The Fourth and Fifth Pentacles of Solomon

We are happy to announce that in collaboration with The Temple of Miriam we have recreated the Fourth and Fifth Pentacles of Mercury from The Greater Key of Solomon!

About The Pentacles

This pentacle is inscribed with the seal for the Fourth Pentacle is on the one side and it is used to foster understanding, wisdom, and to reveal and receive hidden knowledge. The Fifth Pentacle of Mercury seal or sigil in one other side, which is used to metaphorically open and reveal pathways, doors, and all available options.

These pentacles can be traced back to a book called, The Greater Key of Solomon, which is said to have been authored by Jewish wizard-king, King Solomon himself. It was intended to be an instruction manual for his son, and some people believe that a copy of the book was buried with Solomon.

Our Restoration of the Fourth and Fifth Pentacles

The Temple of Miriam the Prophetess and Artisan Tarot has ensured that these pentacles are made in accordance with The Greater Key of Solomon.

The beginning of chapter 18 describes the types of different metals and metallurgic compositions required to create each pentacle. We have adhered to the instructions and these pentacles have been created with the recommended mixture of metals.

Additionally, the correct mystical Hebrew lettering (and the letters themselves) has been meticulously restored to the standards of a true Kabbalist Hebrew scribe or sofer.

Thus, these may be the only correctly made pentacles of King Solomon in existence.

Fourth Pentacle of Mercury

“This is further proper to acquire the understanding and knowledge of all things created, and to seek out and penetrate into hidden things; and to command those Spirits which are called Allatori to perform embassies. They obey very readily.”—Greater Key of Solomon

In the center of the pentacle is the one of the many holy names for G-d, El. A dodecagram star is the dominant figure of the sigil and various singular Hebrew letters are scattered in the spaces formed by the multi-pointed star. In the original The Greater Key of Solomon, these Hebrew letters are drawn so poorly that they would never have met the standards of a sofer.

Hebrew is a holy language consisting of sigils and symbols that must be drawn perfectly and pronounced with extreme accuracy for effective communication with the Divine. The letters, as drawn in The Greater Key of Solomon are considered “possul” or invalid for magical and theurgical purposes by Jewish practitioners. Yet this error has been continuously perpetuated.

Many people have wondered about the meaning of these poorly-drawn letters in and around the star. In 1894 CE, Samuel Liddell MacGregor Mathers published the English translation of the French and Latin copies of The Greater Key of Solomon. His conclusion of the meaning of the Hebrew letters have since become canon and can be found all over the internet. However, there is absolutely no basis for his articulate interpretation. The true answer to this mystery has yet to reveal itself. What is certain is that there is a code present.

The perimeter of the pentacle contains the Latin inscription which says, "Wisdom and virtue are in his house, and the knowledge of all things remaineth with him for ever."

Fifth Pentacle of Mercury

“This commandeth the Spirits of Mercury, and serveth to open doors in whatever way they may be closed, and nothing it may encounter can resist it.” —Greater Key of Solomon

The pentacle is divided into four quadrants. Near the center, in the right upper quadrant is the holy name “El”. In the upper left quadrant, near the center is “Ab”. The name “YHVH” is divided into its components with “YH” near the center in the lower right quadrant and “VH” in the lower left. The perimeter of the medallion contains a versicle from Psalms 24:7. It says, “O gates, lift up your heads! Up high, you everlasting doors, so the King of glory may come in!”

How to Activate the Pentacle

First, purify the pentacle and remove any negative energies, unwanted frequencies, or magical workings attached to the pentacle by suffumigation. Light a white candle along with purifying holy incense such as King Solomon Wisdom incense or a combination of frankincense and myrrh. Take the pentacle and pass it slowly through the flame three times and then in the incense smoke seven times. The purification can be confirmed with a negative energy crystal.

Examine the design closely so that you can retain every detail of its image in your mind. Anoint the palm of your left hand with a dab of Crown of Success and the palm of your right hand with Road Opening oil. Place the pentacle in the hands with the Fourth Pentacle of Mercury facing the left hand and the Fifth Pentacle of Mercury facing the right hand. Clasp both hands together and hold them in front of your face with your fingers toward the sky above and your thumbs pointing toward your mouth.

Hold it in your hands and close your eyes. Think of what you want to accomplish, visualize what is needed to manifest your goal, and imagine it coming to fruition.

When you sense a change, you will intrinsically know when the process is complete. You may lower your hands and open your eyes.

Various Uses for the Pentacles

Many people carry amulets with them in their wallet, purse, or pocket in order to both maximize and take advantage of their power. In some traditions, a jewellery bezel is used to easily carry them as a keychain, on a belt loop, necklace, anklet, bracelet, or even worn in secret against the skin while pinned to the underside of clothing.

Some people choose to place the pentacle in a bezel and wear the Fourth Pentacle against their body with the Fifth Pentacle facing outward. This orientation helps them receive supernal knowledge and imparts the power to open closed doors.

Gamblers sometimes use the pentacle as a chip guard or card weight with the Fourth Pentacle visible to outsmart their opponents or with the Fifth Pentacle visible to open up more winning opportunities.

Conjure workers use it as an important component of mojo bags, along with Solomon’s Seal Root (Convallaria polygonatum), Bay Laurel (Laurus nobilis) and a mojo bean (Vica faba). They may also include Master Root (Imperatoria ostruthium) or Peach Tree (Amygdalis persica). Of course, other additions and substitutions are made to tailor the mojo for increased power and further specificity.

Some people who desire inspiration while dreaming get results by anointing their pillow with one drop of Mugwort oil and one drop of Copal oil. They then place the pentacle underneath their pillow. Before bed, they may say the following incantation, which is based on the Jewish Da’at prayer for wisdom.

"You show favor to a person of knowledge, and You teach understanding to a mortal person. Be gracious to us; for from You is a mind of insight and intelligence. Blessed are You, who favors us with knowledge." This is an excellent way to ask a dream question or, “She’elat Halom.”

How to Care for Your Pentacle

Your pentacle will change with time and wear. While there is nothing you absolutely must do to maintain the pentacle; after you have set your intention (and before it has manifested), you may choose to “feed” or anoint your pentacle with a tiny drop of Oil of Mercury, either once or twice a month.

Reset and Reactivate Your Pentacle

In cases where you have achieved your desired outcome and now want to re-use your pentacle, you may do so. Alternatively, perhaps you have changed your mind with regard to your original intention and now desire something else. In those cases, it is possible to reset the pentacle with a new and entirely different desired intent simply by repeating the activation process.

However, note that many magical formulae, rituals, traditions, and practitioners recommend against repeatedly using the same object for different magical purposes. This is to avoid the possible cross contamination with previously sent intentions.

Helpful Resources to Learn More

Full video course on the Seals of Solomon

In this 110 min video workshop, Rev. Tony Iacoviello discusses the history of the 44 Solomonic Seals and how they can enhance your life. He covers the planetary days and times, and each planet's associated seals. He also teaches you how to draw the seals and how to use them. The course includes a 90 page eBook and 113 slides.