The Hexagram, Pentagram and Ring of Solomon

The hexagram is drawn on parchment, worn at the skirt of the white vestment under a cover of fine white linen, and uncovered when a spirit appears to compel it into human form. Its outer triangles bear "Tetragrammaton" in yellow, with AGLA in red and a red central cross. The pentagram of Solomon is made in gold or silver and worn on the breast, with the seal of the spirit being called on its reverse; its colours are black, red, green and blue. The magic ring or disc, also of gold or silver, is held before the face to guard against the sulphurous fumes and fiery breath of evil spirits. The figures are reproduced in colour in the 1904 edition.

Purpose

These three figures are said to compel spirits to take human shape and obey, to protect the operator from danger, and to shield him from the spirits' noxious breath.

Timing

Moon

Waxing (increasing in light)

The Goetia's "Observations" permit work only when the Moon is 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 or 14 days old, i.e. on even days of the waxing half of the lunar month. The pentagram is "made in Sol or Luna", i.e. gold or silver; later commentators read this as also implying the day and hour of the Sun or Moon, but the text names only the metals.

Materials

• parchment (calf-skin in the text) for the hexagram
• gold or silver for the pentagram and ring
• fine white linen cover
• coloured inks or enamels

Tools

• white linen vestment
• burin or graver