The introduction names inhabitants of the highest heavens before descending to the planetary spheres. It places spirits in the Empyrean, the Primum Mobile, the crystalline heavens and the starry heaven, then names Saturnian, Jovial, Martial, Solar, Venerean, Mercurial and Lunar spirits. Fire, air, water and earth have inhabitants of their own. Solomon promises to explain their names, duties and appointed days. [1]
The spirit assigned to a person
Each person also has a protecting spirit, called a genius; the plural is genii. These guardians watch over human preservation. Their readiness to help is linked to the person’s temperament and the element they inhabit. Solomon gives one example: someone of a fiery, or sanguine, temperament would have a fiery genius subject to Bael. [1]
Solomon promises tables assigning days and hours to planets and angels, together with colours, metals, herbs, plants, animals and incense. He also names the quarters of the universe in which spirits are to be invoked, their conjurations, seals, characters and divine letters. [1]
The charge to Roboam
Solomon allows Roboam to benefit from the help and good fortune these spirits can bring. He also forbids demands contrary to their natures and requires his son’s works to honour God. The angels are described as willing to preserve and guide earthly things, but capable of carrying out divine judgement against those who abuse the secrets. [1]
The charge is severe. Roboam must engrave the teaching in his memory; if he does not intend to use it for a good purpose, Solomon commands him to cast the testament into the fire. [1]
