Botis is the seventeenth spirit of the Ars Goetia. He receives the titles president and earl and commands sixty legions. The catalogue describes an initial viper form, followed by a human appearance with large teeth, two horns, and a sharp sword.[1][2]
A change of appearance#
The shift from serpent to human figure is common in Goetic descriptions, but Botis's human form remains visibly monstrous. The teeth and horns preserve aspects of the threatening first appearance even after the operator requests a figure capable of conversation.
His offices concern knowledge of past and future events and the reconciliation of friends and enemies. The sword-bearing figure is thus credited with resolving hostility as well as answering questions. The combination is part of this entry's particular portrait.[2]
Titles and relationships#
Botis is among the spirits given two ranks. Those titles should be preserved when describing this edition rather than reduced to whichever title appears first in a modern chart. The list's mixed ranks show that it is not a perfectly uniform administrative table.
Amon also concerns disputes and reconciliation, while Gusion combines answers with the repair of friendship. Their different forms and positions let the reader compare how a recurring office is attached to several named figures. The corresponding seals provide separate visual identifiers within the catalogue.[1][2]
See also#
References
- Lemegeton, Goetia: Botis, Sloane 3825 transcription · Joseph H. Peterson edition of the historical grimoire, with manuscript readings. (accessed 2026-10-01) ↩
- S. L. MacGregor Mathers and Aleister Crowley, The Goetia (1904), spirit 17 · Public-domain edition. Offices and appearances are statements in this catalogue. (accessed 2026-10-01) ↩