the hieroglyphic monad - the classical astrologer...the hieroglyphic monad by john dee originally...

T h eH i e r o g l y p h i c

M o n a d

John Dee, London,

to

MAXIMILIAN,by God’s GraceMost Wise Emperor

ofRome, Bohemia, and Hungary

The Hieroglyphic MonadBy John DeeOriginally published in London, England, 1564

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The Hieroglyphic Monad

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THEOREM IIt is by the straight line and the circle that the first

and most simple example and representation of allthings may be demonstrated, whether such things beeither non-existent or merely hidden under Nature'sveils.

THEOREM IINeither 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 thatall things commence to emerge in principle. Thatwhich is affected at the periphery, however large itmay be, cannot in any way lack the support of the cen-tral point.

THEOREM IIITherefore, 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 thesupreme dignity, and we represent him by a circle hav-ing a visible centre.

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THEOREM IVAlthough the semicircle of the Moon is placed

above the circle of the Sun and would appear to besuperior, nevertheless we know that the Sun is rulerand King. We see that the Moon in her shape and herproximity rivals the Sun with her grandeur, which isapparent to ordinary men, yet the face, or asemi-sphere of the Moon, always reflects the light ofthe Sun. It desires so much to be impregnated withsolar rays and to be transformed into Sun that at timesit disappears completely from the skies and some daysafter reappears, and we have represented her by thefigure of the Horns (Cornucopia).

THEOREM VAnd truly I give the completion of the idea of the

solar circle by adding a semicircle for the Moon, forthe morning and the evening were the first day, and it

The HieroglyphicMonad


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was therefore in the first (day) that the Light of thePhilosophers was made (or produced).

THEOREM VIWe see here that the Sun and the Moon are sup-

ported upon the right-angled Cross. This Cross maysignify very profoundly, and for sufficient reasons inour hieroglyph, either the Ternary or the Quaternary.The Ternary is made by the two straight lines having acopulative centre.

The Quaternary is produced by the four straightlines enclosing four right angles. Either of these ele-ments, the lines or the right angles, repeated twice,therefore, afford us in the most secret manner theOctad, which I do not believe was known to our pre-decessors, the Magi, and which you should study withgreat attention. The threefold magic of the firstFathers and the wise men consisted in Body, Soul andSpirit. Therefore, we have here the first manifestedSeptenary, that is to say, two straight lines with a com-mon point which make three, and the four lines whichconverge to form the central point in separating thefirst two.

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THEOREM VIIThe Elements being far from their accustomed

places, the homogeneous parts are dislocated, and thisa man learns by experiment, for it is along the straightlines that they return naturally and effectively to thesesame places. Therefore, it will not be absurd to repre-sent the mystery of the four Elements, in which it ispossible to resolve each one into elementary form, byfour straight lines running in four contrary directionsfrom one common and indivisible point. Here you willnotice particularly that the geometricians teach that aline is produced by the displacement of a point: wegive notice that it must be the same here, and for asimilar reason, because our elementary lines are pro-duced by a continual cascade of droplets as a flux inthe mechanism of our magic.

THEOREM VIIIBesides, the kabbalistic extension of the Quater-

nary according to the common formula of notation(because we say one, two, three, and four) is anabridged or reduced form of the Decad. This isbecause Pythagoras was in the habit of saying:1+2+3+4 make 10. It is not by chance that theright-angled Cross-that is to say, the twenty-first let-ter of the Roman alphabet, which was considered asbeing formed by four straight lines, was taken by themost ancient of the Roman Philosophers to representthe Decad.

Further, they have defined the place where the Ter-nary conducts its force into the Septenary.


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THEOREM IXWe see that all this accords perfectly with the Sun

and Moon of our Monad, because, by the magic of thefour Elements, an exact separation upon their originallines must be made; following which the circulatoryconjunction within the solar complement through theperipheries of these same lines is performed, becausehowever long a given line may be, it is possible todescribe 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 ourMonad, in conjunction with the decadal proportion ofthe Cross.

THEOREM XThe following figure of the zodiacal sign Aries, in

use amongst the astronomers, is the same for all theworld (a sort of erection both cutting and pointed),and it is understood that it indicates the origin of thefiery triplicity in that part of the sky. Therefore, wehave added the astronomical sign Aries to signify thatin the practice of this Monad the use of fire isrequired.

We finish the brief hieroglyphic consideration ofour Monad, which we would sum up in one onlyhieroglyphic context:

The Sun and the Moon of this Monad desire thatthe Elements in which the tenth proportion will

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flower, shall be separated, and this is done by theapplication of Fire.

THEOREM XIThe mystical sign of the Ram, composed of two

semicircles connected by one common point, is veryjustly attributed to the place of the equinoctial nycthe-meron, because the period of twenty-four hoursdivided by means of the equinox denotes most secretproportions.

This I have said in respect of the Earth.

THEOREM XIIThe very ancient wise men and Magi have trans-

mitted to us five hieroglyphical signs of the planets, allof which are composed out of the signs used for theMoon 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 examinethese figures:

Each one of these signs will not be difficult toexplain according to the hieroglyphical manner in

Moon

Sun

Elements

Fire


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view of our fundamental principles, already posited.To begin with, we will speak in paraphrases of thosewhich 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 roundour 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 byyet a third journey, was representedvery obscurely again by this figurewhich it was their custom to callMercury. You see how this is Lunar.That it must be conducted througha fourth revolution will not be con-trary to our most secret design,

Saturn

Jupiter

Mercury

Mars

Venus

Mercury

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whatever certain sages may say. In this manner thepure magical spirit, by its spiritual virtue, will performthe work of the albification at the place of the Moon;to us alone and as it were in the middle of a naturalday he will speak hieroglyphically without words,introducing and imprinting these four geogonic fig-ures in the pure Earth very simply prepared by us:

this last figure being in the middle of all the others.

THEOREM XIIINow regard the mystical character of Mars! Is it

not formed from the hieroglyphs of the Sun andAries, the magistery 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 Elementsaccording to the best exponents? Therefore, the plan-ets look towards the solar periphery and the work ofrevivification.

In the progression we will noticethis other Mercury will appear who istruly the twin brother of the first: forby the complete Lunar and Solarmagic of the Elements, the Hiero-glyph of this Messenger speaks to usvery distinctly, and we should exam-ine it carefully and listen to what itsays. And (by the Will of God) it is


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the Mercury of the Philosophers, the greatly cele-brated microcosm and ADAM. Therefore, some ofthe 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 unlesswe add to this coraline crystal work a certain SOULseparated from the body by the pyrognomic art. It isvery difficult to accomplish this and very perilousbecause of the fire and the sulphur which the breathcontains within it. But certainly this Soul can performmarvellous things. For example, join it by indissolubleties to the disc of the Moon (or at least of Mercury) byLucifer and Fire. In the third place, it is necessary thatwe should show (in order to demonstrate our Septe-nary number) that it is the Sun of Philosophers itself.You will observe the exactitude as well as the claritywith which this anatomy of our Hieroglyphic Monadcorresponds to what is signified in the arcana of thesetwo theorems.

THEOREM XIVIt is therefore clearly confirmed that the whole

magistery depends upon the Sun and the Moon.Thrice Greatest Hermes has repeatedly told us this inaffirming that the Sun is its father and the Moon is itsmother: and we know truly that the red earth (terralemnia) is nourished by the rays of the Moon and theSun which exercise a singular influence upon it.

THEOREM XVWe suggest, therefore, that Philosophers should

consider the action of the Sun and the Moon upon theEarth. They will notice that when the light of the Sun

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enters Aries, then the Moon, when she enters the nextsign, that is to say Taurus, receives a new dignity inthe light and is exalted in that sign in respect of hernatural virtues. The Ancients explained this proximityof the luminaries – the most remarkable of all – by acertain mystic sign under the name of the Bull. It isvery certain that it is this exaltation of the Moon towhich in their treatises the astronomers from the mostancient times bear witness. This mystery can beunderstood only by those who have become the Abso-lute Pontiffs of the Mysteries. For the same reasonthey have said that Taurus is the house of Venus – thatis to say, of conjugal love, chaste and prolific, for

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The Principles of the InferiorAstronomy, shown in theAnatomy of our Monad.


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nature rejoices in nature, as the great Ostanes con-cealed in his most secret mysteries. These exaltationsare acquired by the Sun, because he himself, after hav-ing undergone many eclipses of his light, received theforce of Mars, and is said to be exalted in this samehouse of Mars which is our Ram (Aries).

This most secret mystery is clearly and perfectlyshown in our Monad by the hieroglyphic figure ofTaurus, which is here represented, and by that ofMars, which we have indicated in Theorem XII andTheorem XIII by the Sun joined to a straight linetowards the sign of Aries.

In this theory another kabbalistic analysis of ourMonad offers itself, because the true and ingeniusexplanation is this: the exaltations of the Moon and ofthe Sun are made by means of the science of the Ele-ments.

Note. – There are two things which should be par-ticularly observed: first, that the hieroglyphic figure ofTaurus is the same as the diphthong of the Greeks,which was always used in terminating the singular

Taurus

Aries

Lunaexalted

Solexalted

Elements

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gender; secondly, that by a simple transposition ofplace we show the letter alpha twice, by a circle and ahalf-circle, being simply tangents which touch oneanother as shown.

THEOREM XVIWe must now, in view of our subject, philosophise

for a short time upon the Cross. Our Cross may beformed of two straight lines (as we have said) whichare equal one to the other – that is to say, we cannotseparate the lines except we do it by parting them sothat we get equal lengths. But in the mystic distribu-tion of the components of our Cross, we wish to useparts which are both equal and unequal. These partsshow that a virtue is hidden under the power of thedivision of the Equilateral Cross into two parts,because they are of equal grandeur. In general, theCross must be composed of equal right angles, sincethe nature of justice demands the perfect equality ofthe lines used in the decussation. In accordance withthis justice, we propose to examine with care thatwhich follows concerning the Equilateral Cross(which is the twenty-first letter of the Latin alphabet).

If, through the common point where the oppositeangles meet in our Rectilineal, Rectangular, and Equi-lateral Cross, we imagine a straight line dividing itinto two parts, then on either side of the line thus tra-versed we find the parts are perfectly equal and similar.


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And these parts are similar in shape to that letter ofthe Romans which is regarded as the fifth of the vow-els, and which was frequently used by the most ancientLatin 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 thehypothetical division of the Cross, we must concludeit to be reasonable that each part represents the qui-nary, although one is upright and the other reversed inimitation of the multiplication of the square rootwhich comes in here in a marvellous way as the circu-lar number, that is to say, the quinary, from which wefind the number twenty-five is produced (because thisletter is the twentieth of the alphabet and the fifth ofthe vowels).

We will now consider another aspect of this sameEquilateral Cross – that which follows is based uponthe position shown in our Monadic Cross. Let us sup-pose a similar division of the Cross into two parts bemade as in the drawing. Now we see the germinatingshape of another letter of the Latin alphabet – the one

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upright, the other reversed and opposite. This letter isused (after the ancient custom of the Latins) to repre-sent the number fifty. From this, it seems to me, weestablish our Decad of the Cross, for this is placed atthe summit of all the mysteries, and it follows that thisCross is the hieroglyphic sign of perfection. There-fore, enclosed within the quinary force is the power ofthe Decad, out of which comes the number fifty as itsown product.

Oh, my God, how profound are these mysteries!and the name EL is given to this letter! And for thisvery reason, we see that it responds to the decadal vir-tue of the Cross, because, starting from the first letterof the alphabet, L is the tenth letter, and countingbackwards from the letter X, we find that it falls intothe tenth place, and since we show that there are twoparts 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


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two parts be multiplied together, they give a productof 2500. This square compared with the square of thefirst circular number, and applied to it, gives a differ-ence of one hundred, which is the Cross itselfexplained by the square of its Decad, and is recognisedas one hundred. Therefore, as this is contained withinthe figure of the Cross, it also represents unity. By thestudy of these theories of the Cross, the most dignifiedof all, we are thereby induced to utilise this progres-sion, viz. one–ten–one hundred, and this is the dec-adal proportion of the Cross as it appears to us.

THEOREM XVIIAfter a due study of the sixth theorem it is logical

to proceed to a consideration of the four right anglesin our Cross, to each one of which, as we have shownin the preceding theorem, we attribute the significanceof the quinary according to the first position in whichthey are placed, and in transposing them to a newposition, the same theorem shows that they becomehieroglyphic signs of the number fifty. It is quite evi-dent that the Cross is vulgarly used to indicate thenumber ten, and further, it is the twenty-first letter,following the order of the Latin alphabet, and it is forthis reason that the sages amongst the Mecubales des-ignated the number twenty-one by this same letter. Infact, we can give a very simple consideration to thissign to find out what other qualitative and quantitativevirtues it possesses. From all these facts we see that wemay safely conclude, by the best kabbalistic computa-tion, that our Cross, by a marvellous metamorphosis,may signify for the Initiates two hundred andfifty-two. Thus: four times five, four times fifty, ten,

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twenty-one and one, which added together make twohundred and fifty-two. We can extract this number bytwo other methods as we have already shown: we rec-ommend to the Kabbalists who have not yet madeexperiments to produce it, not only to study it in itsconciseness, but also to form a judgment worthy ofphilosophers in regard to the various permutations andingenious productions which arise from the magisteryof this number. And I will not hide from you a furthermemorable mystagogy: consider that our Cross, con-taining so many ideas, conceals two further letters ifwe examine carefully their numerical virtues after acertain manner, so that, by a parallel method followingtheir verbal force with this same Cross, we recognisewith supreme admiration that it is from here thatLIGHT is derived (LUX), the final word of the mag-istery, by the union and conjunction of the Ternarywithin the unity of the Word.

THEOREM XVIIIFrom our Theorems XII and XIII it may be

inferred that celestial astronomy is the source andguide of the inferior astronomy. Before we raise oureyes to heaven, kabbalistically illuminated by the con-templation of these mysteries, we should perceive veryexactly the construction of our Monad as it is shownto us not only in the LIGHT but also in life andnature, for it discloses explicitly, by its inner move-ment, the most secret mysteries of this physical analy-sis. We have contemplated the heavenly and divinefunctions of this celestial Messenger, and we nowapply this co-ordination to the figure of the egg. It iswell known that all astrologers teach that the form of


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the orbit traversed by a planet is circular, and becausethe wise should understand by a hint, it is thus that weinterpret it in the hieroglyph, shown, which conformsin every detail with all that has gone before. Here youwill note that the miserable alchemists must learn torecognise their numerous errors and to understandwhat is the water of the white of egg, what is the oil ofthe yoke of egg, and what we mean by calcinedegg-shells. These inexpert impostors must learn intheir despair to understand what are meant by theseand many other similar expressions. Here we haveshown almost all the proportions which correspond toNature herself. This is the same Eagle's Egg whichthe scarab formerly broke because of the injury whichthe cruelty and violence of this bird caused to timidand primitive man, for this bird pursued some of themwho were running to the cavern where the scarabdwelt, to implore his aid. The scarab wondered inwhat manner he alone could revenge such insolence,


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and, being of an ardent character, prepared to accom-plish his purpose by constancy and determination, forhe was short of neither power nor intelligence. Thescarab pursued the eagle resolutely and made use ofthis very subtle trick: he let fall his ordure in thebosom of Jupiter where the egg was deposited, withthe result that the God in getting rid of it threw theegg to the ground, where it was broken. The scarab bythis method would have completely exterminated thewhole family of eagles from the Earth had not Jupiter,in order to avoid such a calamity, resolved that, duringthat part of the year when the eagles watch over theireggs, no scarab should come flying near them. There-

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fore, I counsel those who are ill-treated by the crueltyof this bird, that they learn the very useful art fromthese solar insects (Heliocantharis) who live concealedand hidden for very long periods of time. By theseindications and signs, for which they should be verythankful, they themselves will be able to take ven-geance on their enemy. And I affirm (O King!) that itis not Aesop but Oedipus who prompts me, for hepresented these things to worthy souls, and venturedfor the first time to speak of these supreme mysteriesof Nature. I know perfectly well that there have beencertain men who, by the art of the scarab, have dis-solved the eagle’s egg and its shell with pure albumenand have formed thereby a mixture of all; afterwardsthey have reduced this mixture to a yellow liquid, by anotable process, viz. by a ceaseless circulation just asthe scarabs roll their balls of earth. By this means thegreat metamorphosis of the egg was accomplished; thealbumen was absorbed during a great many revolu-tions round the heliocentric orbits, and was envelopedin this same yellow liquid. The hieroglyphic figureshown here, of this art, will not displease those whoare familiar with Nature.

We read that during the early centuries, this art wasmuch celebrated amongst the most serious and ancientPhilosophers, as being certain and useful. Anaxagorasperformed the magistery and extracted therefrom anexcellent 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 withoutthe virtue of our hieroglyphic Monad.

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THEOREM XIXThe Sun and the Moon shed their corporeal forces

upon the bodies of the inferior Elements, much moreso than all the other planets. It is this fact whichshows, in effect, that in the pyrognomic analysis allmetals lose the aqueous humour of the Moon as wellas the igneous liquor of the Sun, by which all corpo-real, terrestrial, and mortal things are sustained.

THEOREM XXWe have shown sufficiently that for very good rea-

sons the Elements are represented in our Hieroglyphby the straight lines, therefore we give a very exactspeculation concerning the point which we place inthe centre of our Cross. This point cannot by anymeans be abstracted from our Ternary. Should anyonewho is ignorant of this divine learning, say that in thisposition of our Binary the point can be absent, wereply, he may suppose it to be absent, but that whichremains without it will certainly not be our Binary; forthe Quaternary is immediately manifested, because byremoving the point we discontinue the unity of thelines. Now, our adversary may suppose that by thisargument we have reconstructed our Binary; that infact our Binary and our Quaternary are one and thesame thing, according to this consideration, which ismanifestly impossible. The point must of necessity bepresent, because with the Binary it constitutes ourTernary, and there is nothing that can be substitutedin its place. Meanwhile he cannot divide the hypo-static property of our Binary without nullifying anintegral part of it. Thus it is demonstrated that it must


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not be divided. All the parts of a line are lines. This isa point, and this confirms our hypothesis. Therefore,the point does not form part of our Binary and yet itforms part of the integral form of the Binary. It fol-lows that we must take notice of all that is hiddenwithin this hypostatic form and understand that thereis nothing superfluous in the linear dimension of ourBinary. But because we see that these dimensions arecommon to both lines, they are considered to receive acertain secret image from this Binary. By this we dem-onstrate here that the Quaternary is concealed withinthe Ternary. O God, pardon me if I have sinnedagainst Thy Majesty in revealing such a great mysteryin my writings which all may read, but I believe thatonly those who are truly worthy will understand.

We therefore continue to expound the Quaternaryof our Cross as we have indicated. Seek diligently todiscover whether the point may be removed from theposition in which we first find it. The mathematiciansteach that it may be displaced quite simply. At themoment when it is separated the Quaternary remains,and it becomes much more clear and distinct to theeyes of all.

This is not a part of its substantial proportions, butonly the confused and superfluous point which isrejected and removed.

O Omnipotent Divine Majesty, how we Mortalsare constrained to confess what great Wisdom andwhat ineffable mysteries reside in the Law whichThou hast made! Through all these points and theseletters the most sublime secrets, and terrestrial arcanemysteries, as well as the multiple revelations of thisunique point, now placed in the Light and examined

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by me, can be faithfully demonstrated and explained.This point is not superfluous within the Divine Trin-ity, yet when considered, on the other hand, withinthe Kingdom of the four Elements it is black, there-fore corruptible and watery. O thrice and four timeshappy, the man who attains this (almost copulative)point in the Ternary, and rejects and removes thatsombre and superfluous part of the Quaternary, thesource of vague shadows. Thus after some effort weobtain the white vestments brilliant as the snow.

Oh, Maximilian, May God, through this mysta-gogy, make you or some other scion of the House ofAustria the most powerful of all when the time comesfor me to remain tranquil in Christ, in order that thehonour of His redoubtable name may be restoredwithin the abominable and intolerable shadows hover-ing above the Earth. And now for fear that I myselfshould say too much I shall immediately return to theburden of my task, and because I have already termi-nated my discourse for those whose gaze is centredwithin the heart, it is now necessary to translate mywords for those whose heart is centred within theireyes. Here, therefore, we can represent in some mea-sure in the figure of the Cross that which we havealready said. Two equal lines are equally and inequallycrossed through the point of necessity which you seein A. The four straight lines, as in B, produce a sort ofvacuum where they are withdrawn from the centralpoint, which was their common condition, in whichstate they were not prejudical, the one to the other.This is the path by which our Monad, progressingthrough the Binary and the Ternary into the purifiedQuaternary, is reconstituted within itself, united in


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equal proportions, and which now shows that thewhole is equal to its combined parts, for during thetime that this takes place our Monad will not admit ofother units or numbers, because it is self-sufficient,and exactly so, within itself; absolute in all numbers inthe amplitude of which it is diffused, not only magi-cally but also by a somewhat vulgar process employedby the artist, which produces great results in dignityand power within this selfsame Monad, which isresolved into its own first matter; whilst that which isforeign to its nature and to its natural hereditary pro-portions is segregated with the greatest care and dili-gence and rejected for ever amongst the impurities.

A B

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THEOREM XXIIf that which is hidden within theprofundities of our Monad bebrought to light, or, on the contrary,if those primary parts which areexterior in our Monad are enclosedin the centre, you will see the extentto which the philosophical transfor-mation can be produced. We willnow expound to you another localcommutation of our mysticalMonad, using those parts from thehieroglyphic characters of the supe-rior planets which are immediately

offered to us. Each one of the other planets for thispurpose is in turn elevated to a position which was fre-quently assigned to them by Plato, therefore, if theyare conveniently taken in this position and at thispoint in Aries, Saturn and Jupiter are in conjunction.By descending, the Cross represents Venus and Mer-cury, followed by the Sun himself with the Moon atthe 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 resolutionto give a reason by which the position of the Monad isby this manner displaced. Yet see! listen to these othergreat secrets which I know and will disclose to assistyou as touching this position, which I can explain infew words. We distribute our Monad, now looked atfrom a different aspect, and analysed in a differentmanner, as is seen at B, D, C. In this new Ternary the


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figures C and D are known to all men, but the figuredesignated B is not easy of comprehension.

It is necessary to give careful consideration to theknown forms D and C, which show that the essencesare separated and distinct from the figure B: also wesee 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, that is to say,downwards, in the centre of which the solitary visiblepoint alone is truly the Earth: finally these two figuresD and C turned towards the lower end give a hiero-glyphic indication of the Earth. Therefore, the Earthis made to represent, hieroglyphically, stability and fix-ation. I leave you to judge from this what is meant byC and D: from which you may take notice of a greatsecret. All the qualities which we have in the firstplace ascribed to the Sun and the Moon can here begiven a perfect and very necessary interpretation, thesetwo stars up to now having been placed in the superior

B

D

C

E

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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 thirdfigure B. First, we carry to the Crown the double cres-cent of the Moon which is our Aries, turned round ina mystical manner. Then follows the hieroglyphic signof the Elements, which is attached to it. As to why weuse the double Moon, it may be explained that it isaccording to the matter, which requires a doublequantity of the Moon. We speak of those grades ofwhich in their experiments the Philosophers couldfind 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 entelligere). In sayingthat the first two of these Elements are found here, wesay that they are called argent vive (luna existens, viva),all life being subject to movement, there being sixprinciples of movement. The Cross which is attachedimplies that in this artifice the Elemedts are requisite.We have told you many times that in our theory thehieroglyph of the Moon is like a semicircle, and on thecontrary the complete circle signifies the Sun, whereashere we have two semicircles separated, but touchingat a common point; if these are combined, as they canbe by a certain art, the product can represent the circu-lar plenitude of the Sun. From all those things whichwe have considered, the result is that we can sum-marise, and in hieroglyphic form, offer the following:

Argent vive, which must be developed by the mag-istery of the Elements, possesses the power of the solarforce through the unification of its two semicirclescombined by a secret art.


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The circle, of which we have spoken and which wedesignate in the figure by the letter E, is thus accom-plished and formed. You will recollect, we have saidthat the solar degree is not delivered to us ready to ourhand by Nature, but that it is artificial and not pro-duced by Nature, it being available to us in its firstaspect in accordance with its proper nature (as in B) intwo parts separated and dissolved, and not solidlyunited in the solar body. In fact, the semi-diameter ofthese half-circles is not equal to the semi-diameter ofD and C, but much smaller. Everyone can see thisfrom the manner in which we have drawn them in thediagram, from which it is clear that this same B hasnot as great an amplitude as D and C. The propor-tions in the figure confirm this, being by this meanstransformed into a circle from B into E. Therefore,there appears before our eyes the sign of Venus alone.We have already demonstrated by these hieroglyphicalsyllogisms that from B we cannot obtain the true D,and that the true C is not and cannot be completelywithin the nature of B; therefore, this of itself is notable to become the true “Argent Vive.” You mayalready 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 tothe wise, all those things which are said about B, in asimilar manner will be at least analogical, and all thatwhich we have briefly taught concerning C and D canbe very well applied, by analogy, to this same Baccompanied by its Elements.

Indeed, that which we have attached to the natureof Aries, should exactly fit the case, because it carriesthis figure B, although reversed, at its summit, and

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that which is attached to the figure B, is the mysticalfigure 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 isformed.

This we cannot doubt, for the reason that themembers which composed it reassemble and formamongst themselves of their own free will a monadicunion and sympathy which is absolute. By this meanswe discover amongst these members a force which isboth magnetic and active.

Finally I think it well to note here, by way of recre-ation, that this same B shows very clearly the sameproportions in the malformed and rustic letter in thatit carries visible points towards the top and at the frontand that these letters are three in number, otherwisethey number six, summarising three times three: theyare crude and malformed, unstable and inconstant,made in such a manner as to appear formed of a seriesof half-circles. But the method of making these lettersmore stable and firm is in the hands of the literaryexperts. I have here placed before your eyes an infini-tude of mysteries: I introduce a game but to interrupta theory. Meanwhile I do not understand the efforts ofcertain people who rise up against me. Our Monadbeing reconstituted in its first mystical position andeach one of its parts being ordered by Art, I advise andexhort them to search with zeal for that fire of Aries inthe first triplicity, which is our equinoctial fire andwhich is the cause whereby our Sun may be elevatedabove his vulgar quality. Many other excellent thingsshould also be studied in happy and wise meditations.


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We now pass on to another subject; we wish topoint the way, not only in a friendly but also in a faith-ful manner, to those other secrets upon which we mustinsist, before we lapse into silence and which, as wehave said, comprise a most remarkable infinitude ofother mysteries.

THEOREM XXIIIt will be readily understood that the mysteries of

our Monad cannot be extracted unless one is drawntowards the pharmacy of this same Monad, and thatthese mysteries must not be revealed to any but theInitiates. I offer here for the contemplation of yourSerene Highness, the vessels of the Sacred Art whichare truly and completely kabbalistic. All those lineswhich unite the diverse parts of our Monad are mostwisely separated; we give to each one of them a specialletter, in order to distinguish them one from anotheras you will see in the diagram.

We inform you that in � is found a certain artificialvessel, formed of A and B with the line M. The exte-rior diameter is common to both A and B, and this isnot different, as we see, from this the first letter of the

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Greek alphabet, except by a single transposition of theparts.

We teach the true mystical sympathy first by theline, the circle, and the semicircle, and, as we have for-merly said, this symmetry can only be formed of thecircle and the semicircle, which are always joined forthe same mystical purpose.

It follows that � and � are in themselves the shapesof 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, whichmust be made of suitable substance, in which artificialunperforated pearls, lamels of crystal and beryl,


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chrysolite, precious rubies, carbuncles and other rareartificial stones may be ground to powder.

Lastly, that which is indicated by the letter � is asmall vessel containing the mysteries, which is neverfar from this last letter of the Greek alphabet nowrestored to its primitive mystagogy, and which is madeby a single transposition of its component parts, con-sisting of two half-circles of equal size. Concerningthe vulgar objects and necessities which are required inaddition to the vessels, and the materials out of whichthey should be fashioned, it would be useless that weshould treat of it here. Meanwhile a must be consid-ered as if searching for the occasion to perform itsfunction by a very secret and rapid spiral circulationand an incorruptible salt by which the first principle ofall things is preserved, or better, that the substancewhich floats within the vitriol after its dissolution,shows the apprentice a primordial but very transitoryspecimen of our work, and if he is attentive, a verysubtle and most effective way to prepare the work willbe revealed to him.

Within �, the glass vessel, during the exercise of itsparticular function, all air must be excluded or it willbe extremely prejudicial. The corollary of � is theagreeable man, ready, active, and well disposed at alltimes. Who, then, is not now able to procure the sweetand salutary fruits of this Science, which, I say, springfrom the mystery of these two letters?

Some of those who would draw us away from ourGarden of the Hesperides, and would make us viewthis a little closer as in a mirror, say that it is estab-lished that it is not formed from anything but ourMonad.

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But the straight line which appears in Alpha ishomologous with that which, in the separation of thefinal analysis of our Cross, is already designated by theletter M. One may discover by these means fromwhere 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 theprinciples but the demonstration to those who can seein them how to fortify the igneous vigour and thecelestial origin, so that they may lend a willing ear tothe great Democritus, certain that it is not mythicaldogma but mystic and secret, according to which it isthe medicine of the soul, the liberator from all suffer-ing, and is prepared for those who wish for it and as hehas taught; it is to be sought for in the Voice of theCreator of the Universe, so that men, inspired by God,and engendered anew, learn through the perfect dis-quisition of the mystical languages.


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Existing before the Elements

The Elements (Chaos)

After the Forma-tion of the Ele-ments

Mortal Adam, male & female

Consummation of the Genealogy of Elements

Immortal Adam

The Mortifying Self

CROSS The Vivifying Self

Wrapped in Shad-ows

CROSS Manifestation

Born in a stable Sacrificed on the Cross

King of All ubiq-uitous

Self-conceived by own influence

Death and Burial Reborn from its own Virtue

Power in the Seed IHVH Decadal Virtue

Triumph in Glory

Creation of HYLE

Purification of the Elements

Transformation

Earthly Marriage Martyrdom on the CROSS

Divine Marriage

Beginning Middle End

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THEOREM XXIIIWe now present in diagrammatic form the pro-

portions already observed by us in the hieroglyphicconstruction of our Monad, which must be observedby those who wish to engrave them upon their seals ortheir rings, or to utilise them in some other manner. Inthe name of Jesus Christ crucified upon the Cross, Isay the Spirit writes these things rapidly through me; Ihope, and I believe, I am merely the quill which tracesthese characters. The Spirit draws us now towards ourCross of the Elements, with all the following measureswhich are also to be obtained by a reasoning processaccording to the subject-matter which it is proposedto discuss. Everything which exists under the heavenof the Moon contains the principle of its own genera-tion within itself and is formed from the coagulationof the four Elements, unless it be the primary sub-stance itself, and this in several ways not known to thevulgar, there being nothing in the created world inwhich the Elements are in equal proportion or inequal force. But by means of our Art, they can berestored to equality in certain respects, as the wise wellknow; therefore, in our Cross, we make the parts equaland unequal.

Another reason is that we can proclaim eithersimilitude, or diversity, or unity, or plurality in affirm-ing the secret properties of the equilateral Cross, as wehave said before.

If we were to expound all the reasons which weknow, for the proportions established in this way, or ifwe were to demonstrate the causes by another methodwhich we have not done, although we have done so


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sufficiently for the Sages, we should transcend thelimits of obscurity which we have prescribed, notwithout reason, for our discourse.

Take any point, as A for example, draw a straightline through it in both directions, as CAK. Divide theline CK at A by a line at right angles, which we willcall DAE. Now select a point anywhere on the line

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AK, let it be B, and one obtains the primary measure-ment of AB, which will be the common measure ofour work. Take three times the length of AB and markoff the central line from A to C, which will be AC.Now take twice the distance between AB and mark itoff on the line DAE at E and again at D, in such a waythat the distance between D and E is four times thedistance between A and B. Thus is formed our Crossof four Elements, that is to say, the Quaternaryformed by the lines AB, AC, AD, AE. Now on theline BK take a distance equal to AD up the central lineto I. With this point I as a centre, and IB as the radius,describe a circle which cuts the line AK at R: from thepoint R towards K mark a distance equal to AB, let itbe RK. From the point K draw a line at right angles tothe central line on both sides, forming an angle oneither side of AK, which will be PFK. From the pointK measure in the direction of F a distance equal toAD, which will be KF: now with K as centre and KFas radius describe a half-circle FLP, so that FKP is thediameter. Finally, at point C draw a line at right anglesto AC sufficiently long in both directions to formOCQ. 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 describe a semicircle CHO.And in the same manner on CQ, from the point C wemeasure a distance equal to AB which is CN, andfrom the centre N, with CN as radius, we trace asemicircle CGQ, of which CNQ is the diameter. Wenow affirm, from this, that all the requisite measure-ments are found explained and described in ourMonad.


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It would be well to notice, you who know the dis-tances of our mechanism, that the whole of the lineCK is composed of nine parts, of which one is ourfundamental, and which in another fashion is able tocontribute towards the perfection of our work: then,again, all the diameters and semi-diameters must bedesignated here by suppositional lines hidden orobscured, as the geometricians say. It is not necessaryto leave any centre visible, the exception being thesolar centre, which is here marked by the letter I, towhich it is unnecessary to add any letter. Meanwhilethose who are adept at our mechanism can add some-thing to the solar periphery, by way of ornament andnot by virtue of any mystical necessity: for this reasonit has not been formerly considered by us. This some-thing is a boundary ring, necessarily a line parallel tothe original periphery. The distance between theseparallels may be fixed at a quarter or a fifth part of thedistance AB. One may also give to the crescent of theMoon a form which this planet frequently assumes inthe sky, after her conjunction with the Sun-that is tosay, in the form of the Horns, which you will obtain iffrom the point K in the direction of R you measure thedistance just mentioned, i.e. the fourth or fifth part ofthe line AB, and if from the point thereby obtained, asa centre, you trace with the original lunar radius thesecond part of the lunar crescent, which joins theextremities at both ends of the first semicircle. Youmay perform a similar operation in respect of the posi-tions M and N when erecting the perpendicular ateach one of these centre points; we can use the sixthpart of AB or a little less, from which point, as the

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centre, we describe two other semicircles, using theradius of the two first, MC and NC.

Lastly, the parallels may be traced at each side ofthe two lines of our Cross, each side at a distance fromthe centre line of one-eighth to one-tenth part of thedistance AB, in such a way that our Cross be in thismanner formed into four superficial lines where thewidth is the fourth or the fifth part of this same lineAB.


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I have wished in some way to sketch these orna-ments in the figure which each one may reproduceaccording to his own fancy. It is a condition, however,that you do not commit any fault, however small,against the mystical symmetry for fear of introducingby your negligence a new discipline into these hiero-glyphic measurements; for it is very necessary thatduring the succeeding progression in time they mustbe neither disturbed nor destroyed. This is much moreprofound than we are able to indicate, even if wewished to do so, in this small book, for we teachTruth, the daughter of Time, God willing.

We will now expound methodically certain thingswhich you may find on your way by practising the pro-portions of our Monad. Then we will show by manyexamples the existence of four lines corresponding tothe four lines of our Cross, and which in this con-sideration we are not able simply to announce, becauseof the proportions and the particular and mysticalresults which are produced in another fashion, fromthe Quaternary of these same lines. And thirdly, wewill show that there exist within Nature certain usefulfunctions determined by God by means of numbers,which we have happily obtained and which areexplained either in this theorem, or in others, con-tained in this little book.

Finally, we will insert other things in an opportuneplace which, if they are conveniently understood, willproduce fruits most abundantly.

We now abruptly conclude.

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Our Canon of Transposition(Metathesis)

Take the same proportion which is shown in num-bers when written in the natural order, after the firstMonad, 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 thisproduct by the fourth, and so on until the last; thefinal product determines all the Metatheses possible,in respect of the proportion in space, and for the samereason in proportion to diverse objects as you wish.

I tell thee, O King, this operation will be usefulunto thee in many circumstances, whether in the studyof Nature or in the affairs of the government of men;for it is that which I am accustomed to use with thegreatest of pleasure in the Tziruph or Themura of theHebrews.

I know that many other powerful numbers may beproduced out of our Quaternary, by virtue of arith-metic and the power of numbers. Yet he who does notunderstand that a very great obscurity has by thismethod been illuminated by those numbers which Ihave drawn out which have nature and distinction


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amongst such a multitude, will not be able to estimatetheir meaning, which is obscure and not to the point.How many will find in our numbers the authoritywhich we have promised for the weight of the Ele-ments; for the statements regarding measurements oftime; and for the certainty of proportions which may


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be assigned to the powers and forces of things ? Allthis you should study in the two preceding diagrams.

Many things may be deduced from the diagramswhich, it is preferable, should be studied silently ratherthan divulged openly in words. Meantime, let usinform you of one thing, amongst many others, dis-closed now for the first time by us, in respect of thisnew Art; to wit, we have here established a rationalcause by virtue of which the Quaternary with theDecad, in a certain manner, terminate the numericalseries. We affirm that this cause is not exactly thatwhich was described by the Masters who have pre-ceded us, but just as we have stated it here. ThisMonad has been integrally and physically restored toitself – that is to say, it is truly the Monad Unitissima,

the proved unity of the images; and it is not within thepower of Nature, neither can we by any art promote init any movement or any progression whatsoever, unlessit be by four super-celestial cycles or revolutions, andfrom this Monad is engendered that which we wish tonote as the manner and course of its eminence; and forthis reason, that there is not in the elemental world,

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nor in the celestial or super-celestial worlds, any cre-ated power or influence which cannot be absolutelyfavoured and enriched by it.

It was because of the true effect of this that fourillustrious men, friends of Philosophy, were upon anoccasion together in the great work. One day theywere astonished by a great miracle in this thing, andforthwith dedicated themselves from that day forwardto sing praises to God and to preach the thrice Mightybecause He had given them so much wisdom andpower and so great an Empire over all other creatures.

THEOREM XXIVJust 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 tothe extreme linear efflux of the Elements in a circle,almost analogous to the equinoctial which makes onerevolution in 24 hours, so now at last we consummateand terminate the metamorphosis and the metathesisof all possible contents of the Quaternary defined bythe number 24 by our present twenty-fourth theorem,to the honour and Glory of Him, as witnesseth John


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the Archpraesul of the Divine Mysteries, in the fourthand last part of the fourth chapter of the Apocalypse,who is seated on His Throne, around and in front ofwhich the four animals, each with six wings, chantnight and day without repose: “Holy, Holy, Holy isthe Lord God Omnipotent, who was, is and is tocome,” the same as the 24 ancient ones in the 24 seatsplaced 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 Glory,Honour, and Virtue, because Thou hast created allthings, and out of Thy Will they have been created.”

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 theeternal monuments of literature and to finish withgreat 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 PUNCTUMHere the vulgar eye will see nothing but Obscurity

and will despair considerably.

the hieroglyphic monad - the classical astrologer...the hieroglyphic monad by john dee originally...

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