The demon Glasya-Labolas is the fifteenth spirit mentioned in the grimoires of the Goetia (part of “The Lesser Key of Solomon“). He is a high-ranking demon, described as a Great President and Earl of Hell, and he commands thirty-six legions of spirits. This card is from the Occult Tarot by Travis McHenry.
Appearance and Transformation
- Primary form: He is described as appearing in the form of a dog with griffin wings.
- Human form: When he adopts a human form, he does so quickly.
Abilities and Attributions
Glasya-Labolas is a demon with a very particular set of powers and knowledge, often related to conflict and deception:
- Knowledge and Arts: He is a master of all liberal arts and sciences, and he can reveal this knowledge to the one who summons him.
- Shedding of Blood: He has the ability to cause and direct the shedding of blood and murder. He is considered an instigator of conflicts and violence.
- Invisibility: He can teach people how to become invisible, which makes him useful for those seeking to hide or go unnoticed.
- Knowledge of the past and future: Like other demons, he possesses the power to reveal things of the past and the future.
- Generator of Love and Hate: He can influence relationships, generating love between both friends and enemies, or vice versa.
Considerations
- Rank: The title of “Great President” and “Earl” indicates his high hierarchy in the infernal structure, which suggests great power and authority.
- Dual Nature: His abilities are dual: he can teach arts and sciences, but also instigate violence and bloodshed. This reflects a contradictory and dangerous nature.
- Symbolism: The combination of a dog and a griffin in his primary form symbolizes the mix of loyalty (dog) with strength and mysticism (griffin).
In short, Glasya-Labolas is a complex figure in demonology, a demon who, although he can grant great knowledge, is strongly associated with violence and manipulation.
