Who Is Dantalion?
Dantalion is the 71st spirit listed in the Ars Goetia, part of the 17th-century Lesser Key of Solomon.
He is depicted as a man with many faces, sometimes both male and female, holding an open book and occasionally riding a monstrous dragon.
As a Great Duke of Hell, Dantalion commands 36 legions of spirits. His attributed powers include the ability to reveal hidden thoughts and secrets, influence minds, and incite love or discord between people.
He also teaches arts and sciences and can cause visions in which individuals appear before the conjurer.
Traditional lore emphasizes that summoning him carries psychological and moral risks, as his influence can be manipulative or mentally unsettling if approached carelessly.
Precautions Before Any Attempt (Historical Context)
Grimoire sources stress preparation and mental clarity. The following steps are described for historical understanding only:
Spiritual Preparation
Ground yourself through meditation or prayer to maintain emotional balance and avoid psychic fatigue. Protective emblems such as the pentagram or the Seal of Solomon were traditionally used for focus and reassurance.
Timing
Dantalion is aligned with Tuesday (the day of Mars), and operations were recommended during a waxing moon, symbolizing expansion and influence.
Mindset
A clear, well-defined purpose is essential; ambiguous intent was believed to attract misleading results. Historical texts always advised readiness with a banishing ritual such as the Lesser Banishing Ritual of the Pentagram (LBRP).
Materials Needed
Sigil of Dantalion: Draw or print his seal (a complex geometric figure with letters; search for “Dantalion sigil” for visuals).
Incense: Frankincense, myrrh, or sandalwood to invoke.
Candles: One black (for authority) and one white (for clarity).
Offerings: Wine, blood (your own, pricked finger—symbolic), or a written secret.
Tools: Athame (ritual knife), chalice, and a scrying mirror or black mirror for visions.
Circle: Chalk or rope to draw a protective circle.
Step-by-Step Summoning Ritual
This is adapted from traditional Goetic evocation methods. Perform in a quiet, dark space alone or with trusted participants.
Purification (10-15 minutes): Bathe with salt water. Anoint yourself with oil (olive or blessed) on forehead, heart, and wrists. Recite: “I purify myself in the name of the powers that bind and loose.”
Casting the Circle (5 minutes): Draw a 9-foot circle on the ground. Place the sigil of Dantalion at the east point. Light candles at cardinal directions. Invoke protection: “By the power of the elements—earth, air, fire, water—I cast this circle unbroken. No harm may enter.”
Invocation (10 minutes):
Stand in the circle facing east. Burn incense. Hold the sigil and chant the conjuration from the Ars Goetia (or a simplified version):
“I conjure thee, O Dantalion, Duke of the infernal legions, by the power of the Most High and the seals of Solomon. Appear before me in a fair and comely shape, visible and affable, to do my will without deceit or terror. I command 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 invoke thee! Appear!”
Repeat 3-7 times, vibrating the name “Dantalion” (Dan-tah-lee-on).
Appearance and Binding (Variable): Gaze into the scrying mirror. You may sense presence as a chill, whispers, or visual apparition. Once felt, bind him: “Dantalion, I bind thee by thy seal to serve me faithfully. Teach me [state your desire, e.g., ‘the secrets of another’s heart’ or ‘the arts of persuasion’]. Harm none, and depart in peace when commanded.”
Communication (15-30 minutes): Ask questions directly. Responses may come via intuition, automatic writing, or visions. Offer the libation: Pour wine while saying, “I offer this in thanks for thy service.”
Dismissal and Closing (5 minutes): Thank him: “Dantalion, I release thee with gratitude. Depart in peace to thy abodes.” Extinguish candles counterclockwise. Erase the circle: “The circle is open but unbroken. Merry meet, merry part.”
Aftercare
Journal everything immediately.
Ground with food/earth contact.
If disturbances persist (e.g., nightmares), repeat banishing rituals.