Correspondences:
Dates: August 12th to 22nd
Direction: West
Tarot: Seven of Wands
Planet: Sun
Metal: Gold
Element: Earth
Colour: Yellow
Plant: Mandrake
Incense: Frankincense
Zodiac: 20°–30° Leo
Other correspondences: Vetiver, Horehound, Sage

Enn: Lirach tasa vefa wehlc Balam

From the Goetia:
“He appeareth with three Heads: the first is like that of a Bull; the second is like that of a Man; the third is like that of a Ram. He hath the Tail of a Serpent, and Flaming Eyes. He rideth upon a furious Bear, and carrieth a Goshawk upon his Fist. He speaketh with a hoarse Voice, giving True Answers of Things Past, Present, and to Come. He maketh men to go Invisible, and also to be Witty.”

S. Connolly notes that Balam can be called upon to overcome social awkwardness or to explore the roots of shyness and discomfort. She recommends leaving a piece of gold as an offering, together with his sigil, particularly when working with him to keep magical operations secret until they bear fruit. This ties directly into the magician’s maxim: to know, to will, to dare, to keep silent. The silence part of the formula is essential, and Balam can reinforce that discipline of secrecy.

Mirta Wake points out that the name “Balaam” appears in different cultural contexts. In the biblical Book of Numbers, Balaam is a non-Israelite prophet, suggesting that this name had widespread recognition in the ancient Near East. In Mayan tradition, “Balam” means tiger or jaguar, a guardian figure and a title used by a particular priestly caste. These overlapping references suggest that Balam may represent a broader archetype than the Goetic tradition alone records.

The Goetia Ritual interprets Balam’s imagery as a tapestry of symbolic forces. The bull is linked with lunar power and the taming of masculine energy. The bear represents strength, fortitude, and rites of passage—yet also cruelty, appetite, and greed. The ram is deliberate energy and determination, echoed by the goshawk’s sharp focus. Finally, the serpent’s tail reflects primal power and hidden danger.

In practical work, Balam can assist with divination, offering reliable insights into past, present, and future. His gift of invisibility is often misunderstood. It does not mean literal transparency, like the Invisible Man. Rather, invisibility is about concealment—removing yourself, your actions, or your possessions from the notice of others. It can manifest as a subtle quality of being overlooked, slipping through spaces without drawing attention. Used wisely, this power is invaluable for keeping magical workings hidden until they are ready to manifest, or for ensuring one’s presence passes unnoticed when desired.

Balam is thus a spirit of perception, secrecy, and subtle influence. His ferocious appearance masks a spirit who teaches discretion, strategic concealment, and the wisdom of silence—all traits essential to the magician’s craft.