Lord of the Flies

Hi Lexa,

I have a situation I was hoping I could get your advice on. Recently, a friend of mine became interested in the Goetia. Now, my friend has a basic knowledge of magick and ritual - however, this is the first time he has ever tried ceremonial magick. He bought a book entitled Modern Magick by Donald Michael Kraig. (I don't know if you have ever heard of it.) If not, it is a series of thirteen magickal lessons.There is a long and detailed ritual in the book for calling on the assistance of the Goetic spirit Bael. My friend has heard about invisibility and wants Bael's assistance with this. Now, he has not started at lesson one and worked his way up to this lesson. I know this seems strange- but he has just skipped to this section of the book. I don't feel this is particularly wise - but he is still insistent about going through with the ritual. Do you have any experience with the Goetia, and if so, what are some precautions or safety measures my friend should take beforehand?

Thanks.

-Confused

Dear Confused -

I am familiar with Modern Magick and it is a well written book of instruction. However, to skip ahead in the lessons, is like going sky diving without taking the six hour basic training course. No question that your friend could be about to embark on a dangerous endeavor and you are right on to have concerns. On a more positive note, I have often called upon Bael in my magickal workings and have found him to be most accommodating and especially helpful when difficult decisions must be made.

Bael is often classified as a light spirit as opposed to a dark spirit, but he is also in the category of demons and one should take care in approaching him. He is most well known by his other name of Beelzebub. Here is a quote from the Goetia by S. L. MacGregor Mathers:

The First Principal Spirit is a King ruling in the East, called Bael. He maketh thee to go Invisible. He ruleth over 66 Legions of Infernal Spirits. He appeareth in divers shapes, sometimes like a Cat, sometimes like a Toad, and sometimes like a Man, and sometimes all these forms at once. He speaketh hoarsely. This is his character which is used to be worn as a Lamen before him who calleth him forth, or else he will not do thee homage.

Here is the sigil that Mathers refers to and it is crucial that this seal be worn as a talisman in order to lend protection and control to the Magician. Bael is most often in good spirits although there have been occasional reports that he is nasty when summoned. I would venture to say that your friends' biggest danger will be the actual invisibility factor. He must be extremely careful and attentive while crossing streets and stay away from heavily trafficked areas.