Goetia: Working with the 72 Spirits (Safely & Ethically)
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BY NICOLE LAU
The Goetiaβformally known as The Lesser Key of Solomon or Lemegeton Clavicula Salomonisβis one of the most famous (and infamous) grimoires in Western magic. It contains the names, seals, and summoning instructions for 72 spirits, traditionally called "demons," though that term is misleading.
These are not evil entities. They are complex, powerful intelligences with specific functions and personalities. When approached with respect, preparation, and clear intention, they can be powerful allies in magical work.
But make no mistake: Goetic evocation is advanced magic. It requires skill, discipline, and a strong ethical foundation.
What Is the Goetia?
The Goetia is the first book of the Lemegeton, a 17th-century grimoire attributed to King Solomon (though actually compiled from earlier medieval sources). It catalogs 72 spirits, each with:
- A name (e.g., Bael, Paimon, Beleth, Asmoday)
- A rank (King, Duke, Prince, Marquis, President, Earl, Knight)
- A number of legions they command
- A seal or sigil unique to that spirit
- Specific powers and abilities
- Appearance (how they manifest when summoned)
The grimoire provides detailed instructions for summoning these spirits into a brass triangle outside a protective magic circle, compelling them to appear, and commanding them to perform tasks.
Are They "Demons"?
The term "demon" comes from the Greek daimon, meaning "spirit" or "divine power"βnot inherently evil, just non-human intelligence.
The 72 Goetic spirits are:
- Not Christian devils (though medieval grimoires framed them that way)
- Not evil by nature (though they can be dangerous if mishandled)
- Archetypal forces representing aspects of consciousness, nature, and the universe
- Neutral intelligences that respond to the magician's will and skill
Think of them as powerful, non-human entities with their own agendas, personalities, and preferences. They're not servantsβthey're allies (or adversaries, if you disrespect them).
The 72 Spirits: Categories and Examples
The spirits are organized by rank. Here are a few notable examples:
Kings (9 total)
1. Bael β Invisibility, cunning, wisdom
9. Paimon β Knowledge, arts, sciences, familiars
20. Purson β Hidden knowledge, divination, treasure
Dukes (26 total)
2. Agares β Languages, earthquakes, causing runaways to return
6. Valefor β Familiarity with thieves, finding treasure
29. Astaroth β Past, present, future; liberal sciences
Princes (11 total)
12. Sitri β Love, lust, revealing secrets
22. Ipos β Wit, boldness, knowledge of past and future
32. Asmoday β Arithmetic, astronomy, geometry, invisibility
Marquises (13 total)
4. Gamigin β Liberal sciences, necromancy, summoning souls
24. Naberius β Arts, sciences, rhetoric, restoring lost dignities
35. Marchosias β Combat, strength, familiars
Presidents (11 total)
3. Vassago β Finding lost things, revealing the future
13. Beleth β Love, passion (dangerous if not properly constrained)
41. Focalor β Control over winds and seas, drowning enemies
Earls (7 total)
7. Amon β Reconciliation, love, knowledge of past and future
14. Leraje β Battles, wounds, archery
28. Berith β Alchemy, dignities, clear voice
Why Work with Goetic Spirits?
Each spirit has specific abilities. You might work with them for:
- Knowledge and learning (Paimon, Astaroth, Vassago)
- Love and relationships (Sitri, Beleth, Sallos)
- Wealth and treasure (Bune, Purson, Valefor)
- Protection and strength (Marchosias, Balam, Andras)
- Divination and hidden knowledge (Vassago, Forneus, Astaroth)
- Artistic and creative inspiration (Paimon, Orobas, Ronove)
- Necromancy and spirit communication (Bune, Murmur, Bifrons)
The spirits are specialists. If you need something specific, there's likely a Goetic spirit who governs it.
The Traditional Goetic Method
The classical grimoire method involves:
1. Preparation
- Purification: Fasting, bathing, prayer
- Timing: Working during the spirit's planetary day and hour
- Tools: Wand, sword, ring of Solomon, Lamen (breastplate with divine names)
2. The Magic Circle
Draw a protective circle on the floor with divine names (YHVH, Adonai, Agla, etc.) and angelic names. The magician stands insideβthis is your fortress.
3. The Triangle of Manifestation
Outside the circle, draw a brass triangle with the names Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael at the points. The spirit manifests here, not in the circle with you.
4. The Conjuration
Recite the conjuration (a formal command invoking divine authority) to summon the spirit. This can be lengthy and involves threatening the spirit with divine punishment if it doesn't appear.
5. The Appearance
The spirit appears in the triangle (often in a scrying mirror or as a felt presence). You state your request clearly and specifically.
6. The License to Depart
Once the spirit agrees to your request, you give it permission to leave peacefully. Never dismiss a spirit rudely or leave it trapped.
7. Closing
Perform the LBRP, ground yourself, and record the experience in your magical diary.
Modern Approaches: Safer and More Respectful
Many modern magicians find the traditional grimoire method overly confrontational. Alternative approaches include:
The Invocational Method
Instead of commanding the spirit, you invite it as an ally. You still use protection, but the tone is respectful rather than domineering.
The Psychological Model
View the spirits as aspects of your own psyche or archetypal forces. Evocation becomes a way to externalize and work with internal processes.
The Devotional Method
Build a relationship with a spirit over time through offerings, meditation, and regular communication, rather than one-off summonings.
The Sigil Method
Use the spirit's seal as a focal point for meditation or as a talisman, without formal evocation.
Safety and Ethics: Non-Negotiable Rules
1. Never Work Without Protection
Always cast a circle, perform the LBRP, and invoke protective forces (angels, divine names, your Higher Self). The circle is not optional.
2. Know What You're Asking For
Be specific. Vague requests lead to unexpected (and often unwanted) results. "Make me rich" could mean inheriting money from a dead relative. Be precise.
3. Don't Ask for Harm
Cursing, revenge, or causing harm will backfire. The spirits don't care about your moral code, but the universe does. What you send out returns.
4. Keep Your Word
If you promise an offering or a specific action in exchange for the spirit's help, follow through. Breaking agreements with spirits is dangerous.
5. Don't Work While Impaired
No drugs, no alcohol, no extreme emotional states. You need full clarity and control.
6. Start Small
Don't summon the most powerful or dangerous spirits first. Start with gentler ones like Vassago (finding lost things) or Bune (wealth).
7. Keep a Record
Document everything: date, time, spirit, request, results. This helps you learn and track patterns.
8. Have an Exit Plan
Know how to banish and close the working before you start. Never leave a spirit hanging or trapped.
Recommended Spirits for Beginners
If you're new to Goetic work, start with these relatively safe and helpful spirits:
- Vassago (3rd spirit): Finding lost objects, gentle, helpful
- Bune (26th spirit): Wealth, eloquence, wisdom
- Orobas (55th spirit): Truth, protection from deception, divination
- Gremory (56th spirit): Love, treasure, women's favor
- Dantalion (71st spirit): Knowledge of thoughts, teaching, love
Avoid spirits described as "wrathful," "dangerous," or requiring extreme constraint (e.g., Beleth, Andras, Balam) until you have significant experience.
Resources for Goetic Work
- The Goetia: The Lesser Key of Solomon the King translated by S.L. MacGregor Mathers
- Demons of Magick by Gordon Winterfield (modern, practical approach)
- The Goetia of Dr. Rudd (includes angelic counterparts to the spirits)
- Evoking Eternity by E.A. Koetting (advanced, experiential)
Final Thoughts: Respect, Not Fear
The Goetic spirits are not monsters to be feared or slaves to be commanded. They are powerful, ancient intelligences with their own natures and purposes.
Approach them with respect, preparation, and clear intention. Protect yourself, but don't be arrogant. Ask, don't demand. Listen, don't just command.
And remember: the real magic isn't in controlling spiritsβit's in mastering yourself.
Ready for advanced evocation work? Our collection includes grimoires, protective talismans, ritual tools, and resources for safe and ethical spirit work.
As you honor the ancient wisdom of these 72 spirits, remember that all deep mystical work is best supported by a clear and protected space β consider grounding your practice with a sacred space cleanse printable energy clearing ritual kit to prepare your environment, and for those who seek to document their inner dialogues and revelations, a tarot journaling prompts 100 questions for self discovery can offer profound reflective pathways; and to deepen your alignment with the celestial tides that influence such workings, the cosmic alignment ritual kit for syncing with the celestial flow helps weave your intentions with the stars themselves.
