The Ars Theurgia-Goetia is the second part of the Lemegeton. It describes thirty-one chief spirits and their subordinate ministers. Its organization differs from the numbered catalogue of the Ars Goetia, using directions, princely hierarchies, and wandering spirits.[1]

Spirits and directions#

The introductory description characterizes the spirits as mixed in nature, with good and evil aspects. Particular entries then give more specific accounts of their temperaments. The hierarchy includes fixed rulers associated with portions of the world and princes who wander with their attendants.[1]

Seals identify chiefs and subordinate spirits. Instructions also distinguish daytime and nighttime attendants in some hierarchies. This makes the text a system of relationships: a name acquires its place through the prince it serves, the direction, and the appointed conditions of the operation.

Peterson's edition compares several manuscript witnesses and notes connections with other early modern magical compilations. The text's diagrams and lists are especially sensitive to copying differences. A missing line or altered name can change how a reader reconstructs the hierarchy.[1][2]

The Greek-derived words theurgia and goetia have broader histories, but the combined title here identifies a particular book. It should not be used as a general name for every contemporary practice involving both angels and demons. Nor are its chief spirits simply another list of the seventy-two Goetic spirits. Its place within the Lemegeton is shared, while its catalogue and structure are distinct.

See also#

References

  1. Lemegeton, Theurgia-Goetia, Joseph H. Peterson edition · Primary grimoire text with manuscript variants and editorial notes. (accessed 2026-10-01) ↩
  2. Joseph H. Peterson, Lemegeton: introduction and manuscript inventory (accessed 2026-10-01) ↩
theurgia goetialemegetonaerial spiritstexts

This encyclopedia covers traditions beyond the High Satanic Church. Church doctrine is identified as such when it appears.