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The Hieroglyphic Monad John Dee, London, to MAXIMILIAN, by God ’s Grace Most W ise Emperor of Rome, Bohemia, and Hungar y --------------------------------------- 2 The Hieroglyphic Monad By John Dee Originally published in London, England, 1564 This document is optimized for printing on a laser or inkjet printer. --------------------------------------- 3 The Hieroglyphic Monad THEOREM I It is by the straight line and the circle that the first and most simple example and representation of all things may be demonstrated, whether such things be either non-existent or merely hidden under Nature's veils. THEOREM II Neither the circle without the line, nor the line without the point, can be artificially produced. It is, therefore, by virtue of the point and the Monad that all things commence to emerge in principle. That which is affected at the peripher y, however large it may be, cannot in any way lack the support of the cen- tral point. THEOREM III Therefore, the central point which we see in the centre of the hieroglyphic Monad produces the Earth, round which the Sun, the Moon, and the other plan- ets follow their respective paths. The Sun has the supreme dignit y, and we represent him by a circle hav- ing a visible centre. 1 --------------------------------------- 4 John Dee The Hieroglyphic Monad THEOREM IV Although the semicircle of the Moon is placed above the circle of the Sun and would appear to be superior, nevertheless we know that the Sun is ruler and King. We see that the Moon in her shape and her proximity rivals the Sun with her grandeur, which is apparent t o o rdinary m en, y et t he f ace, o r a semi-sphere of the Moon, always reflects the light of the Sun. It desires so much to be impregnated with solar rays and to be transformed into Sun that at times it disappears completely from the skies and some days after reappears, and we have represented her by the figure of the Horns (Cornucopia). THEOREM V And truly I give the completion of the idea of the solar circle by adding a semicircle for the Moon, for the morning and the evening were the first day, and it 2 --------------------------------------- 5 The Hieroglyphic Monad was therefore in the first (day) that the Light of the Philosophers was made (or produced). THEOREM VI We see here that the Sun and the Moon are sup- ported upon the right-angled Cross. This Cross may signify very profound ly, and for sufficient reasons in our hieroglyph, either the Ternary or the Quaternary. The Ternary is made by the two straight lines having a copulative centre. The Quaternary is produced by the four straight lines enclosing four righ ant gles. Either of these ele- ments, the lines or the right angles, repeated twice, therefore, afford us in the most secret manner the Octad, which I do not believe was known to our pre- decessors, the Magi, and which you should study with great attention. The threefold ma gic of the first Fathers and the wise men consisted in Body, Soul and Spirit. Therefore, we have here the first manifested Septenary, that is to say, two straight lines with a com- mon point which ma ke three, and the four lines which converge to form the central point in separating the first two. 3 --------------------------------------- 6 John Dee THEOREM VII The Elements being far from their accustomed places, the homogeneous parts are dislocated, and this a man learns by experiment, for it is along the straight lines that they return naturally and effectively to these same places. Therefore, it will not be absurd to repre- sent the mystery of the four Elements, in which it is possible to resolve each one into elementary form, by four straight lines running in four contrary directions from one common and indivisible point. Here you will notice particularly that the geometricians teach that a line is produced by the displacement of a point: we give notice that it must be the same here, and for a similar reason, because our elementary lines are pro- duced by a continual cascade of droplets as a flux in the mechanism of our magic. THEOREM VIII Besides, the kabbalistic extension of the Q uater- nary according to the common formula of notation (because we say one, two, three, and four) is an abridged or reduced form of the Decad. This is because Pythagoras was in the habit of saying: 1+2+3+4 make 10. It is not by chance that the right-angled Cross-that is to say, the twenty-first let- ter of the Roman alphabet, which was considered as being formed by four straight lines, was taken by the most ancient of the Roman Philosophers to represent the Decad. Further, they have defined the place where the Ter- nary conducts its force into the Septenary. 4 --------------------------------------- 7 The Hieroglyphic Monad THEOREM IX We see that all this accords perfectly with the Sun and Moon of our Monad, because, by the magic of the four Elements, an exact separation upon their original lines must be made; following which the circulatory conjunction within the solar complement through the peripheries of these same lines is performed, because however lo ng a given line may be, it is possible to describe a circle passing through its extremes, follow- ing the laws of the geometricians. Therefore, we can- not deny how useful the Sun and the Moon are to our Monad, in conjunction with the decadal proportion of the Cross. THEOREM X The following figure of the zodiacal sign Aries, in use amongst the astronomers, is the same for all the world (a sort of erection both cutting and pointed), and it is understood that it indicates the origin of the fier y triplicity in that par t of the sky. Therefore, we have added the astronomic al sign Aries to signify that in the practice of this Monad the use of fire is required. We finish the brief hieroglyphic consideration of our Monad, which we would sum up in one only hieroglyphic context: The Sun and the Moon of this Monad desire that the Elements in which the tenth proportion will 5 --------------------------------------- 8 John Dee flower, shall be separated, and this is done by the application of Fire. Moon Sun Elements Fire THEOREM XI The mystical sign of the Ram, composed of two semicircles connected by one common point, is very justly attributed to the place of the equinoctial nycthe- meron, because the period of twenty-four hours divided by means of the equinox denotes most secret proportions. This I have said in respect of the Ear th. THEOREM XII The ver y ancient wise men and Magi have trans- mitted to us five hieroglyphical signs of the planets, all of which are composed out of the signs used for the Moon and the Sun, together with the sign of the Ele- ments and the hieroglyphical sign of Aries, the Ram, which will become apparent to those who examine these figures: Each one of these signs will not be difficult to explain according to the hieroglyphical manner in 6 --------------------------------------- 9 The Hieroglyphic Monad Mars Saturn Jupiter Venus Mercury Mercury view of our fundamental principles, already posited. To begin with, we will speak in paraphrases of those which possess the characteristics of the Moon: follow- ing that, of those which possess a solar character. When our lunar nature, by the science of the Ele- ments, had accomplished the first revolution round our Earth, then it was called, mystically, Saturn. Afterwards, at the following revolution, it was named Jupiter, and holds a very secret fig- ure. Then the Moon, developed by yet a third journey, was represented ver y obscurely again by this figure which it was their custom to call Mercury. You see how this is Lunar. That it must be conducted through a fourth revolution will not be con- trar y to our most secret design, 7 --------------------------------------- 10 John Dee whatever certain sages may say. In this manner the pure magical spirit, by its spiritual virtue, will perform the work of the albification at the place of the Moon; to us alone and as it were in the middle of a natural day he will speak hieroglyphically without words, introducing and imprinting these four geogonic fig- ures in the pure Earth ver y simply prepared by us: this last figure being in the middle of all the others. THEOREM XIII Now regard the mystical character of Mars! Is it not formed from the hieroglyphs of the Sun and Aries, the ma gistery of the Elements partly interven- ing? And that of Venus - I wish to know is it not pro- duced from that of the Sun and the Elements according to the best exponents? Therefore, the plan- ets look towards the solar periphery and the work of revivification. In the progression we will notice this other Mercur y will appear who is truly the twin brother of the first: for by the complete Lunar and Solar magic of the Elements, the Hiero- glyph of this Messenger speaks to us very distinctly, and we should exam- ine it carefully and listen to what it says. And (by the Will of God) it is 8 --------------------------------------- 11 The Hieroglyphic Monad the Mercury of the Philosophers, the greatly cele- brated microcosm and ADAM. Therefore, some of the most expert were inclined to place him in a posi- tion of, and give him a rank equal to, the Sun himself. This we cannot perform in the present epoch unless we add to this coraline crystal work a certain SOUL separated from the body by the pyrognomic art. It is very difficult to accomplish this and very perilous because of the fire and the sulphur which the breath contains within it. But certainly this Soul can perform marvellous things. For example, join it by indissoluble ties to the disc of the Moon (or at least of Mercur y) by Lucifer and Fire. In the third place, it is necessar y that we should show (in order to demonstrate our Septe- nar y number) that it is the Sun of Philosophers itself. You will obser ve the exactitude as well as the clarity with which this anatomy of our Hieroglyphic Monad corresponds to what is signified in the arca na of these two theorems. THEOREM XIV It is therefore clearly confirmed that the whole magister y depends upon the Sun and the Moon. Thrice Greatest Hermes has repeatedly told us this in affirming that the Sun is its father and the Moon is its mother: and we know truly that the red earth (terra lemnia) is nourished by the rays of the Moon and the Sun which exercise a singular influence upon it. THEOREM XV We suggest, therefore, that Philosophers should consider the action of the Sun and the Moon upon the Earth. They will notice that when the light of the Sun 9 --------------------------------------- 12 John Dee 4 3 6 2 1 5 7 The Principles of the Inferior Astronomy, shown in the Anatomy of our Monad. enters Aries, then the Moon, when she enters the next sign, that is to say Taurus, receives a new dignity in the light and is exalted in that sign in respect of her natural virtues. The Ancients explained this proximity of the luminaries – the most remarkable of a–ll by a certain mystic sign under the name of the Bull. It is very certain that it is this exaltation of the Moon to which in their treatises the astronomers from the most ancient times bear witness. This myster y can be understood only by those who have become the Abso- lute Pontiffs of the Mysteries. For the same reason they have said that Taurus is the house of Venu– ths at is to say, of conjugal love, chaste and prolific, for 10 --------------------------------------- 13 The Hieroglyphic Monad nature rejoices in nature, as the great Ostanes con- cealed in his most secret mysteries. These exaltations are acquired by the Sun, because he himself, after hav- ing undergone many eclipses of his light, received the force of Mars, and is said to be exalted in this same house of Mars which is our Ram (Aries). Luna Taurus exalted Elements Sol Aries exalted This most secret myste ry is clearly and perfectly shown in our Monad by the hieroglyphic figure of Taurus, which is here represented, and by that of Mars, which we have indicated in Theorem XII and Theorem XIII by the Sun joined to a straight line towards the sign of Aries. In this theory another kabbalistic analysis of our Monad offers itself, because the true and ingenius explanation is this: the exaltations of the Moon and of the S un are made by means of the science of the Ele- ments. Note. – There are two things which should be par- ticularly obser ved: first, that the hieroglyphic figure of Taurus is the sa me as the diphthong of the Greeks, which was always used in terminating the singular 11 --------------------------------------- 14 John Dee gender; secondly, that by a simple transposition of place we show the letter alpha twice, by a circle and a half-circle, being simply tangents which touch one another as shown. THEOREM XVI We must now, in view of our subject, philosophise for a short time upon the Cross. Our Cross may be formed of two straight lines (as we have said) which are equal one to the othe–r that is to say, we cannot separate the lines except we do it by parting them so that we get equal lengths. But in the mystic distribu- tion of the components of our Cross, we wish to use parts which are both equal and unequal. These parts show that a virtue is hidden under the power of the division of the Equilateral Cross into two parts, because they are of equal grandeur. In general, the Cross must be composed of equal right angles, since the nature of justice demands the perfect equality of the lines used in the decussation. In accordance with this justice, we propose to examine with care that which follows concerning the Equilateral Cross (which is the twenty-first letter of the Latin alphabet). If, through the common point where the opposite angles meet in our Rectilineal, Rectangular, and Equi- lateral Cross, we imagine a straight line dividing it into two parts, then on either side of the line thus tra- versed we find the parts are perfectly equal and similar. 12 --------------------------------------- 15 The Hieroglyphic Monad And these parts are similar in shape to that letter of the Romans which is regarded as the fifth of the vow- els, and which was frequently used by the most ancient Latin Philosophers to represent the number five. This, I conceive, was not done by them without good rea- son, because it is in fact the exact half of our Decad. Of these parts of the figure thus duplicated by the hypothetical division of the Cross, we must conclude it to be reasonable that each part represents the qui- nar y, although one is upright and the other reversed in imitation of the multiplication of the square root which comes in here in a marvellous way as the circu- lar number, that is to say, the quinary, from which we find the number twenty-five is produced (because this letter is the twentieth of the alphabet and the fifth of the vowels). We will now consider another aspect of this same Equilateral Cross – that which follows is based upon the position shown in our Monadic Cross. Let us sup- pose a similar division of the Cross into two parts be made as in the drawing. Now we see the germinating shape of another letter of the Latin alphab–et the one 13 --------------------------------------- 16 John Dee upright, the other reversed and opposite. This letter is used (after the ancient custom of the Latins) to repre- sent the number fifty. From this, it seems to me, we establish our Decad of the Cross, for this is placed at the summit of all the mysteries, and it follows that this Cross is the hieroglyphic sign of perfectio n. There- fore, enclosed within the quinar y force is the power of the Decad, out of which comes the number fifty as its own product. Oh, my God, how profound are these mysteries! and the name EL is given to this letter! And for this very reason, we see that it responds to the decadal vir- tue of the Cross, because, starting from the first letter of the alphabet, L is the tenth letter, and counting backwards from the letter X, we find that it falls into the tenth place, and since we show that there are two parts of the Cross, and considering now their numeri- cal virtue, it is quite clear how the number one hun- dred is produced. And if by the law of squares these 14 --------------------------------------- 17 The Hieroglyphic Monad two parts be multiplied together, they give a product of 2500. This square compared with the square of the first circular number, and applied to it, gives a differ- ence of one hundred, which is the Cross itself explained by the square of its Decad, and is recognised as one hundred. Therefore, as this is contained within the figure of the Cross, it also represents unit y. By the study of these theories of the Cross, the most dignified of all, we are thereby induced to utilise this progres- sion, viz. on–eten–one hundred, and this is the dec- adal proportion of the Cross as it appears to us. THEOREM XVII After a due study of the sixth theorem it is logical to proceed to a consideration of the four right angles in our Cross, to each one of which, as we have show n in the preceding theorem, we attribute the significance of the quinar y according to the first position in which they are placed, and in transposing them to a new position, the same theorem shows that they become hierogly phic signs of the number fift y. It is quite evi- dent that the Cross is vulgarly used to indicate the number ten, and further, it is the twenty-first letter, following the order of the Latin alphabet, and it is for this reason that the sages amongst the Mecubales des- ignated the number twenty-one by this same letter. In fact, we can give a ver y simple consideration to this sign to find out what other qualitative and quantitative virtues it possesses. From all these facts we see that we may safely conclude, by the best kabbalistic computa- tion, that our Cross, by a marvellous metamorphosis, may signify for the Initiates two hundred and fifty-two. Thus: four times five, four times fifty, ten, 15 --------------------------------------- 18 John Dee twenty-one and one, which added together make two hundred and fifty-two. We can extract this number by two other methods as we have already shown: we rec- ommend to the Kabbalists who have not yet made experiments to produce it, not only to study it in its conciseness, but also to form a judgment worthy of philosophers in regard to the va rious permutations and ingenious productions which arise from the magister y of this number. And I will not hide from you a further memorable mysta gog y: consider that our Cross, con- taining so many ideas, conceals two further letters if we examine carefull y their numerical virtues after a certain manner, so that, by a parallel method following their verbal force with this same Cross, we recognise with supreme admiration that it is from here that LIGHT is derived (LUX), the final word of the mag- ister y, by the union and conjunction of the Ternar y within the unit y of the Word. THEOREM XVIII From our Theorems XII and XIII it may be inferred that celestial astronomy is the source and guide of the inferior astronomy. Before we raise our eyes to heaven, kabbalistically illuminated by the con- templation of these mysteries, we should perceive very exactly the construction of our Monad as it is show n to us not onl y in the LIGHT but also in life and nature, for it discloses explicitly, by its inner move- ment, the most secret mysteries of this physical analy- sis. We have contemplated the heavenl y and divine functions of this celestial Messenger, and we now apply this co-ordination to the figure of the egg. It is well known that all astrologers teach that the form of 16 --------------------------------------- 19 The Hieroglyphic Monad the orbit trave rsed by a planet is circular, and because the wise should understand by a hint, it is thus that we interpret it in the hieroglyph, shown, whic h conforms in ever y detail with all that has gone before. Here you will note that the miserable alchemists must learn to recognise their numerous errors and to understand what is the water of the white of egg, what is the oil of the yoke of egg, and what we mean by calcined egg-shells. These inexpert impostors must learn in their despair to understand what are meant by these and many other similar expressions. Here we have shown almost all the proportions which correspond to Na ture herself. This is the same Eagle's Egg which the scarab formerly broke because of the injury which the cruelty and violence of this bird caused to timid and primitive man, for this bird pursued some of them who were running to the cavern where the scarab dwelt, to implore his aid. The scarab wondered in what manner he alone could revenge such insolence, 17 --------------------------------------- 20 The Hieroglyphic Monad 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 X and, being of an ardent character, prepared to accom- plish his purpose by constancy and determination, for he wa s short of neither power nor intelligence. The scarab pursued the eagle resolutely and made use of this very subtle trick: he let fall his ordure in the bosom of Jupiter where the egg was deposited, with the result that the God in getting rid of it threw the egg to the ground, where it was broken. The scarab by this method would have completely exterminated the whole family of eagles from the Earth had not Jupiter, in order to avoid such a calamity, resolved that, during that part of the year when the eagles watch over their eggs, no scarab should come flying near them. There- 18 --------------------------------------- 21 The Hieroglyphic Monad fore, I counsel those who are ill-treated by the cruelty of this bird, that they learn the very useful art from these solar insects (Heliocantharis) who live concealed and hidden for ver y long periods of time. By these indications and signs, for which they should be very thankful, they themselves will be able to take ven- geance on their enemy. And I affirm (O King!) that it is not Aesop but Oedipus who prompts me, for he presented these things to worthy souls, and ventured for the first time to speak of these supreme mysteries of Nature. I know perfectl y well that there have been certain men who, by the art of the scarab, have dis- solved the eagl’s e egg and its shell with pure albumen and have formed thereby a mixture of all; afterwards they have reduced this mixture to a yellow liquid, by a notable process, viz. by a ceaseless circulation just as the scarabs roll their ba lls of earth. By this means the great metamorphosis of the egg was accomplished; the albumen was absorbed during a great many revolu- tions round the heliocentric orbits, and was enveloped in this same yellow liquid. The hieroglyphic figure shown here, of this art, will not displease those who are familiar with Nature. We read that during the early centur ies, this art was much celebrated amongst the most serious and ancient Philosophers, as being certain and useful. Anaxagoras performed the magistery and extracted therefrom an excellent medicine, as you may read in his book. He who devotes himself sincerely to these myster- ies will see clearly that nothing is able to exist without the virtue of our hieroglyphic Monad. 19 --------------------------------------- 22 John Dee THEOREM XIX The S un and the Moon shed their corporeal forces upon the bodies of the inferior Elements, much more so than all the other planets. It is this fact which shows, in effect, that in the pyrognomic analysis all metals lose the aqueous humour of the Moon as well as the igneous liquor of the Sun, by which all corpo- real, terrestrial, and mortal things are sustained. THEOREM XX We have shown sufficiently that for very good rea- sons the Elements are represented in our Hieroglyph by the straight lines, therefore we give a very exact speculation concerning the point which we place in the centre of our Cross. This point cannot by any means be abstracted from our Ternary. Should anyone who is ignorant of this divine learning, say that in this position of our Binary the point can be absent, we repl y, he may suppose it to be absent, but that which remains without it will certainly not be our Bina ry; for the Quaternary is immediately ma nifested, because by removing the point we discontinue the unit y of the lines. Now, our adversary may suppose that by this argument we have reconstructed our Binary; that in fact our Binary and our Quaternar y are one and the same thing, according to this consideration, which is manifestly impossible. The point must of necessit y be present, because with the Binary it constitutes our Ternary, and there is nothing that ca n be substituted in its place. Meanwhile he cannot divide the hypo- static property of our Binar y without nullifying an integral part of it. Thus it is demonstrated that it must 20 --------------------------------------- 23 The Hieroglyphic Monad not be divided. All the parts of a line are lines. This is a point, and this confirms our hypothesis. Therefore, the point does not form part of our Binary and yet it forms part of the integral form of the Binary. It fol- lows that we must take notice of all that is hidden within this hypostatic form and understand that there is nothing superfluous in the linear dimension of our Binar y. But because we see that these dimensions are common to both lines, they are considered to receive a certain secret image from this Binary. By this we dem- onstrate here that the Quaternar y is concealed within the Ternary. O God, pardon me if I have sinned against Thy Majesty in revealing such a great myster y in my writings which all may read, but I believe that only those who are truly worthy will understand. We therefore continue to expound the Quaternar y of our Cross as we have indicated. S eek diligently to discover whether the point may be removed from the position in which we first find it. The mathematicians teach that it may be displaced quite simply. At the moment when it is separated the Quaternar y remains, and it becomes much more clear and distinct to the eyes of all. This is not a part of its substantial proportions, but only the confused and superfluous point which is rejected and removed. O Omnipotent Divine Majesty, how we Mortals are constrained to confess what great W isdom and what ineffable mysteries reside in the Law which Thou hast made! Through all these points and these letters the most sublime secrets, and terrestrial arcane mysteries, as well as the multiple revelations of this unique point, now placed in the Light and examined 21 --------------------------------------- 24 John Dee by me, can be faithfull y demonstrated and explained. This point is not superfluous within the Divine Trin- ity, yet when considered, on the other hand, within the Kingdom of the four Elements it is black, there- fore corruptible and watery. O thrice and four times happy, the man who attains this (almost copulative) point in the Ternary, and rejects and removes that sombre and superfluous part of the Qua ternary, the source of vague shadows. Thus after some effort we obtain the white vestments brilliant as the snow. Oh, Maximilian, May God, through this mysta- gog y, make you or some other scion of the House of Austria the most powerful of all when the time comes for me to remain tranquil in Christ, in order that the honour of His redoubtable name may be restored within the abominable and intolerable shadows hover- ing above the Earth. And now for fear that I myself should say too much I shall immediately return to the burden of my task, and because I have already termi- nated my discourse for those whose gaze is centred within the heart, it is now necessar y to translate my words for those whose heart is centred within their eyes. Here, therefore, we can represent in some mea- sure in the figure of the Cross that which we have already said. Two equal lines are equally and inequally crossed through the point of necessity which you see in A. The four straight lines, as in B, produce a sort of vacuum where they are withdrawn from the central point, which was their common condition, in which state they were not prejudical, the one to the other. This is the path by which our Monad, progressing through the Binar y and the Ternary into the pur ified Quaternary, is reconstituted within itself, united in 22 --------------------------------------- 25 The Hieroglyphic Monad AB equal proportions, and which now shows that the whole is equal to its combined parts, for during the time that this takes place our Monad will not admit of other units or numbers, because it is self-sufficient, and exactly so, within itself; absolute in all numbers in the amplitude of which it is diffused, not only magi- cally but also by a somewhat vulgar process employed by the artist, which produces great results in dignity and power within this selfsame Monad, which is resolved into its own first matter; whilst that which is foreign to its nature and to its natural hereditary pro- portions is segregated with the greatest care and dili- gence and rejected for e ver amongst the impurities. 23 --------------------------------------- 26 John Dee THEOREM XXI If that whic h is hidden within the profundities of our Monad be brought to light, or, on the contrary, if those primary parts which are exterior in our Monad are enclosed in the ce ntre, you will see the extent to which the philosophical transfor- mation can be produced. We will now expound to you another local commutation of our mystical Monad, using those parts from the hieroglyphic characters of the supe- rior planets which are immediately offered to us. Each one of the other planets for this purpose is in turn elevated to a position which was fre- quently assigned to them by Plato, therefore, if they are conveniently taken in this position and at this point in Aries, Saturn and Jupiter are in conjunction. By descending, the Cross represents Venus and Mer- cur y, follow ed by the Sun himself with the Moon at the bottom. This will be refuted in other circles; meantime, as we have no wish to hide the philosophi- cal treasure of our Monad, we have taken a resolution to give a reason by which the position of the Monad is by this manner displaced. Yet see! listen to these other great secrets which I know and will disclose to assist you as touching this position, which I can explain in few words. We distribute our Monad, now looked at from a different aspect, and analysed in a different manner, as is seen a t B, D, C. In this new Terna ry the 24 --------------------------------------- 27 The Hieroglyphic Monad figures C and D are known to all men, but the figure designated B is not easy of comprehension. B E D C It is necessary to give careful consideration to the know n forms D and C, which show that the essences are separated and distinct from the figure B: also we see that the Horns of the figure C are turned down- wards towards the Earth. That part of D which illu- mines C is also towards the Earth, tha t is to say, downwards, in the centre of which the solitar y visible point alone is truly the Earth: finally these two figures D and C turned towards the lower end give a hiero- glyphic indication of the Earth. Therefore, the Earth is ma de to represent, hieroglyphically, stability and fix- ation. I leave you to judge from this what is meant by C and D: from which you may take notice of a great secret. All the qualities which we have in the first place ascribed to the Sun and the Moon can here be given a perfect and very necessary interpretation, these two stars up to now having been placed in the superior 25 --------------------------------------- 28 John Dee position with the horns of the Moon raised on high; but we have already spoken of this. We will now examine, according to the fundamen- tals of our hieroglyphic Art, the nature of this third figure B. First, we carry to the Crown the double cres- cent of the Moon which is our Aries, turned round in a mystical manner. Then follows the hieroglyphic sign of the Elements, which is attached to it. As to why we use the double Moon, it may be explained that it is according to the matter, which requires a double quantity of the Moon. We speak of those grades of which in their experiments the Philosophers could find no more than four, amongst all created sub- stances, that is to say, to be, to live, to feel and to com- prehend (esse, vivere, sentire et entelligeIn sare). ying that the first two of these Elements are found here, we say that they are callead rgent vive (luna existens, viva), all life being subject to movement, there being six principles of movement. The Cross which is attached implies that in this artifice the Elemedts are requisite. We have told you many times that in our theory the hieroglyph of the Moon is like a semicircle, and on the contrary the complete circle signifies the Sun, whereas here we have two semicircles separated, but touching at a common point; if these are combined, as they can be by a certain art, the product can represent the circu- lar plenitude of the Sun. From all those things which we have considered, the result is that we can sum- marise, and in hieroglyphic form, offer the following: Argent vive,wh ich must be developed by the mag- ister y of the Elements, possesses the power of the solar force through the unification of its two semicircles combined by a secret art. 26 --------------------------------------- 29 The Hieroglyphic Monad The circle, of which we have spoken and which we designate in the figure by the letter E, is thus accom- plished and formed. You will recollect, we have said that the solar degree is not delivered to us ready to our hand by Nature, but that it is artificial and not pro- duced by Nature, it being available to us in its first aspect in accordance with its proper nature (as in B) in two parts separated and dissolved, and not solidly united in the solar body. In fact, the semi-diameter of these half-circles is not equal to the semi-diameter of D and C, but much smaller. Everyone can see this from the manner in which we have drawn them in the diagram, from which it is clear that this same B has not as great an amplitude as D and C. The propor- tions in the figure confirm this, being by this means transformed into a circle from B into E. Therefore, there appears before our eyes the sign of Venus alone. We have already demonstrated by these hieroglyphical syllogisms that from B we cannot obtain the true D, and that the true C is not and cannot be completely within the nature of B; therefore, this of itself is not able to become the true“Ar gent Vive.” You may already doubt the subject of this life and of this move- ment, whether it is possible, in fact, to possess it natu- rally or not. However, as we have already explained to the wise, all those things which are said about B, in a similar manner will be at least analogical, and all that which we have briefly taught concerning C and D can be very well applied, by analogy, to this same B accompanied by its Elements. Indeed, that which we have attached to the nature of Aries, should exactly fit the ca se, because it ca rries this figure B, although reversed, at its summit, and 27 --------------------------------------- 30 John Dee that which is attached to the figure B, is the mystical figure of the Elements. Therefore, we see by this anat- omy that from the body of our Monad alone, sepa- rated in this manner by our Art, this new Ternary is formed. This we cannot doubt, for the reason that the members which composed it reassemble and form amongst themselves of their ow n free will a monadic union and sympathy which is absolute. By this means we discover amongst these members a force which is both magnetic and active. Finall y I think it well to note here, by way of recre- ation, that this same B shows very clearly the same proportions in the malfor med and rustic letter in that it carries visible points towards the top and at the fro nt and that these letters are three in number, otherwise they number six, summarising three times three: they are crude and malformed, unstable and inconstant, made in such a manner as to appear formed of a series of half-circles. But the method of making these letters more stable and firm is in the hands of the literar y experts. I have here placed before your eyes an infini- tude of mysteries: I introduce a game but to interrupt a theory. Meanwhile I do not understand the efforts of certain people who rise up against me. Our Monad being reconstituted in its first mystical position and each one of its parts being ordered by Art, I advise and exhort them to search with zeal for that fire of Aries in the first triplicity, which is our equinoctial fire and which is the cause whereby our Sun may be elevated above his vulgar quality. Many other excellent things should also be studied in happy and wise meditations. 28 --------------------------------------- 31 The Hieroglyphic Monad We now pass on to another subject; we wish to point the way, not only in a friendly but also in a faith- ful manner, to those other secrets upon which we must insist, before we lapse into silence and which, as we have said, comprise a most remarka ble infinitude of other mysteries. THEOREM XXII It will be readily understood that the mysteries of our Monad cannot be extracted unless one is drawn towards the pharmacy of this same Monad, and that these mysteries must not be revealed to any but the Initiates. I offer here for the contemplation of your Serene Highness, the vessels of the Sacred Art which are truly and completely kabbalistic. All those lines which unite the diverse parts of our Monad are most wisely separated; we give to each one of them a special letter, in order to distinguish them one from another as you will see in the diagram. We inform you that in  is found a certain artificial vessel, formed of A and B with the lin e M. The exte- rior diameter is common to both A and B, and this is not different, as we see, from this the first letter of the 29 --------------------------------------- 32 John Dee Greek alphabet, except by a single transposition of the parts. We teach the true mystical sympathy first by the line, the circle, and the semicircle, and, as we have for- merly said, this symmetry can only be formed of the circle and the semicircle, which are always joined for the same mystical purpose. It follows that  and  are in themselves the shapes of other vessels. That is to say is, made of glass and  of earth (earthenware or clay). In the second place, and  may remind us of the Pestle and Mortar, which must be made of suitable substance, in which artificial unperforated pearls, lamels of crystal and beryl, 30 --------------------------------------- 33 The Hieroglyphic Monad chrysolite, precious rubies, carbuncles and other rare artificial stones may be ground to powder. Lastly, that which is indicated by the letter  is a small vessel containing the mysteries, which is never far from this last letter of the Greek alphabet now restored to its primitive mystagogy, and which is made by a single transposition of its component parts, con- sisting of two half-circles of equal size. Concerning the vulgar objects and necessities which are required in addition to the vessels, and the materials out of which they should be fashioned, it would be useless that we should treat of it here. Meanwhile a must be consid- ered as if searching for the occasion to perform its function by a ver y secret and rapid spiral circulation and an incorrup tible salt by which the first principle of all things is preser ved, or better, that the substance which floats within the vitriol after its dissolution, shows the apprentice a primordial but very transitory specimen of our work, and if he is attentive, a very subtle and most effective way to prepare the work will be revealed to him. Within , the glass vessel, during the exercise of its particular function, all air must be excluded or it will be extremely prejudicial. The corollary o is f the agreeable man, ready, active, and well disposed at all times. Who, then, is not now able to procure the sweet and salutary fruits of this Science, which, I say, spring from the mystery of these two letters? Some of those who would draw us away from our Garden of the Hesperides, and would make us view this a little closer as in a mirror, say that it is estab- lished that it is not formed from anything but our Monad. 31 --------------------------------------- 34 John Dee But the straight line which appears in Alpha is homologous with that which, in the separation of the final analysis of our Cross, is already designated by the letter M. One may discover by these means from where the others are produced. See the scheme out- lined in the table on page 33. In these few words, I know that I give not only the principles but the demonstration to those who can see in them how to fortify the igneous vigour and the celestial origin, so that they may lend a willing ear to the great Democritus, certain that it is not mythical dogma but mystic and secret, according to which it is the medicine of the soul, the liberator from all suffer- ing, and is prepared for those who wish for it and as he has taught; it is to be sought for in the Voice of the Creator of the Universe, so that men, inspired by God, and engendered ane w, learn through the perfect dis- quisition of the mystical languages. 32 --------------------------------------- 35 The Hieroglyphic Monad Existing before The Elements After the Forma- the Elements (Chaos) tion of the Ele- ments Mortal Adam, Consummation of Immortal Adam male & female the Genealog y of Elements The Mortifying CROSS The Vivifying Self Self Wrapped in Shad- CROSS Manifestation ows Born in a stable Sacrificed on the King of All ubiq- Cross uitous Self-conceived by Death and Burial Reborn from its own influence own Virtue Power in the Seed IHVH Decadal Triumph in Glory Virtue Creation of Purification of the Transformation HYLE Elements Earthly Marriage Martyrdom on the Divine Marriage CROSS Beginning Middle End 33 --------------------------------------- 36 John Dee THEOREM XXIII We now present in diagrammatic form the pro- portions already obser ved by us in the hieroglyphic construction of our Monad, which must be observed by those who wish to engrave them up on their seals or their rings, or to utilise them in some other manner. In the name of Jesus Christ crucified upon the Cross, I say the Spirit writes these things rapidly through me; I hope, and I believe, I am merely the quill which traces these characters. The Spirit draws us now towards our Cross of the Elements, with all the following measures which are also to be obtained by a reasoning process according to the subject-ma tter which it is proposed to discuss. Everything which exists under the heaven of the Moon contains the principle of its own genera- tion within itself and is formed from the coagulation of the four Elements, unless it be the primary sub- stance itself, and this in several ways not known to the vulgar, there being nothing in the created world in which the Elements are in equal proportion or in equal force. But by means of our Art, they can be restored to equality in certain respects, as the wise well know; therefore, in our Cross, we make the parts equal and unequal. Another reason is that we can proclaim either similitude, or diversity, or unity, or plurality in affirm- ing the secret properties of the equilateral Cross, as we have said before. If we were to expound all the reasons which we know, for the proportions established in this way, or if we were to demonstrate the causes by another method which we have not done, although we have done so 34 --------------------------------------- 37 The Hieroglyphic Monad sufficiently for the Sages, we should transcend the limits of obscurit y which we have prescribed, not without reason, for our discourse. Take any point, as A for example, draw a straight line through it in both directions, as CAK. Divide the line CK at A by a line at right angles, which we will call DAE. Now select a point anywhere on the line 35 --------------------------------------- 38 John Dee AK, let it be B, and one obtains the primary measure- ment of AB, which will be the common measure of our work. Take three times the length of AB and mark off the central line from A to C, which will be AC. Now take twice the distance between AB and mark it off on the line DAE at E and again at D, in such a way that the distance between D and E is four times the distance between A and B. Thus is formed our Cross of four Elements, that is to say, the Quaternary formed by the lines AB, AC, AD, AE. Now on the line BK take a distance equal to AD up the central line to I. With this point I as a centre, and IB as the radius, describe a circle which cuts the line AK at R: from the point R towards K mark a distance equal to AB, let it be RK. From the point K draw a line at right angles to the central line on both sides, forming an angle on either side of AK, which will be PFK. From the point K measure in the direction of F a distance equal to AD, which will be KF: now with K as centre and KF as radius describe a half-circle FLP, so that FKP is the diameter. Finally, at point C draw a lin e at right angles to AC sufficientl y long in both directions to form OCQ. Now on the line CO we measure from C a dis- tance equal to AB, which is CM, and with M as a cen- tre and MC as a radius we descr ibe a semicircle CHO. And in the same manner on CQ, from the point C we measure a distance equal to AB which is CN, and from the centre N, with CN as radius, we trace a semicircle CGQ, of which CNQ is the diameter. We now affirm, from this, that all the requisite measure- ments are found explained and described in our Monad. 36 --------------------------------------- 39 The Hieroglyphic Monad It would be well to notice, you who know the dis- tances of our mechanism, that the whole of the line CK is composed of nine parts, of which one is our fundamental, and which in another fashion is able to contribute towards the perfection of our work: then, again, all the diameters and semi-diameters must be designated here by suppositional lines hidden or obscured, as the geometricians say. It is not necessary to leave any centre visible, the exception being the solar centre, which is here marked by the letter I, to which it is unnecessar y to add any letter. Meanwhile those who are adept at our mechanism can add some- thing to the solar peripher y, by way of ornament and not by virtue of any mystical necessity: for this reason it has not been formerly considered by us. This some- thing is a boundary ring, necessarily a line parallel to the original periphery. The distance between these parallels may be fixed at a quarter or a fifth part of the distance AB. One may also give to the crescent of the Moon a form which this planet frequently assumes in the sky, after her conjunction with the Sun-that is to say, in the form of the Horns, which you will obtain if from the point K in the direction of R you measure the distance just mentioned, i.e. the fourth or fifth part of the line AB, and if from the point thereby obtained, as a centre, you trace with the original lunar radius the second part of the lunar crescent, which joins the extremities at both ends of the first semicircle. You may perform a similar operation in respect of the posi- tions M and N when erecting the perpendicular at each one of these centre points; we can use the sixth part of AB or a little less, from which point, as the 37 --------------------------------------- 40 John Dee centre, we describe two other semicircles, using the radius of the two first, MC and NC. Lastly, the parallels may be traced at each side of the two lines of our Cross, each side at a distance from the centre line of one-eighth to one-tenth part of the distance AB, in such a way that our Cross be in this manner formed into four superficial lines where the width is the fourth or the fifth part of this same line AB. 38 --------------------------------------- 41 The Hieroglyphic Monad I have wished in some way to sketch these orna- ments in the figure which each one may reproduce according to his own fancy. It is a condition, however, that you do not commit any fault, however small, against the mystica l sy mmetry for fear of introducing by your negligence a new discipline into these hiero- glyphic measurements; for it is very necessary that during the succeeding progression in time they must be neither disturbed nor destroyed. This is much more profound than we are able to indicate, even if we wished to do so, in this small book, for we teach Truth, the daughter of Time, God willing. We will now expound methodicall y certain things which you may find on your way by practising the pro- portions of our Monad. Then we will show by many examples the existence of four lines corresponding to the four lines of our Cross, and which in this con- sideration we are not able simply to announce, because of the propor tions and the particular and mystical results which are produced in another fashion, from the Quaternary of these same lines. And third ly, we will show that there exist within Nature certain useful functions determined by God by means of numbers, which we have happily obtained and which are explained either in this theorem, or in others, con- tained in this little book. Finally, we will insert other things in an opportune place which, if they are conveniently understood, will produce fruits most abundantly. We now abruptly conclude. 39 --------------------------------------- 42 John Dee Our Canon of Transposition (Metathesis) Take the same proportion which is shown in num- bers when written in the natural order, after the first Monad, then from the first to the last make a continu- ous multiplication – that is to say, the first by the sec- ond, the product of these two by the third, and this product by the fourth, and so on until the last; the final product determines all the Metatheses possible, in respect of the proportion in space, and for the same reason in proportion to diverse objects as you wish. I tell thee, O King, this operation will be useful unto thee in many circumstances, whether in the study of Nature or in the affairs of the government of men; for it is that which I am accustomed to use with the greatest of pleasure in the Tziruph or Themura of the Hebrews. I know that many other powerful numbers may be produced out of our Quaternar y, by virtue of arith- metic and the power of numbers. Yet he who does not understand that a very great obscurity has by this method been illuminated by those numbers which I have drawn out which have nature and distinction 40 --------------------------------------- 43 The Hieroglyphic Monad 41 --------------------------------------- 44 John Dee amongst such a multitude, will not be able to estimate their meaning, which is obscure and not to the point. How many will find in our numbers the authorit y which we have promised for the weight of the Ele- ments; for the statements regarding measurements of time; and for the certainty of proportions which may 42 --------------------------------------- 45 The Hieroglyphic Monad be a ssigned t o t he p owers a nd f orces o f t hings ? A ll this you should study in the two preceding diagrams. Many things may be deduced from the diagrams which, it is preferable, should be studied silently rather than divulg ed openly in words. Meantime, let us inform you of one thing, amongst many others, dis- closed now for the first time by us, in respect of this new Art; to wit, we have here established a ra tional cause by virtue of which the Quaternary with the Decad, in a certain manner, terminate the numerical series. We affirm that this cause is not exactl y that which was described by the Masters who have pre- ceded us, but just as we have stated it here. This Monad has been integrally and physically restored to itself – that is to say, it is truly the Monad Unitissima, the proved unity of the images; and it is not within the power of Nature, neither can we by any art promote in it any movement or any progression whatsoever, unless it be by four super-celestial cycles or revolutions, and from this Monad is engendered that which we wish to note as the manner and course of its eminence; and for this reason, that there is not in the elemental world, 43 --------------------------------------- 46 John Dee nor in the celestial or super-celestial worlds, any cre- ated power or influence which cannot be absolutely favoured and enriched by it. It was because of the true effect of this that four illustrious men, friends of Philosophy, were upon an occasion together in the great work. One day they were astonished by a great miracle in this thing, and forthwith dedicated themselves from that day for ward to sing praises to God and to preach the thrice Mighty because He had given them so much wisdom and power and so great an Empire over all other creatures. THEOREM XXIV Just as we commenced the first theorem of this lit- tle book with the point, the straight line, and the cir- cle, and have extended it from the Monadic point to the extreme linear efflux of the Elements in a circle, almost analogous to the equinoctial which makes one revolution in 24 hours, so now at last we consummate and terminate the metamorphosis and the metathesis of all possible contents of the Quaternary defined by the number 24 by our present twenty-fourth theorem, to the honour and Glory of Him, as witnesseth John 44 --------------------------------------- 47 The Hieroglyphic Monad the Archpraesul of the Divine Mysteries, in the fourth and last part of the fourth chapter of the Apocalypse, who is seated on His Throne, around and in front of which the four animals, each with six wings, chant night and day without repose“Hol: y, Holy, Holy is the Lord God Omnipotent, who was, is and is to come,” the same as the 24 ancient ones in the 24 seats placed in the circle, adore Him and prostrate them- selves, having cast their Crowns of gold to earth, say- ing: “Worthy art Thou, O God, to receive Glor y, Honour, and Virtue, because Thou hast created all things, and out of Thy Will they have been crea”ted. Amen. Says the fourth letter.  He to whom God has given the will and the ability to know in this way the Divine mystery through the eternal monuments of literature and to finish with great tranquillity this work on the 25th January, hav- ing commenced it on the 13th of the same month. In the year 1564 at Antwerp. CONTRACTUS AD PUNCTUM Here the vulgar eye will see nothing but O bscurity and will despair considerably. 45