The Key of Solomon the King

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

—

Title

The Key of Solomon the King

Language

en

Book source

Global Grey

Description max 80 words

A practical English translation of a medieval grimoire, this work presents ritual procedures, talismanic diagrams, and astrological instructions that shaped Western ceremonial magic. Edited by S. L. MacGregor Mathers from ancient manuscripts, it offers a curated guide to Qabalistical and ceremonial arts, emphasizing purity, divine glory, and the avoidance of black magic.

Summary up to 500 words

The Key of Solomon the King, edited by S. L. MacGregor Mathers from seven distinct codices preserved in the British Museum, stands as a foundational text of Western ceremonial magic. Mathers presents the work as the 'fountain-head of Qabalistical magic,' distinguishing it from related texts like the Grimorium Verum, which he warns contain dangerous 'black magic.' The volume is structured into two books. Book One begins with an introduction recounting King Solomon's divine revelation of magical secrets to his son, Roboam. Solomon describes receiving wisdom from the Angel Homadiel and composing a work to open the 'treasure-house' of magical arts, instructing Roboam to hide the Key in an ivory casket within his sepulchre. The text details various experiments, ranging from seeking favor and love to performing tricks of mockery and invisibility. These operations require strict adherence to planetary hours, the use of virgin paper, specific perfumes, and the 'Magic Sword.' A central component is the creation of 'Holy Pentacles' or medals. These are to be crafted from metals corresponding to specific planets—gold for the Sun, silver for the Moon, iron for Mars, and so on—and engraved with magical names to command spirits and provide protection against peril. The work includes prayers, invocations, and the 'Qabalistical Invocation of Solomon.' Book Two is referenced as containing further operations, though less detailed in the provided excerpts. The text concludes with plates of the pentacles and appendices on the mystical alphabet. Throughout, the author emphasizes the necessity of purity in body and mind, the glory of God, and the responsibility of the initiate to share knowledge only with other sages, warning that misuse or sharing with the ignorant leads to destruction. Mathers notes that while the original Hebrew manuscripts were often corrupted, he has corrected the magical names and characters to ensure accuracy for the student.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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https://www.globalgreyebooks.com/ebooks/s-l-macgregor-mathers_key-of-solomon-the-king.epub

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Categories

• Occult
• Magic