Calling the Olympic Spirit Och

The Arbatel names seven "Olympic" spirits who govern the world under God through the seven planets, and Och is the spirit of Sun. 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. Och is among the most generously described of the seven, credited with a purse that never empties of gold. The operator ends by thanking God and dismissing the spirit.

Purpose

The Arbatel presents Och, governor of 28 of the 196 Olympic provinces under Sun, as able to give wisdom, health, long life, gold and precious stones, and make the bearer honoured by kings.

Timing

Day

Sunday — the day of Sun

Planetary hour

An hour of Sun, reckoned from local sunrise and sunset

Season / time

At sunrise

Called in the day and hour of Sun; 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 Sunday 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 Och