This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
The Lesser Key of Solomon the King: A Review of the Classic Grimoire
When it comes to grimoires, those cryptic books of magic and spirit conjuration, few titles loom as large as The Lesser Key of Solomon the King. Also known as the Lemegeton, this book is a cornerstone of Western ceremonial magic, famous for its evocative illustrations, structured invocations, and deep ties to Solomonic tradition. But what is it really, and does it still hold value for the modern magician?
In this review, we’ll unpack the book’s origins, structure, magical content, and why it remains an essential reference for serious occult practitioners.
What Is The Lesser Key of Solomon?
The Lesser Key of Solomon is a 17th-century grimoire compiled from earlier magical texts, though its roots arguably stretch back even further. It’s traditionally attributed to King Solomon, the biblical monarch famed for his wisdom and his legendary ability to command spirits. While there’s no historical evidence that Solomon actually wrote it, the book draws on the broader Solomonic magical tradition, which blends Judeo-Christian angelology, Renaissance mysticism, and medieval demonology.
The version most commonly referenced today is the one edited by Samuel Liddell MacGregor Mathers (of Golden Dawn fame) and Aleister Crowley. Their 1904 edition, The Lesser Key of Solomon the King, added commentary, structure, and a more ceremonial tone to the original manuscript.
What’s Inside? The Five Books of the Lemegeton
The Lesser Key is divided into five distinct parts:
- Ars Goetia – The most well-known section, listing 72 demons said to have been bound by Solomon. Each spirit is described in detail, including their appearance, rank, and what powers or knowledge they can grant.
- Ars Theurgia-Goetia – Focuses on aerial spirits, often more ambivalent than the demonic entities of the first book. These are tied to directions and planetary hours.
- Ars Paulina – Describes angelic magic and planetary correspondences. A stark contrast to the Goetic material, it emphasises higher celestial intelligences.
- Ars Almadel – Covers the construction of a wax altar (the Almadel) and the summoning of angels using candles and ritual timing.
- Ars Notoria – A curious and often overlooked section, focusing on prayer and meditation for the enhancement of memory, wisdom, and learning.
Each section reveals a different facet of magical work, from invocation and evocation to meditation and divine communion.
A Foundation of Ceremonial Magic
For practitioners of ceremonial and Solomonic magic, The Lesser Key is nothing short of foundational. The Ars Goetia in particular has become a rite of passage for magicians interested in spirit work. The system is formal, highly structured, and depends on strict ritual preparation, including the use of magic circles, protective pentacles, and lengthy conjurations.
It also provides insight into the dual nature of spiritual work, how the same system can summon both infernal and divine entities, depending on intention and preparation.
Final Thoughts: Why It Still Matters
The Lesser Key of Solomon the King isn’t light reading, it’s a challenging, ritual-heavy grimoire that demands respect, research, and discernment. But for those serious about Western esotericism, it’s a gateway into structured magical practice, with centuries of tradition behind it.
Whether you’re intrigued by its demonological lore or seeking to work with its angelic forces, the Lemegeton offers a rich, if at times daunting, magical roadmap. Even if you never perform a single evocation, understanding this text deepens your grasp of the Western occult tradition.
