Rank: President
Ruling Angel: Rehael
Associated Symbols: Crows
Associated Colours: Light blue, yellow, green, purple
Suggested Offerings: Marigold, saffron, mulberry, holy thistle
Warnings: Might deceive you
Enn
Lirach Tasa Malphas Ayer
Malphas is the thirty-ninth spirit listed in the Ars Goetia of the Lesser Key of Solomon. A mighty President of Hell, Malphas commands 40 legions of demons. He is known for his abilities in building, strategy, and espionage, making him a highly skilled and resourceful spirit in matters of leadership, planning, and uncovering hidden information. Malphas is a spirit of great cunning, able to construct strongholds and manipulate situations to the summoner’s advantage. He is often invoked by practitioners seeking help with protection, uncovering secrets, or organising plans in business or personal affairs.
Historical Origins and Mythological Background
Some believe the name Malphas derives from ancient roots, meaning “raven” or “blackbird,” which connect him to themes of stealth, intelligence, and resourcefulness. In medieval demonological texts such as Pseudomonarchia Daemonum and Dictionnaire Infernal, Malphas is described as a powerful demon who builds impregnable towers, strongholds, and defence structures and can skillfully execute the will of those who summon him.
As a President of Hell, Malphas holds a prominent rank in the infernal hierarchy and is known for his abilities to gather intelligence, build formidable defences, and carry out strategic operations. His influence spans both the physical and spiritual realms, making him a valuable ally for practitioners who need assistance in constructing protective barriers, planning covert actions, or gaining insight into hidden knowledge. Malphas is also known for his deceptive nature and ability to manipulate situations to the summoner’s benefit. However, he requires clear intentions and a cautious approach when called upon.
Appearance and Iconography
Malphas is traditionally depicted as a large raven or crow, a bird associated with wisdom, intelligence, and stealth. The raven’s black feathers and sharp eyes symbolise Malphas’ ability to see what others cannot, uncovering hidden truths and secrets. The raven’s association with death and the underworld also reflects Malphas’ role as a spirit who navigates the darker aspects of knowledge and power, often operating in secrecy or shadow.
In some accounts, Malphas can also take on a humanoid form, appearing as a wise and commanding figure who conveys authority and leadership. His humanoid form reflects his strategic mind and ability to guide practitioners through complex challenges with precision and insight. Malphas’s dual nature—both as a bird and a leader—represents his versatility in navigating the intellectual and physical aspects of strategy and protection.
The raven or crow is also a symbol of transformation, intelligence, and foresight, aligning with Malphas’ construction and manipulation powers. His ability to build and destroy with equal skill highlights his role as a spirit of change and adaptation, able to create strongholds or dismantle obstacles depending on the needs of the practitioner.
Powers and Abilities
Malphas’ primary power is his ability to construct impregnable buildings and strongholds. He can help practitioners build defences, whether they are physical, emotional, or spiritual, making him a powerful protector. Malphas’ influence is particularly useful for those seeking to safeguard their homes, workplaces, or personal energy from harm. His power to create strongholds extends to building secure foundations for long-term success, whether in business, personal relationships, or spiritual practices.
In addition to his construction abilities, Malphas is a master strategist. He can guide practitioners in planning and executing complex operations, whether in business, leadership roles, or personal matters. His influence can help practitioners navigate tricky situations, overcome obstacles, and achieve their goals through careful planning and foresight. Malphas is particularly skilled in outmanoeuvring rivals or enemies, making him a valuable ally for those seeking to gain an advantage in competitive environments.
Malphas is also known for his abilities in espionage and uncovering secrets. He can assist practitioners in gathering information, exposing hidden motives, or uncovering secrets that are being kept from them. His ability to see what others cannot makes him a powerful ally for those involved in research, investigative work, or any situation where hidden information is key to success. Malphas can also provide clarity in situations where deception is at play, helping practitioners understand the true nature of those around them.
Another key aspect of Malphas’ powers is his ability to influence and manipulate situations to the practitioner’s advantage. He can help practitioners create opportunities, remove obstacles, or subtly influence the actions of others to achieve their desired outcomes. Malphas’ skill in manipulation is particularly useful in situations that require diplomacy, negotiation, or subtle influence over others.
Summoning Malphas: Ritual and Offerings
Summoning Malphas requires respect, focus, and a clear intention to seek protection, strategy, or assistance in uncovering secrets. His sigil, found in the Lesser Key of Solomon, is essential for invoking his presence, and his enn—”Lirach tasa Malphas ayer“—is chanted to align oneself with his energy. Practitioners should be clear about their objectives when summoning Malphas, as his influence can be powerful and require careful direction.
Offerings to Malphas should reflect his connection to strategy, protection, and building. Items associated with construction, such as tools, blueprints, or symbols of architecture, can be appropriate tributes. Black or grey candles, symbolising protection, stealth, and transformation, can be used in rituals dedicated to Malphas. Practitioners may also offer objects related to intelligence and strategy, such as chess pieces, maps, or items related to leadership, to align with his powers of planning and manipulation.
Incense such as myrrh, frankincense, or sandalwood, which are often associated with clarity, protection, and insight, can help create an atmosphere conducive to summoning Malphas. Since his powers revolve around strategy, protection, and uncovering secrets, practitioners should be mentally focused and prepared to take action on the guidance Malphas provides.
Planetary and Elemental Associations
Malphas is often associated with the planet Mercury, which governs intellect, communication, and adaptability. Mercury’s influence enhances Malphas’ ability to navigate complex situations and convey strategic information effectively. This connection allows Malphas to aid practitioners in honing their communication skills, facilitating negotiations, and improving their intellectual agility in challenging circumstances. As a spirit of intelligence and cunning, Malphas can help those seeking to outmanoeuvre obstacles or adversaries with clarity and finesse.
Elementally, Malphas is linked to Earth, representing stability, materiality, and practicality. Earth governs the physical realm, reinforcing Malphas’ capacity to manifest security and resilience in one’s endeavours. His connection to Earth emphasizes the importance of creating a solid base from which to operate and protect oneself. Practitioners may incorporate Earth symbolism into their rituals by using stones, soil, or objects associated with grounding and stability to enhance Malphas’ influence in matters of protection and strategic planning.
Practical Applications in Magic
Malphas’ powers are particularly valuable for practitioners seeking protection, strategic insight, or assistance in uncovering hidden information. His ability to construct strongholds makes him an ideal spirit for those seeking to protect their homes, workplaces, or personal energy from harm. Practitioners can call upon Malphas to build barriers of protection, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual, ensuring that they are safeguarded against external threats.
In addition to his protective abilities, Malphas’ mastery of strategy makes him a valuable ally for those involved in leadership, business, or decision-making. Practitioners can call upon Malphas to help them plan and execute complex operations, outmanoeuvre rivals, or achieve success in competitive environments. His tactical insight can provide practitioners with the clarity and foresight needed to navigate difficult situations and reach their goals.
For those seeking to uncover secrets or gather intelligence, Malphas’s espionage abilities can provide valuable support. Practitioners can call upon Malphas to help them uncover hidden information, expose deception, or gain insight into the true motives of others. His influence is particularly useful in situations where hidden knowledge or secretive actions are key to success.
Malphas’ powers of manipulation and influence also make him a valuable spirit for those seeking to subtly guide situations to their advantage. Practitioners can call upon Malphas to help them influence others, create opportunities, or remove obstacles that may be blocking their path to success. His influence is especially useful in diplomatic or negotiation settings, where subtle manipulation can lead to favourable outcomes.
Warnings and Precautions
While Malphas is a powerful and resourceful spirit, practitioners should approach him with respect and clear intentions. His powers of strategy, protection, and manipulation require that the summoner be mentally focused and prepared to take responsibility for the outcomes of their actions. Practitioners who summon Malphas without clear goals or a genuine need for his assistance may find his influence difficult to control.
Additionally, Malphas’s connection to espionage and manipulation requires that practitioners use his powers ethically and with caution. Misuse of his gifts, particularly in manipulating or uncovering secrets, can lead to unintended consequences or negative karmic repercussions.
Some sources say that Malphas takes sacrifices kindly and willingly. However, he is also said to deceive you if you are not careful. It is suggested that offerings should be an exchange rather than a gift.
Conclusion
Malphas, the thirty-ninth spirit of the Ars Goetia, is a powerful President of Hell known for his mastery of building, strategy, and espionage. His ability to construct strongholds, uncover secrets, and guide practitioners in strategic operations makes him a valuable ally for those seeking protection, long-term planning, or insight into hidden knowledge. Whether you are looking to safeguard your defences, organise a complex operation, or gather intelligence, Malphas offers powerful guidance and support.
Illustration and Sigil of Malphas
