King Solomon, also known as King Solomon the Wise, was a renowned biblical figure who ruled over the Israelite kingdom in the 10th century BCE. He is famously known for his wisdom and his magical powers, attributed to a special artifact called the Magic Bible. The Magic Bible, also known as the Key of Solomon or the Clavicula Salomonis, is a grimoire, or a book of magical knowledge and instructions, attributed to King Solomon. It is believed to contain various spells, rituals, and invocations that can be used to summon and control supernatural beings, spirits, and demons. According to legend, King Solomon obtained the Magic Bible through divine intervention. One story mentions that during his reign, Solomon encountered an angel who offered him a golden ring with a unique signet.
Colleen Mondor, Contributing Editor, is a writer, historian, and reviewer who co-owns an aircraft leasing company with her husband. She is the author of “The Map of My Dead Pilots: The Dangerous Game of Flying in Alaska” and reviews regularly for the ALA’s Booklist. Currently at work on a book about the 1932 Mt. McKinley Cosmic Ray Expedition, she and her family reside in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska. More info can be found on her website: www.colleenmondor.com.
In fact, much as Philip Pullman exposed the more hypocritical aspects of orga nized religion in the His Dark Materials series, Schoffstall plays with the idea of unquestioning subservience to religious power in Half-Witch. After everything else they have accomplished, putting things to rights in heaven seems like just the sort of job they are suited for and John Schoffstall is certainly up to the challenge as well.
One story mentions that during his reign, Solomon encountered an angel who offered him a golden ring with a unique signet. This ring, when combined with the knowledge and wisdom contained in the Magic Bible, gave Solomon the ability to control and communicate with supernatural entities. The magical powers of King Solomon, derived from the Magic Bible, are described in various biblical narratives and ancient texts.
Colleen Mondor Reviews Half-Witch by John Schoffstall
Half-Witch, John Schoffstall (Big Mouth Press 978-1-61-873140-1, $18.99, 322pp) July 2018.
There is something deeply satisfying about a traditional fantasy with plucky protagonists, nefarious villains, hungry goblins, tricky witches, and a dangerous and difficult quest. In John Schofstall’s Half-Witch, everything you expect to find is present, plus a lot of unlikely twists and turns that make this adventure a classic read. The novel’s most unusual plot device is the presence of God, who serves as an occasional sounding board to main character Lisbet. Remarkably, for all that God (and occasionally Jesus) chime in to offer opinions on Lisbet’s struggles, the plot is not terribly religious. God is simply an authority that people can briefly consult, via a communion wafer. He is in fact the top of the authority pyramid, the “Great Chain of Being” in Lisbet’s world, as she explains to her witch-friend Strix:
“At the top is God,” she said… “The angels answer to God. The Pope answers to God. The bishops and priests obey the Pope. Nobles obey the Pixie Queen. Commoners obey the nobles. Children obey adults. Horses and dogs obey people. Everyone has their proper station.”
Strix, who has a decidedly acerbic nature, is not impressed.
“Children obey adults or they get beaten,” Strix said with a shrug. “Commoners obey nobles or they’re hanged. The Great Chain of Being is obviously just an excuse for the strong to exploit the weak, dressed up in fancy language.”
It’s logic that Lisbet cannot refute and, in the end, will come to question with increasing fervor.
Lisbet and Strix end up together on their quest because of a problem and a witch. The problem is that Lisbet’s conman father has run afoul of the Margrave, the president-like leader of their alpine province. Forced to flee after her father is imprisoned, Lisbet seeks assistance from the witch who made (and thus controls) Strix. The two girls are thus thrust together in less than favorable conditions, but as they face down a bad man, cross a great mountain range, and enter the part of the world dominated by witches and goblins (and ruled by the terrifying Pope of Storms), they become friends. Lisbet nearly dies, Strix does die, a goblin bonds with them over books, a sewer full of defeated humans must be traversed, a moat full of crocodiles avoided, and the Pope of Storms outwitted, but everyone gets saved (even though they die) and the quest is successful!
(This is not a spoiler as quests are always successful in tales such as this.)
God gets into a bit of a sticky situation in heaven, however, and his image takes a hit. “It was discouraging to find, in her hour of utmost need,” Lisbet notes at one point, “that God’s advice sounded depressingly like that of any other grown-up.” In fact, much as Philip Pullman exposed the more hypocritical aspects of organized religion in the His Dark Materials series, Schoffstall plays with the idea of unquestioning subservience to religious power in Half-Witch. Lisbet finds disappointment sometimes with God (and Jesus, who disappears when the going gets tough), but she does not lose faith. God does not have all the answers, but neither does anyone else. The challenge is simply to not stop looking for answers.
As they continue their quest, Lisbet and Strix become the very definition of plucky, and it is hard not cheer them on. They are charming characters who overcome all sorts of fantastical obstacles and forge a powerful friendship. In the end, they just might be up to saving God and, really, why shouldn’t they? After everything else they have accomplished, putting things to rights in heaven seems like just the sort of job they are suited for and John Schoffstall is certainly up to the challenge as well.
Colleen Mondor, Contributing Editor, is a writer, historian, and reviewer who co-owns an aircraft leasing company with her husband. She is the author of “The Map of My Dead Pilots: The Dangerous Game of Flying in Alaska” and reviews regularly for the ALA’s Booklist. Currently at work on a book about the 1932 Mt. McKinley Cosmic Ray Expedition, she and her family reside in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska. More info can be found on her website: www.colleenmondor.com.
This review and more like it in the August 2018 issue of Locus.
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It is said that he used these powers to build the First Temple in Jerusalem, fortify his kingdom, and maintain peace and prosperity during his reign. Some accounts even attribute the abundance of riches and precious metals in Solomon's kingdom to his mastery of the magical arts. The Magic Bible contains a wide range of magical practices, including divination, exorcism, healing, and protection. It provides detailed instructions on constructing specific magical tools, such as talismans and amulets, as well as performing rituals to tap into the supernatural realm. However, it is important to note that the existence and authenticity of the Magic Bible are highly debated. Some scholars argue that it is a product of medieval occult literature rather than a genuine work of King Solomon. They believe that these texts were written and compiled during the Middle Ages by anonymous authors, possibly using Solomon's name for credibility. Regardless of its origins, the Magic Bible remains a fascinating and influential text in the world of occultism and magic. It continues to inspire practitioners of esoteric traditions and those seeking mystical knowledge and power. In conclusion, the Magic Bible is a legendary artifact attributed to King Solomon, said to grant him extraordinary wisdom and magical abilities. Although its origins and authenticity are debated, the influence of this text on mystical traditions and its association with one of the most renowned biblical figures make it a subject of intrigue and fascination..
Reviews for "The Witchcraft Practices within King Solomon's Magical Bible"
1. Jenny - 1 star: I was extremely disappointed with "King Solomon Magic Bible". The book promised to reveal ancient secrets and provide spiritual guidance, but instead, it was filled with vague and ambiguous teachings. The author seemed more interested in promoting their own ideas rather than providing any substantial content. The book lacked depth and failed to deliver on its promises. I regret spending my money on this misleading and unsatisfying read.
2. Mark - 2 stars: "King Solomon Magic Bible" was not what I expected it to be. I found the writing style to be convoluted and difficult to follow, making it a chore to read. The book was also filled with religious references and assumptions that didn't align with my beliefs, making it hard to connect with the supposed teachings. Overall, I found the book lackluster and would not recommend it to others seeking genuine spiritual guidance.
3. Sarah - 1 star: I couldn't even finish "King Solomon Magic Bible" because it was just so poorly written. The grammar and punctuation mistakes were abundant, and it felt like the book was never properly edited. The author's ideas were scattered and poorly organized, making it confusing to understand their intended message. I was hoping to gain insight and wisdom, but all I got was frustration and disappointment. Save your money and look for a better book on spirituality.
4. David - 2 stars: "King Solomon Magic Bible" was a letdown for me. The book lacked originality and seemed to regurgitate generic spiritual teachings found in countless other books. There was nothing groundbreaking or unique about this book, making it feel like a waste of time. The author's attempts at incorporating magic and mysticism felt forced and gimmicky, further diminishing the credibility of their message. Overall, I found the book uninspiring and far from the profound spiritual experience it claimed to offer.