Who is Marbas?

Marbas (also known as Barbas) is the fifth spirit described in the Ars Goetia, the first section of the 17th-century grimoire The Lesser Key of Solomon. He is depicted as a great lion who, upon command, transforms into a human form. As a President of Hell, Marbas commands 36 legions of spirits and possesses powers including:

Revealing hidden or secret things.
Causing and curing diseases.
Teaching mechanical arts and changing people into other shapes.

These descriptions come from traditional occult texts and are not based on verifiable historical or scientific evidence. Summoning rituals from such grimoires are symbolic, psychological, or role-playing exercises in modern contexts, but historically, they were part of ceremonial magic practices. Proceed with caution, as engaging in these can be psychologically intense or lead to unintended mental health effects—consult a professional if needed.
Preparation for the Ritual

Traditional grimoires like The Lesser Key of Solomon outline meticulous preparations to “summon” spirits like Marbas. These are drawn from 17th-century European occultism and emphasize purity, tools, and intent. Here’s a step-by-step overview based on those sources:

Purification and Fasting:
Fast for at least 9 days (or 3 days minimally), abstaining from meat, alcohol, and sexual activity. Bathe in holy water (consecrated with salt and herbs like rosemary) twice daily.
Confess sins or meditate on personal flaws to achieve spiritual cleanliness. This aligns with the grimoire’s requirement for the summoner to be “pure in body and mind.”
Gather Tools and Symbols:
Circle of Protection: Draw a 9-foot diameter circle on the ground using chalk or flour, divided into nine sections with crosses. Inscribe Hebrew names of God (e.g., Adonai, El) around it for protection.
Triangle of Art: Outside the circle, draw a triangle (about 4 feet on each side) where the spirit manifests. Place a black obsidian stone or brass triangle inside.
Sigil of Marbas: Obtain or draw his seal (a complex geometric design resembling a crowned lion’s head with astrological symbols). Engrave it on virgin parchment or metal using a consecrated burin (engraving tool).
Other Items: Black-handled knife (athame), incense (frankincense and myrrh), a black mirror or crystal for scrying, virgin wax candles (three, anointed with olive oil), and a copy of the Lesser Key of Solomon or conjuration text.
Timing: Perform at midnight on a Tuesday (Mars’ day, linked to Marbas’ martial nature) during a waxing moon.
Choose a Space:
An isolated room or outdoor clearing, facing east. Ensure no interruptions. Burn protective herbs like mugwort beforehand to cleanse the area.

The Summoning Ritual

The core rite involves invocations from the Ars Goetia. Recite in a commanding voice, remaining within the circle at all times—never step out until dismissal. This is adapted directly from the grimoire’s English translation by S.L. MacGregor Mathers (1904).

Consecration:
Light the candles and incense. Stand in the circle, knife in hand, and trace the boundaries counterclockwise while reciting: “I conjure thee, O Circle of Art, by the power of the Most High, that thou be a fortress against all evil spirits. Amen.”
Initial Invocation:
Gaze into the black mirror and call the spirit’s superiors (higher demons like Lucifer or Beelzebub) for permission: “O thou Lucifer, Emperor of Hell, I beseech thee to send forth Marbas, thy servant, to appear before me in this triangle, visible and affable.”
Conjuration of Marbas:
Hold the sigil aloft and recite the specific call (three times, growing firmer each time): “I do invocate and conjure thee, O Spirit Marbas, 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, Marbas, before this Circle in a fair human shape, without deformity or horror. Come thou peaceably, visibly, and affably, now and without delay, manifesting that which I shall desire. For thou art conjured by the Name of the Living and True God, Helioren, wherefore fulfil thou my commands, and persist thou therein unto the end. Appear thou, Marbas! Appear thou, Marbas! Appear thou, Marbas!” (If no appearance, repeat with added threats of divine punishment, e.g., “By the power of the Tetragrammaton, I bind thee!”)
Communication:
If Marbas manifests (visually, audibly, or via intuition/symbols), state your request clearly (e.g., “Reveal to me the cure for [ailment]” or “Teach me the art of [skill]”). Offer no sacrifices—grimoire tradition prohibits them for Goetic spirits to avoid backlash.
Ask for a pledge of obedience on his sigil.
Dismissal:
Thank the spirit and license it to depart: “O thou Spirit Marbas, I thank thee for thy appearance and service. I license thee to depart in peace unto thy abodes and habitations, harming none. Depart, I say, and be thou very ready to come at my call. Amen.”
Extinguish candles counterclockwise. Burn or bury the sigil afterward.

Variations and Modern Adaptations

Solomonic Tradition: The above follows The Lesser Key of Solomon strictly. For a shorter version, see Aleister Crowley’s The Book of the Goetia (1904), which adds Enochian elements.
Chaos Magic Approach: Modern practitioners (e.g., in Phil Hine’s Condensed Chaos) simplify by visualizing the sigil during meditation, using no circle—just focused intent and a mantra like “Marbas, come and reveal.”
Evocation vs. Invocation: This is evocation (external summoning). For internal (invoking Marbas’ energy), meditate on his sigil while chanting his name.

Risks and Considerations

Grimoires warn of dangers like spirit deception or possession if protections fail. In psychological terms, this can induce hallucinations or anxiety. Legally and ethically, avoid anything involving harm. If exploring occultism, study responsibly—resources like Joseph Peterson’s The Lesser Key of Solomon (2001 edition) provide annotated texts. For deeper dives, cross-reference with Pseudomonarchia Daemonum by Johann Weyer (1577), Marbas’ earliest listing.