In 1904, Aleister Crowley commissioned, edited, introduced and released an English translation of The Book of the Goetia of Solomon the King, the first of five magical texts known as the Lemegeton. Although various editions have remained in print over the years, relatively few individuals have actually participated in an evocation of a Goetic Spirit. The reasons for this are many, but perhaps the single, most compelling excuse is rooted in the mistaken belief that to successfully evoke a spirit, one must conform blindly to the archaic procedures and long-winded conjurations outlined in the original text.Before his death in 1947, Crowley's attitude toward the Goetia appears to have changed considerably.
His masterful expansion and perfection of the "Preliminary Invocation of the Goetia" is a prime example. But, perhaps the most significant evidence is that he drastically simplified the system by the innovative use of the Enochian Calls of John Dee as conjurations.Now, Christopher Hyatt has joined with occultist Lon Milo DuQuette and artist/magician David Wilson to glean extraordinary magical and philosophical treasures from this most misunderstood subject.Goetia refers to all the operations of that Magick which deals with gross, malignant or unenlightened forces.
Goetia is sometimes thought of as a wild card, something that can get out of control, something which expresses the operator's lower desires to control others and improve his own personal life. And, in fact, this potential loss of control, this danger, the desire for self improvement and great power is exactly what attracts many people to Goetia while horrifying and repelling others. Crowley's Goetia is brought to life with vivid illustrations of the demons. Commentary by DuQuette and Hyatt bring the ancient arts into the modern day.