The lost art of Enochian magic
72
The lost art of Enochian magic
John A. DeSalvo's 'The Lost Art of Enochian Magic' attempts to map a notoriously labyrinthine magical system for the modern practitioner. The book excels in its systematic approach to the Enochian language and the Angelic Calls, breaking down complex invocations into more digestible components. DeSalvo's interpretation of the 49 calls, while grounded in historical accounts, sometimes feels overly synthesized, potentially streamlining the raw visionary data into a more palatable, yet perhaps less wild, form. A notable strength is the detailed explanation of the Enochian alphabet and its supposed correspondence to the Tables of Practice. However, the work could benefit from deeper engagement with the critical scholarly debates surrounding Dee and Kelley's transmissions, particularly regarding the psychological or historical origins versus purely literal angelic dictation. Despite this, for those seeking a structured entry into the mechanics of Enochian magic as presented by Dee and Kelley, this book offers a clear, if somewhat cautious, guide.
📝 Description
72
John A. DeSalvo's 2010 book examines the Enochian magical system claimed to originate from angelic communications.
This 2010 book by John A. DeSalvo details the system of ceremonial magic attributed to angelic communications. It seeks to clarify the rituals, language, and philosophy behind Enochian magic, a subject often considered obscure. DeSalvo structures the material to make the terminology and practices more understandable for the reader.
The book is written for those involved in Western esotericism, occult philosophy, and ceremonial magic, particularly those interested in the Enochian tradition. It is for readers who have heard of John Dee and Edward Kelley's experiences but want a clearer explanation of the magical framework they described. Students of magic's history, comparative occultism, and the linguistic aspects of magical systems will also find relevant content.
DeSalvo's work addresses the historical background of Enochian magic, which began in the 16th century with John Dee and Edward Kelley's scrying sessions. They reported receiving an elaborate language and spiritual geography from angelic beings. This system, known as the 'Enochian Keys,' later influenced occult groups like the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn and the Theosophical Society.
Enochian magic originates from the claimed 16th-century angelic communications received by John Dee and Edward Kelley. They transcribed an angelic language and described a spiritual geography, forming the basis of what became known as the 'Enochian Keys.' This system was later integrated into various occult traditions, notably the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, influencing Western ceremonial magic. DeSalvo's book places this historical magical practice within a contemporary examination.
💡 Why Read This Book?
• Learn the foundational structure of the Enochian language, including its alphabet and phonetic qualities, as presented by John A. DeSalvo, to understand the unique linguistic component of this magical system. • Grasp the purpose and application of the 49 Enochian Calls, understanding their role in ceremonial invocation as detailed in DeSalvo's exposition, offering a practical framework for study. • Explore the historical origins of Enochian magic through the documented experiences of John Dee and Edward Kelley in the 16th century, providing essential context for the system's development.
⭐ Reader Reviews
Honest opinions from readers who have explored this book.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is Enochian magic and who developed it?
Enochian magic is a complex system of ceremonial magic purportedly revealed to John Dee and Edward Kelley through angelic communications in the late 16th century. DeSalvo's book explores this system.
When was 'The Lost Art of Enochian Magic' first published?
John A. DeSalvo's 'The Lost Art of Enochian Magic' was first published in 2010, offering a modern interpretation of this historical magical tradition.
What are the main components of Enochian magic discussed in the book?
The book focuses on key elements such as the Enochian language, the 49 Angelic Calls, and the Enochian Tables of Practice, which are central to the ritualistic framework.
Is this book suitable for beginners in occult studies?
While it aims to demystify the system, Enochian magic is inherently complex. This book is best suited for those with some prior knowledge of Western esotericism or ceremonial magic.
Does the book provide practical instructions for performing Enochian rituals?
Yes, DeSalvo's work generally outlines the structure and components necessary for understanding and potentially performing Enochian rituals, focusing on the system's mechanics.
What is the historical significance of John Dee and Edward Kelley?
John Dee was a mathematician and astrologer, while Edward Kelley was a spirit medium. Their collaboration in the 1580s led to the transcription of the Enochian system, a pivotal moment in occult history.
🔮 Key Themes & Symbolism
The Enochian Language
The book meticulously examines the unique angelic language transcribed by Edward Kelley under John Dee's direction. This linguistic system, with its distinct alphabet and grammar, is presented not merely as a curiosity but as a functional component of the magic. DeSalvo likely explores its structure, pronunciation, and its role within the invocations, suggesting it acts as a key to accessing specific spiritual or dimensional states. The language is often described as having a profound psychological effect on the practitioner, intended to bypass ordinary consciousness.
The 49 Angelic Calls
Central to Enochian practice are the 49 'Calls' or 'Keys,' which are invocations in the Enochian language. DeSalvo's work focuses on elucidating these calls, detailing their supposed purpose in opening gateways to different spiritual realms or 'Aethyrs.' The book likely breaks down the structure of these calls, providing transcriptions and interpretations, and explaining how they are to be used in ritual contexts. Understanding these calls is presented as fundamental to engaging with the Enochian cosmology and its angelic hierarchy.
John Dee's Visionary System
The book situates Enochian magic within its historical origins, primarily focusing on the visionary experiences of John Dee, Queen Elizabeth I's advisor, and his associate Edward Kelley. DeSalvo likely details the circumstances of their scrying sessions in the 1580s, where they claimed to receive instructions for this magical system from angelic beings. The work emphasizes Dee's systematic approach to cataloging and integrating these communications into a coherent magical and cosmological framework.
Practical Application and Ritual
Beyond theoretical exposition, 'The Lost Art of Enochian Magic' aims to provide a practical guide. This involves discussing the necessary preparations, the creation of specific magical tools like the Enochian Wand or Tablet of Union, and the performance of rituals. The book likely offers step-by-step instructions or detailed descriptions of how practitioners might enact these complex ceremonies, connecting the theoretical knowledge of the language and calls to tangible magical operations.
💬 Memorable Quotes
Direct passages from the work, attributed to the author.
“The Enochian language possesses a unique structure, distinct from any known human tongue.”
— This highlights the alien or divinely inspired nature attributed to the Enochian tongue, suggesting its power lies partly in its unfamiliarity and its direct connection to non-terrestrial intelligence.
“The 49 Calls serve as keys to unlock spiritual dimensions.”
— This emphasizes the functional aspect of the Enochian Calls, positioning them not just as prayers or incantations, but as active agents for spiritual exploration and dimensional travel.
“John Dee's meticulous recording of angelic communications formed the bedrock of this magical art.”
— This points to the historical foundation of Enochian magic, crediting Dee's disciplined approach as essential for preserving and transmitting the system from its purported angelic source.
“Ritualistic preparation is paramount for effective Enochian workings.”
— This underscores the importance of ceremonial practice and the necessary steps a magician must take to create a suitable environment and state of consciousness for engaging with the Enochian planes.
“The Enochian system maps cosmic geography and spiritual hierarchies.”
— This interpretation suggests that Enochian magic provides a comprehensive cosmology, detailing the structure of the universe and the various orders of spiritual beings inhabiting it.
🌙 Esoteric Significance
Tradition
Enochian magic is a unique branch within Western esotericism, often seen as a distinct lineage stemming from the visionary experiences of John Dee and Edward Kelley in the 16th century. While it draws conceptually from Hermeticism, Kabbalah, and Renaissance angelology, it diverges significantly with its unique language and complex cosmology. It is not strictly Gnostic, Theosophical, or solely ceremonial in the vein of earlier grimoires, but rather presents a specific angelic system intended for spiritual exploration and invocation, making it a self-contained yet influential tradition.
Symbolism
Key symbols include the Enochian alphabet, a unique set of 21 letters claimed to be dictated by angels, each with phonetic and symbolic significance. The '48 Enochian Keys' or 'Calls' are paramount, acting as invocations to specific spiritual regions. Another crucial motif is the 'Tablet of Union,' a large diagram representing the structure of the spiritual universe and the interaction of elemental forces, central to ritualistic practice and cosmic mapping.
Modern Relevance
Contemporary occultists and practitioners of ceremonial magic continue to engage with Enochian magic. Thinkers and groups influenced by the Golden Dawn tradition, such as the Stella Matutina and various independent occult orders, utilize DeSalvo's work as a reference. Modern practitioners exploring comparative occultism or seeking structured angelic communication often turn to the system, finding its linguistic and cosmological framework distinct from other magical traditions.
👥 Who Should Read This Book
• Students of Western Esotericism with an interest in the historical development of magical systems, particularly those fascinated by the work of John Dee and Edward Kelley. • Practitioners of ceremonial magic seeking to understand or engage with a unique angelic system, looking for a structured approach to the Enochian language and invocations. • Scholars of occult history and comparative religion interested in the transmission and evolution of magical traditions from the Renaissance to the modern era.
📜 Historical Context
The genesis of Enochian magic lies in the late 16th century, specifically the period from 1581 onwards, when John Dee, a prominent Elizabethan mathematician and occultist, engaged in what he believed were authentic angelic communications. His associate, Edward Kelley, acted as the scryer, transcribing an elaborate language and a complex system of spiritual geography from angelic entities. This system, detailed in Dee's diaries and later compiled, was largely esoteric and known only to a select few until its revival in the 19th century. The Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, founded in 1888, was instrumental in adapting and popularizing Enochian magic within modern occultism, alongside figures like Aleister Crowley. While Dee's work was rooted in Renaissance Neoplatonism and Hermeticism, the Golden Dawn's interpretation incorporated Kabbalistic and Rosicrucian elements. The reception of Dee's original material was initially limited, but its later adoption by influential magical orders ensured its persistence, though debates about its origins—whether genuinely angelic, psychological phenomena, or elaborate hoaxes—continue among scholars and practitioners.
📔 Journal Prompts
The Enochian alphabet's unique structure and its role in angelic communication.
Comparing the 49 Angelic Calls to contemporary invocatory practices.
Reflecting on John Dee's motivations for meticulously documenting his visionary experiences.
The potential psychological effects of engaging with an invented or divinely inspired language.
Mapping the spiritual geography described by the Enochian system onto personal meditative states.
🗂️ Glossary
Enochian Language
A complex, allegedly angelic language transcribed by Edward Kelley under the direction of John Dee. It features a unique alphabet and grammar, forming the basis of Enochian magic's invocations.
Angelic Calls (Enochian Keys)
A set of 49 invocations written in the Enochian language. They are considered the primary means of contacting angelic beings and accessing different spiritual realms or 'Aethyrs'.
Tablet of Union
A significant diagram in Enochian magic, representing the spiritual cosmos and the interplay of elemental forces. It is often used as a focal point in rituals.
Aethyrs
In the Enochian system, these are distinct spiritual planes or areas of existence, often arranged hierarchically, which practitioners aim to traverse or influence using the Angelic Calls.
Scrying
A divinatory practice involving gazing into a reflective surface (like a crystal ball or dark mirror) to receive visions or information. Edward Kelley famously used scrying for Enochian communications.
John Dee
A prominent Elizabethan mathematician, geographer, astrologer, and occult philosopher who, with Edward Kelley, claimed to have received the Enochian system from angels in the late 16th century.
Edward Kelley
A figure associated with John Dee, known as the scryer who transcribed the Enochian language and received the angelic communications during their joint operations in the 1580s.
🔮 Readers Also Liked
Browse all →
More by John A. DeSalvo
All books →
More Free Magic & Ritual Books
View all →
