Enochian: The Language of Angels and the Mysteries of the Aethyrs
Among the many systems of esoteric knowledge, few possess the aura of mystery and power that surrounds Enochian magic. Originating from the work of the Elizabethan magus Dr. John Dee and his scryer, Edward Kelley, Enochian is a language and system of magic said to have been communicated directly by angels. It is a language of divine origin, composed of strange syllables and arcane symbols, said to unlock the mysteries of the universe and open the gates to higher realms of consciousness.
The Origins of Enochian
Enochian magic was revealed during a series of scrying sessions conducted by Dr. John Dee, the royal astrologer to Queen Elizabeth I, and Edward Kelley, a self-proclaimed medium and alchemist. Between 1582 and 1589, Dee and Kelley received what they believed to be communications from angels, who imparted a complex system of language, symbols, and rituals.
This system became known as Enochian, named after the biblical prophet Enoch, who was said to have been taken up to heaven and shown the secrets of creation. Dee and Kelley believed that the Enochian language was the original language of the angels, spoken by Adam before the fall, and that it contained the keys to unlocking the divine mysteries.
The Enochian material revealed to Dee and Kelley included the Enochian alphabet, a set of magical squares or “Enochian Tables,” and the names of angels associated with the various elements and celestial spheres. Central to the system are the “Calls” or “Keys,” which are invocations in the Enochian language used to access different spiritual realms or “Aethyrs.”
The Aethyrs: The Heavens of Enochian Magic
The Aethyrs, also known as the Aires, are 30 spiritual realms or planes of existence within the Enochian cosmology. These Aethyrs are seen as progressively higher levels of reality, each representing a step closer to the divine source. The Aethyrs are accessed through the use of the Enochian Calls, with each Call corresponding to a specific Aethyr.
The journey through the Aethyrs is a spiritual ascent, where the practitioner encounters various angelic beings, visions, and symbolic experiences. The Aethyrs are often described as increasingly subtle and abstract realms, with the first Aethyr (TEX) being closest to the material world and the 30th (LIL) representing the highest and most exalted state of consciousness.
Each Aethyr contains its own unique lessons and challenges, acting as a testing ground for the soul. The experiences within the Aethyrs are said to reveal the true nature of reality, the hidden laws of the universe, and the workings of the divine. The practitioner must navigate these realms with purity of intent and spiritual readiness, for the journey through the Aethyrs is not merely an intellectual exercise but a profound transformation of the self.
The Enochian Tables: The Keys to the Elements and the Heavens
At the heart of Enochian magic are the Enochian Tables, also known as the Watchtowers or Elemental Tablets. These are four large squares, each divided into smaller squares, filled with letters from the Enochian alphabet. Each Table corresponds to one of the four classical elements: Earth, Air, Water, and Fire.
The Enochian Tables serve as maps of the elemental realms and the celestial spheres. Each letter within the Tables is associated with specific angels, spirits, and divine names. By invoking these names through the use of the Enochian language, the practitioner can call upon the forces of the elements, summon angelic beings, and perform magical operations.
The arrangement of the Enochian Tables is highly symbolic, representing the structure of the universe as understood within the Enochian system. The Tables are not merely static diagrams but dynamic tools for accessing and directing the energies of the cosmos. They are used in rituals and invocations to establish contact with the angelic hierarchies, to gain knowledge, and to bring about change in the material world.
The creation and consecration of the Enochian Tables require precise ritual actions, often involving the use of specific magical tools, such as the Holy Table, the Sigillum Dei Aemeth (Seal of God), and the Lamen of the Trinity. These tools serve to amplify and focus the magical intent, creating a sacred space where the divine forces can be invoked and directed.
The Enochian Language: A Tongue of Power
The Enochian language itself is one of the most distinctive aspects of this system. Unlike the languages of the world, which evolved naturally over time, Enochian is said to have been revealed in its entirety by the angels. It is a language of pure vibration, believed to resonate with the fundamental forces of creation.
The Enochian alphabet consists of 21 letters, each with its own unique form and sound. The language is composed of words and phrases that are often complex and difficult to translate into human languages. Yet, it is believed that the power of the Enochian language lies not in its meaning but in its sound and vibration. When spoken aloud, the Enochian words are said to resonate with the hidden frequencies of the universe, opening gateways to the higher realms and calling forth the presence of the angels.
Practitioners of Enochian magic use the language in a variety of ways. The Enochian Calls or Keys are the most well-known application, where the practitioner recites these invocations to access the Aethyrs or summon angelic beings. The language is also used in ritual work, where specific words or phrases are spoken to direct energy, invoke protection, or bring about desired outcomes.
The correct pronunciation of the Enochian language is considered crucial, as the power of the words is believed to be intimately tied to their sound. Practitioners often spend considerable time learning and practicing the language, not merely as an intellectual exercise but as a form of spiritual discipline.
The Practice of Enochian Magic
The practice of Enochian magic is both complex and demanding, requiring a deep understanding of the system, as well as a high level of spiritual and mental discipline. It is not a path for the casual or unprepared practitioner, for the forces invoked through Enochian magic are potent and can have profound effects on the mind, body, and soul.
The rituals of Enochian magic often involve the use of the Enochian language, the Enochian Tables, and the various magical tools associated with the system. These rituals are designed to establish contact with the angelic hierarchies, to gain insight and knowledge, and to bring about transformation on both the inner and outer levels.
One of the key practices in Enochian magic is the scrying of the Aethyrs. This involves entering into a meditative or trance-like state, often with the aid of a crystal or mirror, and using the Enochian Calls to access the Aethyrs. The practitioner then records their experiences, which may include visions, encounters with angelic beings, and revelations of spiritual truths.
Enochian magic also includes the use of talismans, symbols, and other magical objects that are charged with the energies of the Enochian system. These objects serve as focal points for the practitioner’s intent and can be used in a variety of ways, from protection and healing to the enhancement of psychic abilities.
Enochian magic is a system of profound depth and complexity, a bridge between the human and the divine. It offers a pathway to the higher realms of consciousness, where the mysteries of the universe are revealed through the language of angels and the visions of the Aethyrs. Yet, it is also a path that requires dedication, purity of intent, and a deep respect for the forces at play.
For those who seek to explore the Enochian system, the rewards are great, but so too are the challenges. It is a journey into the unknown, where the mind must be both the navigator and the explorer, guided by the light of the divine and the wisdom of the angels.
In the words of Dr. John Dee, “Man, know thyself; in knowing thyself, thou shalt know the universe and the divine.” The study and practice of Enochian magic is a means to that end, a way to unlock the hidden potential within and to reach towards the infinite.