The three occult books penned by Solomon are known as the Key of Solomon, the Lesser Key of Solomon, and the Greater Key of Solomon. These texts are considered to be among the most important and influential works in the field of ritual magic and occultism. The Key of Solomon, also known as the Clavicula Salomonis, is an anonymous grimoire that outlines various rituals and practices for the summoning and commanding of spirits. It is divided into two books, with the first book focusing on rituals for summoning and commanding demons, while the second book focuses on rituals for summoning and controlling angels. The Lesser Key of Solomon, or the Lemegeton, is a 17th-century grimoire attributed to an anonymous author. It is divided into five books, each focusing on a different aspect of demonology and ceremonial magic.
The work is traditionally divided into two books detailing the Key of King Solomon. Book One explains the operation of conjurations, curses, spells and other magical works. Book Two instructs the practitioner on the proper attire, purification rituals and other means of obtaining the goals of the Goetia. Between these two books is the list of plates that contain numerous illustrations and secret seals of Solomon, including the Mystical Seal of Solomon, the Pentacles of Solomon, and the Mystical Alphabet, which impart the mechanisms and requirements for the invocation of spirits and demons.
Between these two books is the list of plates that contain numerous illustrations and secret seals of Solomon, including the Mystical Seal of Solomon, the Pentacles of Solomon, and the Mystical Alphabet, which impart the mechanisms and requirements for the invocation of spirits and demons. Included by Mathers is the Order of the Pentacles of Solomon, the Ancient Fragment of the Key of Solomon, The Qabalistic Invocation of Solomon, and 15 plates full of figures, seals and charts, as well as the original text giving detailed instruction for spells and invocations.
It is divided into five books, each focusing on a different aspect of demonology and ceremonial magic. These books include the Ars Goetia (concerning the summoning of demons), the Ars Theurgia Goetia (concerning the spirits of the air), the Ars Paulina (concerning angels of the planets), the Ars Almadel (concerning the use of wax tablets to communicate with spirits), and the Ars Notoria (concerning prayers and invocations). The Greater Key of Solomon, or the Clavicula Salomonis Regis, is another anonymous grimoire that details rituals and practices for the summoning and commanding of spirits.
The Three Magical Books of Solomon
For the first time, the three great magical works of King Solomon are together in one volume. The Greater and Lesser Keys give a practical guide to the operation of his magic. The testament gives a historical account of its use by Solomon himself. The Key of Solomon the King was originally researched and translated by S.L. MacGregor Mathers from ancient manuscripts in the British museums. Included by Mathers is the Order of the Pentacles of Solomon, the Ancient Fragment of the Key of Solomon, The Qabalistic Invocation of Solomon, and 15 plates full of figures, seals and charts, as well as the original text giving detailed instruction for spells and invocations. The work is traditionally divided into two books detailing the Key of King Solomon. Book One explains the operation of conjurations, curses, spells and other magical works. Book Two instructs the practitioner on the proper attire, purification rituals and other means of obtaining the goals of the Goetia. Between these two books is the list of plates that contain numerous illustrations and secret seals of Solomon, including the Mystical Seal of Solomon, the Pentacles of Solomon, and the Mystical Alphabet, which impart the mechanisms and requirements for the invocation of spirits and demons. The Lesser Key of Solomon, or the Clavicula Salomonis Regis, or Lemegeton, is a compilation of materials and writings from ancient sources making up a text book of magic or "grimoire." Portions of this book can be traced back to the mid-16th to 17th centuries, when occult researchers such as Cornelius Agrippa and Johannes Trithemisus assembled what they discovered during their investigations into their own great works. As a modern grimoire, the Lesser Key of Solomon has seen several editions with various authors and editors taking liberty to edit and translate the ancient writings and source material. In 1898, Arthur Edward Waite published his The Book of Black Magic and of Pacts, which contained large portions of the Lemegeton. He was followed by Mathers and Crowley in 1904 who published The Goetia: The Lesser Key of Solomon. In the preface to this edition, it is explained that a "Secret Chief" of the Rosicrucian Order directed the completion of the book. The original editor was a G. H. Fra. D.D.C.F. who translated ancient texts from French, Hebrew, and Latin, but was unable to complete his labors because of the martial assaults of the Four Great Princes. Crowley was then asked to step in and finish what the previous author had begun. The Testament of Solomon is a pseudepigraphical work attributed to King Solomon the Wise of the Old Testament. Written in the first-person narrative, the book tells the story of the creation of the magical ring of King Solomon and how Solomon's ring was used to bind and control demons, including Beelzebub. In this book of King Solomon, the discourses between the King and the various spirits are told, and the story shows how Solomon uses his wisdom to withstand the demons' tricks and guile and enlist their aid in the building of his temple. The manuscripts from which this work was discovered date from the 15th, 16th, and 17th centuries. All were written in Greek. This dating makes most experts believe that the work is medieval. But some scholars, including D.C. Duling, argue that it is likely that the work comes from the 5th or 6th centuries.
For the first time, the three great magical works of King Solomon are together in one volume. The Greater and Lesser Keys give a practical guide to the operation of his magic. The testament gives a historical account of its use by Solomon himself.
It is divided into two books, with the first book focusing on the construction and consecration of magical tools, such as the pentacles and the magic circle. The second book provides rituals and methods for the summoning and commanding of various spirits. **Overall, the three occult books penned by Solomon, the Key of Solomon, the Lesser Key of Solomon, and the Greater Key of Solomon, are important and influential works in the field of ritual magic and occultism. They provide detailed instructions and rituals for summoning and commanding spirits, making them highly sought after by practitioners of magic and those interested in the occult. These texts continue to be studied and utilized by individuals with an interest in the mystical and esoteric realms.**.
Reviews for "Unearthing Ancient Wisdom: A Study of Solomon's Occult Texts"
1. John - 1 star
I was really disappointed with "The three occult books penned by Solomon". The content was not what I was expecting at all. It felt like a mishmash of vague ideas and poorly explained concepts. The author seemed more interested in trying to sound mysterious rather than actually providing useful information. I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone looking for genuine occult knowledge.
2. Sarah - 2 stars
I found "The three occult books penned by Solomon" to be quite confusing and hard to follow. The author jumped between topics without clear transitions, making it difficult to fully grasp the teachings. Additionally, the language used was overly complex and convoluted, making it hard to understand the main points. I was hoping for a more practical guide, but instead, it felt like reading an abstract philosophical treatise. Not my cup of tea.
3. Robert - 1 star
I regret buying "The three occult books penned by Solomon". The information provided was not well-researched, and the author made ridiculous claims without any evidence to support them. I expected a scholarly approach to the occult, but instead, it felt like reading a collection of wild theories and personal anecdotes. It's a shame because I had high hopes for this book, but it failed to deliver any substantial knowledge.
4. Emily - 2 stars
"The three occult books penned by Solomon" was a letdown for me. The writing style was overly pretentious and made it difficult to engage with the material. I struggled to find any practical applications or actionable advice within the book. Instead, it seemed to focus on esoteric and abstract concepts that didn't resonate with me. Overall, it felt like a wasted opportunity to explore the occult in a more accessible and meaningful way.