For infernal spirits, their name isn’t just a way of identifying them. It also hints at their origins and how they may have evolved through time. Some were previously worshipped deities, such as Bael, while others like Gusion have more complex histories. Here’s what we know about Bathin.
Let’s start with the most academically supported theory which links Bathin to the Arabic root B-T-N (ب ط ن) or Batin (باطن), meaning “inner” or “hidden”.
In Islamic theology, Al-Batin is one of Allah’s 99 names and refers to the “Hidden One” who is unseen yet an intrinsic part of nature.
When it comes to the occult, however, this aligns with Bathin’s primary offices which are revealing the hidden virtues of herbs and gems and facilitating astral travel.
In some texts, such as the Livre des Esperitz (15th-century), Bathin is recorded as Machin. Theories link it to the Latin “machina”, meaning “engine” or “device”.
Some scholars believe that this is a reference to his role as a spirit of transportation. After all, Bathin is known to have the ability of “transporting men suddenly” or teleportation.
It also reflects the concept of the Deus ex Machina or the sudden transition between locations.
Later, Machin changed to Mathim in Johann Weyer’s Pseudomonarchia Daemonum. Eventually, it was changed to Bathin due to the “M/B” consonant swapping that commonly occurred during medieval transcription.
In the Ars Goetia and other similar grimoires, ranks given to spirits denote their office and its planetary or elemental weight. Bathin is listed as a Duke, which is ruled by Venus.
This title also suggests that, compared to Kings or Princes, he is more accessible to the material plane. In the same vein, Dukes are often tasked with teaching sciences or performing physical tasks. For Bathin, he governs botany, geology, and transportation.
Depending on the text you’re referencing, you might notice that Bathin is listed differently in certain sources. This is a result of how these lists were compiled and expanded over the centuries.
A legion in the Goetic sense is understood to comprise 6,666 spirits. While 30 is the standard for many Dukes in the hierarchy, it still represents a significant administrative force.
This is key because in ritual logic, while a practitioner evokes Bathin for their needs, the actual “work” (such as the gathering of knowledge or the protection of a traveler) is carried out by his subordinates; the members of his legion.
Weyer’s book wasn’t initially intended for the occult community, but it is widely considered by many to be a foundational text. In fact, the Ars Goetia used it as a reference.
In this text, Bathin is recorded as Mathim and listed as the 10th spirit. He is described as a great duke and appeared as a “very strong man” who had the tail of a serpent, and rode a pale horse.
The pale horse is often represented as a symbol of swiftness and echoed the Four Horsemen of the apocalypse, but without the malevolent connotation.
Bathin’s primary function was twofold. He knew the virtues of herbs and precious stones, while also having the ability to transport someone from one location to another.
Because the Pseudomonarchia Daemonum was meant to inform rather than provide a means of communicating with the spirits listed in it, its descriptions focused more on their function rather than what they represented.
For many occult practitioners, the Ars Goetia is the ‘gold standard’ when it comes to grimoires. This text didn’t just detail the spirits in the hierarchy; it also added the mechanics and rituals involved in Solomonic evocation.
Unlike in the Pseudomonarchia, the Ars Goetia lists the Duke as Bathin (Bathym in some versions) and refers to him as the 18th spirit in the hierarchy. He is described as follows:
“The Eighteenth Spirit is Bathin, or Bathym. He is a Mighty and Strong Duke, and appeareth like a Strong Man with the tail of a Serpent, sitting upon a Pale-Coloured Horse… He hath 30 Legions of Spirits under him.”
The Ars Goetia also reinforces Bathin’s mastery over lapidary and botanical virtues, but also provides practitioners with a significant addition: his Lamen. In traditional practice, it is meant to be worn as a means of commanding his presence.
In terms of power, his ability to transport or “teleport” was considered an impressive feat and showcased his mastery over breaking physical boundaries.
In modern practice, many practitioners move away from “commanding” spirits to working with them as ancient deities or energies. This is the POV through which S. Connolly sees Bathin and the infernal hierarchy.
For Connolly, she categorizes Bathin as a “Day Demon”. She suggests that his mastery of herbs and stones isn’t purely academic, it is also practical. Essentially, he is a spirit for practitioners who practice Earth-based magic through a “darker” lens.
She also reinterprets and “updates” Bathin’s ability to transport people from one location to another. In her writing, she describes it as Astral Travel/Astral projection, viewing Bathin as the premier spirit for this skill.
In Ford’s Luciferian Goetia, Bathin is stripped of the medieval “devil” imagery and is seen as an initiatory force for the self-governing practitioner.
For those who follow this system, Bathin is a spirit of Will and Motion. His serpent tail isn’t a mark of monstrosity or of him being beastlike, but a symbol of subconscious awakening and the Cunning Path. This is also often associated with Kundalini or Serpent Power.
Ford also believes that working with Bathin means mastering the physical and the ethereal. Practitioners can tap into his knowledge of the earth to ground themselves or use his power of “flight” to explore the darkness of the “Other Side”.
Bathin’s powers and abilities are unique in the sense that they are a cross between earthly knowledge and the metaphysical (astral projection).
For practitioners who have worked with him before and are familiar with how his powers function, many say that he is quite pragmatic. There is no fluff when his power is in use; it is described as clinical, efficient, and very effective.
In the Solomonic tradition, especially what is written in the Ars Goetia, sigils serve as a means of commanding a spirit. However, in modern use, it is more like a way of linking practitioner and spirit; whether it be for mentorship or assistance with a particular task.
Bathin’s seal reflects the flow of his energy. While it may seem “chaotic” at first, there is deep symbolism behind all of it.
Note on using Bathin’s seal as a Lamen: Traditionally, it must be engraved on copper. It is believed that the spirit’s essence is better anchored in a metal that shares its planetary vibration.
In modern belief, practitioners simply use copper-colored paper when metal is unavailable. But, do you really need to wear one? Yes. Not only does it show sincerity, it also serves as a focal point for the spirit’s energy and attention.
No two spirits in the infernal hierarchy are alike and each of them have their own individual “jobs” and specialties. That said, you will find clusters of spirits that have overlapping offices and with whom you can work to make your petitions more potent.
Traditionally, Bathin is known for having the ability to move people across distances in an instant. This is similar to Paimon and Gaap, but with key differences.
Aside from his powers of transportation, Bathin is also known for having mastery over earthly knowledge such as herbs and stones. This is something he shares with the following spirits as well.
As one might expect, many practitioners describe their experience with Bathin as no-nonsense and “office-like”. However, it has also been said that he is one of the more approachable spirits in the hierarchy as long as the practitioner understands how to properly communicate with him.
Always approach any spirit with a certain level of professionalism. Following protocol and formalities are to be expected. In Bathin’s case, communicating with him is said to be very transactional and business-like.
Don’t ask him to do everything for you. He is not a genie who can simply snap his fingers and make things happen. Instead, he is comparable to a teacher. He will give you the map, even the vehicle, but expects you to do the driving to get where you want to be.
It is also important that you use Bathin’s enn during ritual invocation: “Dime on ca Bathin ayer”.
By now, you already know that clear intentions yield better results. Something vague like “help me travel” can come across as insincere and that you’re uncertain about what you truly want.
Instead, add key details to your request. For example, “Please ensure that I arrive in New York on Tuesday safely without any delay”. Clear and straight to the point.
We’ve already covered his business-like demeanor, so let’s talk about his energy now. He is widely known to be a “safe” spirit to work with for beginners, not only because he has “mild” energy but also because he has a clear domain.
Unlike other spirits, he does not typically test or trick practitioners; just make sure you remain respectful and focused on your goals.
His altar and offerings should reflect his planetary and terrestrial nature.
Many practitioners approach him for charms that keep them safe during travel. Some engrave his sigil onto a small copper disk, which they keep in their passport holder or suitcase.
You can also petition him for blessings if you’re relocating to a new house, city, or even country. Bury small copper tokens marked with his sigil at the four corners of your new property to help with a smooth transition.
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