Shax (also spelled Shaks or Chax) is the 44th spirit described in the Ars Goetia, a grimoire from the 17th-century Lesser Key of Solomon. He is depicted as a stork-like bird with a hoarse voice, commanding 30 legions of demons. Shax is said to provide knowledge of hidden treasures, make people blind or deaf, steal money or horses, and reveal secrets, but he is known for deceitfulness and may lie unless compelled truthfully.
Historical Method of Summoning
Summoning rituals in grimoires like the Ars Goetia are rooted in medieval European occultism and involve elaborate preparations. These are presented as ceremonial magic, not literal instructions, and were likely symbolic or psychological exercises for the practitioners of the time. The process for Shax follows the standard Goetic format but with specific sigils and incantations. Below is a summarized outline based on traditional texts (e.g., translations by S.L. MacGregor Mathers and Aleister Crowley). Note: This is for historical/educational purposes only; attempting such rituals can be psychologically risky and is not endorsed.
Preparation
Timing and Location: Perform during the hour of Mercury (Wednesday, dawn or dusk). Choose a secluded, purified space (e.g., a circle drawn with chalk or flour in a room). Fast for 24 hours prior and bathe in ritual herbs like hyssop.
Tools Needed:
A magic circle (9 feet diameter) inscribed with protective names of God (e.g., Tetragrammaton).
A triangle of art outside the circle for the spirit to appear.
Black-handled knife (athame), incense (frankincense and myrrh), a virgin parchment with Shax’s sigil drawn in blood or ink.
Lamen (protective talisman) worn around the neck, engraved with the seal of Solomon.
Shax’s Sigil
The sigil is a key focus for invocation. It resembles a stylized bird or abstract lines:
/\
/ \
/____\
| |
\__/
(Draw this precisely on parchment; exact designs vary slightly in manuscripts.)
The Ritual Steps
Purification and Entry: Enter the circle naked or in white robes. Recite a preliminary invocation for protection, such as the Bornless Ritual or Psalm 91.
Conjuration: Light incense and hold the lamen. Chant the general Goetic conjuration three times, adapted for Shax:
“I do invocate and conjure thee, O Spirit Shax; 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 human shape, without any deformity or tortuosity. Come thou peaceably, visibly, and affably, now and without delay, manifesting that which I shall desire.”
Specific Invocation for Shax: Once the spirit is “bound” (you may sense a presence), use his unique call:
“O thou Shax, the Forty-fourth Spirit! Thou who art a Great Marquis, appearing like a Stork with a hoarse voice! I conjure thee by the power of the Seal of Solomon, appear before me in the triangle, truthful and obedient, revealing all treasures and secrets as I command!”
Compulsion if Resistant: If no appearance, use the spirit’s curse or chain (symbolic iron links) while reciting:
“By the power of these names: Adonai, El, Elohim… I bind thee, Shax, to truth and service, or suffer torment in the Lake of Fire!”
Communication and Dismissal: Ask your questions (e.g., “Reveal the location of [treasure]”). Command truth with the words “Veritas” or the lamen. Once done, license to depart:
“Go thou, Shax, to thy place, harming none, and be thou friendly as before. In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, depart!”
Warnings from the Texts
Shax is “ill-natured” and may deceive; always use the triangle to contain him.
Exit the circle backward; burn the sigil afterward to banish.
Failure to follow protections could lead to “madness or harm,” per the grimoires.
Disclaimer: Dangers of Summoning a Demon
Attempting to summon demons or spirits is not safe and can cause real harm, including death.
Risks include:
Psychological: fear, paranoia, hallucinations, or long-term mental health issues.
Physical: burns, cuts, accidents, unsafe rituals, or life-threatening harm.
Spiritual/Belief-Based: feelings of curses, oppression, or possession.
Social/Legal: conflict with family, community, or law.
This content is for informational purposes only and does not condone, promote, or incite violence or human and animal sacrifice.
This is not a joke. Even without belief in the supernatural, these practices can cause severe injury or death. For your safety, do not attempt them. If you feel compelled, seek help from a trusted professional.
How to summon Shax
