The 44 Seals of King Solomon: A Complete Guide to the Pentacles

The 44 Seals of King Solomon: A Complete Guide to the Pentacles

By King Solomon Coin Editorial Team • Last updated: May 2026

Few symbolic systems in Western tradition carry the weight of the 44 Seals of King Solomon. Preserved in medieval manuscripts, studied by scholars of sacred geometry, and worn as talismans for centuries, these 44 pentacles represent one of the most structured and enduring systems of symbolic intention ever assembled.

This guide covers everything you need to know: the history behind the seals, how they are organized, what each planetary group represents, and how to choose the seal that aligns with your current goals.

Who Was King Solomon?

Solomon was a king of ancient Israel, traditionally described as the son of David. Across three major world religions, he is remembered as a figure of exceptional wisdom. In the Hebrew Bible, he is credited with building the First Temple in Jerusalem. In Islamic tradition, he is recognized as a prophet with authority over spiritual forces. In Christian scripture, his wisdom is cited as a model of governance and discernment.

His famous judgment, in which he resolved a dispute between two mothers claiming the same infant, became one of antiquity's most enduring parables about insight, compassion, and clarity of thought.

Texts attributed to Solomon, including Proverbs and Ecclesiastes, emphasize recurring themes: the primacy of wisdom over material wealth, the danger of pride, the importance of structure and intention. These same values are reflected in the symbolic system that later developed around his legacy.

It is worth noting clearly: the 44 Seals as a system did not originate in Solomon's biblical era. They emerged from a later body of medieval literature that attributed symbolic and ritual authority to his name. This distinction matters for accuracy, and it does not diminish the cultural weight or scholarly interest these symbols carry.

The Manuscripts Behind the Seals

The primary source for the 44 Seals is the Greater Key of Solomon (Clavicula Salomonis), a grimoire compiled in its most studied forms between the 14th and 17th centuries. Manuscript copies survive across Europe, held today in libraries including the British Museum and the Bibliothèque nationale de France.

The Greater Key is not a single unified text. It exists in numerous manuscript families, with variations in the presentation of individual seals, the order of sections, and the supporting ritual instructions. What remains consistent across versions is the core grouping: pentacles organized by the seven classical planets, with each seal inscribed with divine names, scriptural references, angelic associations, and geometric forms.

Scholars who have studied these manuscripts, including S. L. MacGregor Mathers (whose 1888 edition remains widely referenced) and more recent academic work in the field of Western esotericism, treat the texts as part of a coherent medieval tradition of learned magic. The seals represent an intersection of Jewish mysticism, Christian theology, Neoplatonism, and Arabic astrology that characterized intellectual life in medieval Europe.

This scholarly context is important. The seals are not arbitrary designs. Each one reflects a structured intention: specific divine names are inscribed to invoke authority, specific verses ground the work in scripture, and the geometric forms follow traditions of sacred proportion. The system is more like a theological and astronomical treatise expressed in symbolic form than a simple collection of symbols.

How the 44 Seals Are Organized

The 44 Seals are distributed across the seven classical planets: Jupiter, Sun, Mars, Saturn, Moon, Mercury, and Venus. The planetary framework is not decorative. In traditional astrology, each planet governs specific domains of human experience, and the seals within each group are designed to work within those domains.

The distribution is as follows:

• Jupiter: 7 seals
• Sun: 7 seals
• Mars: 7 seals
• Saturn: 7 seals
• Moon: 6 seals
• Mercury: 5 seals
• Venus: 5 seals

Each seal within a planetary group serves a distinct purpose. Understanding the group gives you the broad category; understanding the individual seal gives you the specific intention. For practical study and use, it is best to first identify which planetary domain matches your goal, then explore the individual seals within that group.

Jupiter is the planet traditionally associated with expansion, growth, abundance, authority, and opportunity. In classical thought, Jupiter governs both material prosperity and the kind of spiritual generosity that attracts abundance. Of the seven classical planets, Jupiter is considered the most beneficent.

The seven Pentacles of Jupiter address specific expressions of these themes:

• The First Pentacle of Jupiter is associated with invoking spirits of this planet and with general prosperity and honor.
• The Second addresses the acquisition of glory, honors, riches, and tranquility of mind.
• The Third is connected with defense against poverty and financial misfortune.
• The Fourth concerns the discovery of treasure and the acquisition of wealth through legitimate means.
• The Fifth is associated with suppressing the pride and audacity of those who act against one's interests.
• The Sixth is connected to protection against all earthly dangers and the preservation of health.
• The Seventh is traditionally used for the acquisition of wealth and the prevention of its loss.

For those focused on business growth, financial stability, or professional recognition, the Jupiter pentacles provide the most directly relevant symbolic framework within the 44 Seals system.

Browse the Pentacles of Jupiter collection

The Sun governs clarity, visibility, authority, personal power, and recognition. Where Jupiter brings abundance, the Sun brings the kind of confident presence that others recognize and respect. In traditional symbolism, the Sun is associated with kings, leaders, and those who operate in the public eye.

The seven Pentacles of the Sun address:

• The First: General invocation and the protection of the seal-bearer against those who would act against them.
• The Second: A defense against attacks, rendering the bearer immune to the weapons of enemies.
• The Third: Traditional use in the discovery of hidden things and the recovery of that which is lost.
• The Fourth: Associated with rendering the bearer invisible to enemies and obstacles in pursuit of a goal.
• The Fifth: Connected to protection against ghosts, phantoms, and forces of confusion and disorder.
• The Sixth: Associated with unlocking locked doors, overcoming barriers, and releasing what is bound.
• The Seventh: A seal associated with the acquisition of wealth, treasure, and all desired goods.

Those seeking greater visibility, leadership presence, or success in public-facing endeavors often find the Solar pentacles most aligned with their intentions.

Browse the Pentacles of the Sun collection

Mars governs strength, courage, protection, and decisive action. In traditional astrology, Mars is the planet of warriors. The Martian pentacles address situations that require active defense, the courage to confront opposition, and the strength to overcome adversity.

The seven Pentacles of Mars cover:

• The First: Traditional use for protection against all sorts of enemies and for inspiring courage in battle.
• The Second: Associated with victory in litigation, disputes, and struggles against opposing forces.
• The Third: A seal for striking terror into enemies and for protection against armed adversaries.
• The Fourth: Connected to protection against enemies, breaking their power, and ensuring the bearer's safety.
• The Fifth: Associated with causing terror in enemies and a defense against physical threats.
• The Sixth: Used traditionally for protection against all enemies, whether seen or unseen.
• The Seventh: Connected to causing confusion among enemies and disrupting their plans.

The Mars pentacles are among the most frequently chosen for those who face conflict, opposition, or threats to their security. They represent the protective and assertive dimension of the Solomonic system.

Browse the Pentacles of Mars collection

Saturn is the planet of discipline, limitation, structure, time, and transformation through constraint. Where Jupiter expands, Saturn defines and concentrates. The Saturnine pentacles address binding, protection through limitation, and the kind of serious, structured work that produces lasting results.

The seven Pentacles of Saturn include:

• The First: Associated with invoking the spirits of Saturn and general works of this planet.
• The Second: Used traditionally to call upon the spirits of the dead and for works of binding.
• The Third: Connected to works of darkness and the forcing of spirits to appear and obey commands.
• The Fourth: A powerful seal of protection, specifically used against the spirits of Saturn themselves.
• The Fifth: Associated with causing harm to enemies and breaking their plans and enterprises.
• The Sixth: Used for protection against all earthly dangers and for defense against physical threats.
• The Seventh: Connected to spreading confusion and discord among enemies of the bearer.

Saturn pentacles are chosen by those who seek discipline in their own practice, serious protection, or the kind of focused, long-term commitment that transforms difficulty into mastery. They are among the more serious seals in the system.

Browse the Pentacles of Saturn collection

The Moon governs intuition, dreams, the unconscious, emotional life, cycles, and the domain of water. Lunar symbolism pervades many spiritual traditions, and the Moon's association with reflection and hidden knowledge makes the Lunar pentacles among the most sought for matters of personal insight and inner awareness.

The six Pentacles of the Moon address:

• The First: General invocation of Lunar spirits and for all works associated with this planet.
• The Second: Protection against all perils of water, storms, and dangerous journeys.
• The Third: Associated with summoning the spirits of the Moon for works of this planet.
• The Fourth: Used for works of invisibility and for protection against all dangers of travel.
• The Fifth: Connected to protection against nightmares, negative dreams, and unwanted spiritual influences.
• The Sixth: Associated with extraordinary works of illusion, transformation, and rendering the bearer's enemies powerless.

Those drawn to inner work, intuition development, or protection during times of emotional vulnerability often resonate most strongly with the Lunar pentacles.

Browse the Pentacles of the Moon collection

Mercury is the planet of communication, intellect, trade, travel, and the transmission of knowledge. The Mercurial pentacles address the domains of study, eloquence, persuasion, and the ability to learn quickly and communicate clearly.

The five Pentacles of Mercury cover:

• The First: Associated with invoking the spirits of Mercury and for general works of this planet including knowledge and understanding.
• The Second: Used for works of understanding, for gaining knowledge in all arts and sciences, and for clear perception.
• The Third: Connected to the ability to understand the voices of spirits, to receive wisdom, and to comprehend hidden knowledge.
• The Fourth: Associated with opening locked things, overcoming obstacles to understanding, and forcing hidden things to become visible.
• The Fifth: A seal of great power connected to the resolution of disputes through eloquence and clear persuasion.

Students, writers, traders, teachers, and anyone whose work depends on clear thought and communication often gravitate toward the Mercury pentacles as their primary symbolic focus.

Browse the Pentacles of Mercury collection

Venus governs love, harmony, beauty, attraction, and the emotional connections that bind people together. The Venusian pentacles address relationships, the cultivation of personal magnetism, and the resolution of conflict through grace rather than force.

The five Pentacles of Venus address:

• The First: General works of Venus including attraction, love, and all matters of the heart.
• The Second: Associated with obtaining grace and honor and for works of love and friendship.
• The Third: Used to attract the love of women, or for cultivating deep personal bonds of affection.
• The Fourth: Connected to the power of binding love, the strengthening of existing relationships, and fidelity.
• The Fifth: A seal of extraordinary power for attraction and for causing love and friendship to flourish.

Those focused on relationships, personal magnetism, or the resolution of interpersonal conflict frequently find the Venus pentacles most directly applicable to their circumstances.

Browse the Pentacles of Venus collection

The Connection to the 72 Names of God

The King Solomon Coin designs do not simply reproduce isolated pentacle symbols. Each coin is engraved with the 72 Names of God, the system of Hebrew letter combinations derived from three consecutive verses in Exodus (14:19 to 14:21).

This is a meaningful design choice. In Kabbalistic teaching, the 72 Names and the Solomonic pentacles emerge from related intellectual traditions. Both systems use sacred names as anchors for focused intention. Both require structured, consistent engagement rather than passive observation.

The combination means that each coin carries two layers of symbolic structure: the planetary pentacle on one face, and the 72 Names arranged around the rim. Working with either or both systems follows the same principle: choose one focus, engage with it consistently, and allow the association between the symbol and the intention to deepen over time.

For a full explanation of the 72 Names system, see the 72 Names of God guide.

How to Choose the Right Seal

The most common mistake people make when approaching the 44 Seals is choosing based on aesthetic preference or selecting multiple seals simultaneously. Both approaches undermine the clarity that makes the system work.

A more effective approach follows three steps:

Step 1: Identify your primary intention. What is the single most important area of your life or work that you want to bring structured focus to right now? Protection, growth, love, clarity, discipline, or success? Choose one.

Step 2: Match the intention to a planet. Use the planetary framework above. If your focus is financial growth, Jupiter. If it is protection against a specific threat, Mars or Saturn. If it is a relationship, Venus. If it is study or communication, Mercury. If it is personal power and visibility, the Sun. If it is intuition or inner clarity, the Moon.

Step 3: Study the specific seals within that group. The 44 Seals reference guide presents each seal individually with its traditional meaning. Once you have identified your planetary group, read through the individual seals and find the one whose specific description most closely matches your intention.

Start with one seal. Work with it consistently for at least 30 days before evaluating whether to add another. This is the approach recommended across the traditional literature, and it reflects a principle that applies broadly: depth of engagement with a single symbol produces more clarity than superficial contact with many.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the 44 Seals of King Solomon?

The 44 Seals of King Solomon are a set of symbolic pentacles organized across seven classical planetary groups. They originate from medieval Solomonic manuscripts, primarily the Greater Key of Solomon, where they appear as symbolic designs incorporating sacred names, geometric forms, angelic attributions, and scriptural references. Each seal is associated with a specific type of intention or work.

Are the 44 Seals historically authentic to King Solomon's era?

No. The seals as a system do not date to the biblical period. They appear in manuscripts compiled between the 14th and 17th centuries CE. The texts attribute the system to Solomon's legendary wisdom, but scholars of Western esotericism treat them as products of medieval European intellectual culture that drew on Jewish, Christian, Arabic, and Neoplatonic sources.

Why are there exactly 44 seals?

The number 44 reflects the total count of pentacles preserved across the manuscript tradition of the Greater Key of Solomon. Different manuscript families show minor variations in presentation, but the core set of 44 pentacles organized across seven planetary groups remains consistent in the major textual lineages that have been studied and published.

How are the seals different from each other within the same planet?

Each seal within a planetary group addresses a specific expression of that planet's domain. Jupiter seals, for example, all relate to prosperity and authority, but different seals address different aspects: one focuses on protection against poverty, another on the acquisition of honor, another on treasure. The planetary group defines the broad domain; the individual seal specifies the intention.

Can I use more than one seal at a time?

The traditional approach and the practical wisdom of most serious students of the system both suggest starting with one seal. Working with multiple seals simultaneously divides your focus and reduces the clarity that makes the system effective. Choose one seal, work with it consistently, and only consider adding a second after substantial experience with the first.

What is the relationship between the seals and the 72 Names of God?

Both the 44 Seals and the 72 Names of God are systems of symbolic intention that use sacred names as their structural core. They emerge from related traditions within Jewish mysticism and medieval esotericism. The King Solomon Coin designs incorporate both, with the planetary pentacle on the primary face and the 72 Names engraved around the coin's edge. They can be used as complementary systems, with the seal defining the specific intention and the 72 Names providing the daily practice of focused engagement.

Where can I see all 44 seals individually?

The 44 Seals reference guide presents each seal individually with its traditional name and meaning, organized by planetary group. Each entry includes a direct link to the corresponding product in the collection.

What is the best seal for protection?

Protection is addressed in multiple planetary groups. For protection against physical threats or adversarial people, the Mars pentacles are most directly relevant. For protection against poverty and financial instability, Jupiter. For protection against negative influences in the home or in dreams, the Moon pentacles address those concerns. The most important factor is matching the specific type of protection you need to the planetary domain that governs that area.