Bethor is an Olympian spirit described in the early modern grimoire Arbatel de magia veterum, first published in Basel in 1575. Within its planetary system, he is assigned to the sphere and governance of Jupiter.
The Olympic governor and his provinces
In Aphorism XVI of the Arbatel, Bethor appears as second among seven cosmic governors who rule visible sections of the universe under divine providence. The Latin column of Peterson’s digital edition prints 32 visible provinces, though editor Joseph H. Peterson notes this numeral is likely an early printing error for 42 to fit the text’s descending multiples of seven and total of 196 provinces.
Office and hierarchy in the grimoire
Aphorism XVII details Bethor’s office, stating that he administers matters attributed to Jupiter and answers promptly when invoked. In Robert Turner’s 1655 English translation, where the name is rendered Bether, the text claims that his character elevates people to high dignities, uncovers treasures, reconciles aerial spirits, and can prolong life to 700 years if God permits. The grimoire gives him an extensive retinue, culminating in 29,000 legions of spirits.
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