Seal of Solomon

The Seal of Solomon is a legendary magical ring or signet that granted King Solomon power over demons, jinn, and spirits. According to various traditions, the ring was given to Solomon directly by God (or through the archangel Michael) and bore either the ineffable Name of God or a sacred geometric symbol, granting him wisdom and authority over the supernatural world.

With this ring, Solomon was said to have commanded legions of demons to help build the Temple in Jerusalem, bound evil spirits, and gained knowledge of all things seen and unseen. The ring became central to later magical traditions and grimoires claiming to preserve Solomonic magic.

The Testament of Solomon

The "Testament of Solomon," a Greek text from the early centuries CE, provides the most detailed account of the ring's use. It describes how Solomon used the ring to summon and interrogate demons one by one, learning their names, powers, and weaknesses. Each demon was then bound to a specific task in building the Temple or confined so it could harm no one.

Islamic Tradition

In Islamic tradition, Sulaiman (Solomon) was granted dominion over the jinn by Allah. The ring allowed him to control winds, understand the speech of animals, and command armies of spirits. The Quran describes how jinn worked for Solomon, building palaces and diving for pearls. When he lost the ring briefly to a demon, his kingdom was thrown into chaos until he recovered it.

Western Occultism

Medieval grimoires such as the "Lesser Key of Solomon" claim to preserve Solomon's magical knowledge. The hexagram or pentagram became known as the "Seal of Solomon" and was used in ceremonial magic to invoke and constrain spirits. This tradition continues in modern occultism and has profoundly influenced Western esotericism.