Rank: King · Legions: 66 · Element: Fire · Direction: East · Enn: Ayer secore on ca Bael
Bael (also Baal, Ba'al) is the first principal spirit listed in the 'Ars Goetia' and holds the prestigious rank of King, commanding sixty-six legions of demons. His placement as the first spirit is significant, reflecting both his power and the historical importance of Baal worship in the ancient Near East. The name derives from the Semitic word meaning 'lord' or 'master,' and Baal was one of the most widely worshiped deities in Canaan, Phoenicia, and surrounding regions before being demonized by Hebrew and Christian traditions. The 'Lemegeton' describes Bael as appearing with three heads—one of a cat (representing stealth and mystery), one of a man (human intelligence), and one of a toad (chthonic powers and transformation). He speaks in a hoarse voice and can grant the power of invisibility, making practitioners unseen to their enemies. Beyond invisibility, Bael is renowned for conferring wisdom and teaching the arts of cunning and strategy. Some grimoire traditions associate him with the Canaanite storm god Hadad-Baal, while others connect him to fertility and agricultural cycles. In ceremonial magic, Bael responds to properly executed evocations performed during his assigned hours and is considered relatively approachable for a spirit of his rank, though practitioners must show proper respect and use precise protocols.
Three heads (cat, man, toad), sometimes riding a spider or appearing as various animals
Enn: Ayer secore on ca Bael