The Three Magical Books of Solomon

Book excerpt: Finally in a single book, the Keys and Testament of Solomon are available together in The Three Magical Books of Solomon: The Greater and Lesser Keys & The Testament of Solomon. The Testament is a story of his use of magic to control demons and the Keys reveal his spells and methods.The Lesser Key of Solomon is a well-know grimoire which has the description of the 72 demons conjured by Solomon, along with illustrations of their sigils, and the instructions for how to summon them. It also lists "Spirits mingled of Good and Evil Natures". The third book, attributed to the Apostle Paul, discusses the "Spirits allotted unto every degree of the 360 Degrees of the Zodiac; and also of the Signs, and of the Planets in the Signs, as well as of the Hours." Later on, Ars Almadel Salomonis provides instructions on how to create a wax tablet with specific designs intended to contact angels via scrying. This book also contains the prayers and orations of Solomon.The Key of Solomon the King is a very famous and important grimoire. It is divided up into two books. The first section includes various chants, spells, and curses to summon or restrain demons and the spirits of the dead. It also contains instructions on how to perform a series of magic spells. The second part describes purifications an exorcist should undergo, as well as on clothing and magical devices.The Testament of Solomon is about demons summoned by King Solomon, and how they can be countered by invoking angels and other magical techniques. It is one of the oldest magical texts attributed to King Solomon, dating First Century A.D.