Who Is Bathin?
Bathin (also spelled Bathym, Mathim, or Marthim) is the 18th spirit in the Ars Goetia, a section of the 17th-century grimoire The Lesser Key of Solomon (Lemegeton Clavicula Salomonis). He is ranked as a Duke of Hell and commands thirty legions of spirits.
Bathin is depicted as a strong man with the tail of a serpent, riding a pale horse, and carrying a vial or herbs in his hand. His appearance connects him to alchemy, herbal knowledge, and the transformative symbolism of healing and movement. He is associated with knowledge of herbs, precious stones, and the ability to transport people swiftly from one country to another.
As a demon or spirit in this tradition, summoning him is framed as a ritual for gaining wisdom or aid, but it is rooted in medieval occultism and should be approached as historical or esoteric lore—not literal instruction.
Attributes and Powers
Bathin is said to:
- Teach the virtues and properties of herbs, stones, and precious gems.
- Help transport people or objects quickly from one place to another.
- Guide travelers across physical or spiritual distances.
- Reveal hidden natural correspondences between materials.
These qualities have made Bathin significant for students of alchemy, herbalism, and occult medicine. Symbolically, he represents transformation, healing, and mastery of movement between realms—mental, physical, and spiritual.
Historical Context
Bathin’s name appears in early spirit catalogs of the Renaissance period. In Johann Weyer’s Pseudomonarchia Daemonum (1577), he is described as a Duke who teaches the properties of herbs and stones and can move people instantly from one country to another.
In the Lesser Key of Solomon, his description remains similar but includes ritual instructions for invocation. The Dictionnaire Infernal (1863 edition) later illustrated him as a horseman with a serpent’s tail, symbolizing wisdom and speed.
Preparation for the Ritual
Traditional grimoires like the Ars Goetia emphasize meticulous preparation to ensure safety and efficacy. The following steps are drawn from classical sources.
Purification and Fasting
Abstain from meat, sex, and worldly distractions for nine days (or at least three). Bathe in holy or consecrated water, or herbal infusions such as hyssop, to cleanse yourself spiritually.
Protective Circle
Draw a consecrated circle on the ground using chalk, flour, or a consecrated knife. The circle must be nine feet in diameter and inscribed with the divine names of God (e.g., Tetragrammaton, Adonai, Elohim) and angelic seals from the grimoire.
Stand within it during the ritual to avoid harm. Include a triangle outside the circle where the spirit will appear.
Tools and Materials
- A black-handled knife or wand for tracing sigils.
- Incense: Frankincense or myrrh to fumigate the space.
- A scrying tool such as a black mirror, crystal, or bowl of water for evocation.
- The spirit’s sigil (see below) drawn on virgin parchment.
- Offerings: Bread, wine, or herbs associated with travel or knowledge (e.g., mugwort).
Timing
Perform at night, ideally during a waxing moon on a Tuesday—Mars’ day, aligned with action and movement. Avoid Sundays or major holy days.
Location
Select a quiet, isolated space, facing east. Remove or cover mirrors and reflective surfaces to avoid distraction.
Bathin’s Sigil
Use Bathin’s seal during invocation. Trace it in the air or on parchment with your knife or wand while chanting his name. The sigil serves as a focal point for concentration and symbolic contact.
The Summoning Ritual
This process is adapted from the Ars Goetia and related texts like the Pseudomonarchia Daemonum and The Sacred Magic of Abramelin the Mage. It reflects historical ceremonial magic, now studied for cultural and symbolic significance.
Enter the Circle
Face east, light incense, and recite a preliminary invocation for protection:
“I conjure thee, O thou mighty and powerful spirits, by the name of the Most High, Adonai, El, Elohim, and by the seals of Solomon, that ye appear before me in this triangle, visible and affable.”
Call the Spirit
Hold Bathin’s sigil and intone the conjuration three times, increasing in strength:
“Bathin, Duke of the infernal legions, I summon and command thee by the power of the Most High and the keys of Solomon. Appear before me in fair shape, without deformity or terror. Come peaceably, visibly, and affably, now and without delay, manifesting that which I desire: [state your intent, e.g., ‘knowledge of distant lands’ or ‘swift travel’]. I conjure thee by Beralanensis, Baldachiensis, Paumachia, and Apologiae Sedes; by the most powerful Princes, Genii, Liachidae, and Ministers of the Tartarean Abode; and by the Chief Prince of the Seat of Apologia in the Ninth Legion, I do exorcise thee and this be thy true name: Bathin. Obey now and appear!”
Appearance and Binding
If successful, Bathin may manifest as a shadowy figure on horseback or appear in a vision. Command him into the triangle and say:
“O thou spirit Bathin, because thou art docile and obedient, by the name of the Creator, be thou bound to this triangle. Answer truthfully all that I shall ask.”
Questioning
Ask your questions directly and respectfully. He is said to speak with a clear voice but may test your resolve. Do not leave the circle until the ritual is complete.
Dismissal
Conclude the ritual respectfully:
“Go thou in peace unto thy place. I license thee to depart, by the power of the Most High. Amen.”
Extinguish the incense and candles counterclockwise. Erase the circle from east to west to symbolically close the space.
Warnings and Considerations
Risks:
Historical grimoires warn of deception, possession, or backlash if protections fail. Modern occultists view these dangers as psychological effects of intense focus, trance, or fear rather than literal supernatural threats.
Ethics:
Intent is essential. Summoning for harm or manipulation was traditionally said to invite spiritual consequences. Modern interpretations emphasize psychological symbolism, self-reflection, and ethical restraint.