51. Balam

Rank: King
Ruling Angel: Hahasiah

Associated Symbols: Bears, sparrowhawks, bulls, rams, serpents

Associated Colours: Yellow, purple, green, blue, gray, black, white

Suggested Offerings: Gold, frankincense, vetivert, sage, mandrake

Warnings: –

Enn

Lirach Tasa Vefa Wehl Balam

Balam (also spelt Balaam or Balan) is the fifty-first spirit listed in the Ars Goetia of the Lesser Key of Solomon. A powerful King of Hell, Balam commands 40 legions of demons. He is known for providing perfect answers about the past, present, and future and granting invisibility to those who invoke him. Balam’s wisdom, foresight, and ability to remain unseen make him a potent ally for practitioners seeking guidance, clarity, and protection from unwanted attention.

Historical Origins and Mythological Background

The name Balam is believed to have biblical roots, possibly referencing the prophet Balaam, who is known for receiving divine messages and foretelling the future. In medieval demonological texts, such as Pseudomonarchia Daemonum and Dictionnaire Infernal, Balam is described as a powerful spirit who can reveal the truth about past, present, and future events and grant invisibility to those who seek it. His connection to prophecy and hidden knowledge positions him as a spirit of foresight and secrecy.

As a King of Hell, Balam holds a high rank within the Goetic hierarchy, granting him authority in matters of prophecy, knowledge, and protection. His ability to see clearly through the fabric of time, combined with his power to make others invisible, makes him a versatile spirit for practitioners seeking insight, protection, or the ability to act without detection. Balam is often invoked by those looking for clarity in their lives or guidance through difficult decisions.

Appearance and Iconography

Balam is traditionally depicted as a three-headed figure, with one head resembling a bull, another a man, and the third a ram. This triple-headed form might symbolise Balam’s ability to see all things—past, present, and future—and his connection to different aspects of wisdom and power. The bull represents strength and stability, the man symbolises intellect and foresight, and the ram is associated with leadership and determination. Together, these heads reflect Balam’s mastery of knowledge and his ability to guide practitioners through life’s challenges.

In some depictions, Balam rides a bear and carries a hawk on his fist. The bear symbolises physical power and resilience, while the hawk represents the keen vision and the ability to see from great distances, both symbolically and literally. The hawk’s sharp eyesight highlights Balam’s prophetic abilities, while the bear’s strength emphasises his protective nature and power over the material world.

Balam’s overall image reflects his role as a wise and powerful spirit capable of navigating time and providing insight into the unseen. His three-headed form and connection to the animal world emphasise his multifaceted nature, blending intellect, strength, and vision.

Powers and Abilities

Balam’s primary power is his ability to provide perfect answers about the past, present, and future. Practitioners often invoke him to gain clarity on personal matters, make informed decisions, or understand the consequences of their actions. Balam’s prophetic abilities make him a valuable spirit for those seeking to navigate uncertain times, whether in relationships, business, or spiritual pursuits. His influence can provide clear guidance and foresight, helping practitioners see the broader picture and make well-informed choices.

In addition to his powers of prophecy, Balam is skilled in granting invisibility to those who invoke him. He can make practitioners physically or metaphorically invisible, allowing them to act without being detected or hindered. This ability to remain unseen can be particularly useful in situations where discretion is required, such as in legal matters, competitive environments, or spiritual warfare. Balam’s power of invisibility also extends to protecting practitioners from unwanted attention, allowing them to move freely and safely in challenging circumstances.

Balam is also known for his wisdom and ability to provide insight into complex situations. He can help practitioners gain a deeper understanding of their lives, identify hidden opportunities, and uncover the true nature of the challenges they face. His wisdom is particularly valuable for those seeking to improve their decision-making skills, gain clarity on important issues, or navigate difficult situations with confidence and foresight.

Another key aspect of Balam’s powers is his ability to protect those who summon him. His connection to strength and leadership makes him a powerful ally for practitioners seeking to safeguard themselves from physical, emotional, or spiritual harm. Balam’s protective influence can help practitioners overcome obstacles, defend against attacks, or shield themselves from negative influences.

Summoning Balam: Ritual and Offerings

Summoning Balam requires respect, focus, and a clear intention, particularly in matters of prophecy, invisibility, or protection. His sigil, found in the Lesser Key of Solomon, is essential for invoking his presence, and his enn—”Lirach tasa vega Balam “—is chanted to align oneself with his energy. Practitioners should have specific goals in mind when summoning Balam, whether they seek to gain insight into the future, remain unseen, or protect themselves from harm.

Offerings to Balam should reflect his connection to wisdom, foresight, and protection. Items associated with knowledge and insight, such as books, scrolls, or symbols of prophecy, can be appropriate tributes. Gold or blue candles, symbolising clarity, wisdom, and protection, can be used in rituals dedicated to Balam. Practitioners may also offer objects related to strength and vision, such as animal symbols (especially those associated with bulls, rams, or hawks), to align with his powers of prophecy and protection.

Incense such as frankincense, sandalwood, or myrrh, which are often associated with clarity, wisdom, and spiritual protection, can help create an atmosphere conducive to summoning Balam. Since his powers revolve around prophecy, invisibility, and protection, practitioners should be mentally and emotionally prepared for the insights and transformative experiences that Balam may bring.

Planetary and Elemental Associations

Balam is often associated with the planet Sun, which governs vitality, creativity, and illumination. The Sun’s influence enhances Balam’s ability to bring clarity and enlightenment, helping practitioners gain insight into their true selves and the world around them. With the Sun’s connection to life force and energy, Balam is a powerful ally for those seeking personal growth, inspiration, and positivity. His role as a protector and guide aligns with the Sun’s nurturing qualities, making him an essential figure for those looking to harness their inner strength and embrace new opportunities with confidence and warmth.

Elementally, Balam is linked to Air, representing intellect, communication, and the flow of knowledge. Air governs the realms of thought, foresight, and the transmission of wisdom, reflecting Balam’s powers of prophecy and insight. Practitioners may incorporate Air symbolism into their rituals by using feathers, incense smoke, or objects associated with learning and intellectual growth.

Practical Applications in Magic

Balam’s powers are particularly valuable for practitioners seeking prophecy, invisibility, or protection. His ability to provide perfect answers about the past, present, and future makes him an ideal spirit for those seeking guidance and clarity in their lives. Practitioners can call upon Balam to gain insight into complex situations, understand the consequences of their actions, or make informed decisions about their future. His influence is especially useful for those facing uncertainty in personal relationships, business matters, or spiritual pursuits.

In addition to his prophetic abilities, Balam’s power of invisibility makes him a powerful ally for those seeking to remain unseen or avoid detection. Practitioners can call upon Balam to make themselves invisible, either physically or metaphorically, allowing them to act discreetly in challenging or competitive environments. His influence is particularly valuable for those seeking to avoid conflict, protect their privacy, or shield themselves from unwanted attention.

Balam’s wisdom and protective abilities also make him a valuable spirit for those seeking to safeguard themselves from harm. Practitioners can call upon Balam to protect them from negative influences, defend against attacks, or overcome obstacles in their path. His protective influence extends to both the physical and spiritual realms, making him a powerful ally for those engaged in spiritual warfare or facing challenges in their personal or professional lives.

Balam’s powers of wisdom and foresight provide valuable support for those seeking to improve their decision-making skills and gain clarity on important issues. Practitioners can call upon Balam to help them navigate complex situations, develop a deeper understanding of their lives, and make informed choices with confidence and foresight.

Warnings and Precautions

While Balam is a powerful and wise spirit, practitioners should approach him with respect and clear intentions, particularly when invoking his powers of prophecy and invisibility. His ability to reveal hidden truths and make practitioners invisible requires that the summoner be mentally and emotionally prepared for the insights and transformations that may follow. Practitioners should carefully consider their goals and intentions, ensuring that they are ready for the wisdom and clarity Balam may provide.

Additionally, Balam’s connection to both prophecy and protection requires that practitioners use his powers ethically and with caution. Misuse of his gifts, particularly in invisibility or manipulation, can lead to unintended or negative karmic repercussions.

Conclusion

Balam, the fifty-first spirit of the Ars Goetia, is a powerful King of Hell known for his mastery of prophecy, invisibility, and protection. His ability to provide perfect answers about the past, present, and future and to grant invisibility to those who invoke him makes him a valuable ally for practitioners seeking guidance, clarity, or protection from harm. Whether you are looking to gain insight into your future, remain unseen, or safeguard yourself from negative influences, Balam offers powerful guidance and support.

By approaching Balam with respect, clear intentions, and appropriate offerings, practitioners can harness his abilities to gain wisdom, foresee the future, and protect themselves from harm. As a spirit of prophecy, invisibility, and protection, Balam guides those who summon him toward greater clarity, understanding, and safety in both the physical and spiritual realms.