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[[File:Solomon-Demon.jpg|250px|left]]
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The '''''[[Testament of Solomon]]''''' is a pseudepigraphical composite text ascribed to [[King Solomon]] but not regarded as canonical scripture by [[Judaism|Jewish]] or [[Christianity|Christian]] groups.
The '''[[Hierarchy of Hell]]''' represents the organizational structure of [[Hell]] as envisioned by [[occult]] authors in their [[grimoire]]s concerning [[demon]]s, especially [[Goetic demon]]s. Depending on the source, different authors ascribe varying ranks and positions to different infernal spirits. The best sources for this information are ''[[The Grand Grimoire]]'' and the ''[[Lesser Key of Solomon]]''. The concept of the hierarchy and the categorization of spirits into various ranks seems to have been a serious preoccupation with the early authors of occult literature. Nearly every book on magic mentions at least a few demons and attempts to assign them a structure analogous to governments common in Europe at the time. They are all monarchical in nature.


The book was written in the Greek language, based on precedents dating back to the early 1000AD, but was likely not completed in any meaningful textual sense until sometime in the medieval period. In its most noteworthy recensions, the text describes how Solomon was enabled to build his temple by commanding demons by means of a magical ring that was entrusted to him by [[Archangel Michael]].
In most works dealing with the 72 [[Goetic demon]]s, there is a rigid hierarchical structure for the demons, grouping each of them into ranks of nobility (including a knight and presidents). [[Occultist]] author [[Travis McHenry]] further explored these demonic ranks in his book ''[[The Grimoire of Heaven and Hell]]'', giving the reasons various demons were assigned to their specific class of nobility.


The key narrative of the testament is a story about a [[demon]] named [[Ornias]] harassing a young man by stealing half of his pay and sucking out his vitality through the thumb on his right hand. In response, Solomon prays in the temple and receives from Archangel Michael a ring with the seal of [[Yahweh|God]] (in the shape of a Pentagram) on it which will enable him to command the demons. Solomon lends the ring to the lad who, by throwing the ring at the demon Ornias, stamps him with the seal and brings him under control.
'''([[Hierarchy of Hell|Full Article...]])'''
 
'''([[Testament of Solomon|Full Article...]])'''

Latest revision as of 18:16, 28 July 2025

Map of Hell.png

The Hierarchy of Hell represents the organizational structure of Hell as envisioned by occult authors in their grimoires concerning demons, especially Goetic demons. Depending on the source, different authors ascribe varying ranks and positions to different infernal spirits. The best sources for this information are The Grand Grimoire and the Lesser Key of Solomon. The concept of the hierarchy and the categorization of spirits into various ranks seems to have been a serious preoccupation with the early authors of occult literature. Nearly every book on magic mentions at least a few demons and attempts to assign them a structure analogous to governments common in Europe at the time. They are all monarchical in nature.

In most works dealing with the 72 Goetic demons, there is a rigid hierarchical structure for the demons, grouping each of them into ranks of nobility (including a knight and presidents). Occultist author Travis McHenry further explored these demonic ranks in his book The Grimoire of Heaven and Hell, giving the reasons various demons were assigned to their specific class of nobility.

(Full Article...)