Rank: Prince or President
Ruling Angel: Iehuiah
Associated Symbols: –
Associated Colours: Black, red, purple, light green, orange
Suggested Offerings: Balsam, moss, chamomile, camphor, tin
Warnings: –
Enn
Deyan Anay Tasa Gaap
Gaap (also known as Tap or Goap) is the thirty-third spirit listed in the Ars Goetia of the Lesser Key of Solomon. A mighty President and Prince of Hell, Gaap commands 66 legions of demons. He is a spirit known for his deep knowledge of philosophy, the liberal sciences, and spiritual mysteries and his ability to transfer people’s souls across different realms. Gaap also has the power to incite love, reconcile enemies, and make those who summon him respected in social settings. He is often invoked by those seeking knowledge, influence, or assistance in spiritual communication.
Historical Origins and Mythological Background
The name Gaap may be derived from the Hebrew word gap, meaning “a chasm” or “opening,” symbolising his role as a mediator between worlds and his ability to transfer souls across different planes of existence. Gaap is also known as a spirit who governs over the elemental spirits, particularly those associated with water. In various grimoires, such as Pseudomonarchia Daemonum and Dictionnaire Infernal, Gaap is described as a spirit of knowledge, magic, and manipulation, particularly in philosophy and spiritual matters.
Gaap’s role as a Prince of Hell gives him considerable power in the Goetic hierarchy. His ability to teach philosophy, incite love, and reconcile enemies positions him as a versatile spirit who governs both intellectual and emotional realms. Gaap is also known for his deep understanding of spiritual matters and his ability to assist in communication with spirits, making him a valuable ally for practitioners involved in spiritual work or those seeking to resolve complex emotional conflicts.
Appearance and Iconography
Gaap is described as a great president and prince, appearing in a meridional sign. When he takes on a human shape, he serves as the guide to the four principal kings, with power comparable to that of Bileth. Not much is known about Gaap’s specific appearance beyond this, and his depictions vary. The term “meridional” refers to the southern direction or the position of the sun at its highest point, suggesting Gaap’s association with power, heat, and energy. This could imply a connection to the height of spiritual influence or prominence.
In some depictions, Gaap is shown with regal or authoritative features, representing his role as a Prince of Hell and a high-rank spirit. His appearance often conveys wisdom, authority, and mastery over both intellectual and spiritual realms. The combination of his regal demeanour and his ability to travel between worlds emphasises Gaap’s role as a mediator between different realms of existence and his ability to assist practitioners in navigating both the material and spiritual worlds.
Powers and Abilities
Gaap’s primary power is his ability to teach philosophy, the liberal sciences, and spiritual mysteries. Practitioners often call upon him to gain a deeper understanding of intellectual or esoteric subjects, particularly those related to philosophy, logic, and the nature of the universe. Gaap’s influence can help practitioners expand their intellectual horizons, master complex topics, and gain insight into the hidden laws that govern both the physical and spiritual worlds. His teachings in philosophy and science make him a valuable spirit for scholars, magicians, and those seeking to deepen their knowledge of both the material and metaphysical realms.
In addition to his intellectual powers, Gaap is skilled in the art of spiritual communication. He can assist practitioners in summoning and communicating with spirits, particularly those of the deceased or other entities from different planes of existence. Gaap’s ability to transfer souls across worlds makes him a powerful ally for those engaged in necromancy, ancestral work, or other forms of spirit communication. His influence can help practitioners gain clarity in their spiritual practice, connect with higher powers, and resolve issues related to the afterlife or spiritual matters.
Gaap is also known for his ability to incite love and reconcile enemies. He can help practitioners win the love or admiration of others, making him a useful spirit for those seeking to improve their relationships or resolve conflicts. His power to reconcile enemies is particularly valuable in situations where there is hostility or misunderstanding, allowing practitioners to restore harmony and balance in their personal or professional lives. Gaap’s influence over emotions and relationships makes him a versatile spirit for those dealing with complex interpersonal dynamics.
Another important aspect of Gaap’s powers is his ability to separate people from their familiars. He can sever the bond between practitioners and their spiritual companions, disrupting the connection that provides guidance and support. This ability reflects Gaap’s control over spiritual relationships and his influence in manipulating the ties between individuals and the spirits they work with. By breaking these bonds, Gaap can shift power dynamics in favour of the practitioner or create distance to allow for new connections and influences to emerge. His mastery over such separations emphasises his role as a mediator between different realms, capable of altering spiritual alliances.
Summoning Gaap: Ritual and Offerings
Summoning Gaap requires respect, clarity of purpose, and a focus on intellectual growth, spiritual communication, or emotional reconciliation. His sigil, found in the Lesser Key of Solomon, is essential for invoking his presence, and his enn—”Deyan anay tasa Gaap”—is chanted to attune oneself to his energy. Practitioners should be specific about their goals when summoning Gaap, whether they are seeking to gain knowledge, communicate with spirits, or resolve emotional conflicts.
Offerings to Gaap should reflect his connection to wisdom, spiritual communication, and emotional balance. Items associated with learning and knowledge, such as books, scrolls, or symbols of philosophy, can be appropriate tributes. Blue or white candles, symbolising intellect, clarity, and spiritual purity, can be used in rituals dedicated to Gaap. Practitioners may also offer objects related to love, such as flowers or tokens of affection, to align with his power to incite love and reconcile enemies.
Incense such as sandalwood, myrrh, or frankincense, which are associated with clarity, wisdom, and spiritual connection, can help create an atmosphere conducive to summoning Gaap. Since his powers revolve around intellectual, emotional, and spiritual matters, practitioners should be emotionally and mentally grounded before invoking his presence.
Planetary and Elemental Associations
Gaap is often associated with the planet Mercury, which governs intellect, communication, and adaptability. Mercury’s influence enhances Gaap’s ability to teach philosophy, improve communication with spirits, and reconcile emotional conflicts. The planet’s connection to swiftness and mental agility complements Gaap’s role as a spirit of knowledge, mediation, and spiritual travel, making him a powerful ally for those seeking to navigate complex intellectual or spiritual challenges.
Elementally, Gaap is linked to Fire, which represents passion, transformation, and the drive to overcome obstacles. Fire governs energy, willpower, and the ability to incite action, reflecting Gaap’s powers of influence, change, and initiation. Practitioners may incorporate Fire symbolism into their rituals by using flames, candles, or objects associated with heat and dynamic energy to invoke Gaap’s transformative power and amplify their intentions for change, personal growth, or spiritual breakthroughs.
Practical Applications in Magic
Gaap’s powers are particularly valuable for practitioners seeking intellectual growth, spiritual communication, or reconciliation in their relationships. His ability to teach philosophy and the liberal sciences makes him an ideal spirit for those involved in academic, intellectual, or esoteric pursuits. Practitioners can call upon Gaap to improve their understanding of complex subjects, enhance their critical thinking skills, or gain deeper insights into spiritual mysteries.
In addition to his intellectual abilities, Gaap’s mastery of spiritual communication makes him a valuable ally for those engaged in necromancy, ancestral work, or other forms of spirit summoning. Practitioners can call upon Gaap to help them connect with spirits, gain insight from higher powers, or resolve issues related to the afterlife. His influence can help practitioners navigate the complexities of spirit communication and gain clarity in their spiritual practice.
Gaap’s power to incite love and reconcile enemies is particularly useful for those seeking to improve their relationships or resolve conflicts. Practitioners can call upon Gaap to help them restore harmony in their personal or professional lives, win the love or admiration of others, or resolve misunderstandings and hostility. His influence over emotions makes him a valuable spirit for those dealing with complex interpersonal dynamics or seeking to improve their emotional well-being.
Warnings and Precautions
While Gaap is generally considered a wise and benevolent spirit, practitioners should approach him with respect and clear intentions. His powers of spiritual communication and emotional reconciliation require that the summoner be emotionally grounded and prepared for the insights or transformations that Gaap may bring. Practitioners should be mindful of their intentions, particularly when seeking to influence emotions or reconcile conflicts, as misuse of these powers can lead to unintended consequences.
Additionally, Gaap’s ability to transfer souls across worlds requires that practitioners be prepared for the spiritual and emotional impact of engaging with the afterlife or other realms of existence. Spiritual travel can be transformative, but it may also reveal deep truths that practitioners must be ready to confront.
When invoking Gaap, practitioners must approach with caution, as one of his powers is to make individuals insensible or ignorant of certain truths. This ability, while potentially beneficial in guiding someone through complex emotional or spiritual matters, can also lead to a loss of awareness or clarity. Those who summon Gaap should be mindful of their intentions, ensuring they seek knowledge and understanding rather than obscuring vital insights or truths. Misusing his power may result in confusion or a deeper disconnect from reality, so it is crucial to remain grounded and clear in purpose throughout the summoning process.
Conclusion
Gaap, the thirty-third spirit of the Ars Goetia, is a powerful Prince and President of Hell known for his mastery of philosophy, spiritual communication, and emotional reconciliation. His ability to teach intellectual subjects, assist in spirit communication, and reconcile enemies makes him a valuable ally for practitioners seeking to deepen their knowledge, improve their relationships, or navigate complex spiritual challenges. Whether you are looking to enhance your understanding of the liberal sciences, connect with spirits, or resolve emotional conflicts, Gaap offers powerful guidance and support.
By approaching Gaap with respect, clear intentions, and appropriate offerings, practitioners can harness his abilities to gain intellectual mastery, communicate with the spirit world, and restore harmony in their relationships. As a spirit of knowledge, reconciliation, and spiritual travel, Gaap guides those who summon him toward greater understanding, emotional balance, and success in both intellectual and spiritual pursuits.
Illustration and Sigil of Gaap
