If there is one work to know in magic, it is the Key of Solomon (or Clavicula Salomonis by its original title). This collection of 120 to 130 manuscripts is attributed to King Solomon, renowned for his wisdom and magical skills. These texts, whose origins date back to the Middle Ages, compile a series of rituals, incantations, magical formulas, and pentacles created to summon spirits, command supernatural forces, and achieve various magical effects. The impact of the Key of Solomon in magic is considerable, as it has influenced much of the Western magical tradition and is considered the reference text for many occultists and magicians, especially those who practice talismanic magic. Introduction.
1. Who is King Solomon?
King Solomon is a biblical figure, widely recognized for his prosperous reign over the kingdom of Israel in the 10th century BCE. Son of King David and Bathsheba, Solomon is the third king of Israel, succeeding his father. His reign is often described as Israel’s golden age, marked by peace, prosperity, and remarkable architectural achievements, the most famous being the construction of the First Temple in Jerusalem, which became the spiritual center of the Jewish people.
In the Bible, Solomon is admired for his great wisdom. One of the most famous stories about this wisdom is the Judgment of Solomon, where he resolves a dispute between two women claiming to be the mother of the same child by proposing to divide the child in two, thus revealing the true mother by her reaction.
Beyond his wisdom and role as a builder, Solomon is also surrounded by a mystical and esoteric aura. According to Jewish, Christian, and Islamic traditions, Solomon possessed occult knowledge that was given to him by God himself. For example, he was able to communicate with spirits, animals, and even command demons. This mastery of mystical arts is often associated with the famous Seal of Solomon, a magical ring that, according to legend, granted him these supernatural powers.
2. The Seal of Solomon
Also called the Star of Solomon, it is represented as a six-pointed star (hexagram), made of two interlaced equilateral triangles. According to legend, this seal was engraved on a ring that Solomon wore, allowing him to control supernatural entities and perform magical acts. It is notably described in the Testament of Solomon, where Solomon uses the seal to enslave demons and force them to build the Temple of Jerusalem.
It is said that the ring is in King Solomon’s tomb, the location of which remains unknown (or has been lost forever).
3. Origins between myth and reality
Although these stories are largely mythical, the Key of Solomon is first mentioned in medieval texts, notably from the 12th century onward, a period when these manuscripts appear as collections of codified magical practices. According to esoteric tradition, Solomon compiled these grimoires to pass on his knowledge to his successors or descendants.
There are actually several versions of the Key of Solomon, each stemming from different traditional and linguistic interpretations. Among the best known are the Latin, Hebrew, and Italian versions, each manuscript showing variations in the content of rituals and pentacles. The Latin version, which was compiled around the 13th or 14th century, was widely circulated in Europe. These differences between versions are explained by adaptations made by scribes and occultists over the centuries, who often incorporated local elements of magic and occultism, thus modifying the original to fit their own cultural and spiritual context.
It should also be noted that this collection is part of a larger work devoted to magic. While the Key of Solomon focuses on ceremonial magic and spirit invocation, there is also the Testament of Solomon (more narrative, about demonology and how Solomon enslaved demons to perform earthly tasks) and the Lesser Key of Solomon (a later compilation, more focused on demonic magic, especially with the book Goetia).
4. The structure and content of the work
The Key of Solomon is presented as a practical manual of talismanic magic, structured into several sections or books, each dealing with different aspects of magic and occult practices. Although versions of the text may vary, most manuscripts are generally organized into two main books:
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Book I (usually divided into two parts) is dedicated to the preparations necessary to perform magical rituals. It describes in detail the various steps of purification for the magician, the making of ritual tools (such as swords, planetary pentacles, incense), and the conditions to be met for magical operations to be effective. This book also covers the creation and consecration of magic circles, which serve as protection against the invoked forces.
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Book II focuses on the invocations and magical formulas themselves. It contains precise instructions on how to summon, compel, and banish spirits, whether angelic or demonic. This book also includes a series of pentacles, each associated with specific spirits or particular goals, such as protection, wealth, or healing.
5. Astrology and planetary magic
If you plan to study this work, you will notice that most seals are linked to the planets. Indeed, in the Middle Ages and Renaissance, astrology was considered a sacred science that revealed the influences of celestial bodies on earthly life. Each planet governs certain aspects of human life, emotions, events, and even spiritual forces. The planets are thus seen as mediators between the divine world and the earthly world, and their influence was considered decisive in the practice of magic.
The Key of Solomon presents 44 seals, pentacles (or more precisely pentacles) linked to a specific planet.
6. Famous talismans
Sometimes the seals in this work are directly associated with demons. Although indeed some are linked to Goetia, it is not a collection of evil talismans, but rather seals to help achieve an intention.
6.1. The First Pentacle of Saturn
The First Pentacle of Saturn is one of the most powerful pentacles of the Key of Solomon. This pentacle is engraved with a central hexagram surrounded by divine names, including "YHVH" (the sacred Tetragrammaton) and "Adonai." This pentacle is designed to protect against dangers and repel malevolent spirits. Saturn is often associated with protection and stability, so this pentacle is used to strengthen the practitioner’s spiritual security.
6.2. The Pentacle of Mars
The Pentacle of Mars is another important talisman. It is used to invoke the power of Mars, the Roman god of war, and to grant the wearer strength, courage, and protection in conflicts. This pentacle is engraved with symbols of Mars, as well as divine names, and is often used in rituals aimed at defeating enemies or overcoming major obstacles.
6.3. The Seal of Solomon
As mentioned above, the Seal of Solomon (the hexagram) often appears on the pentacles and talismans of the Key of Solomon. It is used as a symbol of power and control over spirits, and it frequently appears in magic circles drawn on the ground during rituals.
6.4. The Magic Circle
The magic circle as used today as a protective circle was not created by Solomon, but the Key of Solomon largely codified it. It is traditionally drawn on the ground with sacred symbols, names, or sigils, forming a protective barrier between the magician and the invoked forces.
6.5. The Third Pentacle of the Sun
The Third Pentacle of the Sun is used to obtain royal favors, glory, and fortune. It is associated with solar power and is engraved with sacred names as well as solar symbols. This pentacle is often employed in rituals aimed at attracting public recognition and succeeding in ambitious endeavors.
7. Where does the current translation of the Key of Solomon come from?
The Key of Solomon began circulating as manuscripts in the Middle Ages. At that time, texts were copied by hand by monks, scribes, and scholars. These copies were mainly in Latin, although Hebrew and Italian versions also exist. The manuscripts were often modified, supplemented, or reorganized by those who copied them, leading to multiple versions of the text.
One of the names most associated with the modern translation and dissemination of the Key of Solomon is Samuel Liddell MacGregor Mathers, a British occultist. Mathers is best known for his role in founding the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, a secret (but famous) society dedicated to the study of occultism.
In 1889, Mathers published an English translation of the Key of Solomon under the title The Key of Solomon the King. This version, based on several Latin and French manuscripts, was one of the first translations to make the text accessible to an English-speaking audience. Although Mathers sometimes reinterpreted or added elements to align the text with the teachings of the Golden Dawn, his translation remains an important reference for occultists.
It should be noted, however, that studies and analyses are still ongoing to interpret or update this text as close as possible to its origins.
And that concludes this presentation of a major text for all those interested in the roots and foundational texts. I hope this article inspires you to explore more deeply these famous seals, talismans, and pentacles!
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