The Ars Goetia, the first section of The Lesser Key of Solomon, contains the names, offices, and sigils of 72 demons said to be summoned and controlled by King Solomon. These spirits, though widely feared in folklore, are detailed in grimoires used by occultists and ceremonial magicians for centuries.
While the Pseudomonarchia Daemonum by Johann Weyer is an earlier source, the Ars Goetia includes new demons such as Vassago, Seere, Dantalion, and Andromalius, and excludes others like Pruflas. Over time, differences in translation have led to various spellings for many demon names.
These spirits are not just figures of folklore—they are powerful entities that must be approached with caution, deep knowledge, and proper ritual preparation.
🔯 Sigils and Seals of Goetia Demons
In occult traditions, each demon of the Ars Goetia has a unique sigil or seal—a magical symbol used to call upon or contain the spirit. These demonic seals are drawn onto parchment or engraved onto magical tools and are vital for summoning rituals.
If you plan to call on a Goetic spirit, you must know its seal and draw it accurately. The sigil acts as a spiritual key that connects the magician with the demon’s energy and essence.
⚠️ Always use protective measures such as a ritual circle, as this forms a barrier between the summoner and the summoned entity.
📜 List of Goetia Demons and Their Powers
Here are notable demons from the Ars Goetia, their offices, and what they are traditionally summoned for:
1. Murmur
- Power: Teaches philosophy; summons the souls of the dead to answer questions.
2. Orobas
- Power: Reveals truths about past, present, and future; grants honors and loyalty; very faithful.
3. Gremory
- Power: Reveals hidden treasures; influences love and desire, especially from women.
4. Ose
- Power: Grants knowledge in sciences and secrets; can shapeshift humans mentally.
5. Orias
- Power: Teaches astrology, planetary mansions, and grants dignities and favor.
6. Vapula
- Power: Teaches crafts, trades, and sciences; enhances intelligence.
7. Zagan
- Power: Turns wine to water and vice versa; transmutes metals; grants wit and wisdom.
8. Valac
- Power: Reveals hidden treasures and the location of serpents; brings them without force.
9. Andras
- Power: Sows discord and conflict; extremely dangerous—can kill the exorcist.
10. Haures
- Power: Tells truth (only when properly contained); destroys enemies; reveals spiritual secrets.
11. Andralphus
- Power: Teaches geometry and astronomy; can transform men into birds.
12. Cimejes (Kimaris)
- Power: Teaches grammar, logic, and rhetoric; finds lost or hidden items.
13. Amdusias
- Power: Bends trees; commands musical familiars and causes natural illusions.
14. Belial
- Power: Grants political positions and favors; must receive offerings to answer truthfully.
15. Decarabia
- Power: Knows the virtues of birds and gems; summons phantom birds to fly and sing.
⚖️ The Balance: 72 Angels vs. 72 Demons
In Kabbalistic mysticism, each of the 72 demons has a corresponding angel from the Shem HaMephorash—a system of divine names derived from the Hebrew Bible. These angels are believed to counterbalance the influence of Goetic spirits, offering protection and spiritual elevation.
🔁 Ritual Safety: The Power of the Circle
If you intend to summon a spirit from the Ars Goetia:
- Study ritual circle construction first.
- A magic circle is not merely a barrier—it is a sacred space of control and protection.
- Without it, spirits may deceive, harm, or overwhelm the practitioner.
“The circle is not made out of fear but as a fortress of divine authority.”
✍️ Important Reminders for Ritual Work
- Always draw the demon’s sigil carefully and on appropriate material (e.g., parchment).
- Use a triangle of manifestation when summoning.
- Respect the spirit’s rank, nature, and temperament.
- Maintain purity of intention and focus during rituals.
🧠 Conclusion: The Mystical Depth of Goetic Demons
The demons of the Ars Goetia are not mere myth—they are archetypes of ancient spiritual forces with deep esoteric knowledge. Working with them requires preparation, protection, and purpose. Whether you seek knowledge, transformation, or spiritual guidance, these spirits must be treated with respect, ritual discipline, and a clear understanding of the energies you’re invoking.