Who is Zepar?
Zepar, the 16th spirit in the Lesser Key of Solomon’s Ars Goetia, is a demon from 17th-century grimoires. Depicted as a red-armored soldier on a red horse, he holds power to make women love men, influencing their romantic affections. Summoning him, as described in historical occult texts, requires complex rituals for experienced practitioners. These involve symbolic tools, incantations, and protective measures. Such practices are historical folklore, not guaranteed magic, and interpretations vary across sources.
Zepar’s Role in Demonology
In Goetic tradition, Zepar is one of 72 spirits cataloged in the Lesser Key of Solomon. He specializes in manipulating romantic emotions, particularly sparking desire in women toward men. Occultists like Aleister Crowley and modern practitioners have adapted his rituals, blending them with mystical traditions. These rituals, rooted in Renaissance occultism, remain a subject of fascination for scholars and esoteric enthusiasts studying historical demonology.
Preparation for a Zepar Ritual
Preparation, based on the Lesser Key of Solomon and Crowley’s interpretations, emphasizes purity, protection, and clear intent. Follow these steps:
- Gather Materials: Create a 9-foot consecrated circle using chalk, salt, or flour. Inscribe a 4-foot equilateral triangle pointing east. Use a black-handled athame or sword, a wand, frankincense or myrrh incense, and a black mirror or scrying crystal. Draw Zepar’s sigil—a complex glyph of intertwined letters—on virgin parchment with red ink. Place it in the triangle. Prepare offerings: bread, wine, a copper coin, or symbolic blood like a red ribbon. Wear a white robe or black attire, and go barefoot.
- Timing and Location: Perform the ritual at midnight on a Tuesday, during a waxing moon, aligning with Zepar’s martial nature. Choose a secluded indoor space, like a basement or attic, cleansed with sage smoke or holy water.
- Mental and Spiritual Prep: Fast for 24 hours. Meditate on your intent, such as “Zepar, aid in [specific love matter] without harm.” Perform the Lesser Banishing Ritual of the Pentagram (LBRP): Face east, draw pentagrams while vibrating “YHVH,” then repeat for south, west, and north, invoking archangels Michael, Raphael, Gabriel, and Uriel.
Step-by-Step Summoning Ritual
The ritual, lasting 1-2 hours, requires precision to avoid traditional warnings of backlash. Follow these steps carefully:
- Enter the Circle: Stand facing east outside the circle. Trace it clockwise with an athame, saying, “By the elements and divine names, this circle is sealed against harm.” Step inside, never breaking the boundary.
- Invoke Preliminary Spirits: Light incense and call archangels: “Michael before me, Raphael behind me, Gabriel to my right, Uriel to my left. About me flames the pentagram, in the column stands the six-rayed star.” Recite Psalm 91 for protection.
- Call Zepar: Place his sigil in the triangle. Gaze into the scrying tool. Chant the conjuration (adapted from Ars Goetia):“I do invocate and conjure thee, O Spirit Zepar; 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. Also I, being made after the image of God, endued with power from God and this visible world, do exorcise thee by that most mighty and powerful name of God, El, strong and wonderful; O thou Spirit Zepar. And I command thee and Him who spake the Word and His Fiat was accomplished, and by all the names of God. Appear thou now before this circle in a fair and comely shape, without deformity or horror, to answer truly and without falsehood all my demands. 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, appearing in this triangle before this circle to do my will.”Repeat three times, vibrating “Zepar” (ZEH-par) on the third.
- Manifestation and Communion: Watch for signs: red mist, horse-like sounds, or a soldier’s form in the mirror. If Zepar appears, state your request, e.g., “Zepar, cause [name] to desire me purely.” Offer items, saying, “I give thee this in thanks, Zepar.” Ask questions via the scrying tool; responses may appear as images, words, or feelings.
- Dismissal: Thank Zepar: “I thank thee for thy presence and service. Depart in peace to thy abodes.” Recite: “Depart, O Spirit Zepar, and be thou as friendly to me as ever thou canst be. I charge thee to harm none, and return when called.” Extinguish incense, erase the circle counterclockwise, and perform the LBRP again.
Potential Outcomes and Risks
Success may manifest as warmth, vivid dreams of red horses, or romantic synchronicities, per occult reports. However, traditional texts warn of risks like obsession or deception if the ritual is mishandled. Thorough banishing prevents lingering energies. Modern practitioners often view these rituals as psychological or symbolic, not literal magic.
Cultural and Historical Significance
Zepar’s lore, rooted in Renaissance occultism, blends Christian, Jewish, and pagan elements. Texts like the Pseudomonarchia Daemonum reinforce his martial imagery. His influence appears in modern pop culture, from literature to video games, reflecting ongoing interest in demonology. Scholars study these grimoires to explore historical beliefs, while practitioners adapt rituals for symbolic purposes.
Why Explore Zepar?
Studying Zepar provides insights into occult history, human psychology, and cultural fascination with love and control. His rituals, though symbolic, highlight desires to influence emotions. For safe exploration, consult historical texts or join occult study groups. Avoid risky practices, and seek professional help for emotional or mental health concerns.