Calling the Olympic Spirit Aratron

The Arbatel names seven "Olympic" spirits who govern the world under God through the seven planets, and Aratron is the spirit of Saturn. The method is markedly devotional: the operator, who must be pious and keep God's commandments, rises on the planet's day, observes the sunrise, and prays to God naming the spirit and the office desired, asking that it be sent. The spirit is then called by its name and office in its own day and hour, and is not to be detained longer than an hour unless already familiar. Its character, printed in the book or given by the spirit itself, serves as its seal. Aratron is said to command forty-nine kings and many legions. The operator ends by thanking God and dismissing the spirit.

Purpose

The Arbatel presents Aratron, governor of 49 of the 196 Olympic provinces under Saturn, as able to teach alchemy, magic and medicine, give familiar spirits, confer invisibility and long life, and turn things to stone or coal to treasure.

Timing

Day

Saturday — the day of Saturn

Planetary hour

An hour of Saturn, reckoned from local sunrise and sunset

Season / time

At sunrise

Called in the day and hour of Saturn; the Arbatel says Aratron appears in the first hour of Saturday and the others likewise in their own days and hours. The first planetary hour of Saturday begins at sunrise, and Aphorism 21 opens the calling by observing the sunrise. A character given by the spirit is to be used in the same day and hour it was received.

Materials

• character (seal) of Aratron