The Key of Solomon the King by Samuel Liddell MacGregor Mathers

This is the Greater Key of Solomon. Fully illustrated. Translated and edited from manuscripts in the British Museum by S. L. MacGregor Mathers. The Key of Solomon the King are believed to be the actual words and instructions of King Solomon himself. In these texts he instructs his followers on how to summon and master spiritual powers, including how to obtain answers to problems from the spirit world. Also available on this site is The Lesser Key of Solomon.

The Key of Solomon the King by Samuel Liddell MacGregor Mathers

The Key of Solomon is divided into two books. It describes the necessary drawings to prepare each "experiment" or, in more modern language, magical operations.

The Key of Solomon the King by Samuel Liddell MacGregor Mathers

Unlike later grimoires such as the Pseudomonarchia Daemonum (16th century) or the Lemegeton (17th century), the Key of Solomon does not mention the signature of the 72 spirits constrained by King Solomon in a bronze vessel. As in most medieval grimoires, all magical operations are ostensibly performed through the power of God, to whom all the invocations are addressed. Before any of these operations (termed "experiments") are performed, the operator must confess his sins and purge himself of evil, invoking the protection of God.

The Key of Solomon the King by Samuel Liddell MacGregor Mathers

Elaborate preparations are necessary, and each of the numerous items used in the operator's "experiments" must be constructed of the appropriate materials obtained in the prescribed manner, at the appropriate astrological time, marked with a specific set of magical symbols, and blessed with its own specific words. All substances needed for the magic drawings and amulets are detailed, as well as the means to purify and prepare them. Many of the symbols incorporate the Transitus Fluvii occult alphabet.

The Key of Solomon the King by Samuel Liddell MacGregor Mathers