What Are the Sixth and Seventh Books of Moses? A Guide to Their Seals and Tables

An unexpected title, a remarkable collection of diagrams, and a publishing history almost as intriguing as the symbols themselves. ✨

What exactly are The Sixth and Seventh Books of Moses? Are they lost books of the Bible? And what do their intricate seals and tables represent?

They are not missing biblical books. The title belongs to a later grimoire—a collection of texts about ritual magic—attributed to Moses as part of its legendary story. Its best-known illustrated sequence contains seven seals and twelve tables. Another figure, called the Generation Seal, appears separately. Together, these twenty designs offer a striking introduction to the book’s world of angelic orders, elements, planets, sacred names, and unusual characters.

Let’s open it carefully. You may want a cup of tea; some of the names take a moment.

Were these books written by Moses?

No historical evidence places the work in Moses’ lifetime. Its title is an example of pseudepigraphy: attaching a text to a revered figure to give it a lineage and authority. The introduction tells a dramatic story in which secret knowledge passes from Moses through biblical figures such as Aaron, David, and Solomon. That is what the book claims about itself, not a documented account of how its surviving texts were composed.

Manuscript and pamphlet versions circulated in Germany before the antiquarian publisher Johann Scheible assembled major variants into an edition published in Stuttgart in 1849. An English translation appeared in New York in 1880. Later editions combined additional texts and illustrations, so the title can refer to a compilation rather than one short, uniform work.

This layered history is part of its appeal. The drawings did not travel untouched: editor Joseph H. Peterson notes errors in the lettering, transcription, translation, and even the orientation of images in English editions. When a character looks cryptic, it may be an intentional esoteric mark—or the result of a long and imperfect journey through manuscripts and printing presses.

The book also developed an important life in folk-magic traditions beyond its original publishing setting, including Pennsylvania Dutch practice, Hoodoo, and African American rootwork. A book can have a nineteenth-century print history and a much wider cultural afterlife.

What is a seal?

In this grimoire, a seal is a drawn emblem associated with a ritual text. The designs combine names, distinctive characters, and arranged marks that belong to the book’s symbolic vocabulary. They are not the seven seals from the Book of Revelation, nor are they interchangeable with the planetary magic squares we explored in our earlier article.

The Sixth Book presents seven seals associated with angelic groups. Its historical instructions make claims about what the seals could accomplish; here, we are looking at what the images represent in the text, not promising that wearing an image will produce those outcomes.

The seven seals

First Seal: Archangels

T he diagram opens with a top line of sacred Hebrew characters flanked by the label "Fig. 2". The central tier showcases bold, stylized planetary and astrological sigils—including symbols for Jupiter, Saturn, and the Sun—set alongside sweeping cursive-like ciphers. Below, several lines of dense Hebrew lettering anchor the bottom of the seal.

Associated with ministering archangels (including Uriel, Gabriel, Raphael, and Michael), this seal acts as a primary token of celestial authority. In the text's invocation, it commands spiritual obedience and grants protection. A famous piece of folk lore attached to this seal notes: "If this Seal is buried in the earth, where treasures exist, they will come to the surface of themselves, without any presence in plane lunio [full moon]".

Second Seal: Dominations

Framed in a bold rectangle, this seal features an upper border of Hebrew letters and magical characters, marked as "Fig. 3". The lower section displays a striking array of central sigils—including a stylized "8", lunar crescents, and geometric ciphers—surrounded by micro-script in Hebrew.

Named after the angelic order of Dominations (Dominiones), this seal is invoked to assert spiritual command, manifest higher order, and shield the practitioner from chaotic or hostile spiritual influences.

Third Seal: Thrones

Marked as "Fig. 4", the Third Seal consists of a structured grid filled with rows of precise Hebrew characters, sacred names, and cabalistic letter arrangements.

Tied to the angelic rank of Thrones, this seal represents divine justice, stability, and firm authority. It is used in the grimoire to establish power, settle severe disputes, and ground spiritual force into physical reality. 

Fourth Seal: Cherubim and Seraphim

Designed as a protective amulet (periapt), this diagram integrates rows of Hebrew divine names intertwined with protective symbols and angelic sigils arranged in balance.

Calling upon the highest angelic orders—the Cherubim and Seraphim—this seal serves as an ultimate talismanic guard. It protects the bearer against malevolent forces, spiritual attacks, and physical danger. 

Fifth Seal: Principalities

A rectangular angelic seal built around large, flowing ritual characters, with smaller Hebrew-style lettering arranged in horizontal bands above and below. A row of circles and small geometric marks gives the design a distinctive ornamental rhythm, while the central signs create its bold, calligraphic focal point.

Known as the Fifth Seal of Principalities in The Sixth and Seventh Books of Moses, it is also called the “Seal of Power” in the source text. The accompanying passage describes it as a seal to be laid upon the sick in an act of faith. In the wider angelic hierarchy, Principalities are traditionally associated with order, leadership, and the guidance of collective affairs.

Sixth Seal: Virtues and Potentates

 A rectangular angelic seal dominated by a long, flowing central sigil, framed by lines of Hebrew-style characters and smaller ritual marks. The graceful, looping form across the middle gives this design an almost calligraphic movement, while the surrounding inscriptions anchor it within the visual language of the seven seals.

Known as the Sixth Seal of Virtues and Potentates in The Sixth and Seventh Books of Moses, the text associates it with the “Power Angels,” or Potestates, over the angels and spirits of the four elements. Its particular mystery is described as learning what one wishes to know through dreams and visions when the seal is worn in bed.

Seventh Seal: Planetary Angels

A rectangular angelic seal featuring a large central band of looping ritual characters, framed by Hebrew-style lettering on every side.

Known as the Seventh Seal of Planetary Angels in The Sixth and Seventh Books of Moses, it closes the series of seven seals. The source text connects it with hidden treasures in the earth and mines. More broadly, planetary angels belong to an esoteric tradition that associates angelic intelligences with the seven classical planets: Saturn, Jupiter, Mars, the Sun, Venus, Mercury, and the Moon.

What are the twelve tables?

The Seventh Book presents twelve tables, each with its own diagram and accompanying text. “Table” here does not mean a piece of furniture or necessarily a mathematical grid. It is the book’s term for these illustrated ritual designs. The first four concern the elements; the next seven follow Saturn, Jupiter, Mars, the Sun, Venus, Mercury, and the Moon; the twelfth is the Table of Schemhamforash.

You may notice unfamiliar characters around the figures. Resist the temptation to call every mark “ancient Hebrew.” Peterson describes the central series as containing pseudo-Hebrew sigils, and notes how lettering and drawings changed or became corrupted across editions. The symbols are historically interesting without needing a confident translation for every flourish.

Tables of the four elements

First Table of the Spirits of Air

A rectangular elemental table structured around four triangular fields that meet at the center, with two circular name-fields positioned on the left and right. Divine names—including JEHOVAH and SCHADDEY—appear within the composition, while Hebrew-style characters and additional ritual lettering frame its borders.

Known as the First Table of the Spirits of Air in The Sixth and Seventh Books of Moses, it opens the sequence of elemental tables. The source text describes the spirits of Air as swift to help and associates the table with relief from necessity. In broader symbolic practice, Air is connected with breath, communication, thought, clarity, learning, and movement.

Second Table of the Spirits of Fire

A rectangular elemental table centred on three circular name-fields: a larger central circle flanked by two smaller ones. Hebrew-style characters fill the interior and surround the circles, while ritual names—including AYSCH, AHA, EHEYE, YEHOEL, SARUYEL, and URYHON—appear in Latin letters around the border.

Known as the Second Table of the Spirits of Fire in The Sixth and Seventh Books of Moses, it belongs to the book’s series of elemental tables. Its accompanying conjuration invokes sacred names including Tetragrammaton, Eheye, Agla, Aysch, and Jehovah. In later symbolic interpretation, Fire is associated with illumination, courage, purification, transformation, vitality, and decisive action.

Third Table of the Spirits of Water

A rectangular elemental table organized around a large inverted triangular field and a central circular name-field. Hebrew-style characters fill the interior, while ritual names—including HAGDOLA, ELOHEY, UMYCHOL, CHANANYAH, YESCHAIJAH, GEDOLIM, YARACHYM, and YAHA—frame the design.

Known as the Third Table of the Spirits of Water in The Sixth and Seventh Books of Moses, it is part of the book’s sequence of twelve spirit tables. Its accompanying conjuration names Chananya and Yeschaijah and invokes Tetragrammaton, Eloh, Alpha and Omega, and Adonai. Within later elemental symbolism, Water is associated with intuition, emotion, receptivity, renewal, healing, and the movement of hidden depths.

Fourth Table of the Spirits of the Earth

A rectangular elemental table divided by a central vertical column, with four circular name-fields, Hebrew-style characters, and ritual lettering around the border.

Known as the Fourth Table of the Spirits of the Earth in The Sixth and Seventh Books of Moses, it completes the four elemental tables. Its historical conjuration names Awijel, Elmez, Ahenatos Elijon, Adon, Otheos, Agios, and Zebaoth; its symbolic language evokes Earth as grounding, stability, endurance, cultivation, and material connection.

Tables of the seven celestial bodies

Why do the Sun and Moon appear alongside planets? In classical astrology, both belonged to the seven moving celestial bodies visible in the sky. The sequence in these tables runs from Saturn through the Moon. These are grimoire tables, though, not the same thing as the numerical planetary magic squares.

Fifth Table of Saturn

A rectangular planetary table arranged around seven circular fields of names, surrounded by bands of Hebrew-style characters and additional ritual lettering.

Known as the Fifth Table of Saturn in The Sixth and Seventh Books of Moses, it is invoked in the grimoire as a general-purpose table whose spirits are said to serve the practitioner’s wishes and bring good luck in games of chance.

Sixth Table of Jupiter

Designed as a wide rectangular frame containing a central arrangement of magical names in Latin script—such as Zeno, Ohel, Lima, and Peraclitus—flanked by Hebrew lettering. In the center, a distinct script-like cipher and loop sigils represent the signature of the governing spirit, Ofel.

Intended to bring victory in legal disputes, favor in courts, and financial expansion by compelling the spirit Ofel through sacred names like Alpha et Omega and Tetragrammaton.

Seventh Table of the Spirits of Mars

A rectangular planetary table arranged around seven circular fields containing names and Hebrew-style characters. Known as the Seventh Table of the Spirits of Mars in The Sixth and Seventh Books of Moses, its seven name-circles are set in two staggered rows and framed by additional ritual lettering.

In the grimoire, the table is invoked in connection with good fortune and help in quarrels. In broader astrological symbolism, Mars is associated with courage, momentum, assertiveness, and taking decisive action.

Eighth Table of the Spirits of the Sun

A rectangular solar table featuring seven vertically elongated oval fields, each containing divine names and Hebrew-style characters, framed by additional ritual lettering above and below. Known as the Eighth Table of the Spirits of the Sun in The Sixth and Seventh Books of Moses, its distinctive row of seven ovals sets it apart from the other planetary tables.

In the grimoire, the table is invoked for attaining places of honor, wealth, gold, and treasure. In modern symbolic practice, the Sun is associated with vitality, visibility, creativity, confidence, and self-expression.

Ninth Table of the Spirits of Venus

A rectangular Venus table centered on a large, elongated name-field, framed by two oval seals above and four circular seals below, with additional Hebrew-style characters and ritual lettering throughout.

Known as the Ninth Table of the Spirits of Venus in The Sixth and Seventh Books of Moses, it is invoked in the grimoire for being beloved, receiving secrets through dreams, and assistance in business. In modern symbolic practice, Venus is associated with love, beauty, harmony, art, pleasure, and connection.

Tenth Table of the Spirits of Mercury

A rectangular Mercury table arranged with seven circular and oval fields of names, surrounded by Hebrew-style characters and ritual lettering. Its asymmetrical composition places a prominent central name between smaller seals, creating a lively, interconnected design.

Known as the Tenth Table of the Spirits of Mercury in The Sixth and Seventh Books of Moses, it is invoked in the grimoire for wealth in chemistry and treasures of the mines. In modern symbolic practice, Mercury is associated with communication, learning, language, curiosity, commerce, travel, and clever connections. 

Eleventh Table of the Spirits of the Moon

A rectangular lunar table composed of five circular name-fields arranged in two tiers, surrounded by Hebrew-style characters and ritual lettering. The three larger circles across the upper section and two smaller circles below give the figure a balanced, tide-like rhythm.

Known as the Eleventh Table of the Spirits of the Moon in The Sixth and Seventh Books of Moses, it is invoked in the grimoire for good luck, fortune, and the treasures of the sea. In modern symbolic practice, the Moon is associated with intuition, dreams, emotional reflection, cycles, memory, and change.

The names inside the circles are transliterated ritual names from the table’s conjuration, printed alongside Hebrew-style characters. Their spellings vary across editions, reflecting the book’s long history of copying, translation, and reprinting rather than a single standardized Hebrew source.

The twelfth table

Twelfth Table of Schemhamforash

A rectangular sacred-name table centered on the word “Schemhamforasch,” surrounded by seven circular fields of Hebrew-style characters and additional ritual lettering. Its composition places the central name inside an elongated cartouche, with the smaller circles arranged around it like a symbolic frame.

Known as the Twelfth Table of Schemhamforasch in The Sixth and Seventh Books of Moses, it is linked in the grimoire to the seventy-two holy names of God and presented as a table for commanding or calling spirits to appear and serve. In modern esoteric study, it is often approached as an example of sacred-name traditions and the layered symbolism of ritual diagrams.

Schemhamforasch is a historical spelling of Shem ha-Mephorash, a Hebrew phrase meaning “the explicit name.” In Jewish and Kabbalistic traditions, it refers to a uniquely sacred divine name and, in later mystical systems, to the seventy-two divine letter-combinations derived from Exodus 14:19–21. The Twelfth Table adapts this sacred-name tradition within the ritual framework of the grimoire.

And what is the Generation Seal?

A rectangular ritual seal composed of stacked bands of Hebrew-style characters, large stylized sigils, arrows, loops, and geometric marks. Unlike the planetary tables, its design is divided into several compact panels, creating a dense visual map of names and symbolic characters.

Known as the Generation Seal in The Sixth and Seventh Books of Moses, it appears separately from the seven seals and twelve tables. The grimoire instructs that it be written on parchment and held in the right hand during a citation, while also stating that it must not be read aloud.

Are the symbols meant to be worn?

The historical book describes seals and tables as parts of particular ritual practices. A contemporary necklace is something different: a wearable interpretation of an illustrated design. It can express an interest in esoteric history, serve as a personal symbol, or simply make someone ask, “What is that?”—which is an excellent opening for a conversation.

A little piece of the story

At Apollo Tarot, we have gathered these twenty seal and table designs as stainless steel necklaces in separate silver-color and gold-color collections. Choose the figure that catches your eye, then return to its name in this guide to discover where it belongs in the book. It is history you can wear, a symbol you can make your own, and perhaps the most intriguing answer you will give all week to “Where did you get that necklace?” ✨

About the author:

Meet Leo — founder of Apollo Tarot, part-time mystic, full-time Virgo Moon overthinker. With a Capricorn Sun for building cosmic plans and a Pisces Rising for dreamworld sparkle, Leo curates tarot decks, mystical jewelry, and esoteric stories for curious souls. He reads the guidebook, the symbols, and the stars—then shares what he finds here. ✨ Despite the name, Leo is less roaring lion and more soft linen, good tea, and quietly planning the next celestial offering from a safe distance from small talk. 🦁