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Historical Note: The name Berith (Berich) is probably
derived from 'Baal-Berith' in Judges 8:33.
Goetia - S. L. MacGregor Mathers (1904)
The Twenty-eighth Spirit in Order, as Solomon bound them, is named
Berith. He is a Mighty, Great, and Terrible Duke. He hath two
other Names given unto him by men of later times, viz.: BEALE, or
BEAL, and BOFRY or BOLFRY. He appeareth in the Form of a Soldier
with Red Clothing, riding upon a Red Horse, and having a Crown of
Gold upon his head. He giveth true answers, Past, Present, and to
Come. Thou must make use of a Ring in calling him forth, as is
before spoken of regarding Beleth.17 He can turn all metals into
Gold. He can give Dignities, and can confirm them unto Man. He
speaketh with a, very clear and subtle Voice. He governeth 26
Legions of Spirits. His Seal is this, etc.
Pseudomonarchia daemonum - Johann Wier (1583)
Berith is a great and a terrible duke, and hath three names. Of
some he is called Beall; of the Jewes Berithi; of Nigromancers
Bolfry: he commeth foorth as a red souldier, with red clothing,
and upon a horsse of that colour, and a crowne on his head. He
answereth trulie of things present, past, and to come. He is
compelled at a certeine houre, through divine vertue, by a ring of
art magicke. He is also a lier, he turneth all mettals into gold,
he adorneth a man with dignities, and confirmeth them, he speaketh
with a cleare and a subtill voice, and six and twentie legions are
under him.
Dictionnaire Infernal - Collin de Plancy (1863)
Berith is a great duke of hell governing 26 legions. He is called
Beal, Berith by the Jews, and Bolfri by necromancers. He is also
worshipped by the Sichemites, and possibly the same as Beroth of
Sanchoniaton, whom some believe to be Pallas or Diana. He appears as
a soldier dressed in red, riding a red horse and wears a crown on
his head. One must have a magic ring to control him. He knows of
past/present/future events, gives dignities, aids in singing
ability, and is often known as the demon of the alchemists for his
avidity to change metals into gold.
According to the author of Solide tresor du Petit Albert,
Berith is no more than a goblin or elf.
"I found myself, he said, in a house where a familiar spirit
had manifested for six years taking car eof winding the clock and
currying the horses. I was curious one morning to examine these
proceedings: my astonishment was great to see a curry-comb running
over the hindquarters of a horse which appeared to be done by no
visible hand. The groom told me that to attract the familiar to
his service, he had taken a small black chicken, which he had bled
at a great crossroad; that with its blood he had written on a
scrap of paper: 'Berith will come to my aid for twenty years, and
I will recompense him;' next having buried the chicken a foot deep
in the earth, that same day the familiar had taken care of the
clock and some horses, and that from time to time game the groom
things which were worth something…"
Others believe him to be a mandrake or a sylph. |
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