Barmiel, fifth spirit under Caspiel

Barmiel is another of the thirty-one aerial spirits that are attributable to King Solomon. He appears solely within the Ars Theurgia and is otherwise ignored within most mainstream grimories. This demon is described as being fifth in the order and the first spirit under Caspiel in the South. Barmiel is mentioned within the Ars Theurgia of the the second book of Lemegeton alongside thirty of his servitors and their respective seals. Of these servitors, ten are diurnal whereas twenty are nocturnal and only appear under the cover of darkness. The servitors are described as being of good will and obedient to the summoner.

Of the thirty chief dukes associated with Barmiel, only sixteen are expressly mentioned within the Ars Theurgia. Half of these lesser demons belong to the day and they are Sochas, Tigara, Chansi, Keriel, Acteras, Barbil, Carpiel, and Mansi. The identities of the other eight servitors who appear at night are Barbis, Marguns, Caniel, Acreba, Mareaiza, Baaba, Gabio, and Astib. Slightly more than half of the total number of Barmiel’s servitors and their respective seals are provided for practice purposes. Of these sixteen servitors, each has twenty servants under his command when called forth. The last four nocturnal of the provided servitors however have none.

Barmiel first appears within recorded history in the 1499 publication of the Steganographia by Johannes Trithemius. The second book of Lemegeton derives much of its insight from this publication in order to form the Ars Theurgia. There are not many accounts regarding this demon as the aerial spirits of King Solomon display a definite dearth in information. One can only infer that the vast number of demons serving under his command implies potency. Similarly, the Ars Theurgia makes no mention of this demon’s being besides marginally describing his servitors’ nature.

Like the other high ranking aerial spirits of King Solomon, Barmiel can be invoked through the use of a glass receptacle or a crystal stone. The demon has various divine magical capabilities which can be of benefit to the conjuror. He is strongly attached to the element of air and would thus require the summoner to find an aerated space for the ritual. The obedient nature of his underlings implies lack of overt malevolence although Barmiel should be summoned properly to increase the likelihood of desirable outcomes.

History

The aerial spirits of King Solomon number thirty-one in total and they are composed entirely of fallen angels. Barmiel is no different with his entry in the Ars Theurgia being derived from the aforementioned works of Johannes Trithemius in 1499. He is mentioned in the Lesser Key of King Solomon along the sixteen foregoing servitors and their seals provided for practice.

There are otherwise no mentions of this demon within major grimories. Furthermore, there are no mentions of Barmiel within olden Graeco-Roman or Middle-Eastern mythologies. It is plausible that he was an ancient pagan god who was cast as a demon with the growth of Christianity throughout the Middle Ages especially considering his identity as a fallen angel.

Description

Rank: Fifth Spirit under Caspiel

Direction: South / West

Gender: Male

Element: Air

Incense: Sandalwood

Color: Black

Appearance

Despite the descriptions of his servitors as being of good will and obedient towards the conjuror, there are no conspicous descriptions of Barmiel within the Ars Theurgia or within mainstream grimories. Conjurors are tasked with experiencing a demonic presence at the height of the ritual as opposed to physically perceiving the demon in sight.

The “Demonic Enns” of Barmiel

Veni, veni, o comitis Barmiel

Liftoach Pandemonium, et germinet Barmiel

Similar demons to Barmiel

  • Gediel
  • Aseliel
  • Maseriel
  • Padiel
  • Asyriel
  • Camuel

Attributes of Barmiel

  • This demon is described as the First Spirit serving under Caspiel in the South and the fifth spirit in order within the Ars Theurgia. Being the first and chief spirit under Caspiel gives him a strong attachment to the southern cardinal point.
  • Like the other aerial spirits of King Solomon, Barmiel is bestowed with vast divine magical abilities which one can use within their work. He is specifically tasked with the provision of counsel.
  • His servitors are described as being obedient of his will and this eases the work of the conjuror. Furthermore, they are described as easy to work with making this demon a good prospect for relatively inexperienced conjurors.
  • The ritual for summoning Barmiel involves the use of a crystal stone or a glass receptacle in a manner akin to the other aerial spirits of Solomon.

When to summon Barmiel

As previously stated, the divine magical abilities of Barmiel can be harnessed for a variety of functions. Most accounts however posit for calling him to provide counsel on issues of magic. His counsel provides the medium with something of a competitive advantage given his insight on the spiritual world as a high ranking fallen angel.

Items Required:

  • Table of Solomon designed in the artistic model shown
  • The sigil of the demon worn on the chest
  • Four inch diameter crystal stone / Glass receptacle
  • Girdle tied around the waist of the conjuror

Ritual Time: This demon can be summoned both during the day and night as evidenced by the dual nature of his servitors. Being both diurnal and nocturnal is a common trait of the high ranking aerial demons.

Precautions:

  • This demon is potent given his high ranking under the King of the South (Caspiel). It is thus necessary to show him the utmost respect during the ritual to increase the likelihood of desirable outcomes while minimizing the chance of malevolence.
  • The conjuror should take care to protect themselves from otherworldly energies by mentally visualizing a protection circle, opening, and entering it.

Steps:

  • The conjuror should prepare by balancing their energies through the use of power meditation.
  • The ritual must be done in a spacey environment given Barmiel’s strong association with the element of air.
  • Before beginning the ritual, the conjuror must wear the sigil of the demon on the chest and a girdle must be tied around the waist.
  • The following conjuration prayer should be hummed severally until the demon manifests within either the glass receptacle or a crystal stone: “Wee Conjure thee O thou mighty & potent Prince Barmiel, who rules as a cheife Prince or King in the South under Caspiel.”
  • The summoner should then state their wishes or queries before allowing the demon to work and dismissing him respectfully.