The Lesser Key of Solomon, usually called the Lemegeton, is a compilation of magical texts transmitted under Solomon's name. Its familiar five-part arrangement comprises the Ars Goetia, Ars Theurgia-Goetia, Ars Paulina, Ars Almadel, and Ars Notoria. The surviving manuscript tradition is considerably later than the biblical king.[1]
Several arts in one compilation#
The Goetia gives a catalogue of seventy-two spirits and the ceremonies for calling them. The Theurgia-Goetia organizes aerial spirits through directional hierarchies. The Pauline Art concerns angels of the hours and zodiacal degrees, while the Almadel describes angelic work with a wax tablet. The Notory Art seeks learning through prayer and contemplation.[1][2]
These parts do not all have the same origin or manuscript history. In particular, the Notory Art has a much older independent transmission, and its presence differs among Lemegeton witnesses. “Five books” describes a familiar arrangement, not a guarantee that every copy contains the same material.
Solomon and the manuscripts#
Solomon's name provides an authoritative setting for the ceremonies. The operator commonly appeals to God and divine names to compel or approach spirits. This religious setting matters when the book is read in a modern Satanic or demonolatrous context, where authority and the treatment of spirits may be understood differently.
The Key of Solomon is a related but separate grimoire. Its title should not be confused with the Lemegeton. Editions of the Lesser Key also vary in spelling, diagrams, arrangement, and commentary; the cited manuscript or printed edition helps identify what a particular passage actually says.
See also#
References
- Joseph H. Peterson, Lemegeton: introduction and manuscript inventory (accessed 2026-10-01) ↩
- The Lesser Key of Solomon, Mathers and Crowley edition (1904) · Public-domain printed edition of the Goetic material. (accessed 2026-10-01) ↩