Rank: Duke or Earl
Ruling Angel: Nithael

Associated Symbols: Griffins, vultures, crows

Associated Colours: Green, red

Suggested Offerings: Oak bark, rosemary, rue, balm of gilead, sandalwood, iron, gold, copper, parsley

Warnings: -

Enn of Murmur: Vefa Mena Murmur Ayer

Murmur (also spelt Murmus or Murmux) is the fifty-fourth spirit listed in the Ars Goetia of the Lesser Key of Solomon. A Great Duke and Earl of Hell, Murmur commands 30 legions of demons. He is known for his mastery of necromancy, his ability to summon and command the spirits of the dead, and his extensive knowledge of philosophy. Murmur's deep connection to the afterlife and his command over the spirits of the deceased make him a potent ally for practitioners seeking to communicate with the dead, gain knowledge of the afterlife, or deepen their understanding of esoteric philosophy.

Historical Origins and Mythological Background

The name Murmur is believed to be derived from the Latin word murmur, meaning "whisper" or "mutter," which reflects his connection to the secrets of the dead and the whispers of the afterlife. In medieval demonological texts, such as Pseudomonarchia Daemonum and Dictionnaire Infernal, Murmur is described as a powerful spirit who can summon the souls of the deceased for divination and communication, as well as teach the hidden mysteries of philosophy and the afterlife. His role as a necromancer and philosopher aligns him with spirits of wisdom, death, and esoteric knowledge.

As a Great Duke and Earl of Hell, Murmur holds a prestigious position in the infernal hierarchy, granting him authority over both the living and the dead. His ability to command the spirits of the deceased and uncover the mysteries of the afterlife makes him a valuable ally for practitioners seeking insight into death, necromancy, and spiritual knowledge. Murmur is often invoked by those looking to communicate with ancestors, gain knowledge from departed souls, or explore the philosophical dimensions of life and death.

Appearance and Iconography

Murmur is traditionally depicted as a warrior riding a vulture or griffon, often adorned with a golden crown. His warrior-like appearance reflects his command and authority over the spirits of the dead, while the vulture or griffon represents his deep connection to the realms of death and transformation. Vultures are often associated with death, decay, and the transition between life and death, while griffons symbolise guardianship and protection of sacred knowledge. Together, these symbols emphasise Murmur's power over the dead and his role as a guide through the mysteries of the afterlife.

In some depictions, Murmur appears as a crowned figure surrounded by spirits or the souls of the dead, highlighting his authority as a necromancer. The golden crown symbolises his high rank as both a Duke and Earl of Hell and his mastery over the hidden secrets of life, death, and philosophy.

Murmur's overall image reflects his dual role as both a necromancer and philosopher. His warrior-like appearance and connection to death emphasise his power to command the spirits of the deceased, while his golden crown and association with sacred animals emphasise his wisdom and authority in matters of esoteric knowledge.

Powers and Abilities

Murmur's primary power is his mastery of necromancy, the magical practice of communicating with and commanding the dead. Practitioners often invoke him to summon the spirits of the deceased, whether for divination, guidance, or to gain hidden knowledge from those who have passed on. Murmur's influence is particularly valuable for those seeking to connect with ancestral spirits, access the wisdom of the dead, or gain insight into the afterlife. His ability to command the spirits of the dead makes him a powerful ally for necromancers, spiritual mediums, or those engaged in ancestral veneration.

In addition to his powers of necromancy, Murmur is skilled in philosophy and the mysteries of life and death. He can guide practitioners in their study of esoteric philosophy, helping them understand the deeper meanings behind life's mysteries and the transition between life and death. Murmur's influence is particularly valuable for philosophical or metaphysical pursuits, as he can provide insight into the nature of existence, the soul, and the afterlife. His knowledge of the hidden mysteries of the universe makes him a potent spirit for those seeking to deepen their understanding of esoteric or spiritual teachings.

Murmur is also known for his ability to provide clarity and understanding in matters related to death, the afterlife, and the souls of the deceased. He can help practitioners navigate complex spiritual or philosophical questions, gain insight into the meaning of life and death, or uncover hidden truths about the afterlife. Murmur's influence is particularly useful for those dealing with grief, loss, or questions about the fate of the soul after death.

Another key aspect of Murmur's powers is his ability to protect and guide those who work with the dead. He can help practitioners establish boundaries between the realms of the living and the dead, ensuring they are protected during their necromantic practices. Murmur's protective influence makes him a valuable ally for those engaged in spirit communication, ancestral work, or necromantic rituals, as he can help safeguard against harmful influences or unruly spirits.

Summoning Murmur: Ritual and Offerings

Summoning Murmur requires respect, focus, and a clear intention, particularly in matters of necromancy, philosophy, or communication with the dead. His sigil, found in the Lesser Key of Solomon, is essential for invoking his presence, and his enn—"Vefa mena Murmur ayer"—is chanted to align oneself with his energy. Practitioners should have specific goals in mind when summoning Murmur, whether they seek to communicate with the dead, gain knowledge of the afterlife, or explore philosophical matters related to life and death.

Offerings to Murmur should reflect his connection to death, wisdom, and necromancy. Items associated with death, such as bones, skulls, or symbols of the afterlife, can be appropriate tributes. Black or purple candles, symbolising death, transformation, and esoteric knowledge, can be used in rituals dedicated to Murmur. Practitioners may also offer objects related to philosophy, such as books, scrolls, or symbols of wisdom, to align with his powers of intellectual growth and understanding.

Incense such as myrrh, sandalwood, or frankincense, which are often associated with death, purification, and spiritual wisdom, can help create an atmosphere conducive to summoning Murmur. Since his powers revolve around necromancy, philosophy, and communication with the dead, practitioners should be mentally and emotionally prepared for the deep insights and spiritual experiences that Murmur may bring.

Planetary and Elemental Associations

Murmur is often associated with the planet Venus, which governs love, beauty, and the emotional connections that bind us. Venus' influence enhances Murmur's ability to navigate the depths of human emotions, providing insights into relationships and fostering compassion. The planet's connection to harmony and attraction aligns with Murmur's role as a guide in understanding the fluid nature of love and connection, making him a powerful ally for those seeking to explore the intricacies of their emotional lives.

Elementally, Murmur is linked to Water, representing intuition, emotions, and the subconscious. Water governs the realms of feelings, relationships, and the ebb and flow of life, reflecting Murmur's powers of empathy and his connection to the emotional currents that influence our experiences. Practitioners may incorporate Water symbolism into their rituals by using items like seashells, crystals, or bowls of water, allowing them to tap into the wisdom of the waters and deepen their understanding of their emotional landscape.

Practical Applications in Magic

Murmur's powers are particularly valuable for practitioners seeking to communicate with the dead, gain philosophical insight, or explore the mysteries of life and death. His mastery of necromancy makes him an ideal spirit for those engaged in ancestral work, spiritual mediumship, or necromantic practices. Practitioners can call upon Murmur to help them summon the spirits of the deceased, communicate with ancestors, or gain wisdom from those who have passed on. His influence is especially useful for those seeking to deepen their connection with the afterlife or access the hidden knowledge of the dead.

In addition to his necromantic abilities, Murmur's knowledge of philosophy and esoteric wisdom makes him a powerful ally for those seeking to explore intellectual or spiritual questions. Practitioners can call upon Murmur to help them understand the deeper mysteries of existence, gain clarity on philosophical matters, or explore the transition between life and death. His influence is particularly valuable for those engaged in scholarly or metaphysical pursuits and those seeking to navigate the spiritual dimensions of life.

Murmur's powers of protection and guidance also make him a valuable spirit for those working with the dead. Practitioners can call upon Murmur to help them establish boundaries between the living and the dead, protect themselves from harmful influences, or guide them through necromantic rituals. His protective influence can safeguard practitioners from unruly spirits or negative energies, making him an ideal ally for those seeking to work with the dead in a safe and controlled manner.

For those seeking to overcome grief or gain closure after the loss of a loved one, Murmur's ability to communicate with the dead provides valuable support. Practitioners can call upon Murmur to help them connect with deceased loved ones, gain insight into the afterlife, or find peace and understanding in the wake of loss.

Warnings and Precautions

While Murmur is a powerful and wise spirit, practitioners should approach him with respect and clear intentions, particularly when invoking his powers of necromancy and communication with the dead. His ability to summon and command the spirits of the deceased requires that the summoner be mentally and emotionally prepared for the experiences that may follow. Practitioners should carefully consider their goals and intentions, ensuring that they are ready for the spiritual insights and transformations that Murmur may provide.

Additionally, Murmur's connection to necromancy and death requires that practitioners use his powers ethically and with caution. Misuse of his gifts, particularly in matters of spirit communication or manipulation, can lead to unintended consequences or negative karmic repercussions.

Conclusion

Murmur, the fifty-fourth spirit of the Ars Goetia, is a powerful Great Duke and Earl of Hell known for his mastery of necromancy, communication with the dead, and esoteric philosophy. His ability to summon the spirits of the deceased, provide insight into the afterlife, and guide practitioners through the mysteries of life and death makes him a valuable ally for those seeking wisdom, spiritual growth, or necromantic practices. Whether you are looking to communicate with ancestors, explore the afterlife, or gain philosophical insight, Murmur offers powerful guidance and support.

By approaching Murmur with respect, clear intentions, and appropriate offerings, practitioners can harness his abilities to gain wisdom, communicate with the dead, and explore the hidden dimensions of life and death. As a spirit of necromancy, philosophy, and spiritual transformation, Murmur guides those who summon him toward a greater understanding of the forces that shape both the material and spiritual worlds.

Attributes

54. Murmur