44. Shax

Rank: Marquis
Ruling Angel: Ielahiah

Associated Symbols: Storks

Associated Colours: Purple

Suggested Offerings: Jasmine, silver

Warnings: Can manipulate and mess with senses

Enn

Ayer Avage Shax Aken

Shax (also spelt Chax, Scox, or Shass) is the forty-fourth spirit listed in the Ars Goetia of the Lesser Key of Solomon. A Great Marquis of Hell, Shax commands 30 legions of demons. He is known for his powers to deceive, steal, and disrupt, as well as his ability to take away sight, hearing, and understanding from people. Shax is a spirit of trickery and confusion, often invoked by those seeking to create chaos, remove obstacles, or deceive enemies. He can also uncover hidden treasures and bring sudden wealth to practitioners, though he is infamous for his deceptive nature.

Historical Origins and Mythological Background

In medieval grimoires such as Pseudomonarchia Daemonum and Dictionnaire Infernal, Shax is described as a spirit who can steal anything, even from kings, and cause confusion by taking away sight and understanding. His role as a thief and disruptor aligns with his reputation as a trickster spirit who uses deception to create chaos and undermine authority.

As a Marquis of Hell, Shax holds a significant rank in the Goetic hierarchy, with power over both the physical and intellectual realms. His ability to manipulate senses and steal makes him a formidable spirit for those seeking to cause confusion, disrupt enemies, or uncover hidden resources. Shax is often called upon by those who need to outmanoeuvre rivals, create diversions, or access hidden knowledge.

Appearance and Iconography

Shax is traditionally depicted as a stork or a bird with long legs, symbolising his connection to theft, deception, and cunning. The stork is often associated with vigilance, intelligence, and patience, reflecting Shax’s ability to wait for the right moment to strike or deceive. His bird form represents his ability to move swiftly and unseen, stealing or taking away what others hold dear.

In some depictions, Shax takes on a more human form, appearing as a cunning and sly figure who exudes intelligence and trickery. His humanoid form emphasises his role as a manipulator of the mind and senses, capable of causing confusion and deceit in even the most guarded individuals. The dual nature of Shax—both as a bird and a humanoid—represents his versatility in handling both covert and intellectual forms of disruption.

The bird form of Shax also ties him to the element of Air, which governs intellect, communication, and subtle influence. His connection to Air reflects his powers of deception, theft, and mental manipulation, allowing him to influence the thoughts, perceptions, and actions of others without being detected.

Powers and Abilities

Shax’s primary power is his ability to deceive and confuse. Practitioners often invoke him to cause confusion in their enemies, particularly by removing their understanding, sight, or hearing. Shax’s influence can disorient individuals, making it difficult for them to perceive reality clearly or make sound decisions. His ability to cloud the senses makes him a powerful spirit for those seeking to create chaos or confusion in their adversaries.

In addition to his powers of deception, Shax is skilled in theft and can steal anything from anyone, even from kings. He can remove wealth, possessions, or resources from others and deliver them to the practitioner. Shax’s ability to steal extends beyond physical objects to include intellectual property, ideas, or knowledge, making him a potent spirit for those seeking to undermine rivals or acquire valuable resources. His influence is particularly useful in situations where direct confrontation is undesirable, allowing practitioners to subtly disrupt their enemies.

Shax is also known for his ability to uncover hidden treasures or reveal secret knowledge. He can guide practitioners to hidden wealth or resources, helping them discover opportunities that others may have overlooked. However, due to his deceptive nature, Shax’s promises of wealth or treasures should be approached with caution, as he is known to lead practitioners astray if not properly constrained.

Another key aspect of Shax’s powers is his ability to cause disarray and chaos. He can disrupt the plans or operations of enemies, create confusion in organisations, or sabotage efforts in subtle and unpredictable ways. Shax’s influence is especially useful for those seeking to undermine authority figures, disrupt business rivals, or create discord within groups.

Shax is also capable of helping practitioners disappear or hide themselves or their actions from others. His powers of stealth and subtlety make him an ideal spirit for those seeking to go unnoticed or move through situations without detection. This ability to “cloak” oneself or one’s actions can be valuable in both physical and metaphysical contexts, allowing practitioners to evade attention or avoid confrontation.

Shax can help you fetch animals. So, if you need a pet, he might be able to help you.

Summoning Shax: Ritual and Offerings

Summoning Shax requires respect, focus, and a clear intention, particularly in matters of deception, theft, or uncovering hidden resources. His sigil, found in the Lesser Key of Solomon, is essential for invoking his presence, and his enn—”Ayen avage Shax agen”—is chanted to attune oneself to his energy. Practitioners should have specific goals in mind when summoning Shax, whether they seek to cause confusion, steal resources, or gain access to hidden knowledge.

Offerings to Shax should reflect his connection to theft, deception, and trickery. Items associated with stealth or intelligence, such as keys, feathers, or symbols of cleverness, can be appropriate tributes. Grey or black candles, symbolising deception, stealth, and mystery, can be used in rituals dedicated to Shax. Practitioners may also offer objects related to wealth or hidden knowledge, such as coins or books, to align with his powers of theft and discovery.

Incense such as sandalwood, myrrh, or frankincense, which are often associated with clarity, protection, and subtle influence, can help create an atmosphere conducive to summoning Shax. Since his powers revolve around deception, theft, and confusion, practitioners should be mentally prepared for the unpredictable nature of his energy and the potential consequences of invoking him.

Planetary and Elemental Associations

Shax is often associated with the Moon, which governs intuition, emotions, and the subconscious mind. The Moon’s influence enhances Shax’s ability to navigate the depths of human emotions, allowing for manipulation and subtle control over the feelings of others. This lunar connection aligns with Shax’s role as a spirit of trickery, enabling him to work in the shadows and influence situations without revealing his presence.

Elementally, Shax is linked to Fire, representing passion, transformation, and action. Fire governs the realms of energy and change, reflecting Shax’s powers of deception, cunning, and the ability to ignite or extinguish desires. Practitioners may incorporate Fire symbolism into their rituals by using candles, flames, or objects associated with transformation and willpower. This focus allows individuals to harness Shax’s energies for strategic influence and manipulation while maintaining a connection to the emotional and intuitive aspects of their intentions.

Practical Applications in Magic

Shax’s powers are particularly valuable for practitioners seeking to cause confusion, steal resources, or uncover hidden knowledge. His ability to deceive and disorient makes him an ideal spirit for those involved in conflict, competition, or situations where mental manipulation is necessary. Practitioners can call upon Shax to cloud the understanding of their enemies, making it difficult for them to perceive reality clearly or act decisively. His influence is especially useful in situations where confusion or misdirection will give the practitioner an advantage.

In addition to his powers of deception, Shax’s mastery of theft makes him a powerful ally for those seeking to acquire material or intellectual resources. Practitioners can call upon Shax to help them steal wealth, possessions, or knowledge from others, subtly undermining their rivals without direct confrontation. His influence is particularly useful in business or legal matters, where the acquisition of information or resources is key to success.

Shax’s ability to uncover hidden treasures or reveal secret knowledge also makes him valuable for those seeking wealth or insight. Practitioners can call upon Shax to guide them to hidden opportunities, whether financial or intellectual, though caution should be exercised, as Shax’s deceptive nature may lead to unexpected outcomes. His influence is particularly useful for those involved in research, investigation, or treasure-seeking endeavours.

Shax’s powers of stealth and subtlety can provide valuable support for those seeking to disappear or move through situations without detection. Practitioners can call upon Shax to help them hide their actions, avoid detection, or escape from unwanted attention. His influence is especially useful in situations where discretion or secrecy is required.

Warnings and Precautions

While Shax is a powerful and cunning spirit, practitioners should approach him with respect and caution, particularly when invoking his powers of deception and theft. His ability to deceive requires that the summoner be mentally and emotionally prepared for the unpredictable nature of his influence. Practitioners should carefully consider the potential consequences of summoning Shax, particularly in situations where theft or confusion is involved.

Additionally, Shax’s deceptive nature requires that practitioners use his powers ethically and with caution. Misuse of his gifts, particularly in matters of theft or manipulation, can lead to unintended consequences or negative karmic repercussions.

Conclusion

Shax, the forty-fourth spirit of the Ars Goetia, is a powerful Marquis of Hell known for his mastery of deception, theft, and confusion. His ability to steal wealth, cloud understanding, and uncover hidden knowledge makes him a valuable ally for practitioners seeking to outmanoeuvre rivals, create chaos, or acquire resources. Whether you are looking to cause confusion, steal from enemies, or access secret knowledge, Shax offers powerful guidance and support.

By approaching Shax with respect, clear intentions, and appropriate offerings, practitioners can harness his abilities to deceive, steal, and create confusion. As a spirit of trickery, theft, and disruption, Shax guides those who summon him toward greater control over the mental and material realms, offering the power to outwit opponents and uncover hidden opportunities.