Rank: Prince
Ruling Angel: Sitael
Associated Symbols: None
Associated Colours: Blue
Suggested Offerings: Steel, bone, lemon balm, cedar, saffron, tin, leek, gold, frankincense, Gilead, grain of paradise, cedarwood, ambergris
Warnings: –
Enn
Keyan Vefa Jedan Tasa Vassago
Vassago, the third spirit in the Ars Goetia of the Lesser Key of Solomon, is a Prince of Hell who commands 26 legions of demons. Known as a spirit with a generally kind and good nature, Vassago is particularly helpful for practitioners seeking insight into the past, present, and future. His abilities extend into the realms of divination, the discovery of lost items, and the uncovering of secrets.
Historical Origins and Mythological Background
Vassago’s origins in occult literature are somewhat ambiguous. Unlike many Goetic demons whose names trace back to ancient deities or mythological figures, Vassago’s name does not have a clear pre-Christian counterpart. Instead, he appears directly in medieval grimoires as a spirit of insight and revelation. His reputation as a “good-natured” demon is relatively unique among the Goetic spirits, who are often portrayed with darker or more malevolent attributes.
Vassago’s appearance in the Ars Goetia and Pseudomonarchia Daemonum as a benign force contrasts sharply with the more destructive and deceptive spirits in these texts. His nature as a prince and his alignment with truth and honesty make him an appealing figure for magicians who wish to work with a spirit that does not carry the same level of danger or trickery often associated with Goetic entities.
Appearance and Iconography
While the Ars Goetia does not provide an elaborate description of Vassago’s appearance, practitioners who have summoned him often report seeing him in various forms. He is sometimes described as appearing in a noble or regal guise, befitting his rank as a prince. His appearance can vary depending on the summoner’s expectations. However, he is often portrayed as calm and gentle, reflecting his more benevolent nature.
As with many spirits, Vassago’s form may be fluid, taking on meaningful shapes or manifestations to the summoner. While some Goetic demons are depicted with monstrous or animalistic traits, Vassago is more commonly envisioned in human form or as an ethereal, non-threatening presence. His gentle energy aligns him more closely with spirits of revelation and wisdom rather than those of chaos or destruction.
Powers and Abilities
Vassago’s primary ability is his power of divination, making him one of the most sought-after spirits for revealing hidden knowledge. He is known to accurately uncover the past, present, and future, making him an ideal guide for those seeking prophetic visions or insights into their lives. Unlike many spirits who work through deception or obscurity, Vassago is considered a straightforward and truthful entity, often described as honest in his revelations.
One of his most valuable abilities is his capacity to discover lost items. Practitioners can call upon Vassago when they have misplaced objects or need to recover something that has been hidden. This talent makes him an ally in both mundane and magical situations, as he can help locate everything from lost keys to forgotten memories or secrets hidden from the conscious mind.
Vassago is also proficient in uncovering secrets. He can reveal information that has been intentionally hidden, whether by others or by fate itself. This makes him a powerful spirit for those involved in investigative work, legal matters, or personal conflicts where clarity and truth are essential. His ability to unveil hidden knowledge extends beyond the physical world into the metaphysical realms, making him a valuable ally for uncovering spiritual truths and understanding arcane mysteries.
Summoning Vassago: Ritual and Offerings
Summoning Vassago requires the same level of respect and care as summoning any Goetic spirit. However, his reputation as a benevolent entity makes the ritual process less intimidating for beginners. Like all Goetic spirits, his sigil is used as a focal point in the summoning process, and practitioners often chant his enn—”Keyan vefa jedan tasa Vassago”—to call him forth into the ritual space.
Vassago is a spirit of divination, so he is particularly responsive to questions that pertain to the unknown or the unclear. Before summoning him, practitioners should have specific inquiries in mind, particularly those involving past, present, or future events or questions related to lost or hidden items. Offering something that reflects his nature as a prince—such as candles, incense, or objects of beauty and wisdom—can help facilitate a successful interaction.
Appropriate offerings to Vassago might include divinatory tools like tarot cards, crystals, or pendulums, all of which symbolize the practice of uncovering hidden truths. In addition, because of his alignment with truth and clarity, offerings of clear or light-coloured crystals (such as quartz) are often considered appropriate. Incense such as frankincense, myrrh, or sage, which are used to clear the mind and spirit, can also be effective.
Planetary and Elemental Associations
Vassago is associated with the planet Jupiter, a celestial body known for its connections to expansion, wisdom, and justice. Jupiter’s influence aligns well with Vassago’s role as a revealer of truth, as the planet governs growth, learning, and the pursuit of knowledge. Those working with Vassago can tap into Jupiter’s expansive energy to enhance their divinatory practices and gain deeper insights into their questions.
Elementally, Vassago is traditionally associated with Water, the element of intuition, emotions, and hidden depths. This elemental connection enhances his abilities as a spirit of prophecy and revelation, as Water governs the realm of the subconscious and the uncovering of mysteries. Practitioners working with Vassago can incorporate water-related symbolism into their rituals, such as using chalices, shells, or images of the ocean, to strengthen their connection with him.
Practical Applications in Magic
Vassago’s powers are particularly valuable in divinatory practices. His ability to reveal the past, present, and future makes him a key figure in tarot readings, scrying, and other forms of prophecy. When a practitioner is unsure of their next steps or is facing a period of uncertainty, Vassago can offer clear and honest guidance. His straightforward nature ensures that the information he provides is reliable. However, like all spirits, he communicates in ways that may require interpretation.
His ability to locate lost items can be applied both in everyday life and in spiritual practices. Whether a person has misplaced something physical or has lost touch with a part of themselves, Vassago’s guidance can be instrumental in the recovery process. In matters of legal disputes, conflicts, or any scenario where hidden information could influence the outcome, Vassago’s ability to unveil secrets makes him a powerful ally.
Moreover, Vassago’s influence can extend into areas of personal development. He can offer insight and clarity to practitioners seeking to uncover hidden talents or explore obscured aspects of their psyche. His alignment with truth makes him an ideal spirit to call upon during times of self-reflection or personal transformation.
Warnings and Precautions
While Vassago is generally regarded as a benign and helpful spirit, it is still crucial to approach him with respect and seriousness. As with all Goetic spirits, he demands a certain level of ritualistic precision and should not be summoned casually or without purpose. Practitioners should ensure they are grounded and prepared before attempting to work with Vassago, as divination often requires a clear and focused mind.
Another potential risk when working with Vassago lies in the interpretation of his messages. Although he is considered truthful, his revelations may not always be straightforward, and practitioners must be careful to interpret his insights correctly. Misinterpretation of his guidance can lead to confusion or unintended consequences.
Conclusion
Vassago, the third spirit of the Ars Goetia, is a powerful and benevolent entity, highly valued for his abilities in divination and the recovery of lost items. His nature as a spirit of truth and clarity makes him a reliable guide for those seeking to understand the mysteries of the past, present, and future. Whether you are looking to uncover secrets, resolve conflicts, or gain prophetic insights, Vassago is a potent ally in the pursuit of wisdom and understanding. Approaching him with respect, clear intent, and an open mind will ensure a fruitful and enlightening experience.
Sigil of Vassago
