Lesser Key Of Solomon
This digital edition by Joseph H. Peterson,Copyright © 1999. All rights reserved.Updated July 6, 2020.
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Joseph Peterson did an excellent job with The Lesser Key of Solomon. The illustrations in the book are very well drawn. This is without question the most accurate version of the Lemegeton. The manuscripts Peterson used are far more reliable than others that have been used previously. 8 product ratings 8 product ratings - The Lesser Key of Solomon (Paperback or Softback) $10.50. Format: Paperback. Was: Previous Price $13.12. 7 brand new from $9.38. Goetic Bune Sigil Amulet demon jinn Goetia Crowley Lesser Key of Solomon. The Lesser Key of Solomon or, Clavicula Salomonis, is an anonymous 17th-century grimoire, and one of the most popular books of demonology. It has also long been widely known as the Lemegeton. It appeared in the 17th century, but much was taken from texts. The little Key of Salomon the King which containeth all the names, orders and offices of all the spirits that ever he hadd any converse with, with the seales or Characters belongeing to Each spirit, and the manner of calling them forth to visible appearance, in 5 Parts, called Books viz -.
Detailing the ceremonial art of commanding spiritsboth good and evil
Edited by Joseph H. Peterson,
March 27, 1999
Copyright © 1999
Contents
Acknowledgments
I would like to thank the British Museum for allowing me to studythe manuscripts firsthand, and for their help in copying the manuscriptsonto microfilm.Introduction | ||||||||||||||||||||
The Lemegeton is a popular handbook of sorcery known from the 17th century1 in more or less the same formas I will present it. Most of the material however is found invarying forms in earlier manuscripts, and some of the materialdates back as early as the 14th century or earlier2.Reginald Scot, in his lists of magicaltexts3, mentions Ars Paulina,Ars Almadel, and Ars Notoriain the same breath. He also includes a text closely related tothe Goetia4. So the bulk of the materials were possibly collected together by1584. | 1. The date 1641 occurs in the text, and may indicate that its present form dates to then. 2. To this period has been dated an important text of the Solomonic literature, Liber Iuratus, or The Sworn Book of Honorius, which has important connections with our present work. 3. Discoverie of Witchcraft, 1584, Book 16, chap. 31 and chap. 42. 4. Op. cit. chapter 2 consists of a translation of J. Wier's Pseudomonarchia Daemonum. See below. | |||||||||||||||||||
The name Lemegeton is probably naively invented becauseof the compiler's ignorance of Latin. He or she was no doubt familiarwith the Clavicula Salomonis (Key of Solomon) and wantedto title this work the 'Little Key of Solomon;' thisbecame 'Lemegeton Clavicula Salomonis.' The major texts used for this edition have been all from the BritishLibrary Manuscript collection. They include:
Other manuscripts include:
Fasciculus Rerum Geomanticarum (Plut 89 Sup 38) (dated 1401-1410) has a large collection of demon sigils, but they seem to be unrelated. I have followed Sloane 3825 for this edition except for the Ars Notoria. For the latter the manuscripts are clearly dependent on Robert Turner's translation; I have therefore used his 1657 edition as the primary source. Variants from other manuscriptsare noted in square brackets []. Also in square brackets are thefolio numbers from Sl. 3825. I have resisted the temptation tomodernise the language. The parts of the Lemegeton are as follows: GoetiaThe first book, Goetia, corresponds closely with the catalogof demons published by John Wier (or Johann Wierus) as Pseudomonarchia daemonumin his 1563 De Praestigiis Daemonum. In Wier's text thereare no demonic seals, and the demons are invoked by a simple conjuration,not the elaborate ritual found in the Lemegeton. Theurgia GoetiaThis text has close parallels with book one of Trithemius' Steganographia.Although the abundant spirit seals are not found in Trithemius,those few that can be found match exactly. For example, thesefour seals are found in Steg. I. chapter xi, dealing withUsiel and his subordinates: Compare these with the following seals found in the Lemegetonin the section dealing with the eleventh spirit, Usiel, and hissubordinates (Adan, Ansoel, Magni and Abariel): It should be noted that Trithemius' conjurations are actuallyhis examples of hidden writing ('steganography'), and do not correspondwith the conjurations found in Theugia Goetia. Steganographiawas written in 1500, but was not published until 1608. It was,however, widely circulated in manuscript form. Ars Paulina | ||||||||||||||||||||
The spirits in Part 1 of this book coincide exactly with thosefound in Trithemius' Steganographia, Book 2.According to Thorndike5, the 'The Paulineart,' was purported to have been discovered by the ApostlePaul after he had been snatched up to the third heaven, and deliveredby him at Corinth. Robert Turner mentions a sixteenth-centurymanuscript in the Bibliothèque Nationale6.Although this text is based on earlier versions, repeated mentionof the year 1641 and guns, shows a late redaction. The 'tableof practice' has similarities with Dee's 'holy table'.In the former the seven seals have the characters of the sevenplanets, which also occur in the Magical Calendar(1614.) | 5. Magic and Experimental Science, chapter xlix, 1923, pp. 279 ff. 6. BnN 7170A. See Robert Turner, Elizabethan Magic, 1989. pp. 140-1. | |||||||||||||||||||
The descriptions of the seals for each sign of the Zodiac areevidently abstracted from Paracelsus, The Second Treatise ofCelestial Medicines, cf. Archidoxes of Magic translatedby Robert Turner, 1656, pp. 136 ff. Ars Almadel | ||||||||||||||||||||
In 1508, Trithemius mentioned a long list of books on magic, includingthe book 'Almadel attributed to King Solomon'7 Ars Almadel is also found in the Hebrewmanuscript of the Key of Solomon, ed. Gollancz, Sepher Maphteah Shelomoh,1914, fol 20b. Turner mentionsa fifteenth-century manuscript in Florence.8 | 7. See critical edition of the Latin versions, Véronèse, Julien. L'Almandal et l'Almadel latins au Moyen Âge: introduction et éditions critiques. Firenze: SISMEL edizioni del Galluzzo, 2012. See also I. P. Couliano, Eros and Magic in the Renaissance, Chicago, 1987, p. 167. 8. Ibid. Florence II-iii-24. | |||||||||||||||||||
Ars NotoriaThe Ars Notoria is a Medieval Grimoire of the 'SolomonicCycle'. Many Latin manuscripts are extant, the oldest are datedthirteenth century, and possibly earlier. Like Liber Juratus(also thirteenth century), the text centers around an even oldercollection of orations or prayers which are interspersed withmagical words. The orations in Ars Notoria and those inLiber Juratus are closely related. The orations in both works are said to have mystical properties which can impart communion with God andinstant knowledge of divine and human arts and sciences. | ||||||||||||||||||||
Older manuscripts of the Ars Notoria contain exquisite drawings,the 'figures' mentioned in the text.9Their omission adds greatly to the confusion of the text. | 9. See below. For other examples of the illustrations, and an excellent discussion of the Ars Notoria, see the article by Michael Camille in Claire Fanger, Conjuring Spirits, Texts and Traditions of Medieval Ritual Magic, Pennsylvania State University Press, 1998, pp. 110 ff. | |||||||||||||||||||
Not all manuscripts of the Lemegeton include the ArsNotoria, their contents listing only four books. Those thatdo are entirely dependant on Robert Turner's 1657 edition, whichis evidently his own translation from the Latin. |
[Preface from Harl. 6483]
[The sixth Sheet of Dr. Rudd
Liber malorum Spirituum
seu Goetia
This Book contains all the names, orders, and offices of all thespirits Salomon ever conversed with. The seals and charactersbelonging to each spirit, and the manner of calling them forthto visible appearance.
Some of these spirits are in Enoch's Tables which I have explained,but omitted their seals and characters, how they may be known;but in this book they are at large set forth.
The definition of Magic
Magic is the highest most absolute and divine knowledge of naturalphilosophy advanced in its works and wonderful operations by aright understanding of the inward and occult vertue of things,so that true agents being applied to proper patients, strangeand admirable effects will thereby be produced; whence magiciansare profound and diligent searchers into nature, they becauseof their skill know how to anticipate an effect which to the vulgarshall seem a miracle.
Origen saith that the magical art doth not contain anything subsisting,but although it should yet that must not be evil or subject tocontempt or scorn; and doth distinguish the natural magic fromthat which is diabolical.
Tyaneus only exercised the natural magic by which he perfornedwonderful things.
Philo Hebreus saith that true magic by which we come to the secretworks of nature is so far from being contemptible that the greatestmonarchs and kings have studied it. Nay amongst the Persians nonemight reign unless he was skillfull in this great art.
This noble science often degenerates, and from natural becomesdiabolical, from true philosophy turns to nigromancy, which iswholly to be charged uppon its followers who, abusing or not beingcapable of that high and mystical knowledge do immediately hearkento the temptations of Sathan, and are misled by him into the studyof the black art. Hence it is that magic lies under disgrace andthey who seek after it are vulgarly esteemed sorcerers. And thefraternity of the Rosicrucians thought it not fit to style themselvesmagicians, but philosophers. Thay are not ignorant empirics1 butlearned and experienced physicians whose remedies are not onlylawful but divine.]
[100r]
The little Key of Salomon the King which containeth all the names,orders and offices of all the spirits that ever he hadd any conversewith, with the seales or Characters belongeing to Each spirit,and the manner of calling them forth to [visible] appearance,in 5 Parts, called Books viz - - - - -:
- The first part, is a Book of evill spirits, called Goetia,shewing how he bound up those spirits and used them in severallthings, wherby he obtained great fame.
- The second part is a Booke of [aerial] spirits, partly goodand partly evill, wch is called Theurgia Goetiabeing all spirits of the ayre.
- The Third part is [a book] of spirits governing yePlanetary houres, and wt spirits belong to every degreeof the signes and planets in ye signes, and is calledArs Paulina.
- The fourth part of this Booke is called Ars Almadel Solomonis[sic], contayning 20 cheife spirits wch governe thefour Altitudes or the 360 degrees of the world & signes [zodiac]&c.
These twoo last orders of spirits is of good, and are called thetrue Theurgia, and it is to be sought affter by divine seeking&c. - The fifth part is a Booke of orations and prayers that wiseSalomon used upon the alter in the Temple which is called ArtemNovam [sic. (Ars Nova)] The wch was revealedto Salomon by the holy angel of God called Michael, and he alsorecieved [sic] many breef Notes written by the fingar of God wchwas delivered to him by ye said Angell, with Thunderclaps, without wc Notes Salomon hadd never obtainedto his great knowledge, for by them in short time he knew allarts and siences both good and badd which from these Notes [thisbook] is [also] called Ars Notoria.
In this Booke is contained the whole art of Salomon although therebe many other Bookes that is said to be his yet none is to becompared with this, for this containeth them all, although [100v]they be titled with severall other names, as the Booke Helisoewch is the very same as this last [book] is, wchcalled, Artem Novam & Ars Notaria &c..
These Bookes were first found in the Chaldean & hebrew tonguesat Hierusalem, by a Jewish Rabbi, & by him put into the greekeLanguage, & from thence into ye Latine, as it issaid &c.
APPENDIX - Other examples of some of the drawings
Sigil for Baal, from Harl. 6483.
Sigil for Agares, from Harl. 6483.
Sigil for Vasago, from Harl. 6483.
Magical circle and triangle, from Sloane 3648.
Hexagram to be worn as a Lamin, from the Hebrew manuscript ofthe Clavicula Salomonis, (Sepher Mafteah Shelomoh):, fol.38a.
| Gollancz, fol. 38a. | Or. 14759 |
|---|
Pentagram, from Harl. 6483.
The Magic Ring, from Sloane 2731.
Brass vessel, from Sloane 2731:
Sigil for Carmasiel, from Harl. 6483.
Sigils for some of Carmasiel's Dukes, from Harl. 6483.
Lesser Key Of Solomon Demons
| The Seal of Solomon, from Harl. 6483. | Seal of Solomon from the Magical Calendar. |
Seal of Solomon, frontispiece from British Library manuscriptLans. 1203, LES VÉRITABLES CLAVICULES DE SALOMON,Traduites de l'Hebreux en langue Latine, Par le Rabin ABOGNAZAR.
Lesser Key Of Solomon Book
Sigilla, nempe XII signorum zodiaci, from Paracelsus, Archidoxismagicae, Liber II.
| Aries |
| Taurus |
| Gemini |
| Cancer |
| Leo |
| Virgo |
| Libra |
| Scorpio |
| Sagittarius |
| Capricorn |
| Aquarius |
| Pisces |
The Almadel, from Gollancz, Sepher Maphteah Shelomoh,1914, fol 20b.
Note the drawing at the bottom showing how the candles are to beconstructed with feet to support the Almadel.
'Picture of the Almadel', from Or. MS. 6360:
First note of the art of grammar, from Sl. 1712, fol. 14v.
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Second note of the art of grammar, from Sl. 1712, fol. 15r.
The fourth note of rhetoric and the note of geometry, fromSl. 1712, fol. 19r:
Second, third, and fourth notes of theology, from Sl. 1712.fol 21v.
Unlock the amazing secrets of this spiritual symbol
Solomon Demons
The lesser key of Solomon is a famous witch’s book or grimoire which details the appearance as well as the specific attributes of 72 spirits of the nether regions, or demons, which were evoked by King Solomon.
Solomon was a king during the reign of David according to the First Book of Kings.
Within the Bible, Solomon is referenced in a story between two fighting women who both claimed to be the mother of a newborn infant. Solomon suggests cutting the living child in half with a sword and the real mother reveals herself by being willing to give the baby up rather than see the baby killed. Solomon is the lord of the law in this instance and seeing that she was a compassionate person, and the obvious rightful mother, gave the baby to her. Solomon was a wise and a good king, constantly searching for more wisdom through learning the different cultures of the world. He desperately wanted to find an understanding in all things magical and spiritual. In his pursuit of this wisdom he was rewarded great riches not just in the earthly realm but in the spiritual plain as well where he was known to communicate with angels. He became blessed with the ability to have control over beasts as well as demons, spirits and other animals. He had so much power over the demons that they would bring him precious stones as an offering as well as water to irrigate his many exotic plants. Solomon was known to have 700 wives and 300 concubines who waited on him hand and foot throughout his life.
The Seal of Solomon is a magical ring which was given to Solomon by the angels which gave him the control over the demons. One particular tale tells of Solomon traveling on one of his standard magical journeys in which he discovers a huge palace which does not have an entrance. He commands the demons to find the entrance for him and after a series of encounters with birds thousands of years old is able to find the entrance and take up residence. What King Solomon wanted, King Solomon received.
The Lesser Key of Solomon described exactly how he conjured and controlled these demonic forces as well as how to force them to do the bidding of the magician. This book is highly sought after in magical communities because the potential ability to control a demon gives the magician great power. This book, which was supposedly buried in gold at the bottom of a lake was discovered by the Babylonians and was treated as a great treasure for this very reason. The influence of King Solomon’s work is widespread now, and has been published in multiple forms throughout the world because each demon is listed by name and now to invoke them. The invocations themselves were pretty wild and crazy as well as fantastical but they have been to this day something that the magical community holds a deep respect for. Aleister Crowley expanded up Solomon’s work by doing his own work with Demons. The rituals within the lesser key of Solomon were very complex rituals and have therefore actually proven to alienate some of the modern magicians who consider the grimoire to be more historical then serious.
Whether you believe in powers of Solomon or not, one thing is true, the human mind is capable of a great many things and given the right practice and understanding of the mind, there really is no limit to what it can do. Angels and demons or the Gods of Nature are all hidden deeply within the human unconscious, and anyone who takes the time and effort to waken these unconscious creatures will be able to wield great magickal powers. There are many ways to get in touch with these kinds of deities; some prefer astral projection, or even autosuggestion as well as self-hypnosis. The goal is to get your everyday mind to tune out while your higher self or your connected spirit can take over and help you to open the door way to communicate and work with these spirits.
The Greater Key of Solomon focuses specifically on the planets in which he listed out the days and the hours one would work to accomplish different desires and goals using the help of the planetary energies such as they are. This has been extremely valuable in today’s astrological and planetary magic and has influenced millions throughout the ages. Should you decide to work with the planets in this fashion, below is a list based on the Greater Key of Solomon so that you might be able to identify which planet you need to work on right now. Then you would just locate the day of the week that is symbolic of said planet and work magic then.
Planetary Instructions from the Greater Key of Solomon:
In the days and hours of Saturn: One could perform experiments which would cause good or ill success to business, possessions, encourage the growth of seeds in your field as well as fruits and the ability to learn about destruction and death, as well as how to sow hatred and discord.
The days and hours of Jupiter: This is a great time to obtain honors and riches as well as acquiring new friendships, becoming healthier receiving your hearts’ desires.
In the days and hours of Mars: One would pursue experiments regarding war, military honor, courage and to overthrow ones enemies as well as to cause ruin, slaughter, cruelty or discord to those that would seek to harm you up until the point of wounding or even causing death.
The days and hours of the Sun: Used for perfecting experiments regarding wealth, hope, fortune divination as well as to dissolve hostile feelings and to make friends.
The days and hours of Venus: Presents energies which are good for making friends, kindness and love as well as for joyous or pleasant undertakings and for travelling.
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The Days and Hours of Mercury: Helpful to practice communication as well as eloquence in intellect, speedy business endeavors, science and divination and matters of the future. If there is theft in your life or some form of deceit you may also call upon Mercury to help you with swift justice.
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The days and hours of the Moon: Good for travel, messages, navigation, love, and the acquisition of merchandise via water.