King Solomon and Western Ceremonial Magic

Introduction

• King Solomon is renowned for his wisdom, extending into occult knowledge.
• Famous for using demonic forces to construct the Temple in Jerusalem.
• Key of Solomon literature became significant in medieval magic and continues to influence contemporary occult practices.
• The Testament of Solomon and Lesser Key of Solomon are crucial texts in Solomonic magic.

Early Texts and Origins

• Main Source: Greek magical texts bridging Pagan and Jewish magic from late antiquity.
• Title Text: The hygromancy or hugramantea of Solomon includes astrological planetary magic, angelic and demonic invocations, and occult virtues of plants, words, and stones.
• Main Elements: Magical rituals, techniques, regalia, divination, necromancy, spells for invisibility, and treasure hunting.

Historical Continuity

• Western Magic: Consistent through ages, dating back to Greco-Egyptian magic and Greek magical papyri.
• Techniques, symbolism, and procedures have remained consistent despite diversity.
• King Solomon linked with ritual power, occult knowledge, exorcism, and demonic binding before Christianity.

Testament of Solomon

• Early Influence: Testament of Solomon isn’t a magical handbook but hints at practices of demonic binding and exorcisms.
• Influence on later magical systems; Testimony: Connection to the Greek magical papyri.
• Example: Solomon’s collapse spell and mention of Solomon’s seal and ring in ancient texts.

Hygromancy of Solomon

• Complex History: Title varies but commonly means divination by water (hydromancy).
• Consists of planetary magic, invocation of angels and demons, occult properties, and other magical rituals.
• Survives in 18 manuscripts from 15th to 18th century.
• Composition: Likely in a Jewish or Jewish-Christian milieu, 5th-6th century CE; maybe Egyptian influence.

Content and Structure

• Macro Form: Core text with planetary Angelic and demonic evocation system.
• Magical Techniques: Include preparing ritual items, sanctifying components, and creating talismans.
• Micro Forms: Additional smaller ritual units including spells for various purposes.

Accretion and Evolution of Texts

• Macro Form: Compact, logical system of planetary evocation.
• Practical Knowledge: Days of the week, planetary hours, angelic and demonic invocations for different purposes.
• Micro Forms: Practical spells and instructions added over time reflecting active experimentation and older magical traditions.

Manual Practices

• Protective Circles: Essential for summoning rituals.
• Solomonic Ring: Made from virgin wax or silver, inscribed with magical words.
• Wear and Use: Used for various magical protections and summoning.

Significance in Western Ceremonial Magic

• Foundational Text: For later Solomonic and ceremonial magic traditions.
• Classic Influence: Reflected in medieval and contemporary magical practices.
• Scholarly Reconstructions: Provide insights into original texts and practices.

Resources for Further Study

• Primary Source Editions: Old Testament Pseudepigrapha, scholarly reconstructions by Marathakis.
• Scholarly Works: Toyhano’s books on Solomonic legends and their occult developments.

Conclusion

• Solomonic magic has a long-standing and evolving tradition influencing Western magic practices through ages.
• Key texts and practices derived from early teachings attributed to King Solomon.

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