the broader narrative of fallen angels found in many demonological texts. His abilities, especially his skill in communicating with animals and spirits of the forest, suggest that Barbatos may have been connected to ancient pagan deities associated with nature, hunting, and the wild.
Appearance and Iconography
Barbatos is typically depicted as a bearded archer or hunter, a figure that evokes images of forest deities like the Greek Artemis or the Celtic Cernunnos. He is often shown surrounded by animals, emphasising his connection to the natural world. His appearance can be simple, reflecting his alignment with nature. He often wears robes or hunting attire that aligns with his role as a guide through forests and wildernesses.
In some descriptions, Barbatos is said to appear with four noble kings or with animals by his side, highlighting his connection to both the spirit world and the material world. His dominion over forests and his ability to reveal hidden treasures connect him to the traditional archetype of a wise guide or guardian of sacred, natural spaces.
Powers and Abilities
Barbatos is most famous for his ability to communicate with animals and spirits of the forest. He can teach the summoner to understand the languages of birds, animals, and even nature itself, allowing the practitioner to gain deeper insight into the natural world. This makes him a valuable spirit for those who wish to develop stronger bonds with animals, particularly in shamanic or animistic practices where communion with nature is central.
Another key ability of Barbatos is his skill in uncovering hidden treasures and revealing what is concealed. He is often invoked by practitioners who are searching for lost items, whether physical objects or hidden knowledge. Barbatos’ knowledge of the earth’s secrets makes him an ideal spirit for treasure hunting or discovering ancient artefacts, but he can also assist with uncovering spiritual or intellectual truths that have been obscured.
Barbatos also has the power to provide insights into the past, present, and future, particularly in matters related to nature and the spiritual realm. He can reveal hidden truths, offer guidance on future paths, and help practitioners better understand the natural cycles of life, death, and rebirth. His connection to the natural world gives him a unique perspective on time and the cycles that govern the physical and spiritual realms.
Barbatos is known for reconciling enemies and bringing peace to conflicts. His diplomatic nature makes him useful in situations where there is tension or misunderstanding. He can help repair relationships or calm disputes, especially those rooted in territorial or environmental conflicts.
Summoning Barbatos: Ritual and Offerings
To summon Barbatos, practitioners typically use his sigil, found in the Lesser Key of Solomon, and chant his enn—”Eveta fubin Barbatos”—to invoke his presence. As a spirit closely connected with nature, Barbatos is often summoned outdoors or in natural settings where his energy can be more easily accessed. Forests, groves, or places rich in animal life are ideal locations for summoning Barbatos, as these environments resonate with his powers.
Offerings to Barbatos should reflect his alignment with nature and the wilderness. Items such as animal bones, feathers, or representations of woodland creatures are appropriate gifts. In addition, herbs, plants, or objects made from natural materials like wood or stone can be offered to honour his connection to the earth.
Green candles, symbolising the vitality of nature and growth, are often used in rituals dedicated to Barbatos. Incense such as cedar, sandalwood, or frankincense, which are associated with grounding, protection, and clarity, can also enhance the ritual’s atmosphere and help align the practitioner with Barbatos’ energy.
Planetary and Elemental Associations
Barbatos is associated with the planet Venus, which governs love, beauty, and harmony. Venus’s influence on Barbatos is most evident in his ability to reconcile enemies and bring peace to conflicts, particularly those involving relationships or territorial disputes. Venus also enhances Barbatos’ connection to nature, as the planet’s energy is often linked to the fertility and beauty of the natural world.
Elementally, Barbatos is strongly connected to Fire. This elemental association highlights his transformative power, ability to ignite change, and passion within the practitioner. Fire is the element of energy, purification, and dynamic movement, aligning with Barbatos’ abilities to reveal hidden knowledge and inspire profound shifts in understanding. Working with Barbatos in fire-based rituals, such as those involving candles, flames, or incense, can amplify his influence and unlock deeper insights.
Practical Applications in Magic
Barbatos’ powers are incredibly useful for those who work closely with nature, animals, or the spirit world. His ability to communicate with animals makes him an ideal spirit for shamanism or animism practitioners, as he can help open channels of communication between the practitioner and the natural world. Whether through understanding animal behaviour or learning to listen to the signs in nature, Barbatos can enhance a practitioner’s ability to live in harmony with the environment.
For treasure hunters or those seeking lost or hidden items, Barbatos can provide invaluable assistance. His knowledge of the earth’s secrets extends beyond material treasures; he can also help uncover hidden knowledge, ancient wisdom, or personal truths that have been buried. Whether the practitioner is searching for a physical object or a spiritual answer, Barbatos can guide the way.
Barbatos’ ability to reconcile enemies and calm disputes makes him a useful ally in conflict resolution, particularly in situations involving territorial disputes or environmental concerns. He can mediate between parties, offering solutions that promote harmony and mutual respect. This makes him a valuable spirit for environmentalists, activists, or anyone involved in negotiations where natural resources or land rights are at stake.
Warnings and Precautions
While Barbatos is generally considered a benevolent and wise spirit, practitioners should still approach him with respect and clear intentions. His connection to the natural world means that he values balance and harmony, and those who seek to exploit his powers for selfish or destructive purposes may find themselves facing unintended consequences.
Additionally, because Barbatos is a spirit of the wild, practitioners should be prepared for the unpredictable nature of working with him. His influence is tied to the cycles of nature, which can be both nurturing and harsh. Practitioners must remain grounded and patient when working with Barbatos, as his guidance may come in unexpected ways or through subtle, natural signs rather than direct communication.
Conclusion
Barbatos, the eighth spirit of the Ars Goetia, is a powerful and versatile demon known for his dominion over nature, animals, and hidden treasures. His ability to communicate with animals, reveal hidden knowledge, and reconcile disputes makes him a valuable ally for practitioners seeking to connect more deeply with the natural world or needing assistance uncovering lost or concealed items. Whether for treasure hunting, animal communication, or conflict resolution, Barbatos offers wisdom, guidance, and protection. By approaching him with respect and reverence for nature, practitioners can harness his powers to create harmony and discover the hidden truths of the earth.
Sigil and Illustration of Barbatos
