Enchanted Initiate

Bifrons

Bifrons is a demon described in Western occult and demonological traditions, particularly within the Ars Goetia of the Lesser Key of Solomon. The name likely derives from the Roman god Janus Bifrons, associated with duality and transitions, but Bifrons as a demon is part of European grimoire tradition rather than a specific ancient culture.

Bifrons is traditionally known as a demon or spirit listed in grimoires like the *Lesser Key of Solomon* (also known as *Lemegeton*), specifically in the *Goetia*. His title is "Earl"—more precisely, he is a "Great Earl of Hell." He is said to command six legions of spirits and is associated with necromancy, teaching sciences and astrology, and moving bodies between graves.

Bifrons is a demon or spirit found primarily in occult and demonological traditions, particularly within the Ars Goetia, part of the Lesser Key of Solomon, a grimoire of ceremonial magic. He is considered the 46th of the 72 spirits King Solomon is said to have evoked and confined.

Description:

– **Rank**: Earl of Hell
– **Appearance**: Bifrons is often described as appearing first in the form of a monstrous or frightening figure, but can later manifest in a human form upon command.
– **Attributes**:
– He teaches science and knowledge of astrology, geometry, and other arts and sciences.
– Bifrons has power over the dead, including moving corpses and placing spirits in different bodies or grave sites.
– He is said to light candles on graves and can affect one’s understanding of the planetary influences.
– **Legions**: Commands 6 legions of demons.

Etymologically, his name may be linked to the Roman god Janus, who has two faces and presides over beginnings and transitions; “Bifrons” means “two-faced,” hinting at hidden or dual aspects of knowledge, perception, and spirit work.

In esoteric practice, Bifrons is sometimes invoked for necromantic workings, spirit communication, or gaining secret knowledge, but such evocations should be approached with significant preparation, protection, and ethical clarity.

Domain/Area of Influence

Bifrons is a spirit mentioned in demonological texts, such as the Ars Goetia of the Lesser Key of Solomon. His domain includes necromancy, the movement of corpses, and revealing knowledge about the dead and the afterlife. He teaches sciences and astrology, and is associated with transformations—both of physical forms and inner perception. Energetically, he links to the threshold between life and death, aiding in communication with spirits and guiding transitions through liminal realms.

Attributes

Bifrons is a spirit mentioned in several grimoires, notably the *Lesser Key of Solomon* (as the 46th spirit in the Ars Goetia). His attributes are as follows: **Personality**: Bifrons is considered intelligent, solemn, and knowledgeable. He is associated with death, necromancy, and arcane wisdom, particularly in astrology and the sciences. He is not overly malevolent, but works in the darker aspects of spiritual knowledge. **Powers**: – Teaches astronomy, astrology, geometry, and other sciences. – Moves corpses from one grave to another. – Lights candles on graves—suggesting dominion over spirits of the dead. – Can summon spirits of the dead for communication. – Helps magicians understand esoteric knowledge. **Symbols and Appearance**: – Often depicted as a monstrous being at first, later transforming into a man. – Typically associated with graveyards, bones, and the night. – Symbols may include astrological signs or tools of necromancy (e.g., bones, skulls, or candles). **Other Associations**: – Sometimes linked etymologically to Janus Bifrons, the Roman god with two faces—suggesting mastery over transitions, thresholds, or duality. – Planetary association: Saturn (structure, death, occult knowledge). – Elemental affinity: Earth (due to graveyard/lower realm associations). In magical practice, his energies are used for understanding deep hidden knowledge, communicating with spirits, or mastering esoteric sciences. Caution is advised due to his necromantic associations.

Symbolism

Bifrons is a spirit found in occult texts like the *Lemegeton* (Goetia), typically listed as a demon or duke of Hell. Esoterically, Bifrons symbolizes duality, hidden knowledge, and transformation — particularly transition between life and death, matter and spirit. Metaphysically, Bifrons is associated with necromancy, astrology, and the shifting of graves and bodies — symbolizing the movement of energies between worlds. In jewellery, Bifrons symbolism may be expressed through dual-faced imagery (Janus-like), dark stones (like obsidian or onyx), or symbols of the threshold (keys, gates, or skulls). Such pieces could be used for grounding, embracing shadow work, or honoring ancestral connections. Energetically, invoking Bifrons through amulets may assist in spirit communication or navigating inner transformations.

Shadow Aspect

Bifrons, often linked to transformation, death, and necromancy, has a shadow aspect rooted in obsession with forbidden knowledge, manipulation of the dead, and detachment from empathy. Associated vices include morbid curiosity, power-seeking through occult means, and emotional coldness. Challenges in working with this aspect include confronting fear of death, resisting temptations to control or dominate others through esoteric insight, and balancing intellect with spiritual integrity. Shadow integration here requires humility and respect for unseen realms.

Offerings

Bifrons is a demon named in various grimoires, including the *Goetia*, where he is listed as the 46th spirit. He is associated with necromancy, the movement of corpses, and the knowledge of astrology, herbs, and stones. His traditional associations are more chthonic and scholarly in nature. **Traditional Offerings and Associations:** – **Offerings:** – Bones or representations of bones (ethically sourced or symbolic) – Graveyard dirt (as a symbol of his connection to the dead) – Black candles – Dried herbs (especially those linked to death or the underworld, like wormwood or myrrh) – Stones or crystals (particularly obsidian, onyx, or those used in divination or protection) – Wine or dark liquor – **Associations:** – Planet: Saturn – Element: Earth – Color: Black, dark brown – Tools: Skulls, old books, astrological charts – Day: Saturday (Saturn’s Day) – Direction: North He is often approached for knowledge related to the dead, occult studies, or transformation through ancestral wisdom. Always approach such entities with respect and clear intent.

Invocations

Bifrons is a spirit mentioned in demonological grimoires like the *Lemegeton* (specifically the *Goetia*). He is said to be the 46th spirit, a Duke who teaches sciences, astrology, virtues of herbs and stones, and can move bodies and lights from one place to another. To work with Bifrons: 1. **Set clear intent** – Know why you wish to contact him (e.g., learning occult sciences, aiding spirit work). 2. **Create sacred space** – Use protection: a ritual circle, grounding, shielding, cleansing the space. 3. **Use appropriate symbols** – His seal/sigil and name are found in the *Goetia*. Draw the seal clearly on parchment. 4. **Perform invocation** – A basic ritual may include the Lesser Banishing Ritual of the Pentagram for protection, then calling his name and presenting the seal. Consider using a modified version of the *Goetia* invocation, adapted to your belief system. 5. **Make offerings** – Spiritually aligned items like incense (e.g., myrrh, copal), black candles, or stones can be used. 6. **Communicate respectfully** – Ask questions clearly, using divination tools like scrying, pendulum, or listen through meditation. 7. **Close properly** – Thank the spirit and formally dismiss the energy. Cleanse the space again. Approach with respect and caution. Goetic spirits can teach much but require discernment and responsibility.

Related Deities

Bifrons, originally a demon named in the *Lesser Key of Solomon*, is associated with necromancy, knowledge of herbs, precious stones, and shifting spirits between graves. His name likely derives from the Roman god Janus Bifrons, the two-faced deity of transitions, doorways, and duality. **Related or similar entities:** 1. **Janus (Roman mythology)** – A god of beginnings, gates, duality, and transitions. Symbolically linked through the “Bifrons” (two-faced) aspect, though not demonic. 2. **Hecate (Greek mythology)** – Goddess of magic, crossroads, necromancy, and ghosts. Shares liminal and death-related roles. 3. **Barbatos (Demonology)** – Another demon who helps in contacting spirits of the dead and understanding animal voices. Similar necromantic function. 4. **Anubis (Egyptian mythology)** – God of mummification and the afterlife, overseeing journeys between worlds. Thematically aligned. **Opposing entities:** 1. **Archangel Michael (Abrahamic traditions)** – Divine protector, often viewed as the adversary of infernal forces like demons. 2. **Apollo (Greek mythology)** – God of light, healing, and prophecy. Symbolically opposite in association with life and order. These beings reflect dual aspects of transformation, death, and spirit work, either from divine or infernal angles.