Introduction
Ipos (also spelled Ipes or Elps) is the 22nd spirit described in the Ars Goetia, the first section of the 17th-century grimoire The Lesser Key of Solomon (or Lemegeton Clavicula Salomonis). He is portrayed as a fallen angel who appears with the body of an angel, the head of a lion, and goose-like feet, wielding a fiery spear. In some accounts, he manifests as a lion-headed man riding a horse.
Ranked as both Earl and Prince of Hell, Ipos commands 36 legions of spirits. His powers include revealing the past, present, and future, granting wit and boldness, and exposing hidden truths.
Historical Context
Ipos originates from medieval and Renaissance demonological traditions, especially the Ars Goetia. These grimoires were manuals for invoking and commanding spirits, blending Christian mysticism, astrology, and Kabbalistic symbolism.
Such rituals were intended for trained magicians or scholars who sought practical or prophetic aid through spiritual intermediaries. Later occultists, such as Aleister Crowley, adapted these rituals for symbolic or psychological interpretation rather than literal spirit summoning.
Modern practitioners often view Ipos as a symbolic force of courage and intuition, not an external demon, though traditional texts treat his powers as real and binding.
Preparation for the Ritual
Before any evocation, the practitioner must purify mind, body, and space. The old texts warn that failure in preparation can lead to mental disturbance or misfortune.
Essential Preparations
- Purification and Fasting: Abstain from meat, alcohol, and sexual activity for 3–9 days. Bathe in consecrated water blessed with salt and herbs such as hyssop. Recite protective prayers like Psalm 91.
- Magic Circle: Draw a 9-foot circle with chalk, flour, or symbolic blood. Inside, inscribe divine names such as Adonai and Elohim, along with the Seal of Solomon.
- Triangle of Manifestation: Outside the circle, draw a triangle where Ipos is to appear. Place a crystal, scrying bowl, or black mirror inside.
- Sigil of Ipos: Draw his sigil on virgin parchment in red ink or symbolic blood. This sigil anchors the spirit’s presence.
- Incense and Offerings: Burn frankincense, myrrh, or dragon’s blood. Use black candles and offer wine or red liquid as symbolic blood.
- Robes and Tools: Wear a white robe and carry a consecrated dagger (athame) or sword for authority.
- Timing: Perform at night during a waxing moon. Tuesday (Mars) enhances courage; Wednesday (Mercury) sharpens intellect. Ipos corresponds to the element Air and zodiac signs Gemini or Virgo.
- Mental Readiness: Meditate on your purpose. Invoke archangels such as Michael for protection.
The Summoning Ritual
The traditional summoning of Ipos follows four stages: entry, invocation, manifestation, and dismissal. The entire process may last one to two hours.
Step 1: Enter the Circle
Face east and trace the circle closed with your athame, saying:
“I conjure thee, O Circle of Art, by the power of the Most High, to be a fortress against all spirits of darkness. Amen.”
Light the candles and incense to sanctify the space.
Step 2: The Invocation
Recite a preliminary prayer, such as the Bornless Ritual, then hold Ipos’s sigil aloft and speak:
“Ipos, Earl and Prince of the infernal legions, I invoke and conjure thee by the power of the Most High—by Adonai, El, and Elohim. Appear before me in a fair and comely form, visible and affable, without terror. By the sacred names Agla, On, and Tetragrammaton, come peaceably and answer my request!”
Repeat the conjuration several times, focusing on his lion-headed form emerging from smoke or shadow.
Step 3: Manifestation and Request
When a presence is felt—through vision, scent, or sensation—state your purpose clearly, such as:
“Reveal to me the outcome of [event] or the truth behind [matter].”
Maintain composure and authority. Do not allow distraction or fear to break focus.
Step 4: License to Depart
Once the exchange is complete, say:
“Ipos, I thank thee for thy appearance. Depart in peace to thy abodes, harming none. Return only when duly called. By the power of the Most High, go!”
Extinguish candles counterclockwise and perform a banishing ritual, such as the Lesser Banishing Ritual of the Pentagram, to close the rite.
Variations and Modern Adaptations
Solomonic Method
Incorporates planetary hours and talismanic correspondences aligned with Ipos’s sphere of influence.
Chaos Magic Method
Uses meditation and sigil-gazing rather than full ceremony. Some practitioners induce trance with binaural beats or psychedelic states, channeling Ipos as an aspect of the subconscious.
Evocation vs. Invocation
Traditional evocation calls Ipos externally; invocation draws his energy inward, merging with the practitioner’s psyche during meditation or dreamwork.
Warnings and Considerations
Ancient texts caution that Ipos, though cooperative, can be deceptive or overwhelming. Improper intent may result in nightmares, anxiety, or obsession. Summoners must maintain clarity of will and strong protective measures.
Even symbolically, this ritual represents confronting deep intuition and inner truth. Mishandled, it can expose more than one expects.
Conclusion
Ipos, the lion-headed Earl and Prince of Hell, remains one of the Ars Goetia’s most enigmatic spirits. His powers—prophecy, courage, and truth—reflect both illumination and danger.
In historical demonology, he symbolized divine insight twisted through infernal will. In modern practice, he stands as a metaphor for confronting fear and awakening mental clarity. Whether approached ritually or psychologically, Ipos teaches that knowledge and courage are inseparable—and that truth, once revealed, cannot be unseen.