In some of the Grimoires we find the four Kings of the Quarters or the Princes of the Four Directions, and although the names differ here and there, they are quite often Oriens, Egyn, Paimon and Amaymon. We have previously discussed Paimon, so over the next three episodes I will touch on the other three. In Crowley’s Liber 777, we find the names are Oriens, Ariton [interchangeable with Egyn], Paimon and Amaimon, and they have been associated with the parts of the soul and the points on the pentagram. That is as follows:
What gets more confusing is that in the Ars Goetia, the Four Kings are named as Amaymon, Corson, Zimimay or Ziminiar, and Goap. In the Mathers and Crowley version of the Ars Goetia, there is a footnote to this that states, “These four Great Kings are usually called Oriens, or Uriens, Paymon or Paymonia, Ariton or Egyn, and Amaymon or Amaimon. By the Rabbins they are frequently entitled: Samael, Azazel, Azael, and Mahazael.”
From the above we can assume that Amaymon, who we will discuss next week, is the King of the Eastern Quarter, however it is Oriens that is usually considered ruler of the Eastern quarter, simply because his name means “the east”. This may make things a little tricky, but we could assume that different people have had different experiences, and therefore in one system, Amaymon (along with Corson, Zimimay and Goap for instance) is the King of the East, and then in another system, it is Oriens that takes that role. We will also touch on this again just now, but we are going to be discussing Oriens as being the King of the East.
Within the notes from the Mathers’ version of the Sacred Magic of Abramelin the Mage:
‘These four names of Oriens, Paimon, Ariton and Amaymon, are usually allotted to the Evil Kings of the four quarters of the World. Oriens, from Latin, Oriens, = rising or Eastern. This name is also written Uriens, from Latin, Uro, = to burn, or devour with flame. It is probably from Uriens that a mediaeval title of the Devil, viz., “Sir Urien”, is derived. The Name is also sometimes written “Urieus,” from Latin, “Urios”, a title given to Jupiter as presiding over the Wind. Urieus is also derivable from the Greek Adj. “Eurus, Eureia, Euru,” meaning vast or extensive. By the Rabbins he is also called SMAL, Samael, which is derived from the Hebrew root SML, which means “a figure, image, or idol”. It is a name given in the Qabalah to one of the Chief Evil Spirits.’
Oriens’ associations with the East are significant both symbolically and practically in magickal rites. The East is traditionally considered the direction of new beginnings, the rising sun, and the dawn of insight and wisdom. It is a place of power and birth, where hidden knowledge is brought to light. As the daemon of the East, Oriens embodies the energy of illumination, guidance, and revelation—making him a potent force for those seeking enlightenment through magickal practice.
Jehannum on the other hand, together with Mark Allen Smith, relate the office of Oriens to be focused on aspects of death and dissolution. This would suggest that Oriens should be in the Western Quarter, and Jehannum agrees with Smith later on his article that Oriens does in fact rule the Western Gate. As I said at the beginning, different people, different experiences, creating different system. It does make things a little confusing, but the name Oriens is literally the Latin word meaning “the east”. It’s right there in the name, so we will continue on that premise.
Understanding Oriens requires an exploration of his symbolic attributes and his domain, the East, is rich with meaning.
Element of Air: In Ceremonial Magick, the East is traditionally associated with the element of air, which governs intellect, thought, communication, and inspiration. As a ruler of the East, Oriens holds sway over these domains, making him a powerful ally in magick that seeks to enhance wisdom, clarity, and spiritual insight.
The Dawn and New Beginnings: Oriens is intimately connected with the dawn, the point where darkness recedes, and light returns. This makes him a daemon of transformation and revelation, symbolizing the emergence of truth and knowledge from obscurity. Invoking Oriens during times of confusion or when seeking to start new projects can bring clarity and a sense of purpose.
Direction of the Magician: In ceremonial magick, the East is often the direction where the magician faces to begin rituals, as it is where the sun rises and brings illumination to the world. Oriens is the guardian of this gateway, overseeing the transition from ignorance to understanding. Magicians who call upon him often seek the balance between light and darkness, invoking his power to bring about change and spiritual awakening.
Guardian of Hidden Knowledge: Oriens’ role as a commander of spirits suggests that he is a custodian of deep, hidden knowledge. His legions include spirits who possess wisdom beyond the reach of ordinary understanding. Working with Oriens can open pathways to ancient mysteries and forbidden lore, but this also comes with a warning: his energy, like the knowledge he offers, must be approached with respect and readiness.
Practitioners who seek to work with Oriens must approach him with reverence, for he is a figure of immense power. His role as a ruler of the East makes him a prime candidate for invocations related to intellectual pursuits, problem-solving, and opening up new paths of understanding. However, Oriens is also a spirit of protection, capable of warding off malevolent forces and guiding the practitioner through dangerous spiritual territories.
Here are some ways in which Oriens can be incorporated into a magickal practice:
Invocations for Wisdom and Guidance
Oriens’ connection to the element of air makes him an ideal daemon to invoke for wisdom and clarity. Whether you are embarking on a new journey, seeking guidance through a difficult decision, or looking to enhance your intellectual capabilities, Oriens can provide illumination. When invoking him, it is important to face the East, drawing upon the rising energy of the dawn. Using incense such as frankincense or sandalwood, which are associated with the air element, can help establish a deeper connection with him.
Protection and Banishing
As a ruler of legions, Oriens can assist in banishing negative entities. In rituals designed for protection, his energy is especially potent. You may call upon Oriens to guard your home or sacred space, particularly when setting up wards or protective boundaries in the East.
Revelation and Transformation
Oriens can serve as a guide during transformative periods in life. His energy, connected with the dawn and new beginnings, is beneficial when you are undergoing personal or spiritual growth. Working with Oriens during times of transition can help smooth the path forward, bringing clarity to complex situations and unveiling hidden opportunities. Just to summarise, Oriens is a powerful and multifaceted daemon, whose influence stretches across the realms of wisdom, protection, and spiritual authority. His command over the East and the legions of spirits that reside there make him an invaluable figure for occultists seeking to enhance their practice through intellectual and spiritual growth. Whether you are working with Oriens for guidance, protection, or transformation, his energy offers a path toward deeper understanding and enlightenment. By forging a respectful relationship with Oriens, practitioners can gain access to hidden knowledge and command the winds of change in their favour.
