This is a reproduction of a talisman design found in the "Key of Solomon", a grimoire of ceremonial magic attributed to King Solomon. Containing influences of Hermetic alchemy, Roman Astrology and Kabbalah, Solomon's magic is a cornerstone of the Western Esoteric occult tradition. The grimoire explains: "it is terrible unto the Demons, and at its sight and aspect they will obey thee, for they cannot resist its presence." Samuel Liddell MacGregor Mathers, a ceremonial magician and editor of the most common edition of the book, further describes: "Around the figure of the Scorpion is the word HVL. The versicle is from Psalm xci. 13:--'Thou shalt go upon the lion and adder, the young lion and the dragon shalt thou tread under thy feet."