The Almadel

Almadel of Solomon

The Almadel of Solomon is a significant artefact and concept in Solomonic magic, a tradition of ceremonial magic rooted in the lore and purported writings of King Solomon. This page provides a comprehensive overview of the Almadel, including its history, description, uses, and significance in the broader context of Solomonic magical practices.

Introduction

The Almadel of Solomon is part of the Lesser Key of Solomon, also known as the Lemegeton, a grimoire that is a key text in Western ceremonial magic. It is particularly notable for its role in the practice of conjuring and communicating with specific classes of angels.

The Lemegeton is divided into five books:

1. Ars Goetia: Concerns the summoning of 72 demons.
2. Ars Theurgia-Goetia: Deals with the spirits of the cardinal points.
3. Ars Paulina: Focuses on the summoning of angelic forces.
4. Ars Almadel: Describes the construction and use of the Almadel, a magical wax tablet.
5. Ars Notoria: Contains prayers and orations for acquiring knowledge and eloquence.

Historical Background

The origins of the Almadel can be traced back to medieval texts, which attribute its creation to King Solomon, famed for his wisdom and magical knowledge. The Lemegeton, believed to have been compiled in the 17th century, incorporates earlier traditions and manuscripts, establishing the Almadel as an integral component of Solomonic magic.

The Almadel is similar to Johannes Trthemius's book, "The Art of Drawing Spirits into Crystals," a seminal work in the field of Western esotericism, particularly notable for its detailed exploration of the practice of crystal gazing and spirit summoning. Trithemius, a respected German abbot and occultist of the late 15th and early 16th centuries, delves into the methods of invoking and communicating with spiritual entities through the use of consecrated crystals. The book outlines specific rituals, including the preparation of the crystal, the consecration process, and the precise invocation prayers. It also emphasises the importance of astrological timing and the moral purity of the practitioner. Trithemius's work, influential in its time, continues to be referenced in contemporary studies of ritual magic and crystallography, reflecting its enduring impact on the traditions of Western occult practice.

Description and Design

The Almadel consists of a wax tablet engraved with specific designs and characters. Typically, it is accompanied by candles and placed upon a specially constructed altar. The design and symbols inscribed on the Almadel are believed to be crucial for the successful invocation and interaction with angelic beings.

Usage in Ceremonial Magic

In practice, the Almadel is used in a ritual context to summon and communicate with angels. The ritual involves precise preparations, including the creation of the Almadel according to specific dimensions and inscriptions, as well as the observance of astrological timings and ceremonial purity. There are several versions of the Alomadel, with some variance between them about the angels and their functions assigned to each of the four "choras".

Here's a brief overview of the four Choras:

• # The First Chora: This level is associated with the invocation of the highest order of angels. These angels are believed to be closest to the divine and are invoked for enlightenment and understanding of divine wisdom. The rituals for this Chora focus on spiritual knowledge and divine inspiration.

• # The Second Chora: The angels of the Second Chora are considered to be intermediaries, carrying prayers and messages between the higher angels and humans. The focus here is often on guidance and the resolution of problems, as well as gaining help in various endeavours.

• # The Third Chora: This level deals with angels that govern the physical aspects of the world, such as nature and elemental forces. Invocations in the Third Chora are often for protection, healing, and influence over natural events.

• # The Fourth Chora: The lowest of the Altitudes, this Chora is associated with angels that have more direct interaction with the human realm. The invocations here are typically for more practical and worldly matters, such as gaining wealth, love, or other material desires.

In the simplest of the almadel texts, the angels are largely concerned with the acquisition and loss of wealth and fertility.

In the practice of Solomonic magic, the Almadel is used to create a consecrated space for communicating with these angelic beings. Each Chora requires different preparations, including specific inscriptions on the Almadel, and the rituals are conducted with great reverence and strict adherence to the prescribed guidelines. The concept of these four Choras reflects the hierarchical view of the spiritual realm prevalent in medieval and Renaissance occult practices.

Significance and Interpretation

The Almadel is significant not only as a magical tool but also as a symbol of the esoteric knowledge attributed to Solomon. It represents a bridge between the human and divine realms and is a testament to the rich tradition of medieval and Renaissance magical practices.

Contemporary Practices

In modern times, the Almadel continues to fascinate practitioners of ceremonial magic and occult scholars. While its practical use is limited to a niche community, it remains a subject of historical and theoretical interest in the study of Western esotericism.

References

• Mathers, S.L. MacGregor, and Aleister Crowley. The Lesser Key of Solomon.
• Skinner, Stephen. The Complete Magician's Tables.
• Peterson, Joseph H. The Lesser Key of Solomon: Lemegeton Clavicula Salomonis.

This page offers a foundational understanding of the Almadel within Solomonic magic, highlighting its historical roots, design, usage, and continued relevance in contemporary esoteric practices.