The Shield of Solomon has been said to protect the seeker from all evil influences as well as to preserve mankind from the machinations of evil spirits. It combines the hermetic symbolism of Solomon's Key with the protective five-point star. These seals were inspired by the "Greater Key of Solomon," a foundational grimoire of Western Esotericism that contains influences of Judaic mysticism/Kabbalah, Roman astrology and Hermetic alchemy. Every one knoweth in the present day that from time immemorial Solomon possessed knowledge inspired by the wise teachings of an angel, to which he appeared so submissive and obedient, that in addition to the gift of wisdom, which he demanded, he obtained with profusion all the other virtues; which happened in order that knowledge worthy of eternal preservation might not be buried with his body." [The Greater Key of Solomon (1999), Liddell & Mathers]