Rank: President
Ruling Angel: Mahasiah

Associated Symbols: Lion

Associated Colours: Black, gold, orange, yellow, silver, blue-grey

Suggested Offerings: Storax, chamomile, and cedar incense, sardonyx, nephrite jade, bloodstone and howlite crystals, Pu-erh tea, Darjeeling tea, and Ceylon silver tip tea

Warnings: This demon can cause diseases, so be careful

Enn of Marbas: Renach Tasa Uberace Biasa Icar Marbas

Marbas, also known as Barbas, is the fifth spirit in the Ars Goetia of the Lesser Key of Solomon. He is a Great President of Hell who commands 36 legions of demons. Marbas is a powerful entity associated with transformation, mechanical arts, and healing. His reputation for curing diseases and revealing hidden knowledge, combined with his ability to both cause and cure illness, makes him a versatile spirit in the practice of Goetic magic.

Historical Origins and Mythological Background

The name Marbas is thought to derive from the Latin Barbas, meaning "beard" or "bearded one," a name possibly linked to his appearance or the wisdom and experience typically associated with older, bearded figures. However, there is little information on Marbas' pre-Christian origins, as he does not seem to have been adapted from a specific ancient deity. Instead, he appears to have emerged directly from medieval grimoires, where he has been consistently depicted as a spirit of healing, knowledge, and shape-shifting.

In the Pseudomonarchia Daemonum, Marbas is similarly described as a demon of healing and transformation. His ability to cause and cure diseases has been noted in various grimoires throughout history. His dual capacity as both healer and destroyer underscores his complexity as a spirit, and he has long been invoked by those seeking both physical healing and mechanical or technological wisdom.

Appearance and Iconography

In the Ars Goetia, Marbas is described as appearing in the form of a great lion, though he can take human shape when commanded. The lion form is symbolic of strength, courage, and leadership—traits often associated with Marbas due to his role as a Great President in Hell. Lions are also connected to healing and protection in various mythological traditions, which aligns with Marbas' ability to heal and protect those who summon him.

The ability to shift between the form of a lion and a human also reflects Marbas' expertise in transformation. This shape-shifting ability symbolises his dominion over the physical world, allowing him to manipulate both bodies and materials at will. His human form, often depicted as that of an older, wise man, is representative of his vast knowledge and experience, especially in the fields of medicine and mechanics.

Powers and Abilities

One of Marbas' most well-known powers is his ability to heal and cure diseases. Practitioners often invoke him to treat physical illnesses or to restore balance to a disordered body or mind. His healing powers are not limited to minor ailments; Marbas can cure serious diseases, though it is believed that his aid comes with the understanding that he has the power to both cause and cure these afflictions. As such, practitioners seeking his help must approach him with respect and clarity of intent.

In addition to healing, Marbas is known for his expertise in the mechanical arts. This includes knowledge of machinery, engineering, and the construction of various devices. Practitioners who require assistance in understanding the workings of mechanical systems or who are seeking guidance in the creation or repair of machines can call Marbas for help. His ability to impart wisdom in this area is invaluable for those involved in technical fields or artistic projects requiring detailed craftsmanship.

Another important ability of Marbas is his power to transform individuals. This transformation can be both literal and metaphorical—he can change a person's physical appearance or facilitate internal transformation, guiding someone through personal growth or helping them alter undesirable habits or traits. Shape-shifting in the physical realm is often linked to the deeper psychological transformations that Marbas can assist with, making him a powerful ally for those on journeys of self-improvement.

Marbas is also known for his capacity to reveal hidden knowledge. He can uncover secrets, provide answers to difficult questions, and expose the truth in situations where clarity is lacking. This ability extends beyond personal matters; Marbas can be invoked to solve mysteries, reveal hidden dangers, or uncover knowledge in technical, medical, or scholarly fields.

Summoning Marbas: Ritual and Offerings

As with all Goetic spirits, summoning Marbas requires care, preparation, and respect. The ritual's focal point is his sigil, which can be found in the Lesser Key of Solomon. Practitioners typically invoke him using his enn—"Renich Tasa Uberaca Biasa Icar Marbas"—to attune themselves to his energy and invite his presence.

Marbas responds well to offerings related to his areas of expertise, particularly those that symbolise healing, transformation, or knowledge. Healing herbs, such as sage, rosemary, or lavender, can be appropriate offerings, as well as items associated with craftsmanship, such as metal tools or representations of machinery. Candles in colours representing health and vitality, such as green or white, may also be used in rituals to honour Marbas.

Offerings symbolising change—such as caterpillars, butterflies, or objects that can physically transform—can also be appropriate when seeking his aid in transformation. For those invoking Marbas for his knowledge, books, parchment, or quills can be symbolic offerings that align with his powers of wisdom and revelation.

Planetary and Elemental Associations

Marbas is commonly associated with the planet Mercury, which governs intellect, communication, and transformation. Mercury's influence enhances Marbas' ability to impart knowledge and facilitate personal or mechanical transformation. His connection to Mercury also aligns with his role as a healer, as the planet is linked to medical knowledge and the balancing of energies within the body.

Elementally, Marbas is associated with Fire. This association with Fire speaks to his transformative power, as Fire is the element of change, destruction, and rebirth. Fire's connection to energy and vitality highlights Marbas's ability to heal and restore health. Practitioners working with Marbas can incorporate fire symbolism into their rituals by using candles, burning herbs, or working with the energy of the Sun, which is closely aligned with the transformative power of Fire.

Practical Applications in Magic

Marbas's versatile abilities make him useful in various magical workings. His healing powers can be invoked in rituals to cure illness, restore balance, or maintain physical and mental health. Whether used in personal healing or in rituals intended to help others, Marbas' influence in the realm of medicine is one of his most sought-after abilities.

In addition to healing, Marbas is frequently called upon for assistance in technical and mechanical endeavours. Whether a practitioner is involved in building, repairing, or understanding machinery, Marbas' guidance can help illuminate the path forward. Artists, engineers, and creators can all benefit from Marbas' wisdom in the mechanical arts, particularly when precision and skill are required.

Marbas is also a potent ally for those seeking transformation, both physically and internally. His ability to shape-shift or alter appearance can be used in glamour magic, while his capacity to facilitate personal growth makes him a valuable guide for those undergoing spiritual or psychological transformation. For practitioners on a path of self-discovery or healing, Marbas can provide the tools and knowledge necessary to enact meaningful change.

Additionally, Marbas' talent for uncovering secrets makes him an effective spirit to invoke in situations where hidden knowledge or clarity is needed. Whether working on solving a mystery, uncovering the truth in a situation, or seeking answers to complex questions, Marbas' revelations are reliable and insightful.

Warnings and Precautions

Although Marbas is a powerful and skilled healer, practitioners must approach him with caution, particularly when requesting help with disease. His power to both cause and cure illness underscores the need for careful wording and clear intent in rituals. Practitioners should ensure they are specific about their needs and avoid invoking him carelessly, as misunderstandings could lead to unintended consequences.

Furthermore, as a spirit of transformation, Marbas may initiate profound and far-reaching changes. Practitioners should be prepared for the full scope of the transformation they seek, as working with Marbas can lead to significant shifts in both physical and spiritual realms.

Conclusion

Marbas, the fifth spirit of the Ars Goetia, is a powerful and multifaceted entity with dominion over healing, transformation, and the mechanical arts. His abilities to cure diseases, reveal hidden knowledge, and guide personal growth make him a valuable ally for practitioners seeking insight and transformation. Whether you are looking to heal, uncover mysteries, or improve your technical skills, Marbas offers wisdom and strength. Practitioners can benefit from his vast knowledge and transformative power by approaching him with respect, focus, and clear intention.

Attributes

5. Marbas