Correspondences:
Dates: November 13th – 22nd
Direction: East
Tarot: Seven of Cups
Planet: Venus
Metal: Copper
Element: Air
Colour: Green
Plant: Papyrus
Incense: Sandalwood
Zodiac: 20° – 30° Scorpio
Other Correspondences: Orris, spice walnut, bistort, mace, mercury

Enn: Renich secore Vapula typan

From the Goetia:
“appearing in the Form of a Lion with Gryphon’s Wings. His Office is to make Men Knowing in all Handicrafts and Professions, also in Philosophy, and other sciences.”

Vapula, also known by the name Naphula (sometimes pronounced neef-luh according to Jehannum), is a spirit of knowledge, skill, and creativity. He is a teacher of handicrafts, philosophy, and sciences, appearing in the Ars Goetia in a striking leonine form with griffin’s wings. His domain is not merely intellectual but deeply practical, guiding the magician in applying knowledge through creative endeavours and learned skills.

Connolly describes Vapula as helpful in creative business ventures or for generating fresh inspiration in artistic work. She notes, however, that Vapula initially felt standoffish and untrusting, requiring multiple workings before revealing his true nature. This highlights an important lesson for magicians: some spirits may not open up immediately and demand persistence and respect before offering their full cooperation.

Mirta Wake’s experience, by contrast, was one of sweetness and ease. She felt Vapula’s presence as a calming salve moving through her chest and arms, relaxing her body. Vapula did not provide answers in a way that allowed her to bypass effort, but instead offered instruction and clarity, teaching how to approach problems, whether in engineering, crafts, or everyday tasks, so that the practitioner could do the work themselves.

Jehannum adds further dimensions, describing Vapula as a psychopompic Duke of the Infernal plane, whose name translates to marvellous. He teaches draconic magic, aids in dream work, and can assist in healing the mind. This perspective expands Vapula’s role from crafts and sciences into esoteric practices, particularly in bridging the conscious and unconscious through dream and visionary states.

The griffin symbolism attributed to Vapula is central. In the Physiologus—a second-century text of symbolic natural lore—the griffin is described as a creature of light and protection: “Spread thy wings, dispenser of light, and give the world light.” The image of a lion with griffin’s wings suggests both courage and ascent, embodying a force that elevates the seeker out of darkness through knowledge and skill.

In this light, Vapula represents the courageous pursuit of mastery, reminding the magician that wisdom and skill come not from shortcuts, but from dedication, guidance, and perseverance.

Vapula is a spirit of applied wisdom, guiding the magician in both practical and esoteric skills. Whether aiding in creative business, teaching the sciences, or guiding dream work, he represents the fusion of inspiration with grounded, disciplined application. Those who approach him with persistence and sincerity may find in him a patient but profound teacher, whose gift is not to do the work for you, but to ensure you can master it yourself.