The Key of Solomon the King

1. The Divine Foundation: Fear, Adoration, and Invocation

Solomon, the Son of David, King of Israel, hath said that the beginning of our Key is to fear God, to adore Him, to honour Him with contrition of heart, to invoke Him in all matters which we wish to undertake, and to operate with very great devotion, for thus God will lead us in the right way.

Reverence and humility. The foundation of all magical practice, according to the Key of Solomon, is a deep reverence for the divine. This isn't a blind, fearful obedience, but a recognition of a higher power that guides and empowers. It emphasizes the importance of approaching magical work with humility and a sense of awe.

• This reverence is not just a passive feeling, but an active practice of adoration and invocation.
• It's a call to engage with the divine through prayer and devotion, seeking guidance and support in all endeavors.
• The text suggests that this spiritual foundation is essential for success in magical arts.

Devotion and intention. The text stresses that all magical operations should be undertaken with great devotion. This means approaching the work with a focused intention and a sincere desire to align with the divine will. It's not enough to simply go through the motions; the practitioner must be fully engaged in the process, both mentally and spiritually.

• This devotion is a form of spiritual preparation, setting the stage for effective magical work.
• It's a way of ensuring that the practitioner's actions are aligned with their highest aspirations.
• The text implies that without this devotion, the work will be ineffective and potentially harmful.

Divine guidance. The text suggests that by approaching magical work with fear, adoration, and invocation, the practitioner will be guided by God. This implies that the path of magic is not one of self-will alone, but a collaboration with the divine. It's a call to trust in a higher power and to allow that power to guide one's actions.

• This guidance is not a passive acceptance of fate, but an active engagement with the divine will.
• It's a way of ensuring that the practitioner's actions are aligned with a higher purpose.
• The text suggests that this divine guidance is essential for achieving true success in magical arts.

2. Planetary Influences: Timing is Everything

It must, therefore, be understood that the Planets have their dominion over the day which approacheth nearest unto the name which is given and attributed unto them—viz., over Saturday, Saturn; Thursday, Jupiter; Tuesday, Mars; Sunday, the Sun; Friday, Venus; Wednesday, Mercury; and Monday, the Moon.

Cosmic alignment. The Key of Solomon emphasizes the importance of aligning magical operations with the planetary influences. Each planet is associated with specific energies and qualities, and performing rituals during the corresponding days and hours is believed to enhance their effectiveness.

• Saturn is associated with destruction, death, and binding.
• Jupiter is associated with honor, riches, and friendship.
• Mars is associated with war, courage, and discord.
• The Sun is associated with wealth, hope, and favor.
• Venus is associated with love, kindness, and joy.
• Mercury is associated with eloquence, intelligence, and divination.
• The Moon is associated with travel, messages, and reconciliation.

Specific timing. The text provides detailed instructions on how to determine the planetary hours, which change throughout the day. It also notes that the Moon's position in the zodiac is crucial for certain operations.

• For example, operations involving love and grace should be performed when the Moon is in a fiery sign.
• Operations involving hatred and discord should be performed when the Moon is in a watery sign.
• Operations involving communication with spirits should be performed when the Moon is in an airy sign.

Strategic planning. The text suggests that careful planning and attention to timing are essential for successful magical work. It's not enough to simply perform a ritual; the practitioner must also be aware of the cosmic forces at play and align their actions accordingly.

• This emphasis on timing highlights the importance of patience and discipline in magical practice.
• It's a call to work in harmony with the natural rhythms of the universe.
• The text implies that ignoring these planetary influences will diminish the effectiveness of any magical operation.

3. The Sacred Circle: A Sanctuary of Power

Verily, since no experiments for converse with Spirits can be done without a Circle being prepared, whatsoever experiments therefore thou wishest to undertake for conversing with Spirits, therein thou must learn to construct a certain particular Circle; that being done surround that Circle with a Circle of Art for better caution and efficacy.

Protection and containment. The circle is a fundamental element of ritual magic, serving as a protective barrier against unwanted influences. It's a sacred space where the practitioner can safely interact with spiritual forces.

• The circle is not just a physical boundary, but a symbolic representation of the practitioner's will and intention.
• It's a way of creating a controlled environment where magical energies can be focused and directed.
• The text emphasizes the importance of constructing the circle with care and precision.

Symbolic geometry. The Key of Solomon provides detailed instructions on how to construct the circle, including the use of specific symbols, names, and geometric shapes. These elements are not arbitrary, but are believed to have inherent power and significance.

• The circle is often surrounded by squares, pentacles, and other geometric figures.
• These figures are believed to amplify the power of the circle and to provide additional protection.
• The text emphasizes the importance of using the correct symbols and names in the construction of the circle.

Focus and intention. The circle is not just a physical space, but a mental and spiritual one. It's a place where the practitioner can focus their intention and connect with the spiritual realm.

• The act of constructing the circle is a form of meditation, helping the practitioner to center themselves and prepare for magical work.
• It's a way of creating a sacred space where the practitioner can safely explore the mysteries of the universe.
• The text implies that without a properly constructed circle, the practitioner is vulnerable to negative influences.

4. Purification Rituals: Cleansing Body and Soul

Before commencing operations both the Master and his Disciples must abstain with great and thorough continence during the space of nine days from sensual pleasures and from vain and foolish conversation.

Inner preparation. The Key of Solomon emphasizes the importance of inner purification as a prerequisite for effective magical work. This involves abstaining from sensual pleasures, vain conversations, and other distractions that can cloud the mind and spirit.

• This period of abstinence is a way of cleansing the body and mind, preparing them to receive spiritual energies.
• It's a call to focus on inner purity and to align oneself with the divine will.
• The text suggests that without this inner preparation, the practitioner will be unable to effectively channel magical forces.

Physical cleansing. The text also prescribes specific rituals for physical cleansing, including bathing in consecrated water and wearing clean white linen garments. These practices are not just about hygiene, but about creating a physical state that is conducive to spiritual work.

• The use of consecrated water is believed to purify the body and to remove any negative energies.
• The wearing of white linen is a symbol of purity and spiritual readiness.
• The text emphasizes the importance of performing these rituals with care and devotion.

Spiritual renewal. The purification rituals are not just about cleansing the body and mind, but about renewing the spirit. They are a way of shedding old patterns and embracing a new state of being.

• The text suggests that these rituals are essential for creating a clear channel for spiritual communication.
• They are a way of ensuring that the practitioner is in a state of grace and alignment with the divine.
• The text implies that without this spiritual renewal, the practitioner will be unable to achieve true success in magical arts.

5. The Power of Names: Invoking Divine Authority

O ye Spirits, ye I conjure by the Power, Wisdom, and Virtue of the Spirit of God, by the uncreate Divine Knowledge, by the vast Mercy of God, by the Strength of God, by the Greatness of God, by the Unity of God; and by the Holy Name of God EHEIEH, which is the root, trunk, source, and origin of all the other Divine Names, whence they all draw their life and their virtue, which Adam having invoked, he acquired the knowledge of all created things.

Divine appellations. The Key of Solomon places great emphasis on the power of divine names. These names are not just labels, but are believed to be imbued with the very essence of the divine.

• The text provides a long list of divine names, each with its own specific power and significance.
• These names are used in conjurations and invocations to call upon the divine forces and to command spirits.
• The text suggests that the correct pronunciation and use of these names is essential for effective magical work.

Symbolic resonance. The divine names are not just words, but symbols that resonate with specific energies and qualities. They are believed to be keys that unlock the power of the spiritual realm.

• The text implies that the practitioner must understand the symbolic meaning of these names in order to use them effectively.
• It's not enough to simply recite the names; the practitioner must also connect with their inner meaning.
• The text suggests that the power of these names is not just in their sound, but in their spiritual resonance.

Authority and command. The use of divine names in conjurations is a way of asserting authority over spirits. It's a way of invoking the power of the divine to command obedience and to achieve desired outcomes.

• The text suggests that the practitioner must approach the spirits with confidence and authority, backed by the power of the divine names.
• It's not a matter of force, but of invoking a higher power that the spirits are compelled to obey.
• The text implies that without this divine authority, the practitioner will be unable to effectively control the spirits.

6. Pentacles and Sigils: Keys to the Spirit World

As we have already made mention of the Pentacles, it is necessary that thou shouldest understand that the whole Science and understanding of our Key dependeth upon the operation, Knowledge, and use of Pentacles.

Symbolic power. Pentacles and sigils are not just decorative symbols, but are believed to be imbued with specific magical powers. They are used to invoke spirits, to protect against harm, and to achieve desired outcomes.

• Each pentacle is associated with a specific planet, angel, or spirit, and is believed to channel their energies.
• The text provides detailed instructions on how to construct these symbols, including the use of specific colors, materials, and geometric shapes.
• The text emphasizes the importance of creating these symbols with care and precision.

Spiritual keys. Pentacles and sigils are believed to be keys that unlock the power of the spiritual realm. They are a way of connecting with specific energies and forces, and of directing them towards a desired purpose.

• The text implies that the practitioner must understand the symbolic meaning of these symbols in order to use them effectively.
• It's not enough to simply possess the symbols; the practitioner must also connect with their inner power.
• The text suggests that the power of these symbols is not just in their form, but in their spiritual resonance.

Protection and control. Pentacles are also used as protective talismans, warding off negative influences and ensuring the safety of the practitioner. They are a way of creating a shield against unwanted energies and forces.

• The text suggests that the practitioner should always carry the appropriate pentacles when engaging in magical work.
• It's a way of ensuring that the practitioner is protected from harm and that their work is not disrupted.
• The text implies that without these protective symbols, the practitioner is vulnerable to negative influences.

7. Conjurations and Commands: Asserting Will

Here again I conjure ye and most urgently command ye; I force, constrain, and exhort ye to the utmost, by the most mighty and powerful Name of God EL, strong and wonderful, and by God the Just and Upright, I exorcise ye and command ye that ye in no way delay, but that ye come immediately and upon the instant hither before us, without noise, deformity, or hideousness, but with all manner of gentleness and mildness.

Forceful invocation. Conjurations are not just requests, but forceful commands directed towards spirits. They are a way of asserting the practitioner's will and compelling the spirits to obey.

• The text provides a variety of conjurations, each with its own specific purpose and tone.
• These conjurations often invoke divine names and symbols, drawing upon the power of the divine to command the spirits.
• The text emphasizes the importance of speaking these conjurations with confidence and authority.

Clarity of intention. The text suggests that the practitioner must have a clear intention when performing a conjuration. It's not enough to simply recite the words; the practitioner must also be focused on the desired outcome.

• This clarity of intention is a way of directing the magical energies towards a specific purpose.
• It's a way of ensuring that the spirits understand what is being asked of them.
• The text implies that without a clear intention, the conjuration will be ineffective.

Persistence and resolve. The text also emphasizes the importance of persistence and resolve when performing a conjuration. If the spirits do not respond immediately, the practitioner must continue to invoke them with unwavering determination.

• This persistence is a way of demonstrating the practitioner's commitment to their goal.
• It's a way of showing the spirits that the practitioner will not be deterred.
• The text suggests that without this persistence, the practitioner will be unable to achieve their desired outcome.

8. Instruments of Art: Tools of Transformation

Take thou the Knife, the Sickle, or the Sword of Magical Art consecrated after the manner and order which we shall deliver unto thee in the Second Book.

Symbolic extensions. The instruments of magical art are not just tools, but symbolic extensions of the practitioner's will and intention. They are used to channel magical energies and to perform specific rituals.

• Each instrument is associated with a specific planet, element, or spirit, and is believed to possess its own unique power.
• The text provides detailed instructions on how to create and consecrate these instruments, including the use of specific materials, symbols, and rituals.
• The text emphasizes the importance of treating these instruments with respect and care.

Focus and intention. The act of using these instruments is a way of focusing the practitioner's intention and directing their will towards a specific purpose. They are a way of amplifying the practitioner's power and of making their actions more effective.

• The text implies that the practitioner must understand the symbolic meaning of these instruments in order to use them effectively.
• It's not enough to simply wield the instruments; the practitioner must also connect with their inner power.
• The text suggests that the power of these instruments is not just in their form, but in their spiritual resonance.

Transformation and change. The instruments of magical art are not just tools for performing rituals, but also tools for personal transformation. They are a way of connecting with the spiritual realm and of bringing about change in the practitioner's life.

• The text suggests that the practitioner should use these instruments with a sense of purpose and intention.
• It's a way of aligning oneself with the forces of the universe and of bringing about positive change.
• The text implies that without these instruments, the practitioner will be unable to fully realize their magical potential.

9. The Art of Invisibility: Concealment and Deception

If thou wishest to perform the Experiment of Invisibility, thou shalt follow the instructions for the same.

Concealment and protection. The art of invisibility is not just about physical concealment, but about creating a state of spiritual protection. It's a way of shielding oneself from unwanted attention and influences.

• The text provides specific instructions on how to perform rituals of invisibility, including the use of specific words, symbols, and materials.
• These rituals are believed to create a veil of concealment, making the practitioner invisible to both physical and spiritual eyes.
• The text emphasizes the importance of performing these rituals with care and precision.

Deception and illusion. The art of invisibility is also about creating illusions and deceiving the senses. It's a way of manipulating perception and of making things appear to be other than they are.

• The text suggests that the practitioner must be skilled in the art of deception in order to effectively use invisibility.
• It's not just about making oneself invisible, but about creating a sense of illusion and unreality.
• The text implies that this art should be used with caution and discretion.

Spiritual power. The art of invisibility is not just a trick, but a manifestation of spiritual power. It's a way of demonstrating the practitioner's ability to manipulate the forces of the universe.

• The text suggests that the practitioner must be in a state of spiritual alignment in order to effectively use invisibility.
• It's a way of showing that the practitioner is not bound by the limitations of the physical world.
• The text implies that this art should be used for good and not for evil.

10. The Pursuit of Treasure: Unearthing Hidden Riches

On a Sunday before sunrise, between the ioth of July and the 20th of August, when the moon is in the Sign of the Lion, thou shalt go unto the place where thou shalt know either by interrogation of the Intelligences, or otherwise, that there is a treasure; there thou shalt describe a Circle of sufficient size with the Sword of Magical Art wherein to open up the earth, as the nature of the ground will allow; thrice during the day shalt thou cense it with the incense proper for the day, after which being clothed in the raiment proper for the Operation thou shalt suspend in some way by a machine immediately above the opening a lamp, whose oil should be mingled with the fat of a man who has died in the month of July, and the wick being made from the cloth wherein he has been buried.

Spiritual guidance. The Key of Solomon suggests that the pursuit of treasure is not just a material endeavor, but a spiritual one. It's a way of connecting with the hidden forces of the earth and of accessing its hidden riches.

• The text emphasizes the importance of seeking spiritual guidance before embarking on a treasure hunt.
• It's a way of ensuring that the practitioner is aligned with the divine will and that their actions are guided by a higher purpose.
• The text implies that without this spiritual guidance, the practitioner will be unable to find true treasure.

Ritual and preparation. The text provides detailed instructions on how to perform rituals for finding treasure, including the use of specific days, hours, and materials. These rituals are not just about luck, but about creating a spiritual environment that is conducive to success.

• The text emphasizes the importance of performing these rituals with care and precision.
• It's a way of ensuring that the practitioner is protected from harm and that their efforts are rewarded.
• The text implies that without these rituals, the practitioner will be unable to access the hidden riches of the earth.

Ethical considerations. The text also acknowledges the ethical considerations involved in the pursuit of treasure. It suggests that the practitioner should only seek treasure for good purposes and that they should not be motivated by greed or avarice.

• The text implies that the true treasure is not just material wealth, but spiritual wisdom and understanding.
• It's a call to use one's power and knowledge for the benefit of others and not just for personal gain.
• The text suggests that those who seek treasure for selfish purposes will ultimately be disappointed.

11. Love and Favor: Attracting Desired Outcomes

If thou wishest to perform the Experiment of seeking favour and love, observe in what manner the Experiment is to be carried out, and if it be dependent upon the day and the hour, perform it in the day and the hour required, as thou wilt find it in the Chapter concerning the hours ; and if the Experiment be one that requireth writing, thou shalt write as it is said in the Chapter concerning the same ; and if it be with penal bonds, pacts, and fumigations, then thou shalt cense with a fit perfume as is said in the Chapter concerning suffumigations ; and if it be necessary to sprinkle it with water and hyssop, then let it be as in the Chapter concerning the same ; similarly if such Experiment require characters, names, or the like, let such names be written as the Chapter concerning the writing of characters, and place the same in a clean place as hath been said.

Intentional attraction. The Key of Solomon provides rituals for attracting love and favor, emphasizing the importance of intention and focus. These rituals are not about manipulation, but about aligning oneself with the energies of attraction and harmony.

• The text provides specific instructions on how to perform these rituals, including the use of specific words, symbols, and materials.
• These rituals are believed to create a magnetic field that draws desired outcomes towards the practitioner.
• The text emphasizes the importance of performing these rituals with care and devotion.

Symbolic resonance. The rituals for attracting love and favor often involve the use of symbols and names that resonate with the energies of Venus, the planet of love and beauty. These symbols are believed to amplify the power of the ritual and to create a connection with the desired outcome.

• The text implies that the practitioner must understand the symbolic meaning of these symbols in order to use them effectively.
• It's not enough to simply use the symbols; the practitioner must also connect with their inner power.
• The text suggests that the power of these symbols is not just in their form, but in their spiritual resonance.

Ethical considerations. The text also acknowledges the ethical considerations involved in attracting love and favor. It suggests that the practitioner should only seek these things for good purposes and that they should not be motivated by selfish desires.

• The text implies that true love and favor cannot be forced, but must be earned through genuine connection and respect.
• It's a call to use one's power and knowledge for the benefit of others and not just for personal gain.
• The text suggests that those who seek love and favor for selfish purposes will ultimately be disappointed.

12. The Ethical Imperative: Wisdom and Responsibility

I am about to endow thee with many secrets, which I charge thee never to employ for an evil purpose, for ACCURSED BE HE WHO TAKETH THE NAME OF ALMIGHTY GOD IN VAIN; but thou mayest without any other ceremonies make use of them, provided that, as I have already said, thou hast only the Glory of Eternal God for thine object.

Moral compass. The Key of Solomon emphasizes the importance of using magical knowledge for good and not for evil. It's a call to approach magical practice with a strong moral compass and a commitment to ethical behavior.

• The text warns against using magical power for selfish purposes or for harming others.
• It suggests that those who misuse their power will ultimately suffer the consequences.
• The text implies that true magical power comes from a place of integrity and compassion.

Divine purpose. The text suggests that the ultimate goal of magical practice is to serve the divine will and to bring about positive change in the world. It's a call to use one's power and knowledge for the benefit of all beings.

• The text implies that true magical power is not about personal gain, but about serving a higher purpose.
• It's a way of aligning oneself with the forces of good and of working towards a more just and harmonious world.
• The text suggests that those who use their power for good will be rewarded with spiritual growth and understanding.

Responsibility and discernment. The text also emphasizes the importance of responsibility and discernment in magical practice. It's a call to use one's power wisely and to be aware of the potential consequences of one's actions.

• The text implies that the practitioner must be careful not to misuse their power or to cause harm to others.
• It's a call to approach magical work with a sense of humility and respect.
• The text suggests that those who use their power irresponsibly will ultimately be held accountable for their actions.

Last updated: January 27, 2025