Is the “Grimorium Verum” Really So Superficial?
“Observe the rules of the spirits, and they will obey you.”
(Grimorium Verum)
Thanks to A. E. Waite, a flippant attitude toward the Grimorium Verum has become entrenched in modern occultism. Indeed, it is written in a simpler language than other grimoires of the Solomonic cycle and is one of the later works: the first (Italian) edition of the Grimorium Verum appeared in 1880.
The grimoire is traditionally divided into three parts: the first is devoted to the names of spirits and their seals, the second to preparatory instructions, and the third to the mode of evocation. Among the preparatory instructions are the usual purity requirements.
Despite the overall structure common to all grimoires of the Solomonic cycle, the Grimorium Verum has both ideological and technical peculiarities. The former include its hierarchy of spirits. The basis of this hierarchy is broadly traditional: three Archdemons (Lucifer, Beelzebub and Astarot) and eighteen subordinate demons (that is, three hexads), each of which in turn rules three still lower demons (making 54 in all). We have already discussed that a hexadic system has both advantages and drawbacks, yet its effectiveness is beyond question.
If, say, the Lemegeton treats demonic influences in terms of matter and a fourfold structure, the Verum speaks of the alchemical, transmutational meaning of inverted vortices, considering the distortion not of principles but of the processes, driving forces of the world and mind.
Technically, the Grimorium Verum differs in its method of evocation: all its operations are carried out by controlling the spirit Skirlin (also called Klaunek), whose evocation is the focus of all the operator’s efforts. Researchers often overlook the obvious fact that the Seal of Klaunek reproduced in the Grimorium Verum is identical to one of the seals of Lucifer given there as well, which supports viewing Skirlin as one of the manifestations of the Emperor of Hell. This, in turn, explains why the grimoire states that “Other [Demons] depend on him, because he [Skirlin] is a mediator for them, and can make them appear against their will, since he possesses the authority of the Emperor.”
In other words, the original cause from which other distortions depend is recognized as the destruction of the will, the cosmic and mental fire. And it is Lucifer, as the fiery, fragmenting spirit, who appears as the initiator of this “anti-transmutation.”
In fact, the Grimorium Verum precisely represents an openly presented method by its author for summoning this Spirit. The method, in brief, consists of coercing the spirit into signing a pact, for which a special parchment is prepared, upon which the corresponding Sigil is signed with the operator’s blood, subjugating spirits subordinate to Skirlin. In other words, the Magus “buys out” the spirit by the power of Skirlin’s Sigil. It is precisely the particular procedure for creating the “Pure Parchment” that makes this object a true Pentacle, able to command the spirits.
It is no surprise that, in producing such an overtly material object as the parchment, the operator of the Grimorium Verum calls on elementals. The appeal to Elementals also distinguishes the Grimorium Verum from other grimoires of the Solomonic cycle which, although they too pay attention to these spirits, do so far less directly than the Verum.
The final part of the grimoire is devoted to “magical secrets” having nothing to do with goetia, which were popular — here again we find methods of “divination,” “invisibility,” and the like. Yet this somewhat unrelated section cannot conceal the central idea of the Grimorium Verum: the creation of an evocation-based instrument whose effectiveness is indisputable and astonishing.
Can a person be summoned, I wonder?))) I once had a funny dream – one of those that stands out in the general meaningless mass (for instance, today, it seemed, someone tapped me on the shoulder, and I jumped up over the couch, followed by a desperate scream in my ear – ‘Turn around!!! They’re having sex!!!’. A map of the world flew before my eyes and I saw – Indeed! Two people are having sex right in Iceland… And what??? What does that have to do with me…? Nonsense))) About how I ended up in a room full of children,… or little people…? There were also a man and a woman of normal build, but they behaved strangely – turning away and seemingly embarrassed, trying to get as far away from me as possible when I approached them with a question about where I was, because there were no doors to just leave. My attention was drawn to a boy who addressed me in a peculiar way, actively gesturing and kicking me in the shins. I lifted him up in my outstretched arms, trying to make out his face, understand what the little rascal wanted, and ‘save’ my legs. My gaze revealed a pompous little face, a soundlessly opening mouth, clearly giving ‘commands’, and a hand raised in an authoritative gesture towards the balcony. Suddenly, it occurred to me – he wants to fly))) On the other hand, I clearly understood that he would fall, even with me… although he could have been dropped down – he was demanding it… However, a feeling of pity stopped me and a nearby man hiding his face seemed dangerous (I didn’t want to fight, and he looked menacing). I couldn’t imagine what to do with the kicking little beast next and froze in thought, struggling with the mounting anger, especially after the kick in the stomach. And at that very moment, when I decided to discipline the rude child in front of his parent, a long-time friend of mine (from dreams) emerged from the wall and led me outside. I returned the suddenly calmed boy to his place in front of the group of children. Outside, we sat on a bench, were silent for a moment and then he left.
I have already answered this question. Theoretically – it is possible. But a person is a free being, so to control him, it’s not enough just to have a point of support; you also need to outsmart him, make him want to be controlled.
Interesting. Thank you.