For many infernal spirits, their names were derived from ancient deities and other non-Christian elements which were later bastardized after they were reinterpreted under a Christian framework. Vine, on the other hand, has a unique origin that befits both his office and rank.
In Classical Latin, vinea translates to “of/or wine” or “a vineyard”. This is also why many modern practitioners often associate him with nature and growth.
However, if we look at historical grimoires, these symbolisms are rarely attributed to him. Instead of giving him agricultural links, these texts suggest that the name might be a substitute for something more technical.
We find the answer to this in Roman military terminology. By the Middle Ages, the word vinea had undergone a transformation. While it was still associated with wine and vineyards, it also commonly referred to a specific type of protective structure used during sieges.
It was called a vinea because these structures were often placed end-to-end, much like a creeping vine, and formed a barrier along a castle wall. As the soldiers worked to tear down or weaken the wall’s foundations, the vinea helped cover them from incoming attacks.
This military context provides a direct link to Vine’s powers as described in the Pseudomonarchia Daemonum and the Ars Goetia. In both texts, Vine is said to be capable of building large towers and throwing down stone walls; essentially the initial phases of a medieval siege.
So, how did a tool of war turn into the Great King many practitioners revere today?
As it often happened in Renaissance occultist texts, particularly in the Goetia, tools of war or scientific concepts were often personified. This was the case for Vine as well, who was preserved in the grimoire tradition as a “Spirit of Siege Warfare” even after the vinea machine itself faded into obscurity.
What remained is its influence on his powers and abilities, such as his ability to manipulate stone, earth, and fortifications.
Vine’s Functional Role and Office
Most of the spirits in the Goetia hold a single title, such as King, Duke, President, or Marquis. You may have heard of King Bael and King Belial, for example. So why is Vine known as a Great King and an Earl?
It all comes down to his highly powerful nature that bridges two distinct levels of the infernal hierarchy: the commanding authority of a king and the combative and tactical abilities of an earl.
His dual rank also hints at the highly specific set of skills he has; ones which often mirror his etymological roots.
True to his name, Vine is known to build large and formidable towers, while also being capable of throwing down stone walls. He is a spirit of structural transformation, powers that are essential for both protection and attack. This also speaks to his kingly persona.
On the other hand, he is also capable of creating rough waters and generating powerful storms. This is a trait commonly seen among spirits who hold the ranks of Earl and Marquis, as they govern the physical elements.
His most unique role, however, is that of an investigator. Vine is traditionally called upon to help find and discover all things hidden. In fact, he was a sought-after figure for practitioners who believe they are under magical attack by others, helping them identify who the curses and hexes came from.
In a modern context, Vine doesnt just seek out witches. He is capable of finding any vulnerabilities when it comes to your personal space; this includes your home, business, or workplace, and even in your aura. This should allow you to fix and prevent any recurring attacks from a third-party.
Aside from his dual rank,the 36 legions of spirits he commands also hold significance. In the symbolic “infernal military” of the 17th century, the number 36 is often tied to the 36 decans of the Zodiac.
This suggests that Vine is a spirit who has influence over a full astrological cycle. This means he can operate at any time of the year and across all astrological conditions.
So, if youre seeking his help when it comes to building a new project or tearing a wall down (physically or metaphorically), the Great King knows exactly when the tides will be in your favor.
Terrifying and beast-like; these are just some of the descriptions that different historical texts have given of Vine throughout the centuries. But while his appearance might come off as intimidating, it is also symbolic of his nature as a spirit, as well as the powers he holds. Here are some examples.
In Weyer’s text, many spirits are often described as “terrible” or “furious”. But for Vine, or Vinea in this text, he is depicted with a more “workmanlike” disposition; someone who gladly (libenter) performs his duties and takes pride in the precision of his craft.
“Vinea is a great King and an Earl, he showeth himself as a Lion riding on a Black Horse, carrying a Viper in his hand. He gladly buildeth large towers, and throweth down stone walls, and maketh waters rough.”
The Pseudomonarchia also gives us our first glimpse of what Vine looks like. As you might expect, it is deeply symbolic of his medieval siege origin.
The Ars Goetia keeps the same kingly imagery, but also clarifies his rank and role. In the grimoire, he is listed as the 45th spirit and emphasis is placed on his role as a supernatural investigator.
“He is to discover Things Hidden, and Witches, Wizards, and Things Present, Past, and to Come… he ruleth over 36 Legions of Spirits.”
The text mentions his specialty, which is divine detection. He is the one practitioners would invoke when they suspected themselves to be under the influence of maleficia.
Aside from this, the Ars Goetia also introduces his seal, which needs to be crafted in either gold (Kingly) or silver/copper (Earldom) if one seeks his assistance.
When it comes to modern Demonolatry, much of his medieval persona is shed. This can be seen especially in S. Connolly’s writing, where he is reinterpreted as a force of both mental and spiritual architecture.
Instead of the literal “throwing down of stone walls”, his powers are now seen as a catalyst for breaking through personal blockages. The same goes for “building towers”, which now refers to a fortification or empowering the self.
Another key change in Vine’s characterization in modern Demonolatry is the shift from “witch-hunter” to a spirit of gnosis and memory. Practitioners of this tradition call to him for assistance when it comes to remembering past lives or unmasking the true intentions of people in their lives.
Similar to S. Connolly’s work, Ford’s writing also strips away the “demonic form” traditionally seen in the old grimoires. Instead, his powers and specialties are more internalized, acting like a psychological and spiritual map for the practitioner.
Put simply, Ford treats Vine as a primordial force within our human psyche that needs to be awakened and mastered.
He also gives Vines appearance new meaning:
To truly understand Vine’s powers, it helps to look at him not just as a spirit who performs tasks, but as a Master of Structures. This can be interpreted both literally and metaphorically.
Whether he’s dealing with a stone wall, a magical hex, or a legal contract, his influence primarily affects the integrity of the thing in question.
As with most seals/sigils found in the Goetia, they serve a purpose beyond mere aesthetics. These sigils are viewed as a medium for tapping into the frequency of the spirit you wish to connect with.
Its design isn’t accidental either. For Vine, the appearance of his sigil mirrors his office as both builder and destroyer of fortifications.
While many Goetic spirits also appear as lions, such as King Purson and President Marbas, Vine’s closest functional relatives are Buer and Vapula.
In what way are they functional relatives? Think of them this way, these spirits all bridge the gap between their “monstrous” forms and mechanical utility.
Because of his duality, approaching a figure like Vine requires practitioners to have the mindset of both a master architect and a seasoned commander.
He is not a spirit who responds well to vague or weak intentions. Here are some guidelines for maintaining a respectful and productive interaction with him.
Infernal spirits of his caliber demand that you clarify your intent before you even attempt any communication. Practitioners have said that he responds best to those who bring him a tangible blueprint of their needs.
What does this mean? Avoid approaching him for “luck” or “good vibes”. People who are unsure of what they truly need might be inclined to simply ask for power or the “smarts” to achieve their goals. However, this will not work well with Vine.
Instead, frame your request like a challenge. It could be assistance for building a project, a career, or better habits. You can also ask for help in destroying personal or creative blocks in your life. In the context of divination and discovery, you can also petition him for help in identifying the source of both magical and social attacks.
This is important as some people have made the mistake of picking just one according to their needs. While these are two different ranks, they both represent him.
Keep in mind that he is a figure known for his precision, so always follow protocol and maintain formality throughout your interaction. Treating him like one of your peers (he is not!) would be considered a breach of traditional etiquette.
While his dual-ranked nature may seem complex, knowing the proper correspondences can help make the process much easier.
Vine’s Enn and Lamen:
On the topic of formality, always address Vine using his traditional enn, which is Eyesta nas Vine ca laris. It is also advised that you wear a lamen when invoking him. You can create one by engraving his sigil onto gold (or gold-colored parchment). Iron or lead can also be used. When creating his lamen, practitioners say that it is best done on a Sunday (Sun) or Tuesday (Mars) to better align with his dual office.
Vine’s energy has been described to be kinetic and an absolute elemental force. When he throws down a wall, the shift that happens in the targets life can feel like a sudden storm.
If you’re expecting a gentle nudge, you will not receive that from Vine. He collapses obstacles, but also exposes practitioners to blunt truths which may be uncomfortable or overwhelming if you’re not ready to face them.
Needless to say, if you are not ready for a complete overhaul and restructuring of your current fortress, communicating with Vine can certainly throw you off balance. But if you feel the need for drastic changes, he is the perfect guide to get things started.
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