In the diverse world of linguistics, few tales are as captivating and mysterious as the story of Enochian, reputedly the language of angels. Delving into its origins introduces us to the world of Renaissance magic, esotericism, and a pair of enigmatic figures from English history. Join us as we uncover the thrilling and intricate story of Enochian, navigating through its origins, usage, and impact on modern esoteric traditions.
The Men Behind the Mystery: John Dee and Edward Kelley
At the heart of our tale are two of the most fascinating figures of the Elizabethan era: Dr. John Dee and Edward Kelley. Dr. Dee, the chief philosopher of Queen Elizabeth I, was a mathematician, astronomer, astrologer, and a fervent believer in the esoteric and supernatural. His interests were broad and varied, ranging from hermetic philosophy to alchemy.
Accompanying him in many of his pursuits was Edward Kelley, a seer or scryer with a dubious past. Kelley’s background was littered with accusations of forgery and counterfeiting, but he claimed to possess the unique ability to communicate with angels through crystal balls.
Together, from 1581 to 1585, Dee and Kelley embarked on a series of spiritual séances and endeavors, attempting to communicate directly with angels and divine beings. It was during these sessions that the Enochian language, allegedly the tongue of angels and Adam before the Fall, was revealed to them.
The Birth of Enochian
According to Dee’s detailed diary records, Kelley would peer into a “shew-stone” (a crystal ball or obsidian mirror) and describe the visions he saw, while Dee would meticulously note down everything. The angels they communicated with introduced themselves with distinct names and, over time, shared various tablets filled with letters and words.
This new language was called “Enochian,” named after the biblical prophet Enoch, who was said to have walked with angels and been given the knowledge of the secrets of heaven and earth.
The alphabet consists of 21 unique letters. Enochian script is written from right to left and contains its syntax and grammar. The angels presented Dee and Kelley with texts in Enochian, and the duo believed they were given the tools for a magical system that could invoke the angels themselves.
Debates and Controversies
While Dee and Kelley fervently believed in the authenticity of Enochian as a celestial language, it wasn’t without its skeptics. Many contemporaries dismissed their work as either fraud or delusions. Linguists who have since studied the Enochian texts have debated its origins, with some pointing to potential influences from English and Latin, and others highlighting its unique structures that distinguish it from any known human language.
Some scholars argue that the intricacies and complexities within Enochian are too elaborate to have been simply fabricated, while others suspect Kelley, with his history of deception, might have constructed it as an elaborate hoax.
Enochian’s Legacy in Modern Esotericism
Despite its controversial origins, Enochian has left an indelible mark on Western esotericism. The magical system based on the Enochian language was developed further by later occultists, most notably by the famed occultist Aleister Crowley in the early 20th century.
The Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, a secret society formed in the late 19th century, also incorporated Enochian into their rituals. They believed that by using the language, they could achieve higher states of consciousness and communicate with celestial entities.
Today, Enochian remains a staple in various modern magical traditions. There are still groups and individuals who practice Enochian magic, believing it to be one of the most powerful systems of magic available.
Conclusion
The tale of Enochian, with its heady mix of Renaissance intrigue, celestial communications, and debates about its authenticity, is a riveting chapter in the annals of linguistic and esoteric history. Whether you believe Enochian to be the genuine language of angels or the product of two overactive imaginations, its enduring legacy in modern esoteric traditions is testament to its allure and power. Through it, we are reminded of the unending human quest for knowledge, understanding, and connection with the divine.
