HoP 432 - If This Be Magic, Let It Be an Art - John Dee
Nov 12, 2023
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Discover the life of Elizabethan mathematician and magician John Dee as he interacts with influential figures, explores the remarkable library, believes in astrology, and embarks on a journey to Central Europe with Edward Kelly, all while consulting with angels revealing scandalous advice.
John Dee's expertise in mathematics was a crucial aspect of his career, allowing him to navigate the worlds of natural philosophy, engineering, and navigation.
Dee's interest in angels and magical practices aligned with his philosophical pursuit of divine wisdom and the interplay between different levels of knowledge.
Deep dives
The Life and Adventures of John D.
John D. was a renowned mathematician, alchemist, astrologer, magician, and philosopher who had many significant encounters and connections with influential figures of the Elizabethan age. His life story includes involvement in Martin Frovescher's failed attempt to find a northwest passage, the invention of the concept of a British Empire, producing horoscopes, and consulting Queen Elizabeth on astrology. Despite being known for his fascination with magic and sorcery, Dee's expertise in mathematics is a crucial aspect of his career. His extensive library, though partly lost, contained a wide range of books on philosophy, science, mathematics, alchemy, and history, reflecting his intellectual pursuits. Dee's mathematical expertise, applied both in theoretical and practical contexts, allowed him to navigate the worlds of natural philosophy, engineering, and navigation.
Dee's Contributions to Astronomy and Astrology
Dee's mathematical and astronomical knowledge played a significant role in his involvement in the search for the Northwest Passage. He and Thomas Digi's wrote treatises on the 1577 comet, exploring the parallax phenomenon. While Digi's embraced heliocentricism, Dee saw this as evidence that the heavens were not unchanging in line with Aristotelian cosmology. Dee's interest in astrology was due to his belief in the influence of celestial bodies on earthly events. Dee emphasized the importance of calculating the distances between stars and Earth, as he believed astral influence was conveyed along rays connecting the stars to the Earth. Dee's work on astrology showcased his belief in the interconnectedness of the celestial and terrestrial worlds.
Dee's Engagement with Angels and Supernatural Experiences
In the early 1580s, Dee began consulting with scriers who claimed to have the ability to communicate with angels. Edward Kelly, one of the scriers, described what he saw in a crystal ball, while Dee took notes. This marked a significant shift in Dee's career, leading him to leave England to seek support from Emperor Rudolph II. However, doubts arose regarding the authenticity of their angelic interactions, with concerns of communicating with demons instead of angels. Despite his reputation being somewhat marred by these supernatural endeavors, Dee's interest in angels and magical practices had already been present in his earlier career. His exploration of angels and magical symbols aligned with his philosophical pursuit of divine wisdom and the interplay between different levels of knowledge.
