Section 2

But I reach an end.
Boleskine House ,
Foyers , N.B.
PRELIMINARY DEFINITION OF MAGIC.
Lemegeton Vel Clavicula Salomonis Regis.
Magic is the Highest, most Absolute, and most Divine Knowledge of Natural Philosophy,1 advanced in its works and wonderful operations by a right understand- ing of the inward and occult virtue of things ; so that true Agents2 being applied to proper Patients,3 strange and admirable effects will thereby be produced. Whence magicians are profound and diligent searchers into Na- ture ; they, because of their skill, know how to anticipate an effort,4 the which to the vulgar shall seem to be a miracle.
Origen saith that the Magical Art doth not contain anything subsisting, but although it should, yet that it must not be Evil, or subject to contempt or scorn; and doth distinguish the Natural Magic from that which is Diabolical.
Apollonius Tyannaeus only exercised the Natural Magic , by the which he did perform wonderful things.
Philo Hebraeus saith that true Magic, by which we do arrive at the understanding of the Secret Works of Nature, is so far from being contemptible that the great- est Monarchs and Kings have studied it. Nay! among the Persians none might reign unless he was skilful in this Great Art.
1 This Preliminary Definition of Magic is found in very few Codices, and is probably later than the body of the work.
2 Or Actives.
s Or Passives.
* Or Effect.
15
16
GOETIA
This Noble Science often degenerateth, from Natural becometh Diabolical, and from True Philosophy turneth unto Nigromancy} The which is wholly to be charged upon its followers, who, abusing or not being capable of that High and Mystical Knowledge do immediately hearken unto the temptations of Sathan, and are misled by him into the Study of the Black Art . Hence it is that Magic lieth under disgrace, and they who seek after it are vulgarly esteemed Sorcerers .
The Fraternity of the Rosie Crusians thought it not fit to style themselves Magicians, but rather Philosophers. And they be not ignorant Empiricks,2 but learned and experienced Physicians, whose remedies be not only Lawful but Divine.
THE BRIEF INTRODUCTORY DESCRIPTION.
(N.B. This is taken from several MS. Codices, of which the four principal variations are here composed together in parallel columns as an example of the close agreement of the various texts of the Lemegeton.
For in the whole work the differences in the wording of the various Codices are not sufficient to require the constant giving of parallel readings; but except in the more ancient examples there is much deterioration in the Seals and Sigils, so that in this latter respect the more recent exemplars are not entirely reliable.)
Clavicula Salomonis Regis,
which containeth all the Names, Offices, and Orders of all the Spirits that ever he had converse with, with the
1 Or the Black Art, as distinct from mere Necromancy, or Divination by the Dead.
2 Or Quacks and Pretenders. Vide note on p. 10.
THE LESSER KEY 17
Seals and Characters to each Spirit and the manner of calling them forth to visible appearance :
In 5 parts, viz. :
(1) The First Part is a Book of Evil Spirits, called Goetia, showing how he bound up those Spirits, and used them in general things, whereby he obtained great fame.
(2) The Second Part is a Book of Spirits, partly Evil and partly Good, which is named Theurgia-Goetia, all Aerial Spirits, etc.
(3) The Third Part is of Spirits governing the Planetary Hours, and what Spirits belong to every degree, of the Signs, and Planets in the Signs. Called the Pauline Art, etc.
(4) The Fourth Part of this Book is called Almadel or Solomon, which containeth those Spirits which govern the Four Altitudes, or the 360 Degrees of the Zodiac.
These two last Orders of Spirits are Good, and to be sought for by Divine seeking, etc., and are called Theurgia.
(5) The Fifth Part is a Book of Orations and Prayers that Wise Solomon used upon the Altar in the Temple. The which is called Ars Nova, which was re- vealed unto Solomon by that Holy Angel of God called Michael ; and he also received many brief Notes written with the Finger of God, which were declared to him by the said Angel with Claps of Thunder; without which Notes King Solomon had never obtained his great knowl- edge, for by them in a short time he knew all Arts and Sciences both Good and Bad; from these Notes it is called the Notary Art, etc.
18
GOETIA
The Whole Lemegeton or Clavicula.
Now this Book containeth all the Names, Orders, and Offices of all the Spirits with which Solomon ever con- versed, the Seals and Characters belonging to each Spirit, and the manner of calling them forth to visible appear- ance :
Divided into 5 special Books or parts, viz. :
(1) The First Book, or Part, which is a Book con- cerning Spirits of Evil, and which is termed The Goetia op Solomon, sheweth forth his manner of binding these Spirits for use in things divers. And hereby did he acquire great renown.
(2) The Second Book is one which treateth of Spirits mingled of Good and Evil Natures, the which is entitled The Theurgia-Goetia, or the Magical Wisdom of the Spirits Aerial, whereof some do abide, but certain do wander and abide not.
(3) The Third Book, called Ars Paulina, or The Art Pauline, treateth of the Spirits allotted unto every degree of the 360 Degrees of the Zodiac ; and also of the Signs, and of the Planets in the Signs, as well as of the Hours.
(4) The Fourth Book, called Ars Almadel Salo- mons, or The Art Almadel of Solomon, concerneth those Spirits which be set over the Quaternary of the Altitudes.
These two last mentioned Books, the Art Pauline and the Art Almadel, do relate unto Good Spirits alone, whose knowledge is to be obtained through seeking unto the Divine. These two Books be also classed together under the Name of the First and Second Parts of the Book Theurgia of Solomon.
(5) The Fifth Book of the Lemegeton is one of
THE LESSER KEY
19
Prayers and Orations. The which Solomon the Wise did use upon the Altar in the Temple. And the titles hereof be Ars Nova, the New Art, and Ars Notaria, the No- tary Art. The which was revealed to him by Michael, that Holy Angel of God, in thunder and in lightning, and he further did receive by the aforesaid Angel certain Notes written by the Hand of God, without the which that Great King had never attained unto his great Wis- dom, for thus he knew all things and all Sciences and Arts whether Good or Evil.
Clavicula Salomonis Regis,
which containeth all the Names, Offices, and Orders of all the Spirits with whom he ever held any converse; together with the Seals and Characters proper unto each Spirit, and the method of calling them forth to visible appearance :
In 5 parts, viz. :
(1) The First Part is a Book of Evil Spirits, called Goetia, showing how he bound up those Spirits and used them in things general and several, whereby he obtained great fame.
(2) The Second Part is a Book of Spirits, partly Evil and partly Good, which is called Theurgli-Goetia, all Aerial Spirits, etc.
(3) The Third Part is of Spirits governing the Planetary Hours, and of what Spirits do belong to every Degree of the Signs, and of the Planets in the Signs. This is called the Pauline Art, etc.
(4) The Fourth Part of this Book is called Almadel op Solomon, the which containeth those Spirits which do govern the Four Altitudes, or the 360 Degrees of the Zodiac.
These two last Orders of Spirits are Good, and are
20
GOETIA
called Theurgia, and are to be sought for by Divine seeking, etc.
(5) The Fifth Part is a Book of Orations and Prayers which Wise Solomon did use upon the Altar in the Temple. The which is called Ars Nova, the which was revealed to Solomon by that Holy Angel of God called Michael; and he also received many brief Notes written with the Finger of God, which were declared to him by the said Angel with Claps of Thunder ; without which Notes King Solomon had never obtained his Great Wisdom, for by them in short time he gained Knowledge of all Arts and Sciences both Good and Bad ; from these Notes it is called the Notary Art, etc.
THE BOOK OF EVIL SPIRITS.
The Key of Solomon, which contains all the names, orders, and offices of all the Spirits that ever Solomon conversed with, together with the Seals and Characters belonging to each Spirit, and the manner of calling them forth to visible appearance :
In 4 parts.
(1) The First Part is a Book of Evil Spirits, called Goetia, showing how he bound up those Spirits and used them in several things, whereby he obtained great fame.
(2) The Second Part is a Book of Spirits, partly Good and partly Evil, which is named Theurgia-Goetia, all Aerial Spirits, etc.
(3) The Third Part is a Book governing the Plane- tary Houses, and what Spirits belong to every Degree of the Signs, and Planets in the Signs. Called the Pauline Art.
THE LESSER KEY
21
(4) The Fourth Part is a Book called the Almadel of Solomon, which contains Twenty Chief Spirits who govern the Four Altitudes, or the 360 De- grees of the Zodiac.
These two last Orders of Spirits are Good, and called Theurgia, and are to be sought after by Divine seeking.
These Most Sacred Mysteries were revealed unto Solomon.
Now in this Book Lemegeton is contained the whole Art of King Solomon. And although there be many other Books that are said to be his, yet none is to be compared hereunto, for this containeth them all. Though there be titles with several other Names of the Book, as The Book Helisol, which is the very same with this last Book of Lemegeton called Ars Nova or Ars Notaria, etc.
These Books were first found in the Chaldee and Hebrew Tongues at Jerusalem by a Jewish Rabbi; and by him put into the Greek language and thence into the Latin, as it is said.
SHEMHAMPHORASH.
(1.) Bael. — The First Principal Spirit is a King rul- ing in the East, called Bael. He maketh thee to go Invisible. He ruleth over 66 Legions of Infernal Spirits. He appeareth in divers shapes, sometimes like a Cat, sometimes like a Toad, and sometimes like a Man, and sometimes all these forms at once. He speaketh hoarsely. This is his character which is used to be worn as a Lamen before him who calleth him forth, or else he will not do thee homage.
(2.) Agares. — The Second Spirit is a Duke called Agreas, or Agares. He is under the Power of the East, and cometh up in the form of an old fair Man, riding upon a Crocodile, carrying a Goshawk upon his fist, and yet mild in appearance. He maketh them to run that stand still, and bringeth back runaways. He teaches all Languages or Tongues presently. He hath power also to destroy Dignities both Spiritual and Temporal, and causeth Earthquakes. He was of the Order of Virtues. He hath under his government 31 Legions of Spirits. And this is his Seal or Character which thou shalt wear as a Lamen before thee.
(3.) Vassago. — The Third Spirit is a Mighty Prince, being of the same nature as Agares. He is called Vassago. This Spirit is of a Good Nature, and his office is to declare things Past and to Come, and to discover all things Hid or Lost. And he governeth 26 Legions of Spirits, and this is his Seal.
(4.) Samigina, or Gamigin. — The Fourth Spirit is Samigina, a Great Marquis. He appeareth in the form
22
THE LESSER KEY
23
of a little Horse or Ass, and then into Human shape doth he change himself at the request of the Master. He speaketh with a hoarse voice. He ruleth over 30 Legions of Inferiors. He teaches all Liberal Sciences, and giveth account of Dead Souls that died in sin. And his Seal is this, which is to be worn before the Magician when he is Invocator, etc.
(5.) Marbas. — The fifth Spirit is Marbas. He is a Great President, and appeareth at first in the form of a Great Lion, but afterwards, at the request of the Master, he putteth on Human Shape. He answereth truly of things Hidden or Secret. He causeth Diseases and cureth them. Again, he giveth great Wisdom and Knowl- edge in Mechanical Arts ; and can change men into other shapes. He govemeth 36 Legions of Spirits. And his Seal is this, which is to be worn as aforesaid.
(6.) Valefor. — The Sixth Spirit is Yalefor. He is a mighty Duke, and appeareth in the shape of a Lion with an Ass’s Head, bellowing. He is a good Familiar, but tempteth them he is a familiar of to steal. He governeth 10 Legions of Spirits. His Seal is this, which is to be worn, whether thou wilt have him for a Familiar, or not.
(7.) Amon. — The Seventh Spirit is Amon. He is a Marquis great in power, and most stern. He appeareth like a Wolf with a Serpent’s tail, vomiting out of his mouth flames of fire ; but at the command of the Magician he putteth on the shape of a Man with Dog’s teeth beset in a head like a Raven ; or else like a Man with a Raven’s head (simply). He telleth all things Past and to Come. He procureth feuds and reconcileth controversies be- tween friends. He governeth 40 Legions of Spirits. His Seal is this which is to be worn as aforesaid, etc.
(8.) Barbatos. — The Eighth Spirit is Barbatos. He is a Great Duke, and appeareth when the Sun is in Sagit-
24
GOETIA
tary, with four noble Kings and their companies of great troops. He giveth understanding of the singing of Birds, and of the Voices of other creatures, such as the barking of Dogs. He breaketh the Hidden Treasures open that have been laid by the Enchantments of Magicians. He is of the Order of Virtues, of which some part he retaineth still; and he knoweth all things Past, and to come, and conciliateth Friends and those that be in Power. He ruleth over 30 Legions of Spirits. His Seal of Obedience is this, the which wear before thee as aforesaid.
(9) Paimon. — The Ninth Spirit in this Order is Paimon, a Great King, and very obedient unto Lucifer. He appeareth in the form of a Man sitting upon a Dromedary with a Crown most glorious upon his head. There goeth before him also an Host of Spirits, like Men with Trumpets and well sounding Cymbals, and all other sorts of Musical Instruments. He hath a great Voice, and roareth at his first coming, and his speech is such that the Magician cannot well understand unless he can compel him. This Spirit can teach all Arts and Sciences, and other secret things. He can discover unto thee what the Earth is, and what holdeth it up in the Waters; and what Mind is, and where it is ; or any other thing thou mayest desire to know. He giveth Dignity, and con- firmeth the same. He bindeth or maketh any man sub- ject unto the Magician if he so desire it. He giveth good Familiars, and such as can teach all Arts. He is to be observed towards the West. He is of the Order of Dom- inations.1 He hath under him 200 Legions of Spirits, and part of them are of the Order of Angels, and the other part of Potentates. Now if thou callest this Spirit Paimon alone, thou must make him some offering; and 1 Or Dominions, as they are usually termed.
THE LESSER KEY
25
there will attend him two Kings called Labal and Abalim, and also other Spirits who be of the Order of Potentates in his Host, and 25 Legions. And those Spirits which be subject unto them are not always with them unless the Magician do compel them. His Charac- ter is this which must be worn as a Lamen before thee, etc.
(10.) Buer. — The Tenth Spirit is Buer, a Great Presi- dent. He appeareth in Sagittary, and that is his shape when the Sun is there. He teaches Philosophy, both Moral and Natural, and the Logic Art, and also the Vir- tues of all Herbs and Plants. He healeth all distempers in man, and giveth good Familiars. He governeth 50 Legions of Spirits, and his Character of obedience is this, which thou must wear when thou callest him forth unto appearance. i
(11.) Gusion. — The Eleventh Spirit in order is a great and strong Duke, called Gusion. He appeareth like a Xenopilus. He telleth all things, Past, Present, and to Come, and showeth the meaning and resolution of all questions thou mayest ask. He conciliateth and reconcileth friendships, and giveth Honour and Dignity unto any. He ruleth over 40 Legions of Spirits. His Seal is this, the which wear thou as aforesaid.
(12.) Sitri. — The Twelfth Spirit is Sitri. He is a Great Prince and appeareth at first with a Leopard’s head and the Wings of a Gryphon, but after the com- mand of the Master of the Exorcism he putteth on Human shape, and that very beautiful. He enflameth men with Women’s love, and Women with Men’s love; and causeth them also to show themselves naked if it be desired. He governeth 60 Legions of Spirits. His Seal is this, to be worn as a Lamen before thee, etc.