The Enchanted Initiate
A Journal of Traditional Symbolism, Hermeticism & the Occult Sciences

Solomon

King Solomon, a legendary and historical figure in ancient Israel, is widely recognized for his role as a wise and wealthy king, as well as a builder of significant religious and architectural structures. Historically, Solomon is known for his wisdom, famously symbolized by the story of the two mothers and the baby, and his architectural prowess, especially in the construction of the First Temple in Jerusalem. He is also associated with employing the Dionysiac Architects for the construction of his temple and palaces, showcasing his skilled oversight in monumental projects.

In alchemical lore, Solomon is remembered as a known alchemist who attempted to use alchemical means to create gold, a practice often linked to the transformation and refinement of matter. His wisdom and magical associations are further emphasized through his links to mystical texts and symbols, particularly in the Cabalistic Clavicle, suggesting a profound understanding of spiritual and arcane knowledge.

According to the mystical and mythological traditions, Solomon's name often appears in magical practices, and he is sometimes depicted as building the Everlasting House or the "Temple," symbolized by the sun, and his wives are associated with the planets, asteroids, and moons, adding a celestial dimension to his identity. The stories of his reign also include his attempt to use a tree as a pillar for his Temple, eventually succeeding in crafting a bridge connecting Jerusalem with the hill area, showcasing his resourcefulness and architectural genius.

Solomon, as the son of David, is also revered in Masonic tradition as the Grand Master of the Lodge of Jerusalem and as an initiating figure, marking his significance in the foundational narratives of Freemasonry. These diverse perspectives amalgamate Solomon's manifold roles as a biblical, historical, and mystical figure, consolidating his legacy across various cultural and spiritual contexts.

Concordance & Cross-References

Primary Correspondences & Figures

Hermes→Lineage

Hermes and Solomon are associated with wisdom and magical knowledge, highlighting their shared importance in mystical traditions

CHiram Abiff was directly involved in Solomon's construction projects, proving Solomon's trust and reliance on him.

SolSubstance

Solomon represents the spiritual and intellectual light of the sun (SOL), as an all-powerful, divine symbol rather than the physical manifestation. Therefore, their relationship is fundamental to the concept of divine illumination in Masonic context.

DavidPerson

Solomon was a son of David and succeeded him to the throne, inheriting many of his father's interests and initiatives. Particularly noteworthy among these was the continuation and completion of the temple's construction, a project that had significant importance for both David and Solomon.

KingdomSubstance

King Solomon is revered for his magical wisdom and power, his seal symbolizing his authority in magical contexts, potentially indicating a historical fascination with his magical powers.

Sacred StaffRitual

Solomon held the sacred staff, its failure to fit into his temple pillars symbolizing the incompatibility of worldly power with divine authority.

Sun→Lineage

Solomon, a symbol of the sun in Masonry, shares attributes with the sun

Jupiter→Concept

Solomon's name is sometimes associated with Jupiter in magical texts, though not explicitly stated in this passage.

Tower→Ritual

Solomon built the 271-cubit tower, a significant structure besides the temple.

AlchemistPerson

Solomon was an alchemist, known for his magical secrets and the Key of Solomon

Alchemy→Substance

King Solomon is a legendary figure in alchemical lore and is said to have used alchemy to create gold for his temple

Mediate Correspondences

Sympathetic Chains & Distant Affinities

SolomonthroughSunilluminatesTarot →
I. Solomon & Sun

Solomon, a symbol of the sun in Masonry, shares attributes with the sun

II. Sun & Tarot

The Tarot includes The Sun which represents spiritual illumination, truth, and the renewal of life

SolomonthroughSunilluminatesParacelsus →
I. Solomon & Sun

Solomon, a symbol of the sun in Masonry, shares attributes with the sun

II. Sun & Paracelsus

SUN and Paracelsus are interconnected in philosophical and symbolic significance. The Sun, as a celestial body, holds profound symbolic value, often representing light, wisdom, and life itself. Paracelsus, the notable 16th-century philosopher and alchemist, also embodies deep philosophical and ritual significance, drawing parallels between his work and the solar symbolism. Both entities are described as having a direct relationship in terms of philosophical significance, indicating that Paracelsus may have drawn inspiration from or incorporated solar symbolism into his teachings and rituals. This connection highlights the Sun’s essential role not just as a natural phenomenon, but as a powerful symbol in the work and beliefs of Paracelsus. Paracelsus and Sun are both significant entities within philosophical and ritual contexts, interconnected through traditional symbolism. Paracelsus, a Renaissance physician, alchemist, and controversial figure, is often associated with the application of natural philosophy to medicine and the synthesis of various mystical and scientific traditions. The Sun, symbolically, represents various concepts such as life, vitality, and transcendence depending on the cultural and philosophical framework. In their interconnected narrative, both Paracelsus and the Sun are viewed as crucial elements in the exploration of alchemy, cosmology, and spiritual practices. The Sun, embodying light and creation, serves as a potent symbol that Paracelsus might have used to interpret natural phenomena as well as spiritual teachings. This connection highlights the dual nature of Paracelsus' work, intertwining empirical scientific methods with mystical and symbolic interpretations. Together, Paracelsus and Sun embody a blend of philosophical and ritual significance, reflecting the complex interplay between nature, spirituality, and human understanding in the Renaissance and beyond.

SolomonthroughSunilluminatesPythagoras →
I. Solomon & Sun

Solomon, a symbol of the sun in Masonry, shares attributes with the sun

II. Sun & Pythagoras

Sol, often associated with Apollo, is mentioned in connection with Pythagoras, symbolizing divine knowledge and wisdom

SolomonthroughAlchemyilluminatesSpirit →
I. Solomon & Alchemy

King Solomon is a legendary figure in alchemical lore and is said to have used alchemy to create gold for his temple

II. Alchemy & Spirit

Alchemy requires the action of the spirit, representing the divine will, to transform external substances.

SolomonthroughHermesilluminatesPhilosopher's Stone →
I. Solomon & Hermes

Hermes and Solomon are associated with wisdom and magical knowledge, highlighting their shared importance in mystical traditions

II. Hermes & Philosopher's Stone

Hermes, the father of philosophers, is an important figure who created the Emerald Tablet, which is a key source for the Philosopher's Stone. PHILOSOPHER'S STONE and Hermes are closely wedded through symbolic and philosophical relationships. PHILOSOPHER'S STONE, a symbolic substance central to alchemical teachings, draws its roots from Hermes' teachings and practices. Hermes, the cunning messenger of the gods and a divine guide, symbolically serves an essential office in the process and rituals associated with the PHILOSOPHER'S STONE. His teachings are at the core of understanding and achieving the ultimate goal of the Philosopher's Stone. Whether through direct ritual practices or foundational philosophical lessons, Hermes' wisdom and mystical knowledge are essential components in the complex alchemical journey toward the PHILOSOPHER'S STONE. His teachings and practices provide the theoretical and practical framework for its creation, highlighting the inseparable bond between Hermes and the PHILOSOPHER'S STONE in both symbolic and historical contexts.

SolomonthroughSunilluminatesFire →
I. Solomon & Sun

Solomon, a symbol of the sun in Masonry, shares attributes with the sun

II. Sun & Fire

The entities "FIRE" and "SUN" are deeply interconnected and share significant symbolic and astrological associations. Both are linked to themes of transformation, development, and the heart, particularly within the fifth house, which traditionally governs creativity, pleasure, and spontaneous expression. They are also noted for sharing intrinsic properties and symbolism, suggesting a unified representation in fields such as philosophy, astrology, and spirituality. Together, they emphasize the process of personal growth and the dynamic nature of life's developments, reflecting both the fierce and passionate qualities of fire and the life-giving warmth and light of the sun.

SolomonthroughSolilluminatesAstrology →
I. Solomon & Sol

Solomon represents the spiritual and intellectual light of the sun (SOL), as an all-powerful, divine symbol rather than the physical manifestation. Therefore, their relationship is fundamental to the concept of divine illumination in Masonic context.

II. Sol & Astrology

The Sun is a celestial object and symbol central to Astrology, embodying life and vitality.

SolomonthroughHermesilluminatesPhilosophy →
I. Solomon & Hermes

Hermes and Solomon are associated with wisdom and magical knowledge, highlighting their shared importance in mystical traditions

II. Hermes & Philosophy

Philosophy, as described, follows the dogma of Hermes, making Hermes central to the philosophy of the adepts.

SolomonthroughJupiterilluminatesDuad →
I. Solomon & Jupiter

Solomon's name is sometimes associated with Jupiter in magical texts, though not explicitly stated in this passage.

II. Jupiter & Duad

The concept of duad is symbolized by Jupiter, the Roman god of justice and order, highlighting the duality in divine attributes

SolomonthroughHermesilluminatesAll →
I. Solomon & Hermes

Hermes and Solomon are associated with wisdom and magical knowledge, highlighting their shared importance in mystical traditions

II. Hermes & All

Hermes, in his capacity as a teacher and divine figure, elucidated the enigmatic nature of The All, a fundamental substance from which all creation emerges. Through a deep and silent contemplation, Hermes revealed the profound mysteries surrounding The All, emphasizing the silent and intrinsic understanding of its essence. His teachings highlight The All's interaction with and influence on the physical plane, suggesting a layered relationship between the divine and the tangible world. Hermes's discourses demonstrate the foundational role of The All, presenting it as the ultimate source from which everything in the universe derives its existence. Through his wisdom and silence, Hermes guided seekers of knowledge towards a deeper comprehension of the universe's underlying principles.