Phenex: The 37th Spirit Of Ars Goetia

Overview of Phenex

Phenex is the 37th spirit listed in the Ars Goetia, a 17th-century grimoire detailing 72 demons allegedly summoned by King Solomon. He holds the rank of Great Marquis of Hell, commanding 20 legions of demons. Unlike more overtly malevolent demons, Phenex is characterized by a blend of beauty, intellect, and a poignant longing for redemption. His name and form draw clear inspiration from the mythical phoenix—a bird tied to fire, rebirth, and eternity—though his demonic nature adds layers of complexity.

Powers and Abilities

Phenex is a demon of knowledge and art, offering:

• Mastery of Sciences: He teaches “all wonderful sciences,” from astronomy to alchemy, making him a scholar’s ally.
• Poetic Excellence: Described as an “excellent poet,” he can inspire or recite verses of profound beauty.
• Obedience: Unlike some truculent demons, Phenex is notably compliant, fulfilling the conjurer’s commands willingly.
• Revelation: He speaks “marvelously” of hidden things, potentially unveiling secrets of the past, present, or future.

Some modern occult interpretations (not in the original texts) expand his abilities, linking him to fire manipulation or transformation, tying into his phoenix imagery. However, the Ars Goetia focuses on his intellectual and artistic gifts, not destructive might.

Personality and Motivation

Phenex stands out for his wistful ambition: he hopes to return to Heaven after 1,200 years, reclaiming his place among the seventh order of Thrones (a rank of angels tied to divine will). The text notes this hope is “deceived”—a tragic note suggesting his fall is permanent, despite his yearning. This penitence sets him apart from demons reveling in their rebellion, like Paimon or Belial.

His demeanor blends melancholy with grace. As a fallen Throne, he carries a vestige of celestial dignity, tempered by his infernal station. His obedience and creativity hint at a spirit not wholly consumed by malice, perhaps reflecting his former angelic nature.

Historical Context and Origins

Phenex’s inclusion in the Ars Goetia stems from medieval demonology, a fusion of Jewish, Christian, and pre-Christian traditions. His phoenix form likely borrows from Greco-Egyptian mythology, where the bird symbolized cyclical renewal, but his childlike voice and demonic role are unique embellishments. The Pseudomonarchia Daemonum by Johann Weyer (1577), a precursor to the Lesser Key, lists him similarly, reinforcing his consistency across texts.

His name’s etymology ties directly to “phoenix,” though variant spellings (Pheynix, Phoeniex, etc.) reflect scribal quirks or linguistic drift. Unlike Paimon, whose name’s origins are murkier, Phenex’s link to the phoenix is overt, suggesting a deliberate symbolic choice—perhaps to evoke rebirth thwarted by damnation.

Cultural Depictions

Phenex’s presence in modern culture is subtler than Paimon’s (e.g., Hereditary). He appears in:

• Occult Literature: Beyond the Ars Goetia, he’s noted in works like the Dictionnaire Infernal (1863), which echoes his poetic and scientific prowess.
• Pop Culture: In the anime/light novel High School DxD, the Phenex family wields fire and immortality, a nod to his phoenix roots, though reimagined as a clan rather than a single entity.
• Gaming: In the Shin Megami Tensei series, Phenex is a fire-aligned demon, emphasizing his elemental aspect over his intellectual one.

These adaptations often amplify his fiery traits, sidelining his artistry or redemption arc, contrasting with the Ars Goetia’s focus.

Appearance and Presentation

Phenex appears as a phoenix, a radiant bird wreathed in flames, singing “sweet notes with the voice of a child.” This description, from the Lesser Key of Solomon, paints him as both enchanting and deceptive. His melodies are so captivating that the summoner and any companions must resist listening, quickly commanding him to take human form—a shift he complies with after a brief delay. In human shape, he speaks clearly, shedding the siren-like allure of his avian voice.

This duality—beauty masking danger—echoes the phoenix myth but twists it. Where the phoenix symbolizes renewal, Phenex’s song tempts the unwary, hinting at a seductive power that could ensnare the careless.

Working with Phenex: A Ritual

Here’s a simple, symbolic ritual inspired by Phenex’s nature

Purpose: To seek inspiration, knowledge, or renewal.
Materials:

• A red or orange candle (for fire and the phoenix).
• Paper with Phenex’s sigil (a traditional design from the Ars Goetia).
• Rose petals or cinnamon (for creativity and warmth).
• A quill and ink (for poetry or insight).

Steps:

1. Light the candle at dawn (symbolizing rebirth).
2. Place the sigil beneath it, surrounded by rose petals or a sprinkle of cinnamon.
3. Chant: “Phenex, singer of sweet notes, Marquis of flame, I call your wisdom. Unveil the hidden, inspire my soul.”
4. Write a question or intent (e.g., “What path should I take?”).
5. Meditate, listening inwardly—not for a literal song, but a spark of intuition.
6. Thank him: “Phenex, I honor your light. Depart in peace.” Extinguish the candle.
7. Burn or keep the paper, trusting insights to emerge over days.

This ritual avoids the complexity of full Goetic summoning, focusing on Phenex’s gentler, muse-like qualities.

Phenex Oil Recipe

An oil to honor Phenex

Ingredients:

• Base: 1 oz grapeseed oil (light, versatile).
• Essential Oils:
  • 8 drops rose (for poetry and beauty).
  • 6 drops cedarwood (for wisdom and grounding).
  • 4 drops orange (for fire and renewal).
• Additives: A pinch of dried rose petals or saffron (for his phoenix vibrancy).

Method:

• Blend oils in a small bottle, adding the petals last.
• Hold it, saying: “Phenex, flame of insight, bless this oil with your song.”
• Let it sit overnight under sunlight or candlelight.
• Use to anoint the sigil, candle, or your wrists during the ritual.

This mix reflects his fiery, artistic essence

If you would like us to make this blend for you, you may order it here *Demonic Oleum Custom Blend

Pros and Cons of Engaging Phenex

Pros:

• Offers profound knowledge and creative boosts—ideal for artists or thinkers.
• Obedient and less volatile than some demons.
• His phoenix symbolism inspires personal renewal.

Cons:

• His seductive song (if taken literally) poses a risk of distraction or delusion.
• Insights may be poetic or abstract, requiring interpretation.
• His melancholic hope might resonate as a subtle sadness in sensitive users.

Phenex vs. Paimon

• Rank: Paimon’s a King (200 legions), Phenex a Marquis (20 legions)—Paimon’s higher in status.
• Nature: Paimon’s theatrical and commanding; Phenex is poetic and reflective.
• Focus: Paimon unveils broad truths and binds spirits; Phenex excels in sciences and art.
• Tone: Paimon’s presence is loud and regal, Phenex’s softer yet haunting.

Both are knowledge-bearers, but Phenex feels more introspective, less domineering.

Client Situation: The Poet’s Triumph – A Ritual with Phenex

Phenex is a demon of paradoxes: fallen yet hopeful, beautiful yet perilous, obedient yet distant. He’s a muse for the curious, a mirror for the lost.