Malphas; A Giant Black Bird
By James Donahue
S. L. MacGregor Mathers said Malphas always appeared to him as a large black bird, possibly a crow or raven, that could take on humanoid form on command, although this form still remained black.
Collin de Plancy, another known occultist, concurred with Mathers. He says Malphas appears as a raven. Both men also agreed that the talents of this spirit are known as a tower, or fortress builder.
Plancy wrote: "He builds citadels and impregnable towers, breaks down enemy barricades . . . "
Mathers also wrote that Malphas is an expert at "revealing the enemy's secret desires and thoughts and what they've done."
Malphas holds the rank of prince of hell with 40 legions of demons under his command. He is a dangerous spirit to summon because he feeds on the vanity of humanity, his corruption plagues all that come in contact with him, and it is said that he drives those who dare to conjure him into various forms of insanity. These range from dementia, hallucinations and great illusions.