The word Ba’al (בעל) originates from Northwest Semitic and means “owner” or “master.” In social contexts, it identifies someone at the head of a household or a husband. In spiritual contexts, it describes protective spirits or “lords” of particular locales, such as Ba’al-Peor or the Lord of Mount Peor. Overall, the word often conveys a figure’s authority, whether over a place or a group of people.
In the Ugaritic Texts (c. 1200 BCE), this title became the primary name of a Canaanite god known as Hadad (𐎅𐎄/Haddu). Baal-Hadad, also called ‘Rider of the Clouds,’ was considered one of the most active deities in the Levantine Pantheon, providing rain and helping agriculture thrive.
To those who worshiped him, he was known as ‘King of the Gods’ and the ‘Lord’ of their world. Over time, Ba’al became the most common way of referring to him.
As Israelite monotheism came into conflict with the polytheistic cultures around it, many ‘older deities’ underwent deliberate demonization (see: Satan and Lilith). Such was the case for Ba’al. The Hebrew Bible used the name to refer to those they deemed false gods and further diminished his status by making a ‘pun’ out of his name.
The title ‘Ba’al Zebul’ (Lord of the High Place) was bastardized and turned into “Ba’al Zebub” (Lord of the Flies), suggesting that the once powerful god was merely a king of filth and rot. Despite the similarity in name, Bael and Beelzebub are two different entities.
This demonization would carry over to medieval grimoires where all the‘Baals,’ or so-called false gods, were synthesized into a single figure: King Bael. Do note that the name Bael is almost exclusively used within the European Grimoire tradition and that Baal (the Canaanite deity) is treated as a separate archetype.
While this transformation took away his former divinity, it did not strip him of his crown or power. King Bael is revered within modern occult practices, such as demonolatry and Goetic magick, as a powerful spirit guide.
Dates / Feast Days: March 21–25 (Vernal Equinox)
Direction(s): East
Planetary Association: The Sun. This association likely carried over from the deity Ba’al. In some left-hand path traditions, he is also associated with Saturn.
Zodiac Association: Aries (0–4 degrees)
Elemental Association(s): Fire
Tarot Association: Two of Wands. This card represents the beginning of the “Dominion” suit, which aligns with King Bael’s position as the first and primary king in Goetia.
Metal: Gold
Color(s): Yellow and gold
Plant / Herb: Fern and Sage
Incense / Resin: Frankincense
In some older hierarchies, Bael is also listed as the First Principal Spirit, another title he holds but one that isn’t as common.
“(1.) BAEL. — The First Principal Spirit is a King ruling in the East, called Bael. He maketh thee to go Invisible. He ruleth over 66 Legions of Infernal Spirits. He appeareth in divers shapes, sometimes like a Cat, sometimes like a Toad, and sometimes like a Man, and sometimes all these forms at once. He speaketh hoarsely…” –Ars Goetia,translated by S.L. MacGregor Mathers and Aleister Crowley
In Pseudomonarchia Daemonum, Bael isn’t just an average spirit. He is among the first mentioned in the catalog and is given the prestigious position of First King. His authority and power are further highlighted by the fact that he commands 66 legions of infernals, which is a truly significant number in this context.
The book also specifies his abilities and the gifts he can bestow to those who summon him, such as invisibility (his primary function), wisdom, and knowledge of various sciences.
In Ars Goetia, Bael underwent a ‘rebranding.’ While he remains the First Principal Spirit, the grimoire gives him a specific sigil that can be used for summoning. Without this seal, a practitioner will have no authority to invoke him and will lack protection from his influence.
His sigil is a crucial detail when it comes to Goetic magick. It has to be worn as a lamen, a pendant or protective breastplate, and not just drawn. Why? This is because in the Goetia, he is considered a dangerous spirit and must be constrained by the presence of his sigil/seal.
Though not as old as the previous texts, S. Connolly’s view of Bael is worth a mention as well. In Demonolatry, Bael is viewed as a “Daemonic Divine” intelligence. A god-like force that practitioners can call upon as a mentor or partner when it comes to their workings.
She also positions his power of invisibility as a metaphor for privacy and secrecy. Instead of literally disappearing, practitioners who work with Bael are granted the ability to keep their personal business and other secrets away from prying eyes.
It can be said that Bael has one of the most distinctive appearances in all of demonology. While others only have vague descriptions, he has a very recognizable image, even to those outside the practice.
This wasn’t always the case, however. Here is how Bael’s physical traits transformed across history.
In this text, Bael is not given a physical description, but much emphasis is placed on his “hoarse” or “rough” voice. This is important to note, as this discordant sound was often used as a sign or a ‘tell’ in demonology, letting practitioners know that they were dealing with something dangerous and inhuman.
Some scholars have suggested a link between Bael’s “hoarse voice” and the “wind” or “air” nature of ancient spirits.
In the Ars Goetia, spirits do not have a natural or physical body. Instead, they are infernal energies that take form in order to communicate. Bael is somewhat anomalous in that he has the ability to shapeshift, which is a testament to how powerful he is.
“Baëll. Primus Rex, regens in Oriente, dicitur Baëll, tribus gaudens capitibus, Bufo nis, Hominis & Cati. Rauca loquitur voce: reddit hominem invisibilem & sapientem. Huic obediunt sexagintasex legiones spirituum.” – Ars Goetia
Traditionalists prefer this image of Bael as it better represents his shapeshifting abilities and dominion over the three realms, as symbolized by the three heads: cat (domestic and stealth), a toad (chthonic/hidden), and an old man or a king (intellect).
Dictionnaire Infernal gave us the most recognizable image of Bael, that of the demon with three heads with a spider’s body. While this is the most popular depiction of him, some practitioners see the spider body as representing entrapment and other “dark” attributes (monstrosity, nightmares, and intimidation), which is not in alignment with Bael’s primary office of invisibility and wisdom.
This addition gave Bael the traditional imagery of a classical demon or “nightmare creature”, one that is so uncanny, it gave him much notoriety within and outside of occult circles.
Sigils do more than represent a particular spirit; they express the spirit’s “True Name” in geometric form. Practitioners also use them to establish authority and protection for high-ranking demons such as Bael.
Practitioners working with Bael use his sigil in various ways. It can be used as a Lamen worn around their neck, which acts as a shield when invoking other infernal energies. Some texts suggest that engraving it on Gold (brass also works), Bael’s associated metal, boosts its potency.
The sigil is also used during rituals and is placed upon an altar or inside a “Triangle of Art”. To activate it, a practitioner would often anoint it with oils (such as Frankincense).
An interesting thing to note about Bael’s sigil is that it has remained largely consistent across different grimoires, with only slight changes in the line-work being noticeable. A detail that most scholars attribute to the artist’s own flourish or style.
I. Paimon, Baleth, and Purson
Bael, Paimon, Beleth, and Purson form the so-called “inner circle” of solar power in the Goetic hierarchy. Throughout the Goetia, only these four kings hold direct associations with the sun without secondary ranks. Among them, Bael stands as the “first.”
While they share the same rank, each of them govern a different aspect of the human experience. Paimon’s is knowledge, Beleth’s is love and attraction, and Purson’s is divination and treasures.
II. Beelzebub
Given the similarity in the etymology of their names, some people do make the mistake of thinking that Bael and Beelzebub are the same entity. However, this is not the case. They hold different titles and serve different roles within the demonic hierarchy.
Beelzebub is viewed by many as a higher-ranking cosmic pillar associated with decay, transformation, and a far broader scope of spiritual authority.
For beginners who want to work with Bael, understanding his function and knowing how to approach him properly is important. As with all infernal spirits, respect is a must. Keep in mind that you are working with them, not commanding them to do your bidding.
Here is some advice:
Bael’s domain encompasses a range of specialties that can benefit practitioners. It is important to understand what falls under his jurisdiction, so you don’t end up asking him for assistance in things outside of it. When addressing him, always maintain a level of courtly respect.
Start with his sigil. Advanced practitioners suggest engraving it onto Gold, though brass works just fine for beginners and accessibility. Make sure you draw it with your own hand and wear it as a lamen over your chest.
Next, learn his Enn to properly invite him into your space: “Ayer Secore On Ca Bael” (Ah-yer she-core on ka Bah-al). Lastly, prepare a simple altar. A simple surface bearing his sigil, black or yellow candles, and an offering dish is sufficient if you’re still new. It’s your intention and energy that matters most.
According to people who have worked with him before, he responds best to items that represent royalty, earth, and intellect. This includes frankincense, myrrh, or dragon’s blood incense. You may also add iron filings, gold-colored items, and imagery of cats, toads, and spiders.
More than offerings, however, devotional acts such as routinely meditating to him or performing acts of discipline are things he favors as well.
Contacting any infernal energy, especially if it’s for your first time, requires extra precaution. Make sure you understand how to open and close the ritual before you even begin. It also helps to have a protection circle before you begin anything.
If you feel ready or called to initiate contact with Bael, understand that you will experience certain changes in your environment. This includes a heavy or dark feeling, which may be overwhelming for first-timers. Preparing yourself mentally and physically can help ease this symptom.
Timing: Traditionally, practitioners regard Bael as a Solar King and invoke him best when the sun dominates the sky, particularly between 9 AM and noon and from 3 PM until sunset.
However, there are also left-hand path practitioners who associate him with Saturnian energy due to his connection to the chthonic aspects of the original Ba’al deities. You can time your ritual according to the tradition you follow.
Bael grants practitioners many useful abilities, whether they seek self-improvement or greater social standing. He offers wisdom in difficult decisions and excels at navigating political situations. When you seek his guidance, approach him with sincerity and firm belief in his power to aid you.
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