43. Sabnock

Rank: Marquis
Ruling Angel: Veualiah

Associated Symbols: Lions, soldiers, pale horses

Associated Colours: Purple

Suggested Offerings: Jasmine, silver

Warnings: Can give wounds

Enn

Tasa Sabnock On Ca Lirach

Sabnock (also spelled Sabnach or Savnok) is the forty-third spirit listed in the Ars Goetia of the Lesser Key of Solomon. A mighty Marquis of Hell, Sabnock commands 50 legions of demons. He is known for his power to build high towers, castles, and strongholds, as well as his ability to cause illness, particularly in the form of slow-acting infections or festering wounds. Sabnock’s dual nature as both a protector and destroyer makes him a complex spirit, often invoked by practitioners seeking protection, the fortification of spaces, or the weakening of enemies through disease.

Historical Origins and Mythological Background

In medieval grimoires such as Pseudomonarchia Daemonum and Dictionnaire Infernal, Sabnock is described as a spirit who builds impregnable castles, provides protection, and inflicts slow-acting diseases. His role as a builder aligns with his reputation for providing fortification and defence, while his connection to disease represents his ability to undermine and weaken enemies.

As a Marquis of Hell, Sabnock holds a high rank within the Goetic hierarchy, with power over both construction and destruction. His ability to build and defend, as well as his power to cause illness, gives him a dual nature that can be used for protection or harm, depending on the needs of the practitioner. Sabnock is often called upon by those seeking to establish defences, create safe spaces, or weaken their adversaries through subtle and insidious means.

Appearance and Iconography

Sabnock is typically depicted as a warrior riding a pale horse, symbolising his role as a protector and builder, as well as his connection to death and disease. The pale horse is often associated with illness and decay, representing Sabnock’s power to bring about slow-acting diseases and infections. His warrior appearance reflects his strength, authority, and ability to build defensive structures that protect the practitioner from harm.

In some depictions, Sabnock carries a sword or a spear, emphasising his role as both a defender and a destroyer. His weapons symbolise his ability to strike down enemies and inflict harm through disease or other means. The combination of the pale horse and his warrior form highlights Sabnock’s dual nature as both a guardian and a spirit capable of bringing about destruction through illness.

Sabnock’s association with the construction of towers, castles, and strongholds further emphasises his role as a protector. His ability to build impregnable fortifications makes him a valuable ally for those seeking to create secure spaces, whether physical or metaphysical, that protect against external threats.

Powers and Abilities

Sabnock’s primary power is his ability to build high towers, castles, and strongholds, providing protection and defence for the practitioner. He can assist in the creation of secure spaces, whether in the form of physical fortifications or energetic barriers, making him a powerful spirit for those seeking to protect themselves, their homes, or their spiritual spaces. Sabnock’s influence extends to the fortification of both physical structures and personal energy, allowing practitioners to shield themselves from harm or negative influences.

In addition to his protective abilities, Sabnock is skilled in causing illness, particularly in the form of slow-acting infections or festering wounds. He can afflict enemies with sickness, weakening them over time and causing their strength to deteriorate. Sabnock’s ability to cause lingering illness makes him a formidable spirit for those seeking to weaken adversaries or undermine their power in subtle ways. His influence can be used in situations where direct confrontation is undesirable, allowing practitioners to weaken their opponents through more covert means.

Sabnock is also known for his ability to provide spiritual protection, particularly against psychic attacks or negative energies. He can help practitioners build strong spiritual defences, protecting them from harmful influences or malevolent forces. Sabnock’s power to create energetic barriers makes him a valuable ally for those involved in spiritual warfare, providing protection from both physical and metaphysical threats.

Summoning Sabnock: Ritual and Offerings

Summoning Sabnock requires respect, focus, and a clear intention, particularly in matters of protection, construction, or the weakening of enemies. His sigil, found in the Lesser Key of Solomon, is essential for invoking his presence, and his enn—”Tasa Sabnock on ca lirach”—is chanted to align oneself with his energy. Practitioners should have specific goals in mind when summoning Sabnock, whether they seek to build defences, protect themselves from harm, or cause illness to weaken their adversaries.

Offerings to Sabnock should reflect his connection to defence, illness, and construction. Items associated with building or fortification, such as stones, tools, or symbols of protection, can be appropriate tributes. Black or silver candles, symbolising protection, strength, and the reflective nature of energetic barriers, can be used in rituals dedicated to Sabnock. Practitioners may also offer objects related to healing or disease, such as herbs known for their medicinal properties or symbols of health and illness, to align with his power over sickness.

Incense such as myrrh, sandalwood, or frankincense, which are often associated with protection, clarity, and strength, can help create an atmosphere conducive to summoning Sabnock. Since his powers revolve around protection, construction, and illness, practitioners should be mentally prepared for the intensity of his energy and the potential consequences of invoking his powers.

Planetary and Elemental Associations

Sabnock is often associated with the Moon, which governs intuition, emotions, and the subconscious mind. The Moon’s influence enhances Sabnock’s ability to tap into the deeper aspects of the psyche, promoting protection and emotional security. This connection to lunar energies aligns with Sabnock’s role as a spirit of defence and support, making him a potent ally for those seeking to navigate their emotional landscapes or shield themselves from negative influences.

Elementally, Sabnock is linked to Earth, representing stability, strength, and protection. Earth governs the realms of physical structure, fortification, and the creation of secure spaces, reflecting Sabnock’s powers of construction and defence. Practitioners may incorporate Earth symbolism into their rituals by using stones, soil, or objects associated with building and protection.

Practical Applications in Magic

Sabnock’s powers are particularly valuable for practitioners seeking protection, the fortification of spaces, or the weakening of enemies through illness. His ability to build impregnable towers and strongholds makes him an ideal spirit for those seeking to create secure environments, whether in their homes, businesses, or spiritual spaces. Practitioners can call upon Sabnock to help them fortify their defences, create energetic barriers, or protect themselves from physical or metaphysical harm.

In addition to his protective abilities, Sabnock’s mastery of illness makes him a powerful ally for those seeking to weaken their adversaries through subtle means. His ability to inflict slow-acting diseases or infections allows practitioners to undermine their opponents over time, gradually weakening their strength and resolve. Sabnock’s influence can be used in situations where direct confrontation is undesirable, allowing practitioners to weaken their enemies in a covert and controlled manner.

For those involved in spiritual warfare or psychic protection, Sabnock’s ability to provide spiritual defences makes him a valuable ally. Practitioners can call upon Sabnock to help them create energetic shields, protect themselves from psychic attacks, or safeguard their spiritual spaces from negative influences. His influence extends to both physical and metaphysical protection, making him a versatile spirit for those seeking to defend themselves on multiple levels.

Warnings and Precautions

While Sabnock is a powerful protector and builder, practitioners should approach him with respect and clear intentions, particularly when invoking his powers of illness or destruction. His ability to inflict slow-acting diseases requires that the summoner be mentally and emotionally prepared for the consequences of their actions. Practitioners should carefully consider the ethical implications of calling upon Sabnock to cause harm, as his influence can lead to long-term consequences for both the practitioner and their target.

Additionally, Sabnock’s connection to both protection and destruction requires that practitioners use his powers ethically and with caution. Misuse of his gifts, particularly in matters of illness or fortification, can lead to unintended consequences or negative karmic repercussions.

Conclusion

Sabnock, the forty-third spirit of the Ars Goetia, is a powerful Marquis of Hell known for his mastery of building, protection, and the infliction of slow-acting diseases. His ability to construct strongholds, provide protection, and cause illness makes him a valuable ally for practitioners seeking to defend themselves, fortify their spaces, or weaken their enemies through subtle means. Whether you are looking to create secure environments, protect yourself from harm, or influence the progression of events, Sabnock offers powerful guidance and support.

By approaching Sabnock with respect, clear intentions, and appropriate offerings, practitioners can harness his abilities to build defences, protect themselves, and weaken adversaries. As a spirit of protection, construction, and illness, Sabnock guides those who summon him toward greater security, resilience, and control over the unfolding of events in both the physical and metaphysical realms.