Halphas: The Demon of War and Fire in the Ars Goetia
Who Is Halphas?
Halphas (also known as Malthus or Malthous) is the 38th spirit of the Ars Goetia, the first book of the Lesser Key of Solomon — a 17th-century grimoire detailing the hierarchy of Goetic demons.
He is described as a stocky vulture or hoarse-voiced man, commanding 26 legions of spirits. In the infernal hierarchy, Halphas holds the rank of president, governing over warfare, destruction, and military strategy.
According to the Goetia, Halphas:
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Builds towers and fortifications for battle.
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Provides weapons and ammunition for demonic armies.
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Commands spectral warriors to attack enemies.
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Spreads fire and destruction upon cities or foes.
In occult symbolism, Halphas embodies strategic aggression, defensive power, and the discipline of war — both on the physical and spiritual plane.
Symbolism and Attributes of Halphas
| Attribute | Description |
|---|---|
| Rank | Infernal President |
| Legions | 26 |
| Element | Fire / Mars |
| Appearance | Stocky vulture or armored man with hoarse voice |
| Domain | War, weapons, fortresses, strategy, destruction |
| Planetary Correspondence | Mars (Tuesday) |
| Offerings | Red wine, iron, incense of myrrh or dragon’s blood |
Halphas’s energy is fiery, decisive, and militaristic — making him a symbolic archetype of organized chaos and calculated aggression. Practitioners often invoke him not for literal warfare, but for discipline, protection, and inner strength.
The Traditional Summoning of Halphas
Disclaimer: Rituals described below are for historical and educational reference. In modern occultism, they are interpreted symbolically or psychologically, not as literal evocations.
1. Preparation
Timing: Perform during a waxing moon or on Tuesday, the day of Mars, to align with Halphas’s martial energy.
Location: A quiet, private space — traditionally a ritual circle at midnight.
Purification: Fast for 24 hours, abstain from alcohol or negative emotions, and bathe in salt water for spiritual cleansing.
Recite Psalms 8, 51, or 91 for protection.
2. Ritual Tools
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Magic Circle: 9-foot diameter with divine names (Adonai, El, Tetragrammaton) for protection.
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Triangle of Art: Placed outside the circle — the point where Halphas manifests.
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Sigil of Halphas: Drawn precisely on virgin parchment.
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Incense: Myrrh or dragon’s blood.
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Offering: Chalice of red wine.
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Weapons of command: Sword or wand.
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Attire: White robe over black garments (purity balanced with shadow).
3. The Invocation of Halphas
Begin by entering the circle clockwise, lighting candles in the four directions (red for east/south, black for north/west).
Recite the Preliminary Invocation of Solomon to assert divine authority:
“Thee I invoke, O Mighty and Eternal One, who hast created the heavens and the earth.
Grant me power over the spirits of the abyss and protection from their deceits.”
The Conjuration of Halphas (adapted from the Ars Goetia)
“I conjure thee, O Spirit Halphas, by the power of the Supreme Majesty.
By the names of Beralanensis, Baldachiensis, and the Seat of Apologia in the Ninth Legion,
I command thee to appear before this circle in fair human form, without harm or deception.
By the ineffable name Tetragrammaton IEDOVA — come now, and fulfill my will.”
Repeat three times, vibrating the name Halphas on the final call.
If no response occurs, burn the sigil in the triangle as an offering of fire.
4. Manifestation and Command
Halphas may appear as a vulture, a shadowy figure in armor, or a voice carried by smoke or wind.
If hostility is sensed, issue the License to Depart respectfully:
“O thou Spirit Halphas, since thou hast answered my call and done my bidding,
I license thee to depart in peace, returning to thy proper place.
Cause no harm to man or beast. Go now, in the Name of the Most High.”
When commanding Halphas, clarity and respect are crucial. State your purpose concisely — for example:
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“Build a tower of protection around my endeavors.”
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“Grant me courage and strategy against adversity.”
Conclude with the Lesser Banishing Ritual of the Pentagram to cleanse residual energy.
The Sigil of Halphas
The sigil of Halphas is a circular glyph featuring a vulture’s head, intersecting crosses, and Hebrew letters.
It should be drawn exactly as in the Ars Goetia, as even minor alterations traditionally weaken the connection.
Place the sigil within the triangle of manifestation or use it in meditation to focus on Halphas’s martial intelligence and resilience.
Risks, Ethics, and Modern Interpretations
Caution: Traditional grimoires warn of danger if the ritual circle is broken or the spirit is dismissed improperly.
Because Halphas’s energy is martial and aggressive, summoners may experience heightened anger or restlessness afterward.
In modern occultism and chaos magic, however, invoking Halphas is seen symbolically — as a way to channel one’s inner warrior, focus, and drive.
Approach this practice as a meditative or psychological ritual, not literal summoning.
Always work with ethical intent and spiritual respect — the true strength of any magician lies in discipline, not domination.
Conclusion: The Legacy of Halphas
Halphas endures as one of the most tactical and fiery spirits of the Ars Goetia. Whether viewed as a literal demon or a symbol of warlike discipline, he represents the power of order within chaos — the capacity to fight, defend, and rebuild.
To study Halphas is to confront the martial force within — the drive that burns, destroys, and ultimately refines the soul through fire and will.