Texts & Sources
Emerald Tablet
A brief Hermetic text whose images of above and below, sun and moon, and transformation influenced alchemical writing.
Results for “Myth and literal belief”
History
Éliphas Lévi
A nineteenth-century French occult author associated with ceremonial symbolism and the influential image of Baphomet.
History
Aleister Crowley
The author and religious figure associated with Thelema, The Book of the Law, and a large body of magical instruction.
History
Kenneth Grant
A British occult writer associated with the Typhonian current, Thelema, and the work of Austin Osman Spare.
Demonology & Spirits
Tiamat
The primordial sea figure in the Babylonian creation epic Enuma Elish, defeated by Marduk in its account of cosmic ordering.
Devotional Practice
Planetary magic
Magical systems using the seven traditional planets through timing, correspondences, images, and invocations.
Demonology & Spirits
Demonology
Demonology is the study, classification, and interpretation of demons and related spirits. In Western religious history it has included theological arguments about the nature and powers of demons, lists of named spirits, explanations of possession and temptation, magical techniques for summoning or constraining spirits, and folklore about dangerous supernatural beings. Modern theistic Satanists and…
Texts & Sources
Ars Goetia
The Ars Goetia is the first section of the Lemegeton or Lesser Key of Solomon, an early modern English compilation of ceremonial magic. It is famous for a catalogue of seventy-two spirits, each described by name, rank, appearance, abilities, and a seal or character. In modern occultism the term “Goetia” is often used loosely for demon-summoning or work with these spirits, but historically the Ars Goetia…
Demonology & Spirits
Semjaza
Semjaza is a leading figure in the Enochic account of the Watchers’ oath and descent. His role differs from the teaching and punishment associated with Azazel.
Demonology & Spirits
Belial
Belial appears in biblical religious language and later spirit catalogues. These uses should be distinguished rather than treated as one unchanged biography.
Demonology & Spirits
Beelzebub
Beelzebub and related spellings appear in distinct biblical contexts. Later demonological interpretations should not be retroactively read into each earlier occurrence.
History
Alchemy
Alchemy concerns historical approaches to material transformation and the interpretation of nature. Spiritual readings form part of its reception but should not replace the material history.
Devotional Practice
Sigils
Sigils are graphic signs used in particular magical systems. Historical spirit seals, ceremonial figures, and modern personal signs should be distinguished.
Devotional Practice
Ceremonial magic
Ceremonial magic uses formally organized ritual actions. Its historical systems combine preparation, symbols, instruments, and accounts of spiritual authority in different ways.
Demonology & Spirits
Vassago
A Goetic prince associated with finding lost things and knowledge of past and future events.
Demonology & Spirits
Samigina
A Goetic marquis, also called Gamigin, associated with liberal studies and accounts of deceased souls.
Demonology & Spirits
Marbas
A Goetic president depicted as a lion, associated with hidden knowledge, mechanical arts, and transformation.
Demonology & Spirits
Valefor
A Goetic duke whose description combines a lion-like form with a warning about theft and familiar spirits.
Demonology & Spirits
Gusion
A Goetic duke associated with answers, reconciliation, and the obscure term Xenopilus.
Demonology & Spirits
Sitri
A Goetic prince portrayed with a leopard head and griffin wings, whose stated office concerns desire.