The Halakhic Status of ענייני דמנולוגיים.

I’ve found this text, pseudepigraphically attributed to שלמה המלך, titled ‘The Lesser Key of Solomon’ (Lemegeton Clavicula Salomonis, in its original Latin). In truth, it was compiled in the mid 17th century, from works likely multiple centuries older, but it presumably wasn’t the work of שלמה. That said, it is effectively a grimoire detailing demonology and “magick,” derived primarily from Kabbalah and other Judaic root-sources. I want to read this book for three reasons: 1) Pure, academic, intellectual curiosity. 2) I find it entertaining to make a leitzanus out of these sorts of things. 3) I genuinely feel that, given the original source material is our own, it might be beneficial to my learning to have a base familiarity with these concepts, as seen through both a Jewish and secular lense. All of that said, I remain concerned that perhaps it would be assur, given the general population of people who read things such as this (excluding, of course, academics, among whom I would group my curiosity in this book). My question is not whether one SHOULD read books of this subject, but rather if one CAN, presuming that their reasons are innocent. Thank you very much! Sincerely, A cautious, yet curious, Talmid.

Shalom!

Thank you for your question.

If we understand correctly, this book is about black magic and uses the explicit Name of G-d as part of the "recipe" for the magic tricks. As such, it is forbidden to read such a blasphemous work.