Calling the Olympic Spirit Bethor

The Arbatel names seven "Olympic" spirits who govern the world under God through the seven planets, and Bethor is the spirit of Jupiter. 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. Bethor's office in the text concerns honours, treasure and healing. The operator ends by thanking God and dismissing the spirit.

Purpose

The Arbatel presents Bethor, governor of 42 of the 196 Olympic provinces under Jupiter, as able to raise people to high dignities, bring treasure, obtain true answers from spirits of the air, give precious medicines and extend life.

Timing

Day

Thursday — the day of Jupiter

Planetary hour

An hour of Jupiter, reckoned from local sunrise and sunset

Season / time

At sunrise

Called in the day and hour of Jupiter; 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 Thursday 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 Bethor