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The Key to Solomon's Key: Is This the Lost Symbol of Masonry?
Sketching out a fascinating network of historic figures, cults, and Christendom, this book by an occult-studies expert and respected authority on magic and sorcery takes Western spiritual traditions seriously—but examines them with common sense and self-effacing humor. Working backward from the Freemasons to one of their original orders, the 14th-century Knights Templar, the account considers sorcery, heresy, and intrigues; explores the legend that the Knights possessed a powerful secret dangerous to the Church of Rome; and finds an essential clue to the order's practices in their connection to the biblical Solomon, king of Israel in the 10th century BC. This updated edition features new images, chapters on important symbols, and a new preface.
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First published April 1, 2006
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About the author
Lon Milo DuQuette
117 books504 followersLon Milo DuQuette is an American singer-song writer, author, lecturer, and occultist, best known as an author who applies humor in the field of Western Hermeticism.
Born in Long Beach, California and raised in Columbus, Nebraska, he was an aspiring studio musician and recording artist in the 1970s, releasing two singles and an album, Charley D. and Milo, on the Epic Records label.
He married to his high school sweetheart, Constance Jean Duquette. They live in Costa Mesa, California and have one son, Jean-Paul.
Since 1975 he has been a National and International governing officer of Ordo Templi Orientis, a religious and fraternal organization founded in the early part of the 20th century. Since 1996 he has been the O.T.O.'s United States Deputy Grand Master and one of the most visible members of the Order. He is also an Archbishop of Ecclesia Gnostica Catholica, the ecclesiastical arm of O.T.O.
Born in Long Beach, California and raised in Columbus, Nebraska, he was an aspiring studio musician and recording artist in the 1970s, releasing two singles and an album, Charley D. and Milo, on the Epic Records label.
He married to his high school sweetheart, Constance Jean Duquette. They live in Costa Mesa, California and have one son, Jean-Paul.
Since 1975 he has been a National and International governing officer of Ordo Templi Orientis, a religious and fraternal organization founded in the early part of the 20th century. Since 1996 he has been the O.T.O.'s United States Deputy Grand Master and one of the most visible members of the Order. He is also an Archbishop of Ecclesia Gnostica Catholica, the ecclesiastical arm of O.T.O.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
March 29, 2019
I must confess I was a bit sceptical when I saw the title, as I would be about any book that has the word "secrets" in its title. But I was proven wrong, this is a very interesting book, the writing style makes it very easy to read and its point is very clear. Although a good part of the second half is basically a list of the 72 goetic spirits, that can also be found elsewhere, the first half was so interesting and well written, that it certainly deserves 4 stars. I will read more books by DuQuette, now that my scepticism levels are lowered.
November 23, 2015
Excellent reading
The first part of the book is thrilling packed with new information. The second part is more specialist. Highly recommended!
The first part of the book is thrilling packed with new information. The second part is more specialist. Highly recommended!
October 27, 2018
A great introduction to the subject. Easy to read and highly recommend. Long makes everything sound so simple and easy. One of the first occult books I read.
January 7, 2022
Com certeza é uma obra para quem tem a mente aberta e está a procura de uma resposta para perguntas que são frequentes na sociedade e cansou da casualidade das crenças que são impostas a nós desde que nascemos(principalmente no cenário Brasileiro), uma leitura com uma linguagem simples, porém com uma linha de raciocínio extremamente coerente e embasada(bibliograficamente) que fará você rever algumas crença, óbvio que não deve ser tomada como uma verdade absoluta, pois assim a obra iria contra o que ela mesmo nos trás que seria um olhar crítico e avaliatorio sobre conceitos e ideias, um olhar extremamente cuidadosso, porém não fixo, sabendo da natureza constatemente mutável do ser humano, para quem busca o autoconhecimento é uma obra que ajudará muito nessa busca.
Porém eu não recomendaria essa obra para uma pessoa que ainda é presa a um dogma religioso, principalmente se for de origem judaico-cristão, nesse caso esse livro ou seria inútil ou poderia abalar de uma forma significativa as bases da crença dessa pessoa, pois a pessoa ainda não estaria no momento correto para compreender e digerir o conteúdo proposto no livro.
Agora olhando por um olhar mais técnico e menos pessoal para o livro, esse livro nos conta conclusões que o autor chegou sobre a história que é contada na Bíblia cristã e sobre conceitos que somos acostumados a achar normal na sociedade atual que vivemos, essas conclusões nos fazem ver esses assuntos de uma forma diferente e o interessante é como o autor explica como ele chegou a essas conclusões, em sua história de vida e com base científica(principalmente da psicologia).
Também não podemos esquecer das lei que o autor nos trás para aplicarmos em nossa vida e ajudar com nosso desenvolvimento pessoal e com certeza esse conteúdo que o livro nos mostra traz uma chave essencial para entender e compreender melhor a história bíblica e do rei salmão, como uma chave que abre uma nova porta de compreensão desse mistério, que assim como todas as histórias(estoria) no universo iniciático, tem grandes ensinamentos a serem revelados para aqueles que estão prontos e principalmente disposto a compreendê-los.
Porém eu não recomendaria essa obra para uma pessoa que ainda é presa a um dogma religioso, principalmente se for de origem judaico-cristão, nesse caso esse livro ou seria inútil ou poderia abalar de uma forma significativa as bases da crença dessa pessoa, pois a pessoa ainda não estaria no momento correto para compreender e digerir o conteúdo proposto no livro.
Agora olhando por um olhar mais técnico e menos pessoal para o livro, esse livro nos conta conclusões que o autor chegou sobre a história que é contada na Bíblia cristã e sobre conceitos que somos acostumados a achar normal na sociedade atual que vivemos, essas conclusões nos fazem ver esses assuntos de uma forma diferente e o interessante é como o autor explica como ele chegou a essas conclusões, em sua história de vida e com base científica(principalmente da psicologia).
Também não podemos esquecer das lei que o autor nos trás para aplicarmos em nossa vida e ajudar com nosso desenvolvimento pessoal e com certeza esse conteúdo que o livro nos mostra traz uma chave essencial para entender e compreender melhor a história bíblica e do rei salmão, como uma chave que abre uma nova porta de compreensão desse mistério, que assim como todas as histórias(estoria) no universo iniciático, tem grandes ensinamentos a serem revelados para aqueles que estão prontos e principalmente disposto a compreendê-los.
August 19, 2025
As a practicing magician himself, the author provides the most convincing perceived rational and allegorical proof why traditionalism is not praiseworthy and intelligently puts the idea of Magick with two thought patterns. The second part of this book describes a school of practitioners' recipe of preparation, invocations, and evocations. The latter part makes it a fully fledged magical book.
Regarding history vs legend and convincing theories, I'll follow the verse of Quran 2:102, which beautifully summarizes the wisdom of the great prophet Sulaiman (peace be upon him), accusations made against him, and the state of the art of forbidden occult practices:
They ˹instead˺ followed the magic promoted by the devils during the reign of Solomon. Never did Solomon disbelieve, rather the devils disbelieved. They taught magic to the people, along with what had been revealed to the two angels, Hârût and Mârût, in Babylon.1 The two angels never taught anyone without saying, “We are only a test ˹for you˺, so do not abandon ˹your˺ faith.” Yet people learned ˹magic˺ that caused a rift ˹even˺ between husband and wife; although their magic could not harm anyone except by Allah’s Will. They learned what harmed them and did not benefit them—although they already knew that whoever buys into magic would have no share in the Hereafter. Miserable indeed was the price for which they sold their souls, if only they knew!
Regarding history vs legend and convincing theories, I'll follow the verse of Quran 2:102, which beautifully summarizes the wisdom of the great prophet Sulaiman (peace be upon him), accusations made against him, and the state of the art of forbidden occult practices:
They ˹instead˺ followed the magic promoted by the devils during the reign of Solomon. Never did Solomon disbelieve, rather the devils disbelieved. They taught magic to the people, along with what had been revealed to the two angels, Hârût and Mârût, in Babylon.1 The two angels never taught anyone without saying, “We are only a test ˹for you˺, so do not abandon ˹your˺ faith.” Yet people learned ˹magic˺ that caused a rift ˹even˺ between husband and wife; although their magic could not harm anyone except by Allah’s Will. They learned what harmed them and did not benefit them—although they already knew that whoever buys into magic would have no share in the Hereafter. Miserable indeed was the price for which they sold their souls, if only they knew!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 24, 2023
It's an entertaining read - but, I didn't love it.
The author isn't Christian, and that's fine; but he doesn't seem very informed about it either. Most of his characterizations of 1st millenium Roman Catholicism would actually better describe post-enlightenment "five-point calvinism" - and he seems to not even know that orthodoxy or the Churches of the east exist.
His characterization of The Lesser Key as "ancient" or "medieval" is also suspect; it's fine as a grimoire I suppose (if that's your practice!) - but the 72 spirits are known to have been taken from a 16th c. book about how witchcraft isn't real and is actually a sort of mental illness!
Finally, except for the name of Solomon, I really can't follow his association of goetia with Masonry. I'd be all in! Rosicrusians, Templars, Peasants and Jacobins? Sure! But goetia ... that's a step too far even for me.
The author isn't Christian, and that's fine; but he doesn't seem very informed about it either. Most of his characterizations of 1st millenium Roman Catholicism would actually better describe post-enlightenment "five-point calvinism" - and he seems to not even know that orthodoxy or the Churches of the east exist.
His characterization of The Lesser Key as "ancient" or "medieval" is also suspect; it's fine as a grimoire I suppose (if that's your practice!) - but the 72 spirits are known to have been taken from a 16th c. book about how witchcraft isn't real and is actually a sort of mental illness!
Finally, except for the name of Solomon, I really can't follow his association of goetia with Masonry. I'd be all in! Rosicrusians, Templars, Peasants and Jacobins? Sure! But goetia ... that's a step too far even for me.
January 24, 2025
Para alguém que não possui crença em nada que seja religioso ou sobrenatural, a parte referente à magia tem pouca relevância. No entanto, faz um bom trabalho em explicar a história por trás dos Cavaleiros Templários, alguns mitos e concepções incorretas acerca de maçons, e alguns questionamentos ao redor do Cristianismo, e mesmo quanto à parte de magia, o autor faz uma ligação muito interessante entre os supostos efeitos dela com um mecanismo subconsciente, que na verdade seria o verdadeiro motivo pelo qual os "feitiços" funcionariam (eles seriam uma forma de entrar em contato com os segredos da própria mente, sendo os desejos e medos mais profundos simbolizados por espíritos). Uma leitura interessante independente da crença (ou falta dela)
November 10, 2017
Great book.
The many occurrences of displaced text lessened the enjoyment of reading. I did figure out where to find the missing text, but you would think that the publisher would take the time to fix this in the first place.
Fascinating read about the origins of Solomonic Magick. I'd give it a 5 if formatting for Kindle wasn't so awful.
The many occurrences of displaced text lessened the enjoyment of reading. I did figure out where to find the missing text, but you would think that the publisher would take the time to fix this in the first place.
Fascinating read about the origins of Solomonic Magick. I'd give it a 5 if formatting for Kindle wasn't so awful.
January 2, 2023
Hauska kokonaisuus, jossa ensimmäinen osa vapaamuurariutta ja sen raamatunhistoriallista pohdintaa. Salaisuuksista en nyt tämän kirjan pohjalta tiedä yhtään enempää. Toinen osa sen sijaan on henkien manaamista ja siihen tutustumista, joka ainakin itselle on hieman kaukaista. Viihdyttävää luettavaa (tai selailtavaa) toki!
March 5, 2024
LOVELY BOOK!!! great synthesis of masonry and solomonic magick, describing the connection in plain english. I wish the last bit was a little more abridged because compared to the first bit it comes off as very esoteric. just a section of ars goetia. But his description & directions towards demonic evocation is brilliant and funny!
February 1, 2021
Interesting. Not what I expected. I'd like to second Petros' review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
December 25, 2024
This was a very good book about a very exciting subject. Though I'm not personally interested about sprit summoning, this book gives a nice and easy to understand info about such a mystical hobby
July 27, 2016
So many contradictions in the philosophy presented by the author -although this is not surprising. Apparently, Solomon, who never actually existed, had the power to command spirit entities to do his bidding. This is how he was able to raise such an incredible kingdom the likes of which no one had known before or since - only, there is no real physical or historical evidence that such a kingdom ever did exist. This is actually academically factual. But hey, lost symbols, hidden meanings, deep mystery puzzles, etc. are all the rage these days. Why not use that and put a pop culture spin on the old time religion of occult ritual & practice?
A large part of the book covers the Thelemaic practice of summoning entities who should have no choice but to do the master's will - that master would be you. A sort if jovial occasional warning about the dangers involved with this practice is mentioned here and there, so you can't say you weren't warned. There really isn't any actual connection between this and a wise king named Solomon, except by convenient myth.
But really, summoning entities is so passé. Isn't it about time that human people leave those beings alone and start doing things with our own powers in this world? The author tells the reader that as we evolve, so too will the entities that are trapped in our webs we've made for them. We should love them and think of this as some magnanimous gift - never mind that the manipulator/magician is commanding the entities cooperation or else...holy terror.
The simple fact is, there really isn't any way one can put a happy pop culture face on this primitive minded practice - at least not without catching oneself up in a treacherous circle of contradictions. It's actually very annoying to read the attempt.
What does have some value in the book are the legitimate historical references, the Masonic glossary of terms, and the overall usefulness as a reference for one school of Masonic organization, belief, and practice. Currently, the world of Freemasonry is caught up in a struggle between the followers of old school Freemasonry, and the more recent school which is dominated by the Crowley inspired OTO - this book is obviously under the OTO influence.
Bottom line...what we have here is an introductory recruitment tool for O.T.O. Freemasonry -contradictions and all. If you're into that sort of thing
A large part of the book covers the Thelemaic practice of summoning entities who should have no choice but to do the master's will - that master would be you. A sort if jovial occasional warning about the dangers involved with this practice is mentioned here and there, so you can't say you weren't warned. There really isn't any actual connection between this and a wise king named Solomon, except by convenient myth.
But really, summoning entities is so passé. Isn't it about time that human people leave those beings alone and start doing things with our own powers in this world? The author tells the reader that as we evolve, so too will the entities that are trapped in our webs we've made for them. We should love them and think of this as some magnanimous gift - never mind that the manipulator/magician is commanding the entities cooperation or else...holy terror.
The simple fact is, there really isn't any way one can put a happy pop culture face on this primitive minded practice - at least not without catching oneself up in a treacherous circle of contradictions. It's actually very annoying to read the attempt.
What does have some value in the book are the legitimate historical references, the Masonic glossary of terms, and the overall usefulness as a reference for one school of Masonic organization, belief, and practice. Currently, the world of Freemasonry is caught up in a struggle between the followers of old school Freemasonry, and the more recent school which is dominated by the Crowley inspired OTO - this book is obviously under the OTO influence.
Bottom line...what we have here is an introductory recruitment tool for O.T.O. Freemasonry -contradictions and all. If you're into that sort of thing
December 16, 2011
Really enjoyed the first half of this book.
It starts out with a discussion of the Anti-Estoteric movement in Freemasonry (folks who are making a concerted effort to dumb the craft down into a loftier version of the Elks or Rotary), which is real, and in my mind, as a Freemason, a huge problem.
DuQuette then proceeds to take on a discussion of the history of Kings David and Solomon, along with the Knights Templar, and the true source of their secrets. It's a compelling argument, backed up by some historical arguments, that is possibly (and has been all the way back to the 1st Century EV), possibly earth shattering to the Worldview of Jews, Christians, and Moslems, alike.
If that was where the book stayed, on a historical path, I would have thought it a great book. But DuQuette chose to then turn a lens on to the Magick of Solomon, principally the Goetia, and give a lengthy presentation on the theory and practice of Goetic evocation, including a list of the 72 demons (aspect of the human psyche) one can summon using these techniques, and how to use them to address one's own psychological/spiritual improvement/evolution.
Again, great stuff, but I think both of the areas covered in this book would have been better served as topics of separate volumes.
On the whole it was definitely worth the read.
It starts out with a discussion of the Anti-Estoteric movement in Freemasonry (folks who are making a concerted effort to dumb the craft down into a loftier version of the Elks or Rotary), which is real, and in my mind, as a Freemason, a huge problem.
DuQuette then proceeds to take on a discussion of the history of Kings David and Solomon, along with the Knights Templar, and the true source of their secrets. It's a compelling argument, backed up by some historical arguments, that is possibly (and has been all the way back to the 1st Century EV), possibly earth shattering to the Worldview of Jews, Christians, and Moslems, alike.
If that was where the book stayed, on a historical path, I would have thought it a great book. But DuQuette chose to then turn a lens on to the Magick of Solomon, principally the Goetia, and give a lengthy presentation on the theory and practice of Goetic evocation, including a list of the 72 demons (aspect of the human psyche) one can summon using these techniques, and how to use them to address one's own psychological/spiritual improvement/evolution.
Again, great stuff, but I think both of the areas covered in this book would have been better served as topics of separate volumes.
On the whole it was definitely worth the read.
January 13, 2024
"Three kan keep a secret, if two of them are dead." - Benjamin Franklin (freemason)
If you do not know Lon Milo Duquette or you only know his music then I recommend that you read this book - that is if you are interested in magic and secret societies in a historical context.
I just reread it and I still love his humorous - yet informative - approach to the historical and serious issues.
"Imagine Dan Brown on Steroids! Modern occultist and freemason Lon DuQuette reveals the most dangerous secret in the world, the blasphemous heresy that undermines millennia of superstition. This carefully guarded knowledge once caused the medieval Knight Templar to stamp upon a Crucifix to redeem fallen humanity. Learn the Masonic teaching by which the human spirit may be elevated, without ignoring either historical reality or scientific fact."
--James Wasserman, author of The Templars and the Assassins: The Militia of Heaven and The Mystery Traditions: Secret Symbols and Sacred Art
Visit Lon´s page here : http://www.londuquette.com/
If you do not know Lon Milo Duquette or you only know his music then I recommend that you read this book - that is if you are interested in magic and secret societies in a historical context.
I just reread it and I still love his humorous - yet informative - approach to the historical and serious issues.
"Imagine Dan Brown on Steroids! Modern occultist and freemason Lon DuQuette reveals the most dangerous secret in the world, the blasphemous heresy that undermines millennia of superstition. This carefully guarded knowledge once caused the medieval Knight Templar to stamp upon a Crucifix to redeem fallen humanity. Learn the Masonic teaching by which the human spirit may be elevated, without ignoring either historical reality or scientific fact."
--James Wasserman, author of The Templars and the Assassins: The Militia of Heaven and The Mystery Traditions: Secret Symbols and Sacred Art
Visit Lon´s page here : http://www.londuquette.com/
August 12, 2012
I though that overall it was a good read. The first half of the book was 4 star worthy. Lon relates a lot about the Templars, and history of Freemasonry, to his own personal experience. He has a way of keeping it interesting throughout! There were references and sources for further reading, of course. The second half of the book was really just a rehash of the Lesser Key of Solomon. Nothing disappointing in that! But not what I really expected from the book, and if i was being pick, a few examples could have been chosen, with Lon's Practical methodology shown for illustration.
All that said, if you are new to Goetia, and Lon's work, a very worthy read. And expect to be doing much more reading!
All that said, if you are new to Goetia, and Lon's work, a very worthy read. And expect to be doing much more reading!
July 24, 2008
lon's books have a special place in my selves, cuz he has helped really understand thelema and magick alot better than just reading some of those books out there, and this book was a joy to read. although it only took a an hor or two, it'll be months and years of working through it before the key will shine.i love books that encourage work.
December 30, 2016
As with all of Lon's books this gave me a lot to think about. I really enjoyed the slight glimpse into the Masonic world and his take on the Goetic workings. I recommend everything he writes- just go get his books and read them, you won't be sorry.
December 24, 2017
Interesting reading, but as you advance the text gets thick very quickly and transponds to a point that is way advanded!
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews