Rank: Earl or President
Ruling Angel: Nelchael
Associated Symbols: Bulls
Associated Colours: Orange, red
Suggested Offerings: Dragon’s blood incense, candles, stopped clocks
Warnings: –
Enn
Kaymen Vefa Marax
Marax (also known as Morax, Foraii, or Forfax) is the twenty-first spirit in the Ars Goetia of the Lesser Key of Solomon. A powerful Great Earl and President of Hell, Marax commands 30 legions of demons. He is known for his deep knowledge of astronomy, the liberal sciences, and herbalism, particularly in understanding the properties of stones and herbs. Marax is frequently invoked by practitioners seeking wisdom in scholarly pursuits, astrological insights, or assistance in working with natural elements such as plants and minerals.
Historical Origins and Mythological Background
The name Marax may have ancient origins, possibly from Latin or Greek roots, reflecting his connection to knowledge and learning. In medieval demonology texts such as Pseudomonarchia Daemonum and Dictionnaire Infernal, Marax is consistently described as a spirit of knowledge and science, particularly in the fields of astronomy, liberal arts, and the properties of herbs and stones. His wisdom and scholarly focus place him among the more intellectually oriented spirits of the Goetic hierarchy.
Marax’s dual role as a Great Earl and President of Hell suggests that he holds authority in matters of wisdom and knowledge and in practical, material concerns. His powers extend to teaching practitioners how to harness the energies of the natural world, especially through plants and minerals. As a spirit of learning and natural magic, Marax is an invaluable guide for those seeking to deepen their understanding of both the cosmos and the Earth.
Appearance and Iconography
Marax is typically depicted as a large bull with a man’s face, reflecting his connection to both the natural world and human intellect. The bull symbolises strength, stability, and fertility, while the human face represents wisdom, intelligence, and the ability to communicate. This duality suggests that Marax bridges the gap between the physical and intellectual realms, guiding practitioners to harness both natural and academic knowledge.
The bull is also associated with patience, perseverance, and grounded energy, qualities that align with Marax’s role as a spirit of slow, steady learning and practical wisdom. His human face symbolises the higher faculties of reason and insight, emphasising his role as a teacher and guide in scholarly pursuits. Marax’s form highlights his dual mastery of both the material and intellectual aspects of existence, making him a powerful spirit for those seeking knowledge in both realms.
Powers and Abilities
Marax’s primary power is his deep knowledge of astronomy and the liberal sciences. He can teach practitioners about the movements of the stars and planets, helping them understand how celestial forces influence the physical world. His insights into astronomy are particularly valuable for those interested in astrology or in understanding the broader cosmic forces that govern human life. Practitioners often call upon Marax for guidance in interpreting astrological charts or for insights into how planetary movements affect their personal or magical endeavours.
In addition to his expertise in astronomy, Marax is a master of the liberal sciences, which include disciplines such as mathematics, geometry, rhetoric, and philosophy. His ability to teach these subjects makes him an excellent spirit for those engaged in scholarly pursuits, whether in the academic world or in the study of occult sciences. Marax’s teachings can help practitioners deepen their understanding of complex topics, expand their intellectual abilities, and achieve mastery in their chosen fields of study.
Another important aspect of Marax’s powers is his knowledge of herbs, stones, and natural elements. He can teach practitioners about the properties of various plants and minerals, helping them understand how to use these natural elements in healing, protection, and magical work. His knowledge extends to the physical and metaphysical properties of herbs and stones, making him a valuable ally for herbalists, alchemists, and those working with natural magic.
Marax is also skilled in summoning and commanding spirits of the astral and elemental realms. Practitioners can call upon him to assist in contacting and working with spirits, particularly those associated with nature or celestial forces. His ability to guide practitioners in spirit communication makes him useful for those seeking to deepen their connection to the spiritual world.
Summoning Marax: Ritual and Offerings
Summoning Marax requires respect, clarity of purpose, and a focus on learning or natural magic. His sigil, found in the Lesser Key of Solomon, is essential for invoking his presence, and his enn—”Ana jecore on ca Purson”—is chanted to attune oneself to his energy. Marax is particularly responsive to those seeking knowledge in the sciences, astrology, or herbalism, and practitioners should have a clear goal in mind when calling upon him.
Offerings to Marax should reflect his connection to knowledge and the natural world. Items associated with learning, such as books, scrolls, or writing tools, can be appropriate tributes. Green or brown candles, symbolising growth, stability, and the Earth, can be used in rituals dedicated to Marax. Additionally, practitioners may offer herbs, plants, or crystals, particularly those associated with healing or protection, as these items resonate with Marax’s deep knowledge of natural magic.
Incense such as sandalwood, frankincense, or cedar, which are often associated with wisdom and grounding, can help create an atmosphere conducive to summoning Marax. Since Marax is a spirit of knowledge and natural magic, practitioners may also wish to incorporate symbols of the Earth, such as stones, leaves, or flowers, to align the ritual space with his energy.
Planetary and Elemental Associations
Marax is often associated with the planet Mercury, which governs intellect, communication, and the pursuit of knowledge. Mercury’s influence enhances Marax’s ability to teach and guide in the liberal sciences and in the understanding of astrology and natural magic. Mercury’s association with speed and adaptability also complements Marax’s role as a spirit of learning, allowing him to impart knowledge quickly and efficiently to those who seek his wisdom.
Elementally, Marax is linked to Air, representing intellect, communication, and the exchange of ideas. Air’s fluid and dynamic qualities reflect Marax’s powers of insight and teaching, particularly in the realm of natural magic. This elemental association enhances his ability to guide practitioners in understanding complex concepts and applying practical wisdom to their magical practices. Air governs the mental aspects of learning, fostering clarity of thought and effective communication. Practitioners may incorporate air symbolism into their rituals by using feathers, incense smoke, or objects associated with intellect and clarity, invoking Marax’s influence to enhance their understanding and mastery of natural magic.
Practical Applications in Magic
Marax’s powers are particularly valuable for practitioners engaged in scholarly pursuits, astrology, or natural magic. His ability to teach astronomy and the liberal sciences makes him an ideal spirit for those seeking to deepen their understanding of the cosmos or to master academic subjects. Whether studying the movements of the stars or exploring philosophical concepts, Marax’s guidance can help practitioners expand their intellectual abilities and achieve greater mastery in their chosen fields of study.
In addition to his scholarly teachings, Marax’s knowledge of herbs and stones makes him a valuable ally for those working with natural magic. Practitioners can call upon him to learn about the properties of various plants and minerals, whether for healing, protection, or other magical purposes. His influence is particularly useful for herbalists, alchemists, and those who wish to incorporate natural elements into their magical work.
Marax’s ability to summon and command spirits also makes him useful for practitioners seeking to deepen their connection to the spiritual world. His influence can help practitioners communicate with astral or elemental spirits, providing guidance and insight into spiritual matters. Marax’s guidance can help practitioners navigate the complexities of spirit communication with confidence and clarity, whether working with nature spirits, planetary energies, or other entities.
Warnings and Precautions
While Marax is generally considered a benevolent and helpful spirit, practitioners should approach him with respect and a clear desire for knowledge. His powers of teaching and natural magic require that the summoner be focused and prepared for the learning process. Practitioners who summon Marax without a genuine interest in expanding their knowledge or working with natural elements may find his guidance difficult to grasp or apply.
Additionally, Marax’s teachings often require patience and perseverance, emphasising the importance of a steady approach to learning. As a spirit connected to Air, which governs intellect and communication, Marax may guide practitioners through gradual learning processes rather than providing immediate results. This connection highlights the need for clarity of thought and effective communication in one’s studies. Practitioners should be prepared for a long-term commitment to their studies when working with Marax, as he encourages a deep, reflective understanding of natural magic and the principles that underpin it. This approach fosters a meaningful and transformative learning experience that ultimately leads to greater mastery and insight.
Conclusion
Marax, the twenty-first spirit of the Ars Goetia, is a powerful Great Earl and President of Hell known for his mastery of astronomy, the liberal sciences, and natural magic. His ability to teach practitioners about the movements of the stars, the properties of herbs and stones, and the liberal arts makes him a valuable ally for those seeking knowledge and wisdom. Whether you are looking to deepen your understanding of astrology, master academic subjects, or explore the magical properties of the natural world, Marax offers powerful guidance and insight.
By approaching Marax with respect, clear intentions, and appropriate offerings, practitioners can harness his abilities to expand their intellectual horizons, deepen their connection to the natural world, and achieve greater mastery in their chosen fields of study. As a spirit of knowledge and natural magic, Marax guides those who summon him toward wisdom, growth, and a deeper understanding of both the cosmos and the Earth, offering the tools needed to navigate the complexities of both intellectual and magical pursuits.
Sigil of Marax
