Dernière modification le 12/08/2026.

Goetia, a branch of magic, is a specialization in the summoning of demons.

Introduction

In ancient times, the summoning of demons (or one of its methods) was known as Goetia. Its name comes from the Greek word goetia, meaning magic, sorcery, or invocation. It is based on the Ars Goetia, one of the five parts of the Lemegeton, an 18th-century collection of texts attributed to King Solomon. However, it was not until 1904 that the *Ars Goetia* was translated into English (*The Goetia: The Lesser Key of Solomon the King*). Produced by the occultists Samuel Mathers and Aleister Crowley, this version brought Goetia into the modern era.

Description

While Goetia stands in contrast to theurgy—which invokes benevolent spirits—it is not as dark a discipline as it may seem. Although it allows for the invocation of demons, it does not do so through sordid rituals. Furthermore, its purpose is not merely offensive—to sow chaos and harm people—but also defensive. It requires no sacrifices, and the demons summoned are forbidden from harming innocent beings: animals and children.

The Ars Goetia is a guide to the practice of goetia. It lists the 72 demons and the rituals for summoning them.

However, knowledge of demonology and this guide alone are not enough, as Goetia is a form of high magic. Only the most experienced mages who have studied it extensively can practice it safely.

References

Literature: The Witcher (A. Sapkowski)

Video Games: Final Fantasy XIV (Square Enix), Fate/Grand Order (Type-Moon)

Animation: Fate/Grand Order: Shuukyoku Tokuiten – Kani Jikan Shinden Solomon (CloverWorks)

Image: Wikimedia Commons

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