Stolas, the thirty-sixth spirit

Stolas is the thirty-sixth Goetia demon who was bound to a brass vessel by King Solomon. He is described as a Mighty Prince with dominion over twenty-six legions of lesser demons. There are accounts which state that he first appears as a raven before taking a human form while others posit an owl. He takes up his human form upon the instruction of the conjuror whereupon he takes on a male form. He is mentioned in several major grimories such as the Dictionnaire Infernal, the Luciferian Goetia, the Ars Goetia, and the Pseudomonarchia Daemonum among others.

In order to summon Stolas, one has to make use of an outdoor setting within close proximity to nature. The demon is particularly attached to the element of air necessitating an outdoor venue. Stolas is said to be able to tell the worth of precious stones, the potency of herbs, and the secrets of astronomy. He is also endowed with knowledge on the natural sciences. Sciences such as biology and etymology are said to be his specialties allowing the conjurors who summon him to acquire greater insight on the workings of the natural world. In so doing, one is able to bend nature to their will using magic.

HISTORY

Like the other Goetia spirits of King Solomon, this demon’s history can be traced back to the war in heaven. He is said to have been one of the 200 demons who chose to fight on the side of Satanachia against the heavenly powers. There are otherwise no discernible mentions of this demon within ancient Graeco-Roman or old Middle Eastern mythologies besides the correlations posited within the aforementioned grimories. His identity as a demon must have spread during the Middle Ages as Christianity took root as the foremost religious power in the fledgling world.

The Ars Goetia states the following regarding this demon:“The Thirty-sixth Spirit is Stolas, or Stolos. He is a Great and Powerful Prince, appearing in the Shape of a Mighty Raven at first before the Exorcist; but after he taketh the image of a Man. He teacheth the Art of Astronomy, and the Virtues of Herbs and Precious Stones. He governeth 26 Legions of Spirits; and his Seal is this, which is, etc.”

The Luciferian Goetia says the following about Stolas: “Stolas also called Stolos is the Thirty-sixth Spirit who is a great and powerful prince. He appears in the form of a mighty Raven, who also takes the shape of a man. Stolas teaches the ancient art of astronomy and herbalism. He inspires the magician the instinct of wort cunning, the art of the wise. Stolas governs 26 Legions of Spirits, who also teaches Astronomy. When one summons Stolas this spirit often appears in the black mirror as a Raven, which interestingly enough symbolizes Hidden Wisdom and the Darker Realms, thus one assumed as a God Form by invocation, allows a very interesting prose into the concepts of Astronomy and spiritual impulses of that particular Spirit.”

DESCRIPTION

Metal: Tin

Color: Blue

Element: Air

Planet: Jupiter

Plant: Flax

Tarot: 10 of Cups

Direction: East

Zodiac: Pisces

Incense: Cedar

APPEARANCE

This demon is reported to manifest as either a raven or a horned owl before taking the appearance of a human male at the request of the conjuror. The raven manifestation is said to be a symbol of hidden wisdom.

THE “DEMONIC ENNS” OF STOLAS

Stolas ramec viasa on ca

Veni, veni, o comitis Stolas

Liftoach Pandemonium, et germinet Stolas

THE SEAL OF STOLAS

SIMILAR DEMONS TO STOLAS

  • Paimon
  • Purson
  • Bathin
  • Astaroth
  • Allocer
  • Dantalian
  • Flauros
  • Orias

ATTRIBUTES OF STOLAS

  • This demon is endowed with knowledge of the cosmos and can teach the conjuror all manner of astronomy. This is in addition to imparting knowledge of natural sciences such as biology and etymology allowing the conjuror to gain greater depth in the magical workings of the natural world.
  • Stolas is largely benevolent and is described as an effective teacher. It is however important to treat him with the same respect accorded to similarly potent demons so as to minimize the likelihood of punitive malevolence while increasing the chance for a desirable outcome.
  • The hidden wisdom of darker realms can also be passed on to the conjuror if they so wish thereby adding to their repertoire of knowledge.

WHEN TO SUMMON STOLAS

Stolas is a day demon who must be summoned outside in the open. He can be called forth to provide counsel on astronomical matters as well as to teach the summoner regarding the natural sciences. The hidden wisdom of the dark realms can also add to the conjuror’s scope of knowledge thereby improving their magic.

Items Required:

  • The seal of the demon
  • Cedar incense
  • Blue candles
  • Tin items
  • Scrying mirror

Ritual Time: He is said to be strongest between the dates of eleventh March to twentieth March of every year.

Precautions:

  • This demon is very potent despite the approachable and affable demeanor presented in manifestations. It is therefore necessary to accord him the utmost respect during rituals.
  • The conjuror should take care to protect themselves from otherworldly energies by mentally picturing a protection circle and entering it.
  • Over-reliance on the demon’s power should also be avoided as it can affect other parts of one’s psyche and hence life.

Steps:

  • The conjuror should prepare for the ritual through power meditation to balance their energies.
  • The demon’s seal should be prominently displayed before the commencement of the ritual – this can be either through being laid out on the altar or being tied as a girdle and on the chest.
  • Items made out of tin are to be spread out on the altar or atop the demon’s seal.
  • The blue candle should be lit and placed in the center of the altar before the offering begins.
  • At the stroke of the fifth hour of night, the conjuror should make the incense offering while chanting the enns of Stolas.
  • Stolas manifests within the scrying mirror whereupon the conjuror can make their request known respectfully.
  • After stating one’s wishes and praising the demon, Stolas can be dismissed respectfully.