Paimon

From Occult Encyclopedia
Jump to navigation Jump to search
The Goetic demon Paimon

Paimon (Hebrew: פאימון) is a Goetic demon named in the Lesser Key of Solomon, where he is the ninth spirit. Paimon is quite obedient to Lucifer.

He is usually named in grimoires alongside Oriens, Egyn, and Amaymon as kings of the cardinal directions. He is the king of the south.

General description

King Paimon appears as the ninth spirit in the Goetia, the twenty-second spirit in the Pseudomonarchia Daemonum, and in the Dictionnaire Infernal. In the Liber Officiorum Spirituum, he is first listed as the sixth spirit and later as the third king. The Livre des Esperitz and the Grimoire of Pope Honorius specify that King Paimon is king of the west. In the Book of Abramelin (where his appearance is given no description), he is one of the eight dukes of Hell.

The texts warn that if King Paimon appears alone, a sacrifice must be made to summon Labal, the most devoted to Lucifer, and Abalam, two kings who serve under him but do not always accompany him. These three sources state that he rules 200 legions of spirits, some of which are of the order of Angels and the rest Powers. The Livre des Esperitz, on the other hand, credits him with just 25 legions of spirits. Sloane MS 3824 mentions him as employing a "bishop" named Sperion, among other spirits.

Critical editions of the Lesser Key of Solomon list him as a fallen angel from the Dominions choir. Weyer notes a confusion over whether he was a former Dominion or Cherub. King Paimon is ruled over by the ShemHa Mephorash angel Haziel.

Name and origins

Practicing occultist Carroll "Poke" Runyon suggests that the name ultimately derives from "a Middle Eastern Pagan Goddess", on the grounds that some manuscripts depict King Paimon as a young man riding a camel, and that the name "Paimon" purportedly meant "a tinkling sound" in an unspecified language, in turn a claimed reference to Isis. This is part of an overall claim that the Lesser Key of Solomon was by Solomon and rooted in Mesopotamian mythology.

Appearance

Paimon depicted in Clavis Inferni

Paimon is described as a man riding a Dromedary camel, preceded by men playing loud music (particularly trumpets). Some texts describe the camel as crowned, while the rest describe King Paimon himself as crowned. He is described him as having a beautiful face but still refer to him using masculine pronouns.

The spirit has a "hoarse voice," but he must be commanded to speak plainly, and will speak in his native language until commanded to converse in the summoner's own language.

Abilities

Paimon teaches science and answering other questions. His knowledge includes all arts and "secret things," such as knowledge regarding the Earth, its waters, and the winds. He will truthfully answer all questions asked of him, and can reveal hidden treasures, knowing all the affairs of the world. He has the ability to bestow dignities and lordships. He can grant familiars (who are likewise good at teaching).

The Liber Officiorum Spirituum uniquely gives him command over fish.

King Paimon's other powers include: knowledge of past and future events, clearing up doubts, making spirits appear, creating visions, acquiring and dismissing servant spirits, reanimating the dead for several years, flight, remaining underwater indefinitely, and general abilities to "make all kinds of things" (and) "all sorts of people and armor appear" at the behest of the magician.

He is a servant demon for those born April 29 - May 3.

See also



Goetic demons of the Lesser Key of Solomon
Previous Demon This Demon Next Demon
Barbatos Paimon Buer