Simon Studion and the Naometria
Simon Studion is a relatively obscure figure in the esoteric world, but his work Naometria (1596) is a notable contribution to the broader tapestry of Renaissance mystical thought, alchemy, and apocalyptic prophecy. Studion’s work blends Christian mysticism, numerology, astrology, and esoteric traditions, presenting a vision of history that forecasts both cosmic and earthly events. His attempt to integrate various mystical and biblical elements into a cohesive framework reflects the Renaissance fascination with hidden knowledge, secrets of the divine, and the structure of the cosmos.
Who was Simon Studion?
Very little biographical information is available about Simon Studion, but he is known to have been a scholar, mystic, and antiquary living in Württemberg, Germany. Born around 1543, he lived in a time of immense political and religious upheaval during the Reformation. He may have been a Protestant, as his work reflects the religious tensions of the period, but more importantly, his Naometria showcases his deep interest in biblical prophecy and the alignment of cosmic forces with world events. He was also known for his work in history and archaeology.
The name “Studion” hints at his learned background, and he held a role as a teacher and possibly a pastor. However, he is most remembered for his apocalyptic and visionary Naometria, a work that places him among other esoteric and prophetic thinkers of his age. Studion, like many of his contemporaries, was deeply concerned with the religious conflicts of the time, and his work reflects an effort to understand these through mystical and astrological lenses.
Naometria: An Esoteric Magnum Opus
Naometria is Studion’s major surviving work, though it remains unfinished and largely unknown compared to other mystical texts of the period. The title is derived from the Greek “naos” (temple) and “metron” (measure), translating to something like “The Measurement of the Temple.” This points to the central metaphor of the book: the measurement of sacred spaces as a reflection of cosmic and historical events. This practice has biblical roots, particularly in Ezekiel and Revelation, where measuring temples or holy places becomes symbolic of divine order and prophecy.
The work itself is an enormous, sprawling manuscript, filled with biblical references, numerological speculation, astrological predictions, and alchemical symbolism. Studion used Naometria to propose a detailed vision of world history, centered around the coming apocalypse and the eventual triumph of the divine order. He saw himself as a prophetic figure, and his work attempts to position contemporary religious and political events within a broader cosmic drama.
Key Themes and Ideas in Naometria:
1. Apocalyptic Prophecy: Like many Renaissance mystics, Studion was deeply invested in apocalyptic thought, and much of Naometria focuses on interpreting biblical prophecy, particularly from the Book of Revelation. He sought to identify patterns in history that aligned with biblical predictions of the end times.
2. Astrology and Numerology: Studion used astrology and numerology extensively to frame his understanding of cosmic events. He believed that the alignment of stars and planets had a direct influence on earthly events and could be used to predict the future. Numerology, particularly the use of biblical numbers such as 7 and 12, played a critical role in his interpretations.
3. Alchemical Symbolism: While Naometria is not primarily an alchemical text, it contains numerous references to alchemical principles. Studion viewed alchemy as a means of understanding the transformation of both the material world and the soul, reflecting the broader Renaissance belief in the interconnectedness of all knowledge.
4. Historical Correlation: Studion tried to correlate historical events, especially religious and political conflicts, with his interpretations of biblical prophecy. He believed that the political turmoil of his time, especially between Catholics and Protestants, was a sign of the coming apocalypse.
5. Mystical Architecture: One of the most intriguing aspects of Naometria is Studion’s focus on sacred geometry and the measurement of holy spaces. He believed that the architecture of temples, especially the Temple of Solomon, reflected divine patterns that could be decoded to reveal hidden truths about the universe.
The Templar Connection and Apocalyptic Vision
One of the more fascinating elements of Naometria is Studion’s connection to the Knights Templar, which he regarded as a sacred and divinely chosen order. He believed that the Templars were part of a hidden narrative stretching from ancient times to the present, tied to apocalyptic prophecies. According to Studion, the downfall of the Templars in the 14th century was part of a divine plan, and their secret knowledge would resurface as the world approached its apocalyptic conclusion.
Studion believed that the final battles of history would include the re-emergence of the Templars as defenders of the true faith. He positioned this order within a cosmic drama in which God would intervene to set right the religious and political turmoil of the time.
Influence and Legacy
Although Naometria is not as well-known as the works of figures like Paracelsus or Nostradamus, it holds a unique place in the history of esoteric literature. Studion’s work influenced subsequent thinkers in the realm of Christian mysticism and apocalyptic thought. His blending of biblical prophecy, numerology, and alchemy is characteristic of the broader intellectual environment of late Renaissance Europe, where scholars sought to reconcile ancient wisdom with Christian theology and contemporary events.
One of the reasons Naometria remains obscure is that it was never completed or widely published. However, manuscript copies circulated among esoteric circles, and the work has been studied in modern times for its unique approach to apocalyptic prophecy and mysticism. Studion’s thought reflects the concerns of his age, but also touches on universal themes of divine order, cosmic cycles, and the fate of humanity.
Conclusion
Simon Studion’s Naometria is a fascinating, if unfinished, work that encapsulates the mystical, religious, and intellectual trends of the late Renaissance. Through his blend of numerology, astrology, biblical prophecy, and sacred architecture, Studion sought to uncover hidden truths about the universe and its divine order. His work remains a valuable, though underexplored, contribution to the history of esotericism and apocalyptic thought.
Sources
1. Reiser, Thomas. “Apocalyptic Time and the Mysterious Beginning of Modernity: Simon Studion and His Naometria.” Apocalyptic Time (2008).
This source provides a detailed exploration of Studion’s work and its place in apocalyptic and esoteric literature.
2. Dickson, Donald R. The Tessera of Antilia: Utopian Brotherhoods & Secret Societies in the Early Seventeenth Century. Brill, 1998.
Dickson’s book offers context on the intellectual climate in which Studion operated, particularly focusing on secret societies like the Rosicrucians and the Templars.
3. Yates, Frances A. The Rosicrucian Enlightenment. Routledge, 1972.
Yates examines the broader context of esoteric and apocalyptic movements during the Renaissance, including Studion’s work in relation to the Rosicrucian tradition.
4. Gilly, Carlos. “Die Rosenkreuzer in der europäischen Geistesgeschichte.” In Die Rosenkreuzer: Zur Geschichte einer Reformation, edited by Christoph Meinel, 85–125. Wiley-VCH, 2005.
Gilly’s chapter discusses Studion in relation to the Rosicrucian manifestos and other apocalyptic and reformist movements.
5. Godwin, Joscelyn. The Theosophical Enlightenment. State University of New York Press, 1994.
Godwin’s work includes a broader discussion on the fusion of mysticism and Christian esotericism in early modern Europe, touching on Studion’s themes.