Goetia facts for kids

Goetia is a type of old practice that involves trying to "call upon" or communicate with spirits, like angels and demons. This word comes from a 17th-century book called The Lesser Key of Solomon. This book describes how to call upon 72 specific demons.

The book was later edited in 1904 by a famous writer named Aleister Crowley. After his edits, it was known as The Book of the Goetia of Solomon the King. The word "Goetia" itself comes from an ancient Greek word, Greek: γοητεία goēteia, which means "charm" or "sorcery".

What is Goetia?

Goetia is a practice from old books of magic, called grimoires. These books explain how people tried to connect with spirits. In Goetia, the focus is on calling out to 72 different spirits, often described as demons. People who practiced Goetia believed they could gain knowledge or power from these spirits.

The Lesser Key of Solomon

The main source for Goetia is a book called The Lesser Key of Solomon. This book is very old, from the 1600s. It is like a guide for people interested in this type of magic. It lists each of the 72 spirits. It also gives instructions on how to call them and what they might do.

Aleister Crowley's Version

In 1904, a writer named Aleister Crowley made his own version of The Lesser Key of Solomon. He called it The Book of the Goetia of Solomon the King. Crowley was interested in magic and ancient texts. His version helped make Goetia more known to people in the 20th century.

Images for kids

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  Aleister Crowley's drawing of a magic circle and triangle. These were used to call the 72 spirits.

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  The special symbols, called sigils, for the 72 spirits.

See also

In Spanish: Goecia para niños