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Some surviving esoteric texts from the Middle Ages provide a window to the occultism practised during that time. One such text is the Ars Goetia, a famous grimoire attributed to King Solomon. It gives instructions on summoning and working with 72 goetic demons. These entities have been a part of occult traditions for centuries. Some even longer. Their history, significance, and practices surrounding them have fascinated, terrified, and inspired countless individuals.
In this post, we will explore the world of goetic demons and the Ars Goetia. We will try to understand the historical and cultural context of the subject and learn about the significance of Ars Goetia in occultism. After the basics, we will briefly take a look at the rituals and practices involved.
Historical Background of Ars Goetia
The Ars Goetia is a fascinating text that has been the subject of much interest and controversy over the centuries. It is a grimoire that provides instructions on how to summon and work with 72 demons, and it is believed to have been compiled in the 17th century. The text is part of a larger work, The Lesser Key of Solomon, which includes several other grimoires.
One of the interesting things about Ars Goetia is its origins. The text is believed to have been mainly sourced from Johann Weyer’s Pseudomonarchia Daemonum, which was part of a book called De Praestigiis Daemonum. Weyer was a physician and occultist who lived in the 16th century, and his work was one of the first to attempt to classify demons and provide descriptions of their abilities.
Ars Goetia had a second coming in the late 19th century when it was translated and edited by the famous scholar and occultist Arthur Edward Waite. Waite’s additional commentary and illustrations turned it from an old book to a valuable resource for modern researchers and practitioners of demonology and ceremonial magic.
Another interesting aspect of Ars Goetia is its association with the 72 angels of the Shem HaMephorash. This pairing was first done by Thomas Rudd in the 16th century, and it was later translated by Samuel Liddell MacGregor Mathers and published by Aleister Crowley in 1904. Crowley added some invocations previously unrelated to the original work and essays describing the rituals as psychological exploration instead of demon summoning.
The word “goetia” originates from the Greek term “goēteia,” which means “sorcery.” During the Middle Ages, Goetia was magic that invoked spirits and demons to gain knowledge and power. However, it was viewed with suspicion and considered evil and heretical. Meanwhile, theurgic and magia naturalis were seen as nobler forms of magic. Theurgic refers to magic that supposedly involves communication with divine beings, while magia naturalis refers to the use of natural forces to achieve magical effects.
Understanding Goetic Demons
The Ars Goetia categorises the demons into a hierarchical system based on rank. In addition to rank, it describes each demon’s unique characteristics, abilities, and responsibilities. The demons’ hierarchy includes titles like king, duke, prince, marques, earl, president, and knight. The kings and princes are the highest-ranking demons, followed by the dukes and marquises, the earls and knights, and the presidents. However, it is important to note that the rank has more to do with how powerful the demon is rather than being an actual title.
Each demon in the hierarchy is believed to have a specific role or duty to perform. For example, it may be related to causing harm, granting power, or providing knowledge. Some demons are associated with specific vices or sins, such as lust or greed. In contrast, others are associated with specific elements or natural phenomena, such as fire or storms.
The nature and history of the demons in the Ars Goetia are diverse and full of mystery. Many of them are linked with ancient mythologies and religious traditions that existed long before Christianity. Some demons find their roots in pagan cultures, while others are connected with specific biblical or apocryphal texts. As time passed, these demons were modified and adapted to fit the beliefs and customs of different cultures and individuals. This has resulted in a varied and rich history of demonology. It is important to note that the idea that all of these entities are evil is likely rooted in Christian sources.
Notable Goetic Demons
As mentioned before, there are 72 demons in the Ars Goetia. In this section, we will discuss some of the most notable demons from the Ars Goetia – Baal, Paimon, and Asmodeus. In later posts, I will go through all 72 in more detail.
The grimoire lists Bael as the first demon. According to the text, Bael appears as a three-headed creature with the heads of a toad, a man, and a cat. He is also known as a king who governs over 66 legions and is associated with matters of love and relationships. Bael is considered a powerful entity that can guide those seeking his help.
King Paimon is another famous demon from the grimoire. He is often depicted as a regal figure wearing a crown and riding a camel. According to the text, King Paimon is renowned for his vast knowledge of arts and sciences. He is also said to have the ability to bestow wealth and honours upon those who summon him. However, the grimoire advises summoners to approach him with respect and obedience, as King Paimon demands.
Another demon that appears in Ars Goetia is Asmodeus. Asmodeus is a powerful and ancient spirit, often portrayed as a creature with three heads – one of a man, one of a bull, and one of a ram. He is associated with lust and is considered a patron of indulgence. Asmodeus is a figure of fascination and fear, and those who believe in his powers may call upon him for assistance in matters related to sex and love. However, the grimoire also cautions that Asmodeus is not to be underestimated, as he is a formidable entity that demands respect and reverence.
Working with Goetic Demons
The practice of goetic rituals is a complex and potentially dangerous process that should not be taken lightly. Practitioners should approach this practice with caution and respect for the entities they are summoning. Modern practitioners often create their own methods based on what feels most effective for them, but many books contain rituals from more experienced practitioners. Anything from S. Connolly is usually a good place to start.
As with all magic, it is important to ensure that you are in the right place with your mental health before you begin. I have heard someone say that the line between magic and mental illness is thin. So keep that in mind if you decide to step on this path. If you are not prepared to have your perception changed or have pressure on your psyche, you should wait until you are ready.
Preparations
The first step in performing a goetic ritual is identifying the demon you wish to summon. This is usually done by consulting the Ars Goetia or later books derived from it. It is advisable to take the time to choose a demon to dedicate yourself to. There is no need to hurry, as the right time will come. Before taking the step towards dedication, it is suggested that you work with various demons. You can practice demonolatry for several years without being dedicated to any demon. However, many demonolators may discover they feel more connected or drawn to a certain demon than others.
Once the demon has been identified, the next step typically is to create an altar. There are typically two altar candles – one on either side of the altar. A third candle, the focus candle, is in the altar’s centre and symbolises the rite’s power and focus point. Surrounding the centre candle are the purpose candles used to focus for secondary rite purposes. If your ritual uses daggers or swords, they are placed on the right of the altar. In contrast, all chalices, incense, parchment, writing instruments and other items are placed to your left.
The next step is to build a protective circle, usually by drawing on a piece of paper. In this stage, it is typical to say some invocations. This part of the ritual helps keep the demon contained and prevent it from causing harm. This cleansing ritual is also for preparing yourself for what is to come.
If you want to use sigils, Ars Goetia provides one for each demon. In Middle Ages ceremonial magic, sigils were used as pictorial equivalents to summon beings by their true names. There are also some additional sigils in other sources for demons that are not in Ars Goetia. For example, Lucifer’s sigil comes from Grimorium Verum. However, sigils are not the only kind of symbol you can use.
It is important to think about what you want to achieve before you try to summon a demon. According to some more modern interpretations, you should ask them respectably instead of commanding them. This philosophical question is tough, and there is no one right answer. It all depends on your worldview and experiences.
Summoning
The actual summoning is done by performing a series of incantations and invocations. You use them to call upon the demon to appear and help you. These incantations are often spoken in ancient languages, such as Latin or Hebrew, and are believed to have a powerful effect on the demon. Another method is to use Demonic Enns, which are a common meditational tool used for summoning. They are in an unknown language. In some cases, the practitioner may also offer sacrifices or perform other rituals to appease the demon and gain its favour.
How you feel the presence of a demon varies from one practitioner and demon to another. Some may feel a warm feeling inside them, while others see the demon more concretely. This has a lot to do with your meditational skills and experience level.
Once the demon has appeared, the practitioner will typically engage in a dialogue with it, asking for its assistance or seeking knowledge or guidance. The demon may offer insights into the practitioner’s life or provide guidance on specific issues or challenges. Throughout the ritual, it is important to maintain a focused and pure intention, remain aware of your limitations, and avoid arrogance or overconfidence. After the ritual, remember to thank the demon.
Modern Interpretations, Criticisms, and Influences
The Goetic traditions and the Ars Goetia have had a significant impact on modern occult practices. While some practitioners use the grimoire and its rituals to gain knowledge and power, others have adapted the practices to suit their own beliefs and needs. Nowadays, many see goetic rituals as a tool to explore the psyche rather than summoning demons. They believe understanding the rituals’ symbolism and meaning is more important than their practical applications.
However, goetic practices remain controversial. Some people consider them dangerous and potentially harmful, while others view them as a legitimate form of spiritual exploration. There are also debates about the moral and ethical implications of working with goetic entities. Some believe that attempting to control and manipulate these entities for personal gain is wrong, while others see it as an essential part of the path to spiritual enlightenment.
Conclusion
The Ars Goetia is a complex and intriguing subject that has intrigued people for centuries. It provides a unique perspective on the occult and offers a hierarchical system of demons with distinct abilities. While summoning and working with demons may seem daunting, it is important to approach this practice with respect and caution. As with any aspect of the occult, it is crucial to do your research and approach it with an open mind. Ultimately, the study of goetic demons can offer a deeper understanding of the occult and provide a fascinating insight into the human psyche.
