Ars Goetia: The Lesser Key of Solomon the King
The Lesser Key of Solomon the King, also known as the Lemegeton, is a grimoire that has fascinated and intrigued individuals for centuries. This ancient text is believed to be a collection of spells and instructions for summoning spirits, and it is one of the most well-known grimoires in Western magical traditions. In this detailed exploration, we will delve into the origins, contents, and significance of the Lesser Key of Solomon the King.
Origins and Authorship
The origins of the Lesser Key of Solomon the King are shrouded in mystery. It is widely believed that the text was written by King Solomon himself, who was known for his wisdom and magical prowess. However, there is no concrete evidence to support this claim. The earliest known manuscript of the text dates back to the 16th century, and it is believed to have been translated from an Arabic original.
Contents and Structure
The Lesser Key of Solomon the King is divided into four parts, each containing a different set of spirits and instructions for summoning them. The first part, known as the Ars Goetia, contains the names and descriptions of 72 spirits, categorized into 11 groups of 8 spirits each. Each spirit is associated with a specific weekday and is believed to possess unique powers and abilities.
| Group | Spirits |
|---|---|
| 1st Group | Armaros, Barbatos, Andras, Astaroth, Asmodeus, Beelzebub, Belphegor, and Paimon |
| 2nd Group | Samuel, Samael, Berial, Asmodeus, Andras, Astaroth, Beelzebub, and Paimon |
| 3rd Group | Samuel, Samael, Berial, Andras, Astaroth, Beelzebub, Paimon, and Amdusias |
| 4th Group | Samuel, Samael, Berial, Andras, Astaroth, Beelzebub, Paimon, and Amdusias |
| 5th Group | Samuel, Samael, Berial, Andras, Astaroth, Beelzebub, Paimon, and Amdusias |
| 6th Group | Samuel, Samael, Berial, Andras, Astaroth, Beelzebub, Paimon, and Amdusias |
| 7th Group | Samuel, Samael, Berial, Andras, Astaroth, Beelzebub, Paimon, and Amdusias |
| 8th Group | Samuel, Samael, Berial, Andras, Astaroth, Beelzebub, Paimon, and Amdusias |
| 9th Group | Samuel, Samael, Berial, Andras, Astaroth, Beelzebub, Paimon, and Amdusias |
| 10th Group | Samuel, Samael, Berial, Andras, Astaroth, Beelzebub, Paimon, and Amdusias |
| 11th Group | Samuel, Samael, Berial, Andras, Astaroth, Beelzebub, Paimon, and Amdusias |
The second part of the Lesser Key, known as the Pauline, contains instructions for summoning spirits associated with the planets and zodiac signs. The third part, known as the Goet
