Stolas (Ars Goetia #36) — Seal of Stolas / Stolas Sigil for "Astronomy & Natural Knowledge" (Traditional & Symbolic)

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The Ars Goetia is a 17th-century grimoire cataloguing 72 spirits. Stolas (also Stolos) is the 36th spirit, ranked as a Great Prince commanding 26 legions. Appearing as an owl or crowned man, he is traditionally associated with astronomy, herbalism, and precious stones—a scholarly figure embodying natural philosophy.

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Stolas at a Glance: Astronomy, Herbs & Precious Stones

Astronomy (Stolas) — Celestial Knowledge Theme (Traditional Claim)

Described as teaching astronomy—the study of celestial bodies that was central to Renaissance science and occult practice.

Herbalism (Stolas) — Natural Philosophy Theme (Historical Description)

Attributed with knowledge of herbs and their virtues—blending medicine, botany, and the magical properties of plants.

Precious Stones (Stolas) — Mineralogy Theme (Grimoire Tradition)

Linked to knowledge of precious stones—reflecting beliefs about the magical and medicinal properties of gems and minerals.

§ Introduction

Stolas is traditionally listed as the 36th spirit and ranked as a Great Prince. His profile is remarkably "academic": astronomy plus knowledge of plants and stones. In early modern terms, that's basically the whole cosmos—sky and earth—compressed into one instructor spirit.

§ Grimoire Profile

Rank: Prince
Legions: 26
Attributed office: astronomy; herbs/plants; precious stones

§ Appearance (Traditional Description)

Stolas is often depicted as a raven or a crowned owl with long legs—an obvious "wisdom" symbol, but with an eerie, regal twist.

§ Powers and Attributions

Teaching astronomy (as understood in the period)
Knowledge of herbs/plants and precious stones

§ Practical Use (Historical / Educational)

Stolas is a great example of how demon catalogues absorbed the Renaissance hunger for knowledge.

Symbolically (non-ritual), he maps to: study, research, and "patient observation," natural history and ethnobotany, turning curiosity into structured learning.

§ Pop Culture Footprints

Stolas is widely reused in modern media—especially where creators want an owl-coded, aristocratic "knowledge demon" archetype.

§ Short Sources

The Lesser Key of Solomon — Ars Goetia (17th-century manuscript tradition)
Jacques Collin de Plancy — Dictionnaire Infernal (1863 illustrated edition)

STOLAS