The Lesser Key of Solomon (Lemegeton): The 72 Demons

BY NICOLE LAU

The Lesser Key of Solomon—also known as the Lemegeton—is the most infamous grimoire in Western magic. While the Greater Key focuses on angels and divine magic, the Lesser Key catalogs demons, their powers, and how to summon and command them.

At its heart is the Ars Goetia ("Art of Sorcery"), a systematic directory of 72 demons—each with a name, rank, seal, appearance, and specific powers. These are the spirits Solomon allegedly bound in a brass vessel and cast into a lake. Centuries later, Babylonian priests discovered the vessel, broke it open expecting treasure, and released the demons back into the world.

The Ars Goetia provides the knowledge to re-bind these demons, to summon them into a triangle outside the magician's protective circle, and to command them to perform services: reveal hidden knowledge, find treasure, cause love or discord, teach sciences, grant familiars, or even kill enemies.

This is not angel magic. This is not "white magic." This is goetia—sorcery, demon summoning, the art of commanding infernal spirits. And it's one of the most studied, practiced, and misunderstood texts in occult history.

What you'll learn: The five books of the Lemegeton, the structure and hierarchy of the 72 demons, famous demons (Bael, Paimon, Asmodeus, Belial), Solomon's methods of control (the brass ring, the triangle, the circle), the Ars Goetia in modern pop culture, and critical ethical warnings about why you should not casually summon demons.

Disclaimer: This is educational content about historical demonology and grimoire traditions, NOT instructions for demon summoning. These practices are psychologically and spiritually dangerous. This article is for scholarly understanding, not practical application.

The Five Books of the Lemegeton

Book I: Ars Goetia (The Art of Sorcery)

Content: Catalog of 72 demons (names, ranks, seals, appearances, powers). Instructions for summoning and binding demons. The magical circle and triangle. Solomon's brass ring and copper ring. Timing and preparation.

Focus: Commanding infernal spirits for knowledge, wealth, power, love, revenge, and various services. Most famous and widely studied book of the Lemegeton. Often published separately as "The Goetia."

Book II: Ars Theurgia-Goetia (The Art of Mixed Magic)

Content: Catalog of 31 aerial spirits (neither purely good nor evil). Spirits of the cardinal directions (East, West, North, South). Each spirit has dukes, servants, and specific powers. Some are benevolent, some malicious, some neutral.

Focus: Summoning spirits that are easier to work with than the Goetic demons. Less dangerous but also less powerful. Good for beginners (relatively speaking).

Book III: Ars Paulina (The Art of Paul)

Content: Two parts: Angels of the Hours (24 angels governing each hour of day and night). Angels of the Zodiac (360 angels, one for each degree of the zodiac). Detailed descriptions and invocations.

Focus: Angelic magic based on timing (planetary hours, zodiacal degrees). More "white magic" oriented. Attributed to the Apostle Paul (pseudepigraphic).

Book IV: Ars Almadel (The Art of the Almadel)

Content: Instructions for creating the Almadel (a wax tablet inscribed with symbols). Four altitudes (levels) of angels corresponding to the four cardinal directions. Invocations to summon these angels for knowledge and visions.

Focus: Angelic visions and divine knowledge. Requires constructing a specific magical apparatus (the Almadel). More mystical and visionary than practical.

Book V: Ars Notoria (The Notory Art)

Content: Prayers, orations, and figures (symbols) for acquiring knowledge and memory. Designed to grant instant mastery of sciences, languages, and arts. No spirit summoning—direct divine grace.

Focus: Intellectual and academic success. Popular among medieval students and scholars. Condemned by the Church as demonic (despite invoking God and angels). Oldest part of the Lemegeton (may predate the other books).

Note: This article focuses on the Ars Goetia, as it's the most influential and widely practiced book of the Lemegeton.

The 72 Demons: Structure and Hierarchy

The Solomonic Origin Story

The Legend: God gave Solomon a brass ring inscribed with the Seal of Solomon (hexagram) and the Tetragrammaton (YHVH). With this ring, Solomon commanded all spirits—angels and demons alike. He summoned 72 demons and forced them to build the Temple of Jerusalem. After the Temple was complete, Solomon bound the demons in a brass vessel and sealed it with the ring. He cast the vessel into a deep lake (or well). Centuries later, Babylonian priests found the vessel, broke it open expecting treasure, and released the demons. The demons scattered across the world, causing mischief and harm. The Ars Goetia preserves Solomon's knowledge of these demons, allowing magicians to re-summon and re-bind them.

Demonic Hierarchy

Ranks: The 72 demons are organized by rank, similar to a military or feudal hierarchy. Kings (9): Highest rank, most powerful. Command many legions. Dukes (23): Second rank, powerful and influential. Princes (11): Third rank, noble and commanding. Marquises (13): Fourth rank, often associated with knowledge and teaching. Presidents (11): Fifth rank, often associated with specific skills or sciences. Earls/Counts (5): Sixth rank, varied powers.

Legions: Each demon commands a certain number of legions of lesser spirits. A legion = variable number (sometimes 60, sometimes hundreds). The more legions, the more powerful the demon. Example: Bael commands 66 legions. Paimon commands 200 legions.

The Seals

What They Are: Each demon has a unique seal (sigil). The seal is the demon's signature, its visual representation. Drawn on parchment, metal, or wax. Used to summon the demon and bind it to the magician's will.

How They're Used: The seal is drawn inside the triangle (where the demon will appear). Or worn as a lamen (pendant) by the magician. Or inscribed on a talisman to invoke the demon's power without full summoning. The seal must be drawn accurately (errors can cause the ritual to fail or backfire).

Famous Demons of the Ars Goetia

1. Bael (King)

Rank: First demon listed, King of the East. Legions: 66. Appearance: Three heads (cat, toad, man) or appears as a cat, toad, man, or combination. Sometimes invisible or makes the magician invisible. Powers: Grants invisibility. Teaches cunning and wisdom. Reveals hidden things. Makes men wise. Notes: Possibly derived from the Canaanite god Baal. First demon in the catalog (position of honor or danger?).

2. Paimon (King)

Rank: King, one of the most powerful. Legions: 200. Appearance: Rides a dromedary (camel). Wears a crown. Preceded by musicians and a loud, roaring voice. Effeminate or androgynous face. Powers: Teaches all arts, sciences, and secret things. Reveals hidden knowledge and mysteries. Grants familiars (spirit servants). Binds men to the magician's will. Answers questions about the Earth, waters, and winds. Notes: Extremely knowledgeable but also extremely loud and disruptive. Must be commanded to speak quietly. Featured in the film Hereditary (2018), bringing Paimon into pop culture.

3. Asmodeus (King)

Rank: King, one of the most famous demons in all demonology. Legions: 72. Appearance: Three heads (bull, ram, man). Feet of a rooster. Serpent's tail. Rides a dragon. Breathes fire. Powers: Teaches arithmetic, astronomy, geometry, and handicrafts. Grants invisibility. Reveals hidden treasures. Guards treasures. Causes lust and discord in relationships. Notes: Appears in the Book of Tobit (Jewish apocrypha) as a demon of lust who kills seven husbands of Sarah. In the Talmud, he's the king of demons. One of the most powerful and dangerous Goetic demons.

4. Belial (King)

Rank: King, created after Lucifer. Legions: 80 (or 50, depending on the manuscript). Appearance: Two beautiful angels sitting in a chariot of fire. Speaks with a pleasant voice. Deceptively attractive. Powers: Grants favors from friends and foes. Procures government positions and honors. Gives excellent familiars. Speaks truth about the past, present, and future (but lies if not properly bound). Notes: Name means "worthless" or "without a master" in Hebrew. In the Bible, "sons of Belial" = wicked people. Extremely dangerous—appears benevolent but is treacherous. Must be given offerings (gifts, sacrifices) and treated with respect, or he will deceive and harm the magician.

5. Astaroth (Duke)

Rank: Duke (though sometimes listed as Prince). Legions: 40. Appearance: Foul angel riding a dragon. Holds a viper in his right hand. Emits a terrible stench (magician must hold a protective ring to the nose). Powers: Answers questions about the past, present, and future. Reveals all secrets. Teaches liberal sciences. Discovers hidden treasures. Notes: Derived from the Phoenician goddess Astarte (Ishtar, Inanna). Gender-flipped from goddess to male demon. The stench is a key identifying feature (and a warning of danger).

6. Buer (President)

Rank: President. Legions: 50. Appearance: A star or wheel with five goat legs radiating from the center. Head in the center. Rolls rather than walks. Powers: Teaches philosophy, logic, and the virtues of herbs. Heals all diseases. Gives good familiars. Notes: One of the few Goetic demons associated with healing. Unusual appearance (not humanoid or animal, but geometric). Relatively benevolent compared to others.

7. Stolas (Prince)

Rank: Prince. Legions: 26. Appearance: A raven or owl. When in human form, appears as a man. Powers: Teaches astronomy and the properties of precious stones and herbs. Knows the virtues of plants and gems. Notes: Associated with knowledge of the natural world. Bird form is significant (birds = messengers, knowledge, flight). Featured in the animated series Helluva Boss (reimagined as a romantic character).

8. Vassago (Prince)

Rank: Prince. Legions: 26. Appearance: Good-natured. No specific form described (unusual). Powers: Declares things past, present, and future. Discovers hidden and lost things. Good-natured (rare for a Goetic demon). Notes: One of the few demons described as "good" or benevolent. Often recommended for beginners (relatively safe). Still a demon—caution advised.

Solomon's Methods of Control

The Brass Ring

What It Is: A ring made of brass (or copper) inscribed with the Seal of Solomon (hexagram) and the Tetragrammaton (YHVH). The primary tool of command and protection. Worn on the finger during all operations.

How It Works: The ring channels divine authority (God's name gives the magician power over demons). The Seal of Solomon binds and controls spirits. Pointing the ring at a demon compels obedience. Demons fear and respect the ring (it's the symbol of their original binding by Solomon).

The Magical Circle

Purpose: Protection. The magician stands inside the circle. Demons cannot cross the circle's boundary (if properly drawn and consecrated). The circle is inscribed with divine names, angelic names, and protective symbols.

Structure: Outer circle (9 feet in diameter, typically). Inner circle (for additional protection). Names of God written around the circumference (YHVH, Adonai, Elohim, Agla, etc.). Pentagrams or hexagrams at cardinal points. The magician never leaves the circle during the operation (doing so = extreme danger).

The Triangle of Art

What It Is: A triangle drawn outside the circle (usually to the East). The demon is summoned to appear within the triangle. The triangle contains and binds the demon (prevents it from escaping or attacking).

Structure: Equilateral triangle. Inscribed with the names "Michael," "Gabriel," and "Uriel" (or other angelic names). A circle in the center (where the demon appears). Sometimes a hexagram or other symbol in the center.

Why a Triangle? The triangle represents manifestation (three points = stability, form). It's a container for the demon's energy. The angelic names bind and control the demon. The demon cannot leave the triangle without permission.

The Invocation Process

Preparation: Purification (fasting, prayer, bathing). Timing (planetary hour, moon phase, day of the week corresponding to the demon). Drawing the circle and triangle. Preparing tools (ring, sword, wand, incense). Wearing the robe and lamen (pendant with protective symbols).

Summoning: Enter the circle. Light incense. Recite the preliminary invocations (calling on God and angels for protection). Recite the specific conjuration for the demon (using its name and seal). Command the demon to appear in the triangle. Repeat the conjuration (up to three times or more if necessary). Wait for the demon to appear (may be visible, audible, or felt).

Commanding: Once the demon appears, command it by the names of God and the authority of Solomon. State your request clearly and firmly. Threaten the demon if it refuses (with divine wrath, binding, or torment). Negotiate if necessary (some demons require offerings or respect). Obtain the demon's oath to fulfill the task.

Dismissing: Thank the demon (if it obeyed). Give the license to depart ("Go in peace, and return when I call you"). Ensure the demon has left (no lingering presence). Close the circle (erase or ritually deactivate it). Perform banishing rituals (to clear any residual energy).

The Ars Goetia in Modern Pop Culture

Film and Television

Hereditary (2018): Horror film centered on the demon Paimon. The family is manipulated into summoning Paimon to possess a male body. Uses authentic Goetic symbols and seals. Brought Paimon into mainstream awareness.

Constantine (2005) and TV series: Features various demons and occult practices. References grimoires and demon summoning. Popularized the image of the magician-as-detective.

Supernatural (TV series): Frequently references the Key of Solomon and Goetic demons. Characters summon and bind demons using grimoire techniques. Mixes authentic lore with creative fiction.

Helluva Boss (animated series): Reimagines Goetic demons as characters in Hell. Stolas is a main character (depicted as a romantic, scholarly owl demon). Playful, irreverent take on demonology.

Music and Subculture

Heavy Metal: Bands frequently reference Goetic demons (e.g., "Paimon" by Behemoth). Album art features Goetic seals and symbols. Aesthetic of rebellion and occult power.

Occult Revival: Modern occultists practice Goetic magic (Golden Dawn, Thelema, Chaos Magic). Online communities share experiences and techniques. Goetic demons as archetypes or psychological forces (not necessarily literal entities).

Misuse and Misunderstanding

Edgy Aesthetics: Goetic symbols used for shock value or aesthetic (without understanding). Demon seals on merchandise, tattoos, social media. Trivializes serious (and dangerous) practices.

"Demon Boyfriend" Trend: Romanticizing Goetic demons (especially Paimon, Stolas, Asmodeus). Ignores the danger and treats demons as fictional characters. Can lead to actual attempts at summoning (with unpredictable results).

Ethical Warnings: Why You Should Not Casually Summon Demons

Psychological Danger

Fear and Paranoia: Summoning demons (or believing you have) can trigger intense fear. Paranoia about being watched, followed, or attacked. Sleep disturbances, nightmares, intrusive thoughts.

Obsession: Becoming obsessed with demons, grimoires, or occult power. Neglecting real-life responsibilities and relationships. Spiraling into magical thinking or delusion.

Mental Health Crises: Demon summoning can exacerbate or trigger mental health issues (anxiety, depression, psychosis). Vulnerable individuals (trauma survivors, those with mental illness) are at higher risk. Professional mental health support may be needed.

Spiritual Danger

If You Believe Demons Are Real: You're inviting malevolent entities into your life. Demons lie, deceive, and manipulate. They may grant requests but demand payment (often more than you bargained for). Binding and controlling demons is extremely difficult (even for experienced magicians). Improper dismissal can leave the demon attached to you or your space.

If You See Demons as Psychological: You're still invoking powerful archetypal forces. The unconscious mind can manifest these forces in unpredictable ways. Shadow work (Jungian term) can be destabilizing without proper guidance. Ritual creates psychological reality (even if not "objectively" real).

Moral and Karmic Consequences

Intent Matters: Summoning demons for selfish, harmful, or trivial purposes is ethically questionable. Using magic to harm others (curses, manipulation, revenge) has consequences. Many traditions believe in karmic return (what you send out comes back).

Respect for Tradition: The Ars Goetia is a sacred text within its tradition. Treating it as a game or aesthetic trivializes centuries of practice. Cultural appropriation (using grimoires without understanding their context) is disrespectful.

Practical Risks

Improper Technique: Most people don't have the knowledge, tools, or discipline to perform Goetic rituals correctly. Errors in the circle, invocation, or dismissal can lead to failure or worse. The grimoire assumes extensive background knowledge (Latin, Hebrew, astrology, theology).

No Teacher or Lineage: Learning from a book alone is dangerous. Traditional magic was taught master-to-student. A teacher can guide, correct, and intervene if things go wrong. Solo practice from a grimoire is high-risk.

If You're Drawn to Goetic Magic

Study First, Practice Later (or Never)

Academic Approach: Read the Ars Goetia as a historical and symbolic text. Study its sources, context, and influence. Understand the cosmology and worldview behind it. No practice required—knowledge is valuable on its own.

Psychological/Symbolic Work

Demons as Archetypes: Work with Goetic demons as symbols of psychological forces. Use meditation, journaling, or art to explore what each demon represents. Shadow work (integrating repressed or denied aspects of the self). No literal summoning—internal, symbolic engagement.

If You Choose to Practice

Prerequisites: Extensive study (years, not weeks). Knowledge of Latin, Hebrew, astrology, Kabbalah. Experience with other forms of magic (start with simpler practices). Mental and emotional stability. A teacher or lineage (if possible).

Start Small: Don't begin with demon summoning. Practice purification, tool creation, and circle casting. Work with angels or benevolent spirits first (e.g., Ars Paulina). Build skill and confidence gradually.

Safety Measures: Always use the circle and triangle. Never summon demons for trivial or harmful purposes. Have a banishing ritual ready (Lesser Banishing Ritual of the Pentagram, or similar). Know when to stop (if you feel overwhelmed, afraid, or out of control). Seek help if needed (therapist, spiritual advisor, experienced magician).

Conclusion: The 72 and the Seal

The Ars Goetia is a catalog of power and danger. It offers knowledge, wealth, and mastery over hidden forces. But it also offers obsession, fear, and the risk of losing yourself to the very forces you seek to command.

Solomon bound the 72 demons with a brass ring and the authority of God. The grimoire teaches you to do the same. But remember: Solomon was the wisest man who ever lived, favored by God, and even he needed divine power to control these spirits.

Are you wiser than Solomon? Are you more disciplined? Are you willing to risk your sanity, your soul, or your life for what the demons offer?

The seals are drawn. The triangle is ready. The demons are waiting.

But maybe—just maybe—some doors are better left closed.

In the next article, we'll explore the Testament of Solomon, the earliest Solomonic text, which tells the story of how Solomon first gained power over demons and used them to build the Temple.

The demons are bound, but not destroyed. They wait in the brass vessel, in the triangle, in the shadows of your mind. Call them, and they will come. But can you send them back?