Rank: Duke
Ruling Angel: Mizrael
Associated Symbols: Winged lion, lion, griffins
Associated Colours: Green, dark blue
Suggested Offerings: Allspice, copper, walnut, sandalwood, bistort, mace, papyrus
Warnings: –
Enn
Renich Secore Vapula Typan
Vapula (also spelt Naphula) is the sixtieth spirit listed in the Ars Goetia of the Lesser Key of Solomon. A powerful Duke of Hell, Vapula commands 36 legions of demons. He is known for his extensive knowledge of mechanical arts, craftsmanship, and philosophy. Vapula grants wisdom and skill in various fields, particularly those that require technical proficiency and intellectual insight, such as engineering, science, and the liberal arts. Practitioners often invoke Vapula when seeking to improve their technical skills, gain mastery in their crafts, or enhance their intellectual abilities.
Historical Origins and Mythological Background
In medieval demonological texts such as Pseudomonarchia Daemonum and Dictionnaire Infernal, Vapula is described as a spirit who imparts wisdom and expertise in handicrafts, trades, philosophy, and other intellectual disciplines. His connection to craftsmanship and learning aligns him with spirits of knowledge, skill, and intellectual growth.
As a Duke of Hell, Vapula holds a prestigious rank within the infernal hierarchy, granting him authority over both intellectual and technical realms. His ability to bestow mastery in various crafts and sciences makes him a valuable ally for those seeking to improve their skills or gain deeper insight into their chosen fields. Vapula is often invoked by scholars, artisans, and craftsmen who wish to enhance their abilities, expand their knowledge, or achieve excellence in their work.
Appearance and Iconography
Vapula is traditionally depicted as a gryphon, a mythical creature with a lion’s body and an eagle’s head and wings. The gryphon is often associated with wisdom, strength, and guardianship, reflecting Vapula’s role as a protector of knowledge and a guide to mastery in the mechanical arts. The lion’s body symbolises strength and perseverance, while the eagle’s wings represent intellectual insight, agility, and vision. Together, these symbols emphasise Vapula’s ability to help practitioners develop both the physical skills and intellectual understanding needed to excel in their crafts.
In some depictions, Vapula takes on a more humanoid form, symbolising his connection to philosophy and intellectual growth. His ability to guide practitioners in both technical and philosophical matters highlights his versatility as a spirit of learning and craftsmanship.
Vapula’s overall image reflects his role as both a master of the mechanical arts and a guide to intellectual pursuits. His gryphon form and symbols of wisdom and strength emphasise his power to help practitioners achieve excellence in their chosen fields.
Powers and Abilities
Vapula’s primary power is his ability to grant mastery in the mechanical arts and other technical fields. Practitioners often invoke him to improve their skills in engineering, craftsmanship, or other trades that require precision and technical knowledge. Vapula’s influence is particularly valuable for practical or scientific work, as he can help practitioners enhance their technical abilities, solve complex problems, and develop innovative solutions in their fields.
In addition to his expertise in the mechanical arts, Vapula is skilled in philosophy and intellectual disciplines. He can help practitioners better understand philosophical concepts, improve their critical thinking skills, or sharpen their intellectual abilities. Vapula’s influence is especially useful for scholars, students, or those engaged in intellectual pursuits who seek to improve their reasoning, logic, and insight.
Vapula is also known for his ability to teach and inspire creativity. He can help practitioners develop new ideas, innovate in their crafts, or explore uncharted areas of knowledge. Vapula’s creative inspiration extends to both the practical and intellectual realms, making him a powerful spirit for those seeking to combine technical skills with intellectual insight.
Another key aspect of Vapula’s powers is his ability to enhance focus and discipline. He can help practitioners stay dedicated to their work, overcome obstacles, and achieve their goals with precision and determination. Vapula’s influence is particularly valuable for those who wish to refine their skills, complete challenging projects, or reach a higher level of mastery in their chosen fields.
Summoning Vapula: Ritual and Offerings
Summoning Vapula requires respect, focus, and a clear intention, particularly concerning craftsmanship, technical skill, or intellectual growth. His sigil, found in the Lesser Key of Solomon, is essential for invoking his presence, and his enn—”Renich secore Vapula typan”—is chanted to align oneself with his energy. Practitioners should have specific goals in mind when summoning Vapula, whether they seek to improve their technical abilities, gain philosophical insight, or enhance their creativity.
Offerings to Vapula should reflect his connection to craftsmanship, learning, and intellectual growth. Items associated with learning or craftsmanship, such as tools, books, or symbols of skill, can be appropriate tributes. Blue or silver candles, symbolising knowledge, intellect, and precision, can be used in rituals dedicated to Vapula. Practitioners may also offer objects related to creativity or technical expertise, such as drawings, inventions, or symbols of innovation, to align with his powers of mastery and learning.
Incense such as sandalwood, myrrh, or frankincense, which are often associated with wisdom, clarity, and focus, can help create an atmosphere conducive to summoning Vapula. Since his powers revolve around skill, intellectual growth, and focus, practitioners should be mentally and emotionally prepared for the insights and technical proficiency that Vapula may impart.
Planetary and Elemental Associations
Vapula is often associated with the planet Venus, which governs love, beauty, and artistic expression. Venus’ influence enhances Vapula’s ability to inspire creativity, foster a deep appreciation for aesthetics, and cultivate harmony in one’s work. The planet’s connection to attraction and artistic talent aligns with Vapula’s role as a spirit of craftsmanship and creative mastery, making him a powerful ally for those seeking to excel in artistic endeavors or infuse their work with beauty and passion.
Elementally, Vapula is linked to Fire, representing passion, transformation, and the spark of inspiration. Fire governs the realms of energy, drive, and the pursuit of goals, reflecting Vapula’s powers of creative expression and skill development. Practitioners may incorporate Fire symbolism into their rituals by using candles, flames, or objects associated with inspiration and motivation, invoking Vapula’s fiery energy to ignite their creativity and fuel their ambitions.
Practical Applications in Magic
Vapula’s powers are particularly valuable for practitioners seeking to improve their technical skills, gain mastery in their crafts, or enhance their intellectual abilities. His mastery of the mechanical arts makes him an ideal spirit for engineering, craftsmanship, or other trades requiring precision and technical knowledge. Practitioners can call upon Vapula to help them solve complex problems, develop new techniques, or refine their skills to achieve excellence in their work.
In addition to his technical expertise, Vapula’s intellectual gifts make him valuable for those seeking to improve their philosophical or scholarly pursuits. Practitioners can call upon Vapula to help them gain a deeper understanding of philosophical concepts, improve their critical thinking skills, or enhance their ability to reason and solve intellectual problems. His influence is particularly useful for those engaged in academic or intellectual work and those seeking to combine practical skill with intellectual insight.
Vapula’s ability to inspire creativity also makes him valuable for those seeking to innovate in their crafts or explore new areas of knowledge. Practitioners can call upon Vapula to help them develop new ideas, create innovative solutions, or explore uncharted territories in their chosen fields. His influence is especially useful for those seeking to push the boundaries of their knowledge and skill, whether in practical or intellectual realms.
Vapula’s powers of perseverance and precision provide valuable support for those seeking to improve their focus and discipline. Practitioners can call upon Vapula to help them stay dedicated to their work, overcome obstacles, and achieve their goals with determination and clarity. His influence is particularly useful for those facing challenging projects or seeking to reach a higher level of mastery in their chosen fields.
Warnings and Precautions
While Vapula is a powerful and benevolent spirit, practitioners should approach him with respect and clear intentions, particularly when invoking his powers of craftsmanship and intellectual growth. His ability to grant mastery and skill requires that the summoner be mentally and emotionally prepared for the work and dedication that may follow. Practitioners should carefully consider their goals and intentions, ensuring that they are ready for the focus, discipline, and mastery that Vapula may impart.
Additionally, Vapula’s connection to both technical skill and intellectual growth requires that practitioners use his powers ethically and with caution. Misuse of his gifts, particularly in matters of deception or manipulation, can lead to unintended consequences or negative karmic repercussions.
Conclusion
Vapula, the sixtieth spirit of the Ars Goetia, is a powerful Duke of Hell known for his mastery of the mechanical arts, craftsmanship, and intellectual disciplines. His ability to grant skill in technical fields, provide philosophical insight, and inspire creativity makes him a valuable ally for practitioners seeking to improve their craftsmanship, gain intellectual mastery, or innovate in their chosen fields. Whether you are looking to refine your skills, develop new ideas, or enhance your understanding of complex subjects, Vapula offers powerful guidance and support.
By approaching Vapula with respect, clear intentions, and appropriate offerings, practitioners can harness his abilities to gain mastery in their crafts, improve their intellectual abilities, and achieve excellence in both practical and intellectual pursuits. As a spirit of craftsmanship, learning, and skill, Vapula guides those who summon him toward greater mastery, innovation, and success in their chosen fields.
Sigil of Vapula
