JOHN DEE | ANAKI77

John Dee (13 July 1527 – 1608 or 1609)

John Dee (1527–1608/1609) was a Renaissance polymath and one of the most prominent figures in the history of Western esotericism, particularly known for his work in alchemy, astrology, mathematics, and occultism. He was deeply involved in the intellectual currents of his time, blending scientific inquiry, alchemy, and mysticism. Dee is often described as a "wizard" or "seer", and his life represents the intersection of Renaissance humanism and occult traditions.

John Dee became a key figure in the Elizabethan court and was appointed as the official mathematician and astrologer to Queen Elizabeth I. His skills were highly regarded, and he was even considered a "magus" (a practitioner of magic), despite his attempts to reconcile his work with Christianity. He is especially remembered for his role as an advisor to Queen Elizabeth I, his involvement in the development of the English language's magic system, and his pursuit of angelic communication.

Dee's role as an advisor was more than just academic; he acted as an astrological consultant, providing horoscopes for important political events and individuals. It’s believed that he even cast the horoscope for Queen Elizabeth's coronation and played a part in decisions concerning English explorations and voyages, including the Elizabethan voyages to the New World. Dee’s reputation as a “wise man” helped him gain favor at court, but his mystical and occult interests eventually set him apart from the more traditional scholars of the time.

One of Dee’s most famous (and controversial) endeavors was his attempt to communicate with angels. He believed that these angels could reveal hidden knowledge, including information about the future and the spiritual realm. His communication with angels became a central part of his mystical practices and is now known as Enochian magic.

Scrying with Edward Kelley: Dee employed a scryer, Edward Kelley, who would use a crystal ball or a black mirror to communicate with angels on Dee’s behalf. According to Dee’s diaries, the angels provided him with a complex, divine language known as Enochian, named after the biblical figure Enoch, who was said to have walked with God and been given knowledge of heaven.
The Enochian System: Dee and Kelley developed an alphabet and a system of magical rituals using the Enochian language, believing it to be the language of God. This system would go on to influence later occult traditions, including Thelema (Aleister Crowley’s magical system) and the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn.
Spiritual and Alchemical Knowledge: The angels allegedly revealed to Dee sacred knowledge of the cosmos, the nature of the divine, and the spiritual and alchemical processes by which the soul could transcend the material world. Dee’s spiritual journals from this period were filled with descriptions of the angelic communications.

Dee was deeply involved in alchemy, the medieval precursor to modern chemistry, and in the quest for the Philosopher’s Stone, a mythical substance believed to turn base metals into gold and grant immortality.

Alchemy as a Spiritual Path: Dee did not view alchemy merely as a physical process. For him, alchemical transformation was symbolic of the transmutation of the soul. His alchemical pursuits were interwoven with his occult practices, including his belief in the transformation of consciousness and the search for divine wisdom.
The Philosopher's Stone: Dee’s work on alchemy included attempting to create the Philosopher’s Stone, which he believed would not only grant material wealth but also provide spiritual enlightenment. His alchemical works were written in symbolic and cryptic language, which would later influence the Rosicrucian tradition and the hermeticists.

Dee’s work bridged the world of science, alchemy, and magic. He sought a deeper understanding of the mystical laws of the universe, seeing mathematics, astronomy, and alchemy as interconnected.

Mathematical Universe: Dee was one of the early proponents of the idea that the universe was governed by mathematical principles. His interest in geometry and mathematics was grounded in the belief that they held the key to understanding divine cosmic order.
Hermeticism and the Occult: Dee was influenced by Hermetic philosophy, which views the universe as a reflection of divine intelligence. He adopted many of its principles into his work, including the belief that humans could achieve divine knowledge through study and mystical experience.
Astrology: Dee was a skilled astrologer and used astrological charts to guide his actions and decisions. He believed that astrology could reveal hidden truths about the world, the cosmic cycles, and the divine will.