Forcas, knight of hell

Forcas is a Knight of hell with the rank being unique to him. He is mentioned within Johann Weyer’s Pseudomonarchia Daemonum of 1583, MacGregor Mather’s Ars Goetia of the Lesser Key of Solomon of 1904, and Collin de Plancy’s Dictionnaire Infernal of 1863. Other mentions within grimories of note include the Luciferian Goetia, the Discoverie of Witchcraft, the Book of Incantations, and the Daemonolatry Goetia. He is the fiftieth of the seventy-two demons ensnared by King Solomon and bound to a brass vessel before being cast into the water.

Forcas rules over twenty legions of lesser demons although some accounts tell of twenty-nine legions. He has various abilities such as he can teach all forms of astronomy, philosophy, astrology, rhetoric, logic, ethics, cheiromancy, and pyromancy perfectly. Additionally, he is also able to assist in clairvoyancy. It is worth noting that Forcas is not associated with any of the demon orders or hierarchies whatsoever. It is also noteworthy that he is the only purely Saturnalian demon within the brass vessel.

Among other benefits which the conjuror can glean from Foras are wisdom, charisma, wealth, and invincibility. He also reveals the secret powers of herbs and precious stones upon the conjuror’s request in addition to restoring lost property. He is thought to be able to impart the ability to control the spirits associated with the element of fire due to his association with Azazel and Satan. Forcas is a day demon who manifests to conjurors as an aggressive and fiery shade within the evocation circle.

History

This demon has no discernible associations with ancient Middle Eastern mythology. It is however posited that he bears certain similarities to the Greek and Phoenician god Kronos. Like the other Fallen Angels however, he is thought to be an ancient pagan god who was cast as a resident of hell with the advent of Judeo-Christian based religions. His name was probably Latinized into the present day Forcas thereby distorting his initial identity into oblivion. However, the earliest mentions of this demon within written history was his entry in the publication of the De praestigiis daemonum in 1536. The Pseudomonarchia Daemonum states the following regarding this demon:

“Furcas is a knight and commeth foorth in the similitude of a cruell man, with a long beard and a hoarie head, he sitteth on a pale horsse, carrieng in his hand a sharpe weapon, he perfectlie teacheth practike philosophie, rhetorike, logike, astronomie, chiromancie, pyromancie, and their parts: there obeie him twentie legions.”

Description

Rank: Knight

Color: Black / Orange

Planet: Saturn

Metal: Lead

Plant: Century plant

Element: Air / Earth

Tarot: 8 of Pentacles

Incense: Myrrh

Zodiac: 0-4 degrees of Virgo

Appearance

Forcas is described as having the appearance of a cruel old man riding atop a pale colored horse. In his hand, he holds a sharp weapon and he has a considerably large beard and a shock of hair. When he is summoned, he is said to appear as an aggressive and fiery shade within the evocation circle.

The “Demonic Enns” of Forcas

Veni, veni, o comitis Foras

Liftoach Pandemonium, et germinet Foras

Secore on ca Foras remie

The sigil of Forcas

Similar demons to Forcas

  • Gaap
  • Buer
  • Vapula
  • Balam
  • Kimaris
  • Sowrges
  • Purson
  • Botis
  • Eligos
  • Amon
  • Barbatros
  • Ronove
  • Naberius
  • Gemmos

Attributes of Forcas

  • This demon is able to teach all forms of astronomy, philosophy, astrology, rhetoric, logic, ethics, cheiromancy, and pyromancy perfectly.
  • He is also able to assist in all forms of clairvoyancy in addition to imparting wisdom, wealth, invincibility, and charisma. He can also restore lost properties.
  • He is the only purely Saturnalian demon who was trapped by King Solomon and bound to a brass vessel of the seventy-two Goetia demons.
  • Forcas is also able to teach all the secrets of potent herbs and precious stones in addition to increasing one’s lifespan.
  • His association with fire has led demonolators over the ages to speculate whether he is in service of Azazel or Satan.

When to summon Forcas

Forcas is able to teach various forms of the aforementioned subjects and can similarly impart such knowledge upon the conjuror upon their request. He can also teach knowledge of the secrets of potent herbs and precious stones to the conjuror. He is also able to grant invincibility, wisdom, charisma, and wealth on the conjuror if they so wish.

Items Required:

  • The sigil of the demon
  • Myrrh incense
  • Lead items
  • Century plant leaves

Ritual Time: This demon is strongest between August 23rd to 27th as well as between November 28th and December 2nd. Forcas is a day demon and must be summoned when the sun is out.

Precautions:

  • Like all other demons, he should be granted the prerequisite respect in order to minimize the likelihood of malevolence while increasing one’s chances for a desirable outcome.
  • The conjuror must protect themselves from otherworldly energies by mentally visualizing a protection circle, opening it, and entering.
  • This demon is all about studies and he expects his followers to do the same. If one is averse to studying and the associated activities it is advisable to keep off lest they provoke malevolence.

Steps:

  • The conjuror should prepare by doing breathing exercises or engaging in power meditation to increase concentration and balance the chakras.
  • The demon’s sigil should be prominently displayed at the center of the altar before the commencement of the evocation.
  • The century plant leaves and lead items should be liberally placed on the altar as well.
  • The black / orange candle should be lit and placed at the center of the sigil – presumably at the center of the altar.
  • The myrrh incense should be offered while chanting the demonic enns of Forcas slowly and deliberately.
  • The demon manifests within the smoke and flames of the offerings and should be praised before one can state their wishes.
  • The conjuror should tell the demon their wishes while being mindful of their respect.
  • After the demon has listened to the conjuror, he should be dismissed respectfully before the candles are snuffed out.