17. Botis

Rank: Earl or President
Ruling Angel: Loviah

Associated Symbols: Vipers, a sharp-toothed and horned man, swords

Associated Colours: Red

Suggested Offerings: Dragon's blood (herb), copper, silver, divination tools

Warnings: -

Enn of Botis: Jedan Hoesta Noc Ra Botis

Botis is the seventeenth spirit in the Ars Goetia of the Lesser Key of Solomon. This Great President and Earl of Hell commands 60 legions of demons and specializes in revealing the past and future, reconciling disputes, and providing insight into hidden knowledge. Botis embodies wisdom and resolution, helping practitioners find clarity in difficult situations or conflicts. His powers extend beyond divination to uncovering secrets and mending broken relationships.

Historical Origins and Mythological Background

Botis' name lacks clear historical or linguistic origins, though it may connect to ancient words related to divination and prophecy. Medieval texts like Pseudomonarchia Daemonum and Dictionnaire Infernal describe him as possessing deep insight into past, present, and future. He also resolves disputes, making him a spirit of both knowledge and peacekeeping.

His role as secret-revealer and conflict-reconciler suggests roots in older traditions of wisdom deities who governed knowledge and communication. His dual titles of President and Earl indicate high rank within the demonic hierarchy, reflecting authority over both practical matters and aristocratic concerns.

Appearance and Iconography

The Ars Goetia describes Botis first appearing as a large viper before transforming into a humanoid figure with large teeth and horns. The snake form symbolizes wisdom, transformation, and shedding old ways for new knowledge or paths. Many cultures associate snakes with knowledge and hidden truths, matching Botis' ability to reveal secrets and offer future insights.

His transformation into a human figure with large teeth and horns signifies power, authority, and connection to both animal and human realms. Large teeth symbolize his ability to strike swiftly and decisively in conflict resolution, while horns represent strength and status as a powerful infernal spirit.

Botis' dual forms reflect his ability to navigate the physical and spiritual worlds, offering guidance in both mundane and esoteric matters. The snake form emphasizes his wisdom and ability to uncover hidden knowledge, while his humanoid form represents his role as a mediator and guide in resolving disputes and providing practical solutions.

Powers and Abilities

Botis' primary ability is his power of divination, particularly his skill in revealing the past and future. Practitioners often call upon him when they seek clarity in difficult situations or need to understand the consequences of their actions. Botis can offer insight into future events, helping practitioners make informed decisions and navigate complex scenarios with confidence.

In addition to his powers of divination, Botis is known for his ability to reconcile conflicts and disputes. He can mediate between parties, offering solutions that lead to peace and resolution. He is an ally in personal, professional, or legal conflicts, where his wisdom can help de-escalate tensions and bring about harmony. Botis' ability to restore relationships and resolve disputes also extends to romantic matters, where he can help heal emotional rifts or misunderstandings.

Botis is also skilled in revealing hidden knowledge and uncovering secrets. His powers can expose deceit, hidden motives, or concealed truths, suiting those involved in investigative work, legal matters, or personal relationships where transparency is needed. His ability to reveal what is hidden can provide clarity in situations where the truth has been obscured or deliberately concealed.

Another important aspect of Botis' powers is his role as a guide for transformation. He can help practitioners move past obstacles, let go of old patterns, and embrace new opportunities. His snake form, symbolic of rebirth and transformation, reflects this ability to help practitioners shed their old ways and evolve toward personal growth and change.

Summoning Botis: Ritual and Offerings

Summoning Botis requires respect, clarity of purpose, and understanding of the situation you wish to address. His sigil, found in the Lesser Key of Solomon, is essential for invoking his presence, and his enn ("Jedan hoesta noc ra Botis") is chanted to attune oneself to his energy. Practitioners should have specific questions or conflicts in mind when calling upon Botis, as his powers are best used to resolve disputes, uncover hidden knowledge, or gain insight into future events.

Offerings to Botis should reflect his connection to wisdom, transformation, and conflict resolution. Items associated with knowledge, such as books, scrolls, or writing tools, can be appropriate tributes. Green candles, representing growth, renewal, and healing, can be used in rituals dedicated to Botis. Green also matches the snake's symbolism, reflecting his ability to guide transformation and personal evolution.

Incense such as sandalwood or frankincense, which are associated with clarity and focus, can help create an atmosphere conducive to summoning Botis. Since Botis is a spirit of knowledge and resolution, offering symbols of balance, such as scales or objects that represent harmony, may also resonate with him.

Planetary and Elemental Associations

Botis is often associated with the planet Mercury, which governs intellect, communication, and the pursuit of knowledge. Mercury's influence improves Botis' ability to reveal hidden truths, provide insight into the future, and assist in conflict resolution. Mercury's association with speed and adaptability also matches Botis' ability to quickly resolve disputes and offer practical solutions in fast-moving situations.

Elementally, Botis is linked to water, which represents emotion, intuition, and healing. Water governs the realms of emotional depth and subconscious insight, reflecting Botis' powers of divination, reconciliation, and emotional clarity. Water's fluidity mirrors Botis' ability to navigate emotional undercurrents and reveal hidden truths, allowing for transformation and healing in complex situations.

Practitioners may incorporate water symbolism into their rituals by using bowls of water, seashells, blue candles, or moon symbols to invoke Botis' intuitive and emotional energies. Water-based elements can also help channel his influence to gain clarity, heal emotional wounds, and improve intuitive insight.

Practical Applications in Magic

Botis' powers suit practitioners seeking clarity, guidance, and resolution in difficult situations. His ability to reveal the past and future works well for divination, whether in personal matters, professional challenges, or broader life decisions. Practitioners can call upon Botis to help them understand the consequences of their actions, foresee future obstacles, or gain insight into the motives of others.

In addition to his powers of divination, Botis' ability to resolve disputes serves situations of conflict or tension. Whether the practitioner is dealing with a personal rivalry, a legal battle, or a romantic misunderstanding, Botis can provide solutions that lead to peace and reconciliation. His ability to mediate between opposing sides ensures that all parties involved receive fair and just treatment, working well for negotiations, legal matters, or relationship counselling.

Botis' skill in uncovering hidden knowledge also suits situations where truth and transparency are needed. Whether investigating a personal mystery, uncovering hidden motives, or revealing secrets professionally or legally, Botis can provide the clarity needed to move forward. His influence can help practitioners see beyond surface appearances and uncover the deeper truths that lie beneath.

Botis can serve as a guide and mentor for those undergoing personal transformation. His snake form, symbolic of renewal and rebirth, reflects his ability to help practitioners shed old habits, overcome obstacles, and embrace new opportunities for growth. Whether navigating a difficult transition or seeking to evolve beyond past limitations, Botis offers wisdom and guidance on the path to personal change.

Warnings and Precautions

While Botis is generally considered a wise and benevolent spirit, practitioners should approach him with respect and clarity of intent. His powers of divination and conflict resolution require that the summoner be well-prepared and focused on their goals. Practitioners who summon Botis without a clear understanding of their situation or the desired outcome may find his guidance difficult to interpret.

Also, Botis' ability to reveal hidden truths can sometimes uncover uncomfortable or painful information. Practitioners should be prepared for the possibility that his revelations may challenge their current understanding or force them to confront difficult realities. While his insights are ultimately aimed at resolution and clarity, they may lead to temporary discomfort or emotional upheaval.

Conclusion

Botis, the seventeenth spirit of the Ars Goetia, is a wise Great President and Earl of Hell known for his ability to reveal the past and future, resolve conflicts, and uncover hidden knowledge. His powers of divination and conflict resolution suit practitioners seeking clarity, insight, and peace in difficult situations. Whether you are navigating personal conflicts, seeking guidance on future decisions, or uncovering hidden truths, Botis offers wisdom, clarity, and resolution.

By approaching Botis with respect, clear intentions, and appropriate offerings, practitioners can harness his abilities to resolve disputes, gain insight into the future, and navigate personal transformations. Botis guides those who summon him toward greater understanding, harmony, and personal growth as a spirit of wisdom and reconciliation, offering the tools needed to overcome challenges and embrace new opportunities.

Attributes