The Ars Goetia

The First Book of the Lesser Key of Solomon

Introduction

The Ars Goetia is the first section of the 17th-century grimoire "The Lesser Key of Solomon," which contains descriptions of the seventy-two demons that King Solomon is said to have evoked and confined in a bronze vessel sealed by magic symbols.

This compendium serves as a modern reference to these entities, detailing their appearances, powers, and the rituals associated with them, along with contemporary interpretations of their symbolism.

Explore the Demons

72 Entities

Detailed profiles of all 72 demons from the Ars Goetia, including their sigils and attributes.

Historical Context

Explore the origins of this grimoire and its place in Western esoteric tradition.

Modern Interpretation

Psychological and symbolic readings of these ancient entities in contemporary contexts.

Demon Catalog

B

Bael

King

A

Agares

Duke

V

Vassago

Prince

4

Samigina

Marquis

5

Marbas

President

6

Valefor

Duke

More demons coming soon...

About the Ars Goetia

Historical Origins

The Ars Goetia (Latin for "the art of goety") is the first section of the 17th-century grimoire known as the "Lemegeton Clavicula Salomonis" or "The Lesser Key of Solomon." It draws upon earlier texts, including Johann Weyer's "Pseudomonarchia Daemonum" (1563), and the 15th-century manuscript "Liber Officiorum Spirituum."

The text claims to document King Solomon's methods for summoning and controlling seventy-two demons, along with their seals or sigils, which were used to compel the spirits to appear and obey the conjurer.

Structure of the Ars Goetia

Lists 72 demons with detailed descriptions
Includes their ranks (Kings, Dukes, Princes, etc.)
Provides their sigils for summoning
Details their powers and abilities
Offers instructions for conjuration

Modern Significance

While originally intended as a manual for ceremonial magic, the Ars Goetia has influenced various aspects of Western esotericism, literature, and popular culture. Contemporary practitioners may interpret these entities as psychological archetypes or aspects of the subconscious mind.

Back to Catalog Next: Agares

B

Bael

Rank: King

Overview

Bael (also spelled Baal or Baël) is the first spirit listed in the Ars Goetia. According to the text, he holds the rank of King and rules over 66 legions of demons. His name derives from the Canaanite deity Baal, worshipped in the ancient Near East.

In the Pseudomonarchia Daemonum, Bael is described as a hoarse-voiced king who teaches the art of invisibility. He appears in various forms, sometimes as a cat, toad, man, or combinations thereof.

Appearance & Attributes

Bael is described as appearing in three forms simultaneously:

As a cat with a hoarse voice
As a toad
As a man, or combinations of these forms
Sometimes depicted with three heads: a cat, a toad, and a human

Powers & Abilities

Bael is said to grant the following:

The power of invisibility
Wisdom and cunning
Understanding of subtle influences and hidden motives
Knowledge of how to move unseen through the world

Ritual & Invocation

Traditional steps for summoning Bael:

Prepare a clean space with Bael's sigil drawn on parchment
Perform during the day (Bael is a daytime demon)
Use protective circles and symbols
Recite the conjuration from the Ars Goetia
Offer an appropriate sacrifice (traditionally a personal item)

Warning: Bael is a powerful entity and should not be approached without proper preparation and protection.

Modern Interpretation

In contemporary esoteric practice, Bael may represent:

The archetype of hidden knowledge and subtle influence
A psychological representation of our ability to observe without being observed
The concept of strategic invisibility in social situations
The shadow aspect of leadership and power

Sigil & Artwork

Bael's Sigil

Artwork

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A

Agares

Rank: Duke

Overview

Agares is the second demon listed in the Ars Goetia, holding the rank of Duke. He commands 31 legions of spirits and is described as a former angel who now rules the eastern zone of Hell.

According to the Pseudomonarchia Daemonum, Agares appears as a benign old man riding a crocodile, carrying a goshawk on his fist. He teaches all languages and can cause earthquakes.

Appearance & Attributes

Agares is typically depicted as:

An old man riding a crocodile
Carrying a goshawk on his fist
Sometimes shown with a serpent's tail
Wearing noble or aristocratic clothing

Powers & Abilities

Agares is said to grant the following:

Knowledge of all languages and dialects
Power to cause earthquakes
Ability to make runaways return and those who stand still run
Understanding of courtly manners and aristocratic customs
Destruction of spiritual dignities

Ritual & Invocation

Traditional steps for summoning Agares:

Prepare a clean space with Agares' sigil drawn on parchment
Perform during daylight hours
Use protective circles and symbols
Recite the conjuration from the Ars Goetia
Offer an appropriate sacrifice (traditionally a silver coin)

Warning: Agares' earthquake powers can be dangerous if not properly controlled.

Modern Interpretation

In contemporary esoteric practice, Agares may represent:

The archetype of linguistic mastery and communication
A psychological representation of our relationship with authority figures
The concept of social mobility and status changes
The shadow aspect of aristocratic privilege

Sigil & Artwork

Agares' Sigil

Artwork

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V

Vassago

Rank: Prince

Overview

Vassago is the third demon listed in the Ars Goetia, holding the rank of Prince. He commands 26 legions of spirits and is described as a benevolent demon who declares things past and future, and discovers hidden things.

Unlike many other demons in the Goetia, Vassago is considered a "good" demon who is willing to work with humans without deception or malice. His name may derive from the Hebrew "Shavath ago," meaning "to be still."

Appearance & Attributes

Vassago is typically described as:

A handsome young man with angelic features
Sometimes depicted with large feathered wings
Carrying a staff or scepter of office
Dressed in flowing robes of white and gold
Often accompanied by a soft glowing light

Powers & Abilities

Vassago is said to grant the following:

Knowledge of past and future events
Discovery of hidden or lost things
Ability to find treasures and precious objects
Divination and prophecy
Peaceful resolution of conflicts

Ritual & Invocation

Traditional steps for summoning Vassago:

Prepare a clean space with Vassago's sigil drawn on parchment
Perform during daylight hours
Use protective circles and symbols (though Vassago is benign, protection is still recommended)
Recite the conjuration from the Ars Goetia
Offer an appropriate sacrifice (traditionally a clear crystal or glass object)

Note: Vassago is considered one of the safest demons to work with, but proper precautions should still be taken.

Modern Interpretation

In contemporary esoteric practice, Vassago may represent:

The archetype of the benevolent guide or helper
A psychological representation of intuition and foresight
The concept of finding what is lost (both physically and metaphorically)
The integration of shadow aspects in a positive manner

Sigil & Artwork

Vassago's Sigil

Artwork

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