Gusion

Gusion is the eleventh spirit in the Ars Goetia, where he is a duke ruling forty legions. The catalogue credits him with answering questions about past, present, and future events, explaining their meaning, reconciling friendships, and giving honor or dignity.^[1][2]

An uncertain appearance#

The appearance is described with the unusual word Xenopilus. Unlike the crocodile of Agares or the lion of Marbas, this term does not supply a readily recognizable animal or figure. Its obscurity has encouraged later attempts to give Gusion a definite portrait.

Those attempts should retain their source labels. An image interpreted as a monkey, a human-like creature, or another form does not settle what an uncertain word meant in every manuscript. The textual problem is part of Gusion's history rather than a gap to be filled silently.^[1]

Questions and social standing#

Gusion's office includes the interpretation of a question as well as an answer to it. That detail distinguishes his profile from entries that simply promise knowledge of hidden treasure. Reconciliation and the granting of dignity place the entry among the catalogue's concerns with social relationships and authority.^[2]

Gusoin and related spellings appear in the transmission. The numbered position, description, and seal help identify the entry across those spellings. A modern list that standardizes the name can be convenient for reference while concealing the spelling variations that remain visible in historical editions.

See also#

• Divination
• Botis
• Pseudomonarchia Daemonum

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