At its core, Enochian Magic is centred around the communication with angelic realms, seeking to explore and understand the divine architecture of the universe.
The Enochian system is distinguished by its elaborate structure and the use of a unique angelic language, purportedly revealed to Dee and Kelley during a series of mystical séances.
At the heart of Enochian Magic is the act of opening the gates to celestial dominions—the Watchtowers, positioned at the world’s four corners.
“The primary action of the magic is the opening of the gates of the four Watchtowers that stand at the corners of the world. Each Watchtower has twelve gates, which lead to twelve angelic ‘cities’ or dimensions of reality. The gates of the Watchtowers are opened by means of the forty-eight Keys or Calls.”
Enochian Magic for Beginners, Chapter 4
Understanding Enochian Magic is not just about exploring a historical curiosity; it’s about delving into a unique and influential system that continues to inspire and challenge practitioners of the mystical arts to this day.
Historical Context
The emergence of Enochian Magic in the late 16th century occurred during a period of intense intellectual, political, and spiritual upheaval in Europe.
John Dee, a respected polymath, sought to bridge the gap between science and spirituality, turning to mysticism to uncover deeper universal truths. His partnership with Edward Kelley, a controversial figure known for his mediumistic abilities, marked the beginning of a journey into the uncharted territories of angelic communication.
The scrying sessions conducted by Dee and Kelley, involving crystal gazing and spiritual channeling, led to the development of the Enochian system.
These sessions were meticulously recorded and involved complex visions of angelic hierarchies, celestial spheres, and otherworldly landscapes.
The angels communicated in an unknown language, which Dee and Kelley named ‘Enochian’, after the biblical figure Enoch.
The Enochian Alphabet
The Enochian language, with its own alphabet and syntax, was revealed to John Dee and Edward Kelley during their scrying sessions.
This language is not just a set of arbitrary symbols; it’s considered a powerful magical tool, integral to the practice of Enochian Magic. It features a grid-based encoding system for divine names and sigils, essential for accessing angelic realms.
The Enochian alphabet consists of 21 letters, each with its own specific esoteric meaning and vibrational quality.
The language itself is complex, often described as expressive and rich, surpassing the limitations of ordinary linguistic constructs. It was believed by Dee and Kelley that this language was the primal tongue of angels, a language that predated and was superior to all human languages.
It is used primarily in the invocation and communication with angelic entities. Each word and phrase is thought to carry a high vibrational energy, capable of directly affecting the spiritual and physical realms.
The recitation of Enochian calls or keys, specific angelic invocations, is a fundamental aspect of Enochian ritual work.
The Enochian Tablets
The Enochian Tablets, often referred to as the Watchtowers or Great Tablets, are fundamental components of the Enochian system of magic.
These tablets are intricately linked to the overarching structure and practice of Enochian Magic, serving as both symbolic representations and practical tools for the practitioner.
There are four elemental Tablets, each corresponding to one of the four cardinal points — North, South, East, and West — and associated with one of the classical elements: Earth, Air, Fire, and Water.
These tablets are composed of a grid-like structure, filled with letters from the Enochian alphabet.
Collectively they form the Great Table which symbolizes the universe and includes the Tablet of Union (Black Cross), representing the element of Spirit.
Each tablet is divided into several sections, with each section relating to different angelic orders and energies.
The complexity of these tablets reflects the rich and detailed cosmology of Enochian Magic, where every letter, name, and square has a specific metaphysical significance.
The Watchtowers
The Elemental Tablets are also referred to as the Watchtowers. They serve as gateways to the elemental realms and are crucial for accessing different spiritual dimensions and invoking specific angelic forces.
The Watchtowers are integral to the protective and exploratory aspects of Enochian Magic.
In ritual practice, invoking the Watchtowers often serves to establish a sacred and protected space, ensuring that interactions with the spiritual realms are guarded and guided by the elemental forces and the angels associated with each direction.
The Tablets in Enochian Magic Practice
In practice, the Enochian Tablets are used as a kind of map or gateway to the spiritual realms.
They are essential in the process of invoking and communicating with specific groups of angels.
Each tablet attracts and channels the energies associated with its respective element and direction, aiding the practitioner in accessing different levels of the celestial hierarchy.
The use of the tablets often involves specific rituals and incantations, where the practitioner recites calls or keys in the Enochian language. These calls are believed to activate the energies within the tablets, facilitating a connection with the angelic realms.
Enochian Angels
The angelic hierarchy within Enochian Magic is a meticulously structured cosmos teeming with various orders of celestial beings.
This hierarchy is not merely a celestial bureaucracy but rather a complex spiritual ecosystem, each entity and level brimming with esoteric significance and divine purpose.
The Great Table, also known as the Great Table of the Earth, serves as the foundation for the angelic hierarchy.
Within it, the ‘Three Holy Names’ emerge as exalted sources of divine power, each resonating with the sublime energies that permeate the Enochian system.
These names are invocations of the highest spiritual authority, revered and called upon in rituals to oversee and sanctify magical operations.
Great Elemental Kings and the Six Seniors
Each of the four quadrants of the Great Table is presided over by a Great Elemental King, a sovereign entity governing the elemental forces of earth, air, fire, and water.
These kings are of paramount importance in directing the elemental energies within Enochian workings.
Complementing the kings are the Six Seniors, also known as Elders, who collectively embody a wider range of divine attributes and wisdom.
Their roles echo the Twenty-Four Elders in the Book of Revelation, serving as senior angelic authorities within each elemental domain.
Kerubim and Lesser Angels
Supporting the Great Kings and Seniors are the Kerubim and Sixteen Lesser Angels.
The Kerubim, often associated with the fixed signs of the zodiac, are guardians of celestial and moral order.
The Sixteen Lesser Angels are further divided among the subquadrants of the Great Table, each group managing more specific aspects of the Enochian cosmology and the material world.
Generational Angels – Daughters and Sons of Light
The Enochian hierarchy also includes generational angels, notably the Daughters and Sons of Light.
These beings are characterized by their unique roles and attributes, contributing to the system’s generative and operational functions.
They serve as messengers and facilitators of the divine will, ensuring the continuity of spiritual enlightenment and cosmic order.
Kings, Princes, Governors, and Ministering Angels
Overlaying this complex structure is a celestial tapestry of kings, princes, governors, and ministering angels, each associated with specific planetary influences.
The kings stand as the principal rulers within the angelic hierarchy, while the princes serve as their lieutenants, reflecting the celestial hierarchy onto the macrocosmic scale.
The governors wield authority over the 30 Aethyrs or celestial realms, guiding the spiritual journey of the practitioner through these planes.
Lastly, the ministering angels perform a myriad of functions, from delivering divine messages to assisting in the subtleties of magical practice.
Heptarchia Mystica: The Mystical Rule of Seven
The Heptarchia Mystica represents a unique blend of angelic conjuration and cosmic symbolism.
It details the angels ruling the planets and the days of the week, describes their functions and how to invoke them.
This aspect of Enochian Magic delves into the mystical governance of seven angelic rulers, each presiding over a day of the week and corresponding to the seven traditional planets of astrology.
Angelical Kings and Princes
Central to the Heptarchia Mystica are the seven Heptarchic Kings and their corresponding Princes.
These celestial entities are believed to wield significant influence and power over specific domains.
The kings and princes are invoked on their respective days, aligning the practitioner’s work with the rhythmic flow of celestial energies.
Each ruler embodies unique attributes and offers distinct insights or assistance.
Planetary Correlations
Intricately linked with the planetary bodies of traditional astrology, the Heptarchic system mirrors the Renaissance era’s understanding of the cosmos.
The planetary associations imbue the system with a rich layer of symbolism, correlating the angelic rulers with the qualities of their celestial counterparts.
This alignment offers a deepened understanding of the cosmic forces at play and their impact on both spiritual and mundane matters.
The Aethyrs
The Aethyrs, or Aires, are perhaps the most mystical aspect of Enochian Magic, representing 30 distinct spiritual realms or planes of existence.
These realms are often mapped onto the Great Tablet, facilitating the exploration of different levels of spiritual consciousness.
Each Aethyr is believed to have its own unique characteristics, landscapes, and inhabitants. The exploration of these realms through scrying and ritual work is considered a significant aspect of Enochian practice.
The journey through the Aethyrs is often described as a process of ascending through different levels of consciousness and spiritual awareness.
Each realm offers different lessons and experiences, requiring the practitioner to confront and integrate aspects of themselves and the universe.
The ultimate goal in exploring the Aethyrs is to achieve a profound understanding of the nature of reality, the divine, and one’s place within the cosmic order.
Enochian Magic Rituals and Practices
Enochian magic is known for its structured and elaborate rituals, each designed to navigate and harness the complex layers of its cosmology.
The practices within the Enochian tradition are precise and require an understanding of the system’s symbolic language and hierarchy.
Opening of the Watchtowers
A central Enochian ritual is the Opening of the Watchtowers. This involves activating the four Watchtowers, which are represented by the Elemental Tablets.
The ritual utilizes the Enochian Calls or Keys to open the gates of the Watchtowers, inviting the corresponding elemental and angelic energies into the ritual space.
This act is considered fundamental to many Enochian workings, as it sets the foundation for further magical operations and establishes a protected and sacred environment.
Invocation of Angelic Beings and Heptarchia Mystica Rituals
Invoking angelic beings is central to Enochian rituals.
Practitioners use the Enochian language to call upon specific angels within the hierarchical structure, often focusing on Archangels, elemental kings, seniors, and other entities linked to the Great Table and the Watchtowers.
Additionally, rituals associated with the Heptarchia Mystica involve conjuring the seven angelic kings and princes, each ruling a day of the week, aligning the rituals with planetary and daily cycles.
Scrying into the Aethyrs
Scrying is a form of divination and spiritual exploration crucial to Enochian practice.
Magicians scry into the Aethyrs, the 30 spiritual realms, using tools such as the crystal ball or the black mirror.
The goal is to receive visions, guidance, and revelations from the angelic governors that preside over these realms.
Each Aethyr is believed to offer different insights and spiritual experiences, contributing to the practitioner’s mystical journey.
Enochian Vision Magick
A subset of the practices involves visionary experiences, where the practitioner seeks to enter the Aethyrs or interact with the angelic beings in a more immersive and direct way.
This can involve intense meditation, the use of ritualistic postures, and the recitation of Enochian Keys to facilitate altered states of consciousness.
The Consecration of Tools
Before use in rituals, Enochian tools such as the Sigillum Dei Aemeth, the magical ring, and the lamen are often consecrated.
Consecration rituals imbue these items with spiritual energies, aligning them with the practitioner’s will and the forces they wish to invoke.
Maintaining the Temple Space
The preparation and maintenance of the temple space are vital in Enochian magic.
The space is typically arranged according to specific guidelines, with the Holy Table at the center, surrounded by the other tools and symbols.
The sanctity of the temple is preserved to ensure that the energies raised and the entities invoked are contained and directed appropriately.
Record Keeping
A unique aspect of Enochian practice is meticulous record-keeping.
Practitioners often document their rituals, experiences, and the outcomes of their scrying sessions. These records are considered valuable for personal reflection and for understanding the nuances of their interactions with the spiritual realms.
Enochian rituals and practices are not taken lightly; they are approached with a sense of gravity and respect for the profound spiritual energies they engage with.
The precision and depth of these practices reflect the system’s richness and the significant potential it holds for spiritual growth and understanding.
Symbols and Tools
The Sigillum Dei Aemeth
One of the most central symbols in Enochian magic is the Sigillum Dei Aemeth, also known as the Seal of Truth or Seal of God.
This elaborate seal features concentric circles, divine names, and angelic calls inscribed in an intricate pattern.
Used as a talisman and a focal point during rituals, it is said to be powerful in establishing protection and facilitating communication with higher spiritual entities.
The Holy Table
A sacred piece of furniture in Enochian practice is the Holy Table.
Upon this table, the Sigillum Dei Aemeth is often placed, surrounded by other ritualistic items such as wands, robes, and the magical ring.
The table itself may be inscribed with divine names and other Enochian symbols, enhancing its sanctity and efficacy in ritual.
The Magical Ring and Rod
The magical ring, often bearing specific divine names, is worn for protection and authority during rituals.
Similarly, the magical rod or wand is used to direct magical forces and command spiritual entities.
The Enochian Alphabet
The unique Enochian alphabet is a tool in itself, consisting of twenty-one letters believed to be of angelic origin.
The letters are used to construct the calls and keys that activate the energies within the Enochian Tablets.
The Angelical or Enochian Keys
The Angelical Keys, or Enochian Calls, are a set of incantations recited in the Enochian language. They serve to open ‘gates’ into various mystical realms.
Of the nineteen Angelical Keys, the first eighteen are associated with elemental and sub-elemental realms, while the nineteenth key is specifically used for accessing the Aethyrs.
Lamen
The lamen is a ceremonial breastplate that displays complex Enochian symbols.
It serves as a badge of office and a shield, establishing the magician’s authority to command the spirits.
Enochian Chess
A more obscure tool, Enochian Chess is a divinatory game derived from the elemental tablets, played with four sets of uniquely colored chess pieces.
The game is used for gaining insights into complex situations, acting as a form of scrying and decision-making process.
Tools Used in Heptarchia Mystica
In the practice of Heptarchia Mystica, a subset of Enochian magic, specific tools are utilized for conjuring the seven angelic kings and princes.
These include specialized lamens, each bearing the sigils and names of the Heptarchic beings, and the Holy Table, which may have additional inscriptions pertinent to Heptarchia Mystica rituals.
Additionally, a unique set of ensigns or talismans, aligned with the seven planetary influences of the Heptarchic angels, are used to facilitate and enhance the conjuration process.
Impact and Legacy
The legacy of Enochian Magic extends far beyond the lives of John Dee and Edward Kelley.
Its influence can be seen in various facets of modern occultism and has been integrated into numerous magical traditions, reflecting the system’s depth and versatility.
Influence on Modern Occultism
Enochian Magic has been a significant influence on the development of Western esoteric traditions.
Organizations like the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, one of the most influential occult groups in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, incorporated Enochian elements into their practices.
Aleister Crowley, a prominent figure in modern occultism, not only practiced and adapted Enochian Magic but also integrated it into Thelema.
Critical Analysis
Enochian Magic, while deeply revered in esoteric circles, is not without its controversies and skeptics.
The system’s authenticity, effectiveness, and ethical implications are subjects of ongoing debate.
Critics of Enochian Magic often question the authenticity of the system, pointing to the mystical and subjective nature of Dee and Kelley’s revelations.
The legitimacy of the Enochian language, in particular, has been a topic of debate, with some suggesting it may be a fabrication or a product of psychological phenomena rather than a genuine angelic language.
From a psychological perspective, Enochian practices can be seen as a form of structured meditation, inducing altered states of consciousness that enable deeper introspection and creativity.
Metaphysically, it can be interpreted as a symbolic system, representing universal truths and principles through its complex array of symbols, rituals, and angelic hierarchies.
The practice of Enochian Magic, like many esoteric systems, carries potential risks, particularly if approached without adequate preparation or understanding.
The ethical implications of invoking spiritual entities and exploring altered states of consciousness are points of consideration for both practitioners and critics.
The intensity and depth of Enochian practices require a high level of responsibility and self-awareness.
Embracing Enochian Magic with Equilibrium
Enochian Magic can be perceived through various lenses: as a genuine system of angelic magic that provides a structured path to spiritual enlightenment, as a psychological tool that facilitates deep introspection and mental expansion, or as a symbolic framework that offers a metaphorical map of the spiritual journey.
Each perspective brings with it a unique set of insights and challenges.
Whether one approaches Enochian Magic with the intent to commune with angelic beings, to use it as a tool for psychological exploration, or to understand it as a symbolic guide, it is vital to proceed with respect and caution.
For those who choose to walk this path, it holds the potential for a unique journey into the unseen realms that interweave our reality. Just remember the need for a balanced approach when engaging with such profound spiritual practices.