Goétie

Goétie, in occult literature, denotes the body of demonology described in the Ars Goetia, the first section of the grimoire known as The Lesser Key of Solomon (Lemegeton). The term goétie derives from the Greek goetes, meaning a sorcerer or conjurer. The Ars Goetia presents a catalog of 72 demons said to have been invoked by King Solomon. The text assigns each demon a name, a rank, a brief description of powers and domains, and a seal or sigil believed to identify and command the spirit. The demons are grouped into ranks such as kings, princes, dukes, and presidents, and they are said to grant knowledge, influence, or abilities in exchange for obedience or offerings. The work as a whole also includes other sections dealing with different classes of spirits and magical procedures.

Historically, the Lemegeton is a composite compilation likely assembled in the 17th century in the Western European magical tradition. It drew on earlier grimoires and folkloric material, including Johann Weyer’s Pseudomonarchia Daemonum, and reflects medieval and early modern demonology rather than a standardized system. The goétie has influenced later occult writers and has left a lasting imprint on Western esotericism, modern magical orders, and popular culture, where the names and sigils of the 72 demons recur in novels, games, and films.

Scholars generally treat the goétie as a historical and literary artifact rather than a reliable account of demons, and discussions about it occur within demonology, folklore studies, and the history of magic.