Botis (Ars Goetia #17) — Seal of Botis / Botis Sigil for "Truth & Reconciliation" (Traditional & Symbolic)

What Botis Is Known For (Ars Goetia): Truth-Telling & Reconciliation — Historical / Symbolic Meaning

Botis is traditionally listed as the seventeenth spirit in the Ars Goetia, unusual in that older catalogues often assign him a double status—President and Earl, commonly said to command 60 legions. His profile is less flashy than many Goetic figures: Botis is about truthful responses and defusing conflict, a kind of infernal mediator who specializes in turning feuds into uneasy peace.

Modern readers usually treat these claims symbolically: Botis becomes a figure for negotiation, conflict-resolution, and asking "what's the real problem beneath the argument?"

⚠️ Entertainment and educational purposes only. No guarantees or supernatural claims are made. This content is presented as historical and symbolic reference material.

Botis at a Glance: Truth, Reconciliation & Mediation

Truth-Telling Sigil (Seal of Botis) — "Honest Answers" Theme (Symbolic)

Traditionally described as giving truthful responses; often read today as cutting through deception and getting to the real issue.

Reconciliation (Botis) — Conflict Resolution Theme (Historical Claim)

The text describes him as reconciling friends and foes—useful as a cultural lens for negotiation and dispute settlement.

Mediation (Botis) — Diplomacy Theme (Traditional Description)

Described as defusing conflict—a figure for understanding the real problem beneath the argument.

§ Introduction

Botis is traditionally listed as the 17th spirit, unusual in that older catalogues often assign him a double status—President and Earl. His profile is less flashy than many Goetic figures: Botis is about truthful responses and defusing conflict.

§ Grimoire Profile

Rank: President and Earl
Legions: 60
Attributed office: answering questions truly; reconciling friends and foes

§ Appearance (Traditional Description)

Botis is commonly described as appearing first in a frightening animal-like form (often serpent-associated), then taking a human shape.

§ Powers and Attributions

Gives true answers about matters hidden or uncertain
Can reconcile opponents (reduce hostility, restore communication)
Reveals information that cuts through rumor and misinterpretation

§ Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Botis?

Botis is the 17th spirit in the Ars Goetia, uniquely ranked as both President and Earl, commanding 60 legions. He is traditionally associated with truth-telling and reconciliation.

What powers are attributed to Botis?

Grimoire tradition credits Botis with giving true answers about hidden matters, reconciling opponents, and revealing information that cuts through rumor and misinterpretation.

How does Botis appear?

Traditional descriptions portray Botis first in a frightening serpent-like form, then taking human shape—a "two-stage" manifestation representing fear first, clarity second.

§ Short Sources (Pre-1900)

Johann Weyer — Pseudomonarchia Daemonum (1577)
Reginald Scot — The Discoverie of Witchcraft (1584)
Lemegeton Clavicula Salomonis — Ars Goetia (17th-century manuscript tradition; pre-1900 transmission)
Jacques Collin de Plancy — Dictionnaire Infernal (1818; illustrated ed. 1863)

This article is a historical summary of public-domain grimoire material. It does not provide ritual instructions or claim supernatural efficacy.

Quick Reference

Number:

17th Spirit

Rank:

President & Earl

Legions:

Appearance:

Serpent form, then human shape

Historical Powers:

Gives true answers, reconciles enemies, reveals hidden matters