Who is Decarabia?

Decarabia (also spelled Carabia) is the 69th spirit listed in the Ars Goetia, the first section of the 17th-century grimoire The Lesser Key of Solomon (also known as Lemegeton Clavicula Salomonis). He is described as a Great Marquis of Hell who commands 30 legions of spirits. Unlike more malevolent demons in the Goetia, Decarabia is often portrayed as a teacher of esoteric knowledge, particularly the virtues and properties of herbs, precious stones, and birds. He can transform himself and his legions into various birds, mimicking their calls and flights to reveal hidden truths about nature. Upon summoning, he initially appears as a pentagram (five-pointed star) of light but can assume a human form if requested by the conjurer. His sigil (a specific magical seal) is essential for invocation, as it serves as a focal point for his energy.

Decarabia is associated with:

Planetary influence: Venus (for attraction, beauty, and harmony) with lunar undertones (for intuition and hidden knowledge).
Element: Air (symbolizing intellect, communication, and swift change).
Colors: Green, silver, white.
Metals: Copper and silver.
Timing: Best summoned on Fridays (Venus’s day) during the hour of Venus, or Mondays under a waxing or full moon for enhanced vision and clarity.

His powers are generally considered “positive” or neutral in modern occult interpretations—granting wisdom, creativity, protection through natural forces, and skills in herbalism or gemology—rather than causing harm. However, as with all Goetic spirits, he is a powerful entity from infernal hierarchies, and mishandling a summoning can lead to psychological imbalance, obsession, or unintended consequences.
Preparation for Summoning

Summoning Decarabia follows the traditional Goetic framework from the Lesser Key of Solomon, which emphasizes protection, purity, and authority. This is not a casual ritual; the grimoire assumes the practitioner has mastered basic ceremonial magic, including banishing rituals (e.g., the Lesser Banishing Ritual of the Pentagram) and meditation. Beginners are strongly advised against attempting this, as it requires years of experience to avoid risks like energy drain or entity attachment.
Essential Tools and Materials

Protective Circle: Draw a nine-foot-diameter circle on the ground using chalk, flour, or salt. Inscribe it with divine names (e.g., from the Shemhamphorasch or Tetragrammaton) for containment. Stand inside it during the ritual.
Triangle of Art: Place a small equilateral triangle outside the circle (about 3-4 feet away) facing east. This is where the spirit manifests. Line it with flames or incense to bind the entity.
Sigil of Decarabia: Engrave or draw his seal on virgin parchment, a metal medallion (copper preferred), or visualize it mentally. Wear it as a talisman for authority.
Wand or Staff: Made of hazel or almond wood, tipped with crystal or iron for commanding.
Incense: Sandalwood, myrrh, or frankincense blended with herbs like mugwort (for vision) or lavender (for Venusian harmony).
Offerings: Fresh herbs (e.g., rosemary or sage), a small gemstone (e.g., emerald or moonstone), bird feathers, or honeyed wine. Avoid blood or animal sacrifice, as Decarabia’s nature aligns with natural subtlety.
Robes and Purity: Wear white or green robes. Fast for 24 hours beforehand and perform a cleansing bath with salt and hyssop.
Grimoire: A copy of the Lesser Key of Solomon open to Decarabia’s entry.

Mental and Ethical Preparation

Clear Intent: Define your goal precisely (e.g., “Reveal the hidden properties of [specific herb] for healing”). Vague requests invite chaos.
Protection: Invoke archangels (Michael, Gabriel, Raphael, Uriel) or your higher self for shielding.
Mindset: Approach with respect, not fear or greed. Decarabia responds to elegance and curiosity about nature.

Step-by-Step Summoning Ritual

This is a condensed adaptation based on Goetic tradition. Perform at night under a waxing moon, in a quiet, undisturbed space (indoors or in nature near water/birds for affinity). The full process in the grimoire spans hours; practice components separately first.

Purification and Banishing (15-30 minutes):
Enter the space and perform the Lesser Banishing Ritual of the Pentagram (LBRP): Face each direction, trace pentagrams, invoke archangels, and declare the space sacred.
Light incense and state: “By the power of [divine name, e.g., Adonai], I purify this temple.”
Construct the Circle and Triangle (10 minutes):
Draw the circle and inscribe protective names (e.g., “El, Elohim, Adonai” around the edges).
Place the Triangle of Art outside, with Decarabia’s sigil inside it. Surround with candles or lanterns forming a fiery barrier.
Step inside the circle, sealing it with: “Thus I enclose myself in this circle of power, inviolable and secure.”
Invocation of Authority (5 minutes):
Hold the wand aloft and recite a license to depart from the grimoire (or adapt): “I, [your magical name], by the keys of Solomon and the might of the Most High, call thee forth.”
Vibrate (chant deeply) divine names associated with Venus: “Eloah Ve-Daath” or “YHVH Tzabaoth.”
Conjuration of Decarabia (10-15 minutes):
Gaze at the sigil and recite the specific conjuration (from Lesser Key, adapted for Decarabia):

“I do invocate and conjure thee, O Spirit Decarabia; and being with power armed from the Supreme Majesty, I do strongly 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, and by invocating conjure thee. And being armed with power from the Supreme Majesty, I do strongly command thee, by Him Who spake and it was done, and unto whom all creatures be obedient… Appear thou now before this Circle in a fair and comely shape, without deformity or horror… I conjure thee by the Seal of Decarabia, which I hold in my hand.”

Repeat 3-7 times, intensifying focus. Burn the sigil’s copy in the triangle if needed to “heat” the call.
Manifestation and Communication (Variable):
Signs of arrival: Air grows crisp; faint shimmering or star-flashes; bird calls or wing sounds; a charged atmosphere like pre-storm.
Once present (as a pentagram or human form), state your intent clearly: “Decarabia, Marquis of the Legions, I seek thy wisdom on [specific request]. Teach me the virtues of [herb/stone/bird].”
Communicate via clairaudience (inner voice), visions, or scrying (gaze into a black mirror or water bowl). Offer thanks and a small gift.
Negotiate if needed, but bind with: “By thy seal and my command, fulfill this without deceit.”
Dismissal and Closing (10 minutes):
Thank the spirit: “Decarabia, I thank thee for thy presence and wisdom. Depart in peace.”
Recite the license to depart: “O thou Spirit Decarabia, because thou hast diligently answered unto my demands… I do license thee to depart unto thy proper place… Peace be unto thee.”
Extinguish flames counterclockwise, erase the circle, and perform LBRP again.
Ground yourself: Eat, journal insights, and avoid sleep for an hour.

Potential Risks and Modern Adaptations

Dangers: Unprotected summonings can cause vivid dreams, paranoia, or “astral interference.” Always banish thoroughly. If overwhelmed, use salt circles or invoke Michael for immediate aid.