The Tarot of Eli, LLC-Minor Arcana: Thoth Tarot- 2 of Cups-Love & The Lost Soul Tarot- 2 of Cups.

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Above all things, know thyself!

#2. Through me it's unfailing Wisdom Takes form in thought and a word.

In the Hermetic Qabalah, the 2 of any Tarot card suit represents the Word and the Will. However, the Thoth 2 of Cups is the first manifestation in the Suit of Water and represents a word and will called Love.

The Word or Logos is the 1st Sephiroth, and the "I Will Be" of the Logos has become "Will-to-Force" (Chokmah-Electric) and "Will-to-Form" (Binah-Magnetic) which may seem confusing since we have 3 forces here rather than 2. However, Kether (Eheieh-I Will Be) is not a force but the Unlimited Source of Forces, a light switch not turned on. Whereas Chokmah, the 2nd Sephiroth, is considered the first Male Action or movement of energy and/or the light switch turned on while Binah, the 3rd Sephiroth, is considered the first Female Action of Reception. Both are inseparable and "face to face". However, with Love there is a mutual annihilation of the individuals by the process of Union, and that Path of Union between Chokmah and Binah is called the Path of Daleth (Door)-The Empress. Here 0=2.

The initial movement of energy, termed Kether or Logos, embodies the primordial essence devoid of individuality, referred to as the "Word" (Vibration), rather than a singular entity. Kether, denoted by the God Name Eheieh, translating to "I Will Be," signifies a state of potentiality. Conversely, Chokmah, the second Sephiroth, embodies the "Will to Force," representing the masculine facet of energy, characterized by Wisdom. Binah, the third Sephiroth, embodies the "Will to Form," symbolizing Understanding, the feminine aspect of energy. Their union begets the I AM, transcending gender to manifest the Divine Hermaphrodite, symbolized by Hermes and Aphrodite, initiating the Divine Creative known as the High Priestess/Priestess.

The Supernal Triangle's Trinity (Kether-Chokmah-Binah) signifies the inception of ideas and the comprehension thereof, catalyzing the Law of Attraction and the essence of love, not as an emotion but a state of Mind.

In the Qabalistic Thoth Tarot, the twos symbolize the primary manifestation of Self, epitomizing Love as the essence of being. Love transcends fleeting emotions, embodying the amalgamation of Divine Wisdom and Understanding, constituting the essence of "Us." Love, encompassing pain, loss, loneliness, and fear, is an immutable force that propels one forward, transcending mortal constraints.

As the embodiment of Love, I AM, in all its manifestations, emanates a presence that transcends worldly perceptions, beckoning humanity to embrace their inherent divinity. Love, not a mere commodity but the essence of mind in physical existence, defies mortal limitations, inviting each individual to embrace their intrinsic essence of Self. Thus, in the tapestry of existence, amidst trials and tribulations, I AM the embodiment of Love, inviting all to revel in the joy of being.

I am an Immortal Will of the One, life is what I Am--- not what I have. I too have a mortal being as my Avatar in a world of coagulated light, and I who is Intelligent Light itself, must get it to see why I AM, and that fear of being is a total lie that has profaned our identity.

I AM SPIRIT. I AM LIFE. I AM ENERGY. I AM LOVE.

Hence, love is not a commodity, nor something to flash about like I am something other than you. I KNOW MYSELF AND I AM LOVE. I also know you are another way to be me. Enjoy being you today! Try telling, your body that you are love and not a frightened animal seeking it. "Tis the life to be jolly" not a season of indebtedness.

I AM the Love of You!

On the Qabalistic Tree of Life, Kether is shown to be the 1st Sephiroth of 10 Sephira, and many have thought that this is the first manifestation of conscious energy. Yet Kether is the "limitless light", a movement of Dark Energy; dark because it has no visible end or beginning, a non-space, which allows no viewing. Therefore, Kether is known as the "Dark Sun" or Logos, it is the first "sound" or vibration, without ears to hear...anywhere! It is the sleeping Divine Creative, and the sleeper thinks they are the Dream. Hence, as it can't be seen, nor heard and is the concept of Source in Dark Energy it is the least understood concept of the Tree of Life sigil. However, the second Sephiroth-Chokmah can be compared to the quote of Zoroaster as the "Whirling, rebounding, shouting out loud" energy behind the Big Bang. Therefore, the Dreamer has come up with the concept of "other", the 2nd Divine Creative who is "outside" the dream and therefore, can correct errors found in it. Chokmah is lucidity.

Therefore, the First manifestation falls to the union of the 2 wills, which represent the Electric- Chokma (Wisdom) "Wil-to-Force" and the Magnetic -Binah (Understanding) "Will-to-Form" as the First Lovers. We find this true in the magnetic attraction of electricity and magnets and in our own brain (a copy of the original Soul), as Wisdom loves Understanding and vise versa.

This may even seem more confusing; However, both Chokmah and Binah are at first, receptive and then expressive in combination. Hence, Chokmah, male expression also represents the feminine Greek goddess Sophia which means "Wisdom" while Binah, the Divine Feminine as Chokmah can also represent the Wisdom of Understanding and the emoting of thought/idea. Since she is the Will to Form, she also represents Time, which is Cronus, the commonly known figure of "Grandfather Time" for time is the enclosure that begins and ends all forms. However, it is enough to know that the Creatrix and Creator are called "Lovers" because they can't be separated. This relationship of 0 that equals 2 is often shown as the lemniscate (Greek for "ribbon").

If you can find a way to separate Wisdom and Understanding from Love, I would like to examine your head for its uniqueness, for it is only from Understanding that Wisdom comes and vice versa! Wisdom and Understanding are the Divine Couple in your brain.

The 4 Alchemical Elements of Fire, Water, Air and Earth, may have begun in the concept of "I Will Be"-(Eheieh), which is Kether, but only upon reaching the Deuces are they in appearance as "beginnings" of "Will- to- Force" and "Will-to-Form". Since the concepts of "elements" are new in the 2's, the 2's represent the Elements uncontaminated by influence, and therefore, they appear in their original harmonious condition--that is Love.

The 2's may be considered the A-sexual "fetuses" of the Seed-Aces, but this concept doesn't seem to make understanding these "Higher States" of Conscious energy any easier. All the 2's suggest that when the Negative (no-thing-I) sees itself as a Positive (-Am), and then unites through the "Law of Attraction" where the Positive flows to the Negative becoming I AM, we get a "Self-Existence" and/or a simulation from Understanding the difference between I and Am-is examined in Chokmah and Binah and with such data the I AM, gives birth to information and/or Me.

This may help you with the Mythological concepts of the Ancient's Goddess who in Virgin birth, has a son (male is considered Positive Electron/Positron and female is considered Negative Electron) and then mates with that son to produce the Universe. If you get this all tangled up with your culturally indoctrinated-emotional concepts of sexuality-----you'll never understand the Energy Conscious concepts of the 2's. It is Love, without rationale, dopamine, or endorphins. It is 0=2.

So let us make it as simple as possible, when you twist 0 upon itself you get 8, which looks to be 2 separate 0's. However, the line is unbroken, and separation is therefore an illusion.... love prevails. This is the 2 of Cups, Love, a card which tells us that the separation of male and female is an illusion that is necessary to create the intimate diversity needed for Self-Awareness experimentation. Here the simile of the Mirror is often used, as Female is one side, and the Male is the "Other" side. Hence, if the Soul, manifests a self-image in this plane of "reflected light", and that image is male, the other side of the Mirror is Female (Holy Guardian Angel) and if the Female self-image is on this side of the Mirror, the Male (Holy Guardian Angel) is on the other.

The Soul is a Hermaphrodite (no single gender), but for electric and magnetic to exist as a flow of electric energy (Light), there must be 2 poles, one positive (male) and one negative (female) and your body is a bioelectric device, making you the "Ghost in the Machine". Hence ones Anima (female) or Animus (male) are seemingly divided one from the other, for the necessary energy flow to operate a "life flow" of energy from Soul /Solar Self-to body. However, as the 2 genders in your brain prove, this is a illusion.

These 2 polarities are the First Manifested Lovers and therefore, they must be united in love to be a Whole Soul in operation on both sides of the "Mirror". You must unite the inner anima-female and animus-male to know unconditional love and to be able to express it. It is preposterous to think you can give what you don't have! Without love of I Am Spirit-Mind-Body, there is no love to give to any other.

The 2 of Cups represents the planet Venus in the house of Cancer. Cancer is known as the most receptive of Signs, as it it the House of the Moon, and in that sign Jupiter is exalted. There is a superficial friendship among these three planets ( in astrology, the Moon is seen as a planet). There is also a secret Tantric ritual in concealed in the cancer sigil that gives birth to "mind children".

When Venus is in Cancer, it creates a harmonious blend of love, nurturing, and emotional sensitivity. Here's a breakdown of its main characteristics:

1. Emotional Depth and Sensitivity:

• Venus in Cancer is highly in tune with emotions. This placement often expresses love in a caring, protective, and sensitive manner.
• Individuals with this placement are typically empathetic and attuned to the feelings of others, especially their loved ones.

2. Nurturing and Protective Love:

• There is a strong desire to care for and nurture those they love. Venus in Cancer seeks emotional security in relationships and often expresses love through acts of care and providing a safe, comforting environment.
• This can sometimes make them protective or possessive, as they feel a deep need to safeguard their relationships.

3. Family and Home-Oriented:

• Venus in Cancer often places a strong value on family and home life. They find beauty and comfort in creating a warm, welcoming domestic space, and they may prioritize close-knit, familial connections.
• Love is deeply tied to the concept of “home,” and there may be a tendency to seek partners who feel familiar or who share similar values about family and security.

4. Romanticism and Sentimentality:

• People with Venus in Cancer often have a romantic and sentimental nature. They treasure memories, keepsakes, and nostalgic moments in relationships.
• Their approach to love is often traditional and they can be very affectionate, but they need to feel emotionally secure and safe to fully open up.

5. Cautious in Love:

• While loving and warm, Venus in Cancer can be cautious or slow to open up in relationships. Trust and emotional safety are important to them, so they may take time before they fully let their guard down.
• Once committed, they tend to be loyal and devoted, but they require reassurance and emotional validation in return.

6. Mood-Dependent Relationships:

• Being ruled by the Moon, Cancer can experience fluctuations in mood, which can affect their relationships. This means their affections can ebb and flow based on their emotional state.

Challenges:

• The emotional nature of this placement can lead to over-dependence or emotional clinginess in relationships.
• Individuals may struggle with letting go of past hurts or relationships, holding on to memories that evoke emotional responses.

In essence, Venus in Cancer loves deeply, seeks emotional security, and finds joy in nurturing others, often seeing love as a way to provide and receive emotional nourishment.

In the art of the Thoth 2 of Cups, the paired Dolphins (the important "First Matter" symbol of the "Royal Art" of alchemy and Greek symbol for Apollo) are intertwined, with the flowing of Love/Nurture/Mother's Milk, coming from the Great Lotus of the Goddess, into the twin Lotus below and overflowing into the Cups resting on a calm Venus-Green Sea.

The Lost Soul Tarot- 2 of Cups depicts a couple of golden chalices side by side. This celebration of love is shown in each an exact copy of each other. Here is represented a union of mind and body in a loving joy. This is a very simple card whose artwork doesn't explain the card. However, there is the number 2 which has its own characteristics in gematria and numerology.

The number 2 holds significant meaning in both numerology and Gematria, each offering unique insights into its characteristics and symbolism. While both systems explore the deeper meanings of numbers, they do so through different lenses. Here’s an exploration of the characteristics assigned to the number 2 in both numerology and Gematria:

Numerology Characteristics of the Number 2

1. Duality and Balance:

   • The number 2 is often associated with duality, representing pairs and opposites like light and dark, masculine and feminine, and positive and negative. It embodies the principle of balance, showing that harmony is achieved through the interaction of opposites.

2. Partnership and Cooperation:

   • In numerology, 2 is the number of partnerships and relationships. It signifies cooperation, diplomacy, and the ability to work well with others. People influenced by the number 2 are often seen as peacemakers who seek harmony in their interactions.

3. Sensitivity and Intuition:

   • The number 2 is connected with heightened sensitivity and intuition. It suggests a deep connection to emotions and an innate ability to sense the feelings of others. This makes those influenced by 2 highly empathetic and compassionate.

4. Peace and Diplomacy:

   • The peaceful nature of the number 2 reflects a strong inclination toward diplomacy and mediation. It seeks to resolve conflicts and create a harmonious environment, whether in personal relationships or broader social contexts.

5. Subtlety and Patience:

   • The energy of 2 is subtle and often works behind the scenes. It’s not a forceful number but rather one that influences gently, with patience and a willingness to wait for the right moment to act.

Gematria Characteristics of the Number 2

1. Division and Creation:

   • In Gematria, which involves the mystical interpretation of Hebrew letters and their numerical values, the number 2 corresponds to the Hebrew letter Bet (ב). Bet is the first letter of the Torah and represents the idea of creation and division. The number 2 signifies the beginning of differentiation from the unity of the divine (represented by the number 1), marking the start of the material world.

2. Duality and Reflection:

   • Similar to numerology, the number 2 in Gematria also represents duality. This includes the dual nature of existence, such as the divine and the earthly, the spiritual and the material. It reflects the idea that everything in creation has a counterpart or an opposite, highlighting the importance of balance and harmony.

3. Relationship and Union:

   • The number 2 is symbolic of relationships and unions, particularly the connection between the divine and the material world. In Kabbalah/Qabalah, this can be seen in the concept of the divine marriage or union between different aspects of the divine.

4. The House of God:

   • The letter Bet (ב) is also associated with the concept of a house, as the word "Bayit" (בית) in Hebrew means "house." This implies that the number 2 represents a container or a space where things come together, much like a house provides a space for family and community.

5. Nurturing and Protection:

   • Given its connection to the letter Bet, which starts the word "Bereshit" (the first word of the Torah), the number 2 in Gematria also suggests the nurturing and protective qualities of the divine, as creation itself is an act of nurturing the universe.

Comparative Analysis

• Common Themes: Both numerology and Gematria emphasize the themes of duality, balance, and relationships when it comes to the number 2. This reflects a universal understanding of the number as one that symbolizes the interaction and harmony between opposing forces or entities.

• Unique Interpretations: Numerology tends to focus more on the psychological and interpersonal aspects of the number 2, highlighting sensitivity, intuition, and diplomacy. In contrast, the Western Hermetic numerology-Gematria places the number 2 within a more mystical and cosmic framework, relating it to the process of creation, divine relationships, and the structure of the universe.

Together, these perspectives offer a rich and multifaceted understanding of the number 2, making it a symbol of harmony, creation, and the dynamic balance between opposites.

Represented on the Thoth card is a purity of Love, called "unconditional", that the survival mind in the reptile brain is unable to conceive of or often understand in it 's survival delusions of fear and endorphin based need to procreate; Unconditional love is action based, making such an absolute annihilation of the individual in the Overflowing Power of Unity, often called a mundane wonder of "falling in love". This is not a "falling" when it is actually an elevated state of Mind, a kind of interdimensional intoxication.

Words may fail as communication; However, unconditional love is a communication on/in all states of conscious energy, Spirit-Mind-Body, and as shown by the pink lotus blossoms, in the Thoth card, it is "as above so below", stating that this love flows from the Divine subjective to the Divine Objective (you). This love is equal and special, as shown by the 2 overflowing cups. Love like this is without self-banishment or even self-diminishing, rather it expands both parties and they feel equal to each other while also being special to each other. in a United expression of "I AM Love"; A state many of us wish for but we often only experience love of a unequal nature, a stimulated flow of chemical dopamine and endorphins, or an equal love without feeling special, such as a professional relationship. Often what is called love is merely a dopamine's flow of intoxication, stimulated by the DNA so that it replicates itself in a transformative way. Something that wears off over time. Unconditional love is timeless.

The Dolphins, on the Thoth are Alchemical symbols of solution/dissolution and can be studied by looking into alchemical and chemical reference material. The Alchemical Dolphin-Fish Symbol is a However, ***John Dee, royal Alchemist in Queen Elizabeth's Court could be an interesting reference point. Also the Royal Dolphin-Fish, pertains to the Sun God Apollo who among other Sun god's arguably became the Christian Sun/Son of God. The green sea of the Thoth card, represents the image of creative love. The yellow reflection symbolizes inspirational love while the blue sky states that love is clear and focused.

The dolphin as an alchemical symbol is not explicitly attributed to John Dee, but it has connections to alchemy and Renaissance symbolism that align with Dee's mystical and esoteric interests. The dolphin has been used as a symbol in various contexts, particularly in alchemy, where it often represents transformation, guidance, and the interplay between the elements (especially water and air). While Dee did not specifically adopt the dolphin as a primary symbol in his works, his broad interests in Hermeticism, symbolism, and alchemy may have placed him in contact with such imagery.

Dolphin Symbolism in Alchemy

• Transformation and Alchemical Process: In alchemical symbolism, the dolphin is sometimes associated with the process of spiritual transformation or the soul's journey through different stages of life and death, much like the alchemist's quest for the Philosopher's Stone. Dolphins, as creatures of the sea, often represent the unconscious mind, emotions, and the mutable, fluid nature of reality—all themes relevant to alchemical transformation.

• Water and Air Elements: Dolphins, as marine mammals, live in the water but breathe air. This dual existence aligns with the alchemical interplay of the elements of water and air, symbolizing a bridge between the conscious (air) and unconscious (water), as well as the higher spiritual realms. Such metaphors are consistent with the alchemist's goal of refining both matter and spirit.

• Guidance and Protection: In ancient mythology, dolphins were often seen as symbols of protection, guidance, and safe passage, especially for sailors. This could be extended to alchemical contexts, where the dolphin may symbolize the guide or spirit that helps the alchemist through the dangerous and mysterious processes of transformation.

John Dee’s Symbolic World

John Dee, as a prominent Renaissance scholar and alchemist, was deeply immersed in a symbolic universe rich with Hermetic and alchemical meanings. His own personal symbol (or monas hieroglyphica), which he developed, was a complex, abstract emblem that combined astrological and alchemical motifs. While the dolphin is not directly part of this symbol, Dee’s work was influenced by the same Renaissance culture that embraced natural and mythological symbolism.

The dolphin could very well have been a symbol Dee was familiar with, given his extensive knowledge of ancient and esoteric traditions. However, there is no direct evidence that he specifically adopted the dolphin as one of his personal or alchemical symbols. Instead, it is more likely that the dolphin represents a broader Renaissance and alchemical symbol of transformation, which could have resonated with Dee's overall philosophical and mystical outlook.

Conclusion

The dolphin as an alchemical symbol may align with John Dee’s interests in transformation, spiritual guidance, and the interplay of elements, but it is not specifically attributed to him in his known works. Rather, it belongs to a larger body of symbolic imagery that influenced Renaissance thinkers and alchemists, including Dee.

The Ancients associated the planet Venus with the goddess of love- Venus, thereby also considered the planet Venus to be the planet of love, beauty and creative power: In Western Hermetic Qabalah, Venus is the only planetary symbol that covers the the Qabalistic Tree of Life, for it is the Goddess that produces the form of the "God Molecule" (Tree of Life). The use of language to explain the Love that began all, may sound deliberately obtuse, but this is an invisible Will and Force. The fact that human words cannot give form to unlimitedness, causes one to unite words in such a way that they allude to the mystery, rather than a literate identification. If you ever have experienced a self-annihilating love where the ego becomes lost in the Overflowing Sensation of Being One from the Union of Two.....you'll understand that you just can't "wrap" your brain around it. The common statement being." I am at a loss for words..."

In the hormones of Love, there seems to be some kind of heated fluid that is drowning out all reason. Here, the 0 of the infinite becomes 2 , from which all creation began. In Love, the 2 become 1, therefore annihilating individuality. When this happens in life, then, my friend, you have experience the Alchemy that the the 2 of Cups alludes to! However, being a purity, from a cyclic united dimension of conscious and unconscious (Sun and Moon) energy, after time, as the tides of the Sea, it will pick up detritus/conditions from our culturally "shipwrecked" brain/small ego, and associational reason begins to dismantle the Temple of Love.

Therefore, unless conditions are removed as concerns, 2 will slowly progress to a 4 of Cups, as the suit develops into the luxury of mediocrity and a marriage becomes a "drag" and eventually a divorce. Therefore, the Second Law of Thermodynamics comes into play, and "...All things proceed from order to disorder" and entropy slowly degrades the Mystery; with words of fear-based reason, the pink clouds of "the dream" fade away. Just like unconscious "astral trips" slowly fade from our brain, so will love, when profaned with cultural conditions called "reasonable".

Hence, the 2 of Cups, is also called the Lord of Love under Will, by Crowley, which is its true meaning where Will is Spirit and not some egoistic possession of another to appease the DNA's minor egoic will to survive. As the Lord of Love under Will, the 2 of cups shows the harmonic technology of Female and Male in the largest sense of the words and joined by Spirit (Will) they become 2=1.

Therefore, the 2 of Cups shows the harmony of the Universal Female and the Universal Male, aspects of Energy, radiating an intensity of joy and ecstasy that washes away any and all concern; where "Will to Be" , a combination of "I Will Be", "Will to Force and "Will to Form", becomes "I AM ME"! It is this Universal Love, that connects us all together as One,(quantum entanglement) while the massive flow of this connectivity to All, flows through the Union of 2 who began as 1 and now 0 twisted upon itself as what looks to be 2 0's- as a horizontal 8 (Lemniscate) and/or 0=2. Yet it is still one line unbroken and is called the lemniscate or "Ribbon", that is the sign for the Infinite and unconditional love. Such esoteric power that is love, may explain why it seems so overpowering to individual reason and thereby, causing many false-ego's to fear for their false idea of control and/or survival.

As I have mentioned before, the 2 is the Qabalistic number that represents "the Word and the Will" and is the first manifestation. In the suit of water, this is Venus in Cancer. Astrologers know Cancer to be the most receptive of signs and is the House of the Moon. Jupiter is most exalted in Cancer. Thus we have arguably the three most friendly Planets, Moon, Venus and Jupiter, linked together in mutual positives.​

Love is the force that recovers unity from individuality by the process of mutual annihilation of the illusion of separation. In other words, Love changes both individuals and if successful, combines them into a new form of a greater intelligence. Therefore, love is considered a metaphysical solvent, such as water is a physical one. You may understand this annihilation of individuality better if you treat the colors Blue and Red as individuals who "fall in love" and thereby, become Purple.

When the 2 of Cups Tarot card is thrown, it means that:

• In the next two weeks or two months, one will experience the capacity to achieve emotional balance and emotional fulfillment.
• One will be able to give and receive love in equal proportion.
• It would be a good time to extend love to the Cancer people in your life. (June 21-July 21). 
• Love to or from family members is also important at this time.
• This love is not only about two people, it also can be about 2 gifts, 2 talents, 2 resources that you have and that 2 loves in your life, whatever they may be, are equally balanced and fulfilling in the next two weeks or months.
• Harmony, Love, marriage, pleasure, Warm Friendship, mirth, and subtlety.
• It is about human love on a large scale.
• It also is a 2 week or 2-month card, representing the accumulation of the above emotions in that time period.
• Soul mates have found each other or will within 2 months.

If ill dignified by the surrounding cards, it can represent:

• Folly, waste, dissipation and silly action and is far more superficial than when well dignified. 
• Quarreling or jealousy. 
• Lack of commitment. 

Thank you for your interest, comments and supportive donations. Your generosity blesses you.  May you live long and prosper.

For information about individual, on-line, Thoth Tarot Readings and/or Western Hermetic Qabalah Master Tarot Classes, log onto-elitarotstrickingly.com- and click on the Tarot-Store page. Thank you.

Traditional Tarot Card Comparisons blog.

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John Dee (1527–1608/1609) was a prominent English mathematician, astronomer, alchemist, occultist, and advisor to Queen Elizabeth I. His life and work spanned both the scientific and mystical realms, making him one of the most intriguing figures of the Renaissance. Dee was not only a key intellectual figure of his time but also deeply involved in alchemy, astrology, and the Hermetic traditions. Here’s an in-depth look at his life and contributions:

Early Life and Education

• Born in London in 1527, John Dee was the son of a Welsh official at the court of King Henry VIII.
• He studied at St. John's College, Cambridge, where he quickly gained a reputation for his exceptional intellectual abilities. Dee was fascinated by mathematics, astronomy, and classical knowledge. He traveled across Europe to study with leading scholars, absorbing a wide array of subjects, including the works of Euclid, Pythagoras, and Plato.
• Dee’s thirst for knowledge made him one of the leading humanists of the era, at a time when the Renaissance was reviving ancient wisdom.

Dee as a Mathematician and Scientist

• Dee was a proponent of the new scientific worldview, and he applied himself to subjects like mathematics, navigation, astronomy, and optics. He played a crucial role in advancing the practice of navigation and cartography, which helped England develop into a maritime power.
• Dee’s interest in navigation led him to advise on voyages of exploration, and he even coined the term “British Empire” as he saw the potential for England to establish overseas colonies.
• He owned one of the largest private libraries in England at the time, with over 4,000 books, making him a central figure in England’s intellectual circles.

Advisor to Queen Elizabeth I

John Dee is perhaps best known for his role as an advisor to Queen Elizabeth I. His influence was multifaceted:

• Astrology and the Coronation: Dee used astrology to determine the most auspicious date for Elizabeth’s coronation in 1559, cementing his role as a trusted advisor in mystical and scientific matters.
• Political Advice: Dee offered political counsel, advising the queen on matters of international policy and empire-building. He was deeply concerned with establishing England as a dominant naval power, partly inspired by his study of geometry and astronomy.

Dee as an Alchemist and Occultist

• Alchemy: Dee was heavily involved in alchemy, seeking not just the transmutation of metals but also the spiritual purification and transformation of the self. Alchemy, in Dee’s view, was more than a physical science—it was also a symbolic, metaphysical quest for enlightenment and divine wisdom.

• The Occult and Enochian Magic: Dee’s most famous foray into the occult came with his development of Enochian magic, a system of angelic communication and language that he believed was revealed to him through a series of séances conducted with his scryer, Edward Kelley.

  • Dee and Kelley used a scrying mirror (a black obsidian mirror) and a crystal ball to contact angels and receive messages from higher spiritual realms.
  • The angels provided them with a new language, known as Enochian, which Dee believed to be the language of the angels and the original language spoken by humanity before the fall of the Tower of Babel.
  • Dee recorded these conversations in his diaries, compiling an extensive set of mystical texts. These works form the basis of what is now known as Enochian magic, which remains influential in modern occult traditions, especially within the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn and Thelema.

• The Philosopher’s Stone: Like many alchemists of his time, Dee sought the Philosopher’s Stone, a legendary substance that could turn base metals into gold and grant immortality. However, for Dee, the quest was as much about spiritual enlightenment and connection to divine knowledge as it was about physical transformation.

Edward Kelley and the Angelic Conversations

• Edward Kelley was an enigmatic figure who worked with Dee as his scryer or medium, relaying the messages supposedly received from angels. The two formed a famous partnership, although Kelley’s reputation was more dubious, as he was believed by some to be a fraud or charlatan.
• The angelic conversations became increasingly bizarre, with the angels eventually instructing Dee and Kelley to engage in practices like wife-swapping, which led to tensions in their personal and working relationship.
• Despite this, Dee remained convinced of the authenticity of the messages and believed that he was in communication with divine beings.

Dee's Downfall and Later Years

• In the late 1580s, Dee’s fortunes began to decline. His association with the occult and his reputation as a "magician" began to tarnish his standing at court, especially as Elizabethan England grew more suspicious of occultism and heresy.
• After years of traveling across Europe (much of it seeking patronage for his alchemical and angelic work), Dee returned to England only to find his home looted, his library destroyed, and his former influence at court diminished.
• Dee lived out his final years in relative poverty, though still actively engaged in study. He died around 1608 or 1609, leaving behind a rich but controversial legacy.

Dee’s Legacy

1. Scientific Contributions: Dee’s contributions to science, particularly mathematics and navigation, were foundational for England’s later maritime dominance. He promoted the use of the mathematical sciences in understanding the natural world and played a key role in the development of early modern scientific thought.

2. Occult Influence: Dee’s work in magic, alchemy, and the occult had a profound influence on Western esotericism. His writings on Enochian magic became pivotal for later magical societies, such as the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, and his influence can be seen in figures like Aleister Crowley and modern ceremonial magicians.

3. Mystic Scholar: Dee’s blending of science and mysticism represents the Renaissance spirit, where boundaries between scientific inquiry and spiritual exploration were fluid. His attempts to unify the two realms reflected the Renaissance search for universal knowledge.

John Dee remains a towering figure in the history of both science and mysticism, embodying the intersection of the rational and the mystical in an age of profound intellectual