DANTALION ( 71 )
The Spirit of Dantalion: The 71st Spirit of Solomon
Dantalion is one of the most enigmatic spirits in the Ars Goetia, known as the 71st of the 72 Spirits of Solomon. A mighty Duke of Hell, Dantalion governs 36 legions of demons and holds dominion over the realms of thought, emotion, and knowledge. As a fallen angel, he possesses profound wisdom and insight, offering his summoners abilities that delve deep into the human mind and heart. His presence is both awe-inspiring and mysterious, symbolizing the limitless potential of understanding and influence.
Appearance of Dantalion
Dantalion is often described as appearing in the form of a human figure with many faces of men and women. These faces constantly shift, showing a variety of expressions and emotions, symbolizing his profound understanding of human nature in all its diversity. His form is not fixed, reflecting his mastery over thought, emotion, and perception.
In his hand, Dantalion carries a large book, a symbol of his vast knowledge and his role as a teacher of all arts and sciences. This book is said to contain secrets of the universe, including mysteries of the mind, heart, and soul.
The many faces and the book also emphasize Dantalion’s dual nature: he is both an entity of immense knowledge and an agent of manipulation. This duality makes him a spirit of wisdom but also one that must be approached with caution.
Powers and Abilities
Dantalion’s abilities are vast and multifaceted, making him one of the most versatile spirits in the Ars Goetia. His powers include:
1. Master of Thoughts
Dantalion can read the thoughts of any person and influence them at will. This makes him a spirit of profound psychological power, capable of altering perceptions and decisions. Summoners may call upon him to:
- Gain insight into the thoughts and intentions of others.
- Change someone’s opinion or perspective.
- Overcome mental blocks or confusion.
This ability makes Dantalion a valuable ally for those seeking understanding or influence but also highlights the ethical considerations of working with him.
2. Manipulation of Emotions
Dantalion is particularly known for his ability to make people fall in love or change their feelings toward others. He can ignite passion, heal broken relationships, or create harmony between individuals. His influence over emotions is not limited to love; he can also soothe anger, dissolve resentment, and inspire loyalty.
3. Revealer of Visions
One of Dantalion’s unique powers is his ability to show visions of people from anywhere in the world. He can project the image of someone to a summoner, allowing them to see and even connect with that person across vast distances. This power is especially useful for:
- Finding lost individuals.
- Gaining insight into the lives and actions of others.
- Strengthening emotional connections with those who are far away.
4. Teacher of Arts and Sciences
Dantalion’s intellectual prowess is immense. He can teach all forms of art, science, and knowledge, making him a powerful guide for those seeking to expand their skills or learn new disciplines. His teachings are said to inspire creativity, innovation, and intellectual breakthroughs.
5. Mystic Understanding
Dantalion is a spirit of profound wisdom, capable of helping summoners uncover hidden truths about themselves and others. He can aid in:
- Self-discovery and spiritual growth.
- Developing empathy and understanding for others.
- Mastering the art of persuasion and communication.
Symbolism and Lessons
Dantalion’s shifting faces and his book of knowledge symbolize the complexity of human thought and the infinite potential for growth and change. He embodies the duality of wisdom and manipulation, teaching valuable lessons to those who work with him:
The Power of Perception: Dantalion’s ability to read and change thoughts highlights the importance of understanding how perceptions shape reality. He teaches that mastering one’s thoughts can lead to greater control over life’s outcomes.
The Fluidity of Emotion: His influence over love and emotion emphasizes that feelings are not fixed. Dantalion encourages summoners to embrace the dynamic nature of relationships and human connections.
The Pursuit of Knowledge: As a teacher, Dantalion symbolizes the value of lifelong learning and intellectual curiosity. He inspires seekers to expand their minds and pursue mastery in their chosen fields.
Summoning Dantalion
Like all spirits in the Ars Goetia, Dantalion must be summoned with respect, preparation, and clear intent. A typical summoning ritual involves:
1. Drawing Dantalion’s sigil on parchment or another sacred material.
2. Using a protective circle and invoking sacred names to ensure safety.
3. Speaking a formal invocation to call upon Dantalion’s presence.
Once summoned, Dantalion is said to respond favorably to those who approach him with sincerity and a desire for knowledge or personal growth. However, like all spirits, he requires clear boundaries and mutual respect. His powers, while vast, should never be misused for selfish or harmful purposes.
Warnings and Ethical Considerations
Working with Dantalion can be both rewarding and challenging. His ability to manipulate thoughts and emotions is a double-edged sword, offering great potential for growth but also the risk of ethical dilemmas. Summoners must be mindful of their intentions and consider the consequences of altering another person’s thoughts or feelings.
Dantalion’s lessons often involve confronting uncomfortable truths about oneself and others. His revelations, while valuable, can be unsettling for those unprepared to face them.
Dantalion in Modern Culture
Though not as widely known as other spirits like Lucifer or Beelzebub, Dantalion’s unique abilities and symbolism have made him a fascinating figure in modern occultism and popular culture. He is often depicted as a mysterious, shape-shifting figure with immense knowledge and power, embodying themes of transformation, love, and wisdom.
In literature and media, Dantalion’s association with love and thought has inspired stories about manipulation, obsession, and the complexities of human relationships. His archetype often appears as a character who blurs the line between helper and manipulator, reflecting the moral ambiguity of his role.
The Legacy of Dantalion
Dantalion’s place as the 71st Spirit of Solomon underscores his significance in the infernal hierarchy. As a spirit of profound knowledge, emotional influence, and vision, he offers summoners a unique opportunity to explore the depths of the human mind and heart. His lessons, while challenging, can lead to personal growth, greater empathy, and a deeper understanding of the world.
Whether approached as a spiritual guide, a teacher, or a symbol of human complexity, Dantalion remains a compelling figure in demonology. His many faces remind us of the multifaceted nature of existence, while his book of knowledge invites us to embrace the endless journey of learning and discovery. For those who choose to work with him, Dantalion offers not only his powers but also the wisdom to use them responsibly.
From “The Goetia: The Lesser Key of Solomon the King” (1904) Written by S.L. MacGregor Mathers
DANTALION. – The Seventy-first Spirit is Dantalion. He is a Duke Great and Mighty, appearing in the Form of a Man with many Countenances, all Men’s and Women’s Faces; and he hath a Book in his right hand. His Office is to teach all Arts and Sciences unto any; and to declare the Secret Counsel of any one; for he knoweth the Thoughts of all Men and Women, and can change them at his Will. He can cause Love, and show the Similitude of any person, and show the same by a Vision, let them be in what part of the World they Will. He governeth 36 Legions of Spirits; and this is his Seal, which wear thou, etc.
From the Luciferian Goetia ( 2007 ) – Written by Michael Ford
“He holds a grimoire in his right hand, which is a grimoire of the high art. Dantalion reveals the secret council or thoughts of others, which in an initiatory context means that Dantalion may provide the magician to begin to understand the common psychology of human thinking based on cause, body language, and such. He can also cause the union of individuals that it may be probable, and a guide to other beautiful places in the world.”
From the Daemonolatry Goetia ( 2010 ) – Written by S. Connolly
“Helps one relate with others on an emotional level. Teaches emotional intelligence and heightens empathy for others.”
From the “Pseudomonarchia Daemonum” ( 1583 ) Written by Johann Weyer (Johann Wier)
Dantalion is not mentioned here.
From the “Dictionnaire Infernal” (edition of 1863 ) Written by Jacques Auguste Simon Collin de Plancy
Dantalion is not mentioned in the Dictionnaire Infernal.
