
John Dee (1527–1609) was a mathematician, astronomer, astrologer, alchemist, and advisor to Queen Elizabeth I. Born in London, England, he became one of the most learned men of his era, blending science with mysticism. Dee was renowned for his navigation studies, extensive library, and experiments with alchemy and the occult. He believed in contacting angels and obtaining divine knowledge, often working with the scryer Edward Kelley to translate what he called the “Enochian language,” which he claimed was the language of angels. Despite his brilliance, Dee’s later years were marred by poverty and obscurity.

John Dee was born on July 13, 1527, in Tower Ward, London, England, to a Welsh family with a modest background. His father worked as a minor court official, which may have introduced young Dee to royal circles. Dee attended the prestigious St. John’s College, Cambridge, where he excelled in mathematics, astronomy, and classical studies, graduating with honors. His thirst for knowledge led him to travel extensively across Europe, where he studied with leading scholars and amassed a library that became one of the largest in England.

Dee was not only a mathematician and scientist but also profoundly interested in the mystical and magical. His fascination with the occult earned him both admiration and suspicion. He advised Queen Elizabeth I on astrological matters and even selected her coronation date. However, Dee’s interests extended far beyond astrology. He sought to understand the universe’s divine architecture, which he believed could be deciphered through mathematical and mystical means.

One of the most fascinating aspects of Dee’s life was his partnership with Edward Kelley, a self-proclaimed medium. Together, they attempted to communicate with angels using a “shew-stone” (a polished crystal). These sessions led to Dee’s development of the Enochian language, which he believed was spoken by angels to Adam and Eve. His writings on Enochian magic have influenced occult traditions, including the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn and modern ceremonial magic.

Dee’s life was filled with highs and lows. He served as an advisor to Queen Elizabeth I and contributed to England’s maritime ambitions, coining the term “British Empire.” Yet, his later years were marked by hardship. After falling out of favor at court and losing much of his library to theft and destruction, he died in poverty in 1609 in Mortlake, Surrey, England.

Was John Dee Mystical and Magical?
Dee straddled the line between mystic and scholar. His contemporaries saw him as a man of “supernatural” intellect, though he claimed no innate magical powers. Instead, Dee believed he was a channel for divine knowledge. His angelic communications and alchemical experiments gave him a reputation as a wizard in popular lore. Whether through his unmatched understanding of science or his mystical practices, Dee’s life carried an aura of the magical.
Young John Dee is in his library, surrounded by ancient books and globes, with a shewstone on the table, illuminated by candlelight.

John Dee presented astrological advice to Queen Elizabeth I in a royal court setting.

A mystical scene of Dee and Kelley communicating with angels through the shew-stone, with celestial symbols glowing in the air.

John Dee with the Enochian tablets, illustrating the angelic alphabet and rituals.

An alchemical experiment, with Dee and Kelley in a laboratory filled with flasks, strange equipment, and a glowing cauldron.

Dee gazed into his shew-stone, with faint angelic figures appearing on the reflective surface.

Dee is walking the streets of Elizabethan London a mysterious figure with a long cloak and a staff.

The theft of Dee’s library, with books and manuscripts scattered in disarray, as Dee watches in despair.

John Dee’s Family

John Dee was married twice and had eight children with his second wife.
First Wife: Little is known about Dee’s first wife. Her name and details are obscure, and their marriage appears to have been brief, ending either in her death or separation.
Second Wife: In 1578, John Dee married Jane Fromond, a woman nearly 30 years his junior. Together, they had eight children:
- Arthur Dee (1579–1651): The most notable of Dee’s children, Arthur followed in his father’s footsteps, becoming a physician and alchemist. He served as court physician to the Russian Tsar and later to King Charles I.
- Michael Dee (dates unknown): Died young during Dee’s travels in Europe.
- Six additional children, whose names and details are less well-documented. Some historical records suggest they included daughters named Madinia, Frances, and Katherine, but concrete evidence is scarce.
How Did John Dee Die?
John Dee passed away in 1609 at Mortlake, Surrey, England. The exact cause of his death is unknown, but it is believed that he succumbed to natural causes after years of poverty and ill health. In his later years, Dee faced financial ruin, losing his position at court and much of his library. He died at 81 or 82, depending on whether he was born in July or later in 1527.
Dee’s final days were overshadowed by obscurity, a stark contrast to his earlier prominence as a scholar and advisor to the queen. Despite his hardships, his legacy endured through his writings, mystical studies, and influence on scientific and occult traditions.
The Angelic Conversations of John Dee and Edward Kelley

In the late 16th century, amidst the intellectual fervor of the Elizabethan Age, John Dee and Edward Kelley embarked on one of the most extraordinary collaborations in Western mystical history. Their goal was nothing short of divine: to unlock the universe’s secrets through direct communication with angels.
Dee, a man of vast intellect and insatiable curiosity, had long sought to merge science with spirituality. His expansive library at Mortlake contained the greatest works of science, mathematics, and the occult. Despite his profound learning, Dee felt that true wisdom could only be accessed through divine revelation. He required a medium to bridge the earthly and celestial realms for this.
Enter Edward Kelley, a controversial figure known for his abilities as a scryer—a practitioner who could see visions in reflective surfaces like crystals. Kelley, though often regarded as dubious, demonstrated a talent for accessing what appeared to be otherworldly realms. Dee saw him as a vital partner in his quest.
The two men began their angelic conversations in earnest in 1582. Using a polished crystal sphere, or “shew-stone,” Kelley claimed to see and hear angels. Dee meticulously recorded these sessions, believing that the beings Kelley described were delivering divine messages. According to Kelley, the visions were accompanied by the appearance of luminous, otherworldly figures who imparted cryptic symbols and a language Dee would later call “Enochian”—the language of angels.

The Enochian communications included an entire alphabet, grammar, and vocabulary. The angels revealed what they claimed were profound cosmological truths, instructions for magical rituals, and even prophecies. Dee believed these messages held the keys to a higher understanding of creation and humanity’s place within it. He envisioned using this knowledge to establish a new, divine order on Earth, aligned with the will of God.
Their sessions were not without controversy or doubt. Kelley occasionally expressed fear and skepticism about the spirits they encountered. On one occasion, the angels allegedly instructed the two men to share their wives, which caused a rift in their partnership and scandalized Dee’s household. Despite this, Dee remained unwavering in his faith in the angelic communications.
The angelic conversations profoundly influenced Dee’s worldview. He believed that through the Enochian language and rituals, humanity could restore its lost connection with the divine. Although Dee’s later years were marked by poverty and obscurity, his mystical work left a lasting legacy, influencing later occult traditions such as the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn and modern ceremonial magic.
Today, the story of Dee and Kelley’s angelic conversations continues to fascinate. Were they accessing a genuine spiritual realm, or were these visions the product of Kelley’s imagination and Dee’s yearning for transcendence? Whatever the case, their collaboration is one of history’s most enigmatic and enduring ventures into the mystical unknown.
The Voynich Manuscript: John Dee’s Connection to a Mystery

The Voynich Manuscript, one of history’s most perplexing artifacts, has intrigued scholars and mystics for centuries. This enigmatic book, written in an unknown script and adorned with illustrations of unearthly plants and astronomical diagrams, has resisted all attempts at translation. Among the theories surrounding its origins, one of the most fascinating is the possible involvement of John Dee.
Dee, the polymath and mystic of Elizabethan England, is speculated to have owned or even authored the manuscript. His vast library, his relentless pursuit of esoteric knowledge, and his association with cryptic symbols align intriguingly with the manuscript’s mysterious nature. Some suggest that the Voynich Manuscript could have been a tool in Dee’s alchemical and magical experiments or even a record of his angelic communications.
The manuscript’s strange botanical drawings and undeciphered text align with Dee’s intellectual curiosity and mystical pursuits. Did Dee create the manuscript as a cipher to protect his knowledge from the uninitiated? Or did he stumble upon it during his travels and bring it to England as a relic of lost wisdom?
While there is no concrete evidence linking Dee to the manuscript, the idea remains tantalizing. The Voynich Manuscript, much like John Dee himself, embodies the interplay of science, magic, and the eternal quest for the unknown. Whether he was its author, owner, or merely an admirer, the manuscript stands as a testament to the kind of mystery that defined Dee’s extraordinary life.
Advisor to the Queen: John Dee and Elizabeth I

In the glittering court of Queen Elizabeth I, John Dee served as one of the most enigmatic and influential figures of the age. Known for his profound knowledge of mathematics, astronomy, and the occult, Dee became a trusted advisor to the queen, guiding her on matters both celestial and political.
Dee was renowned for casting horoscopes for Elizabeth, consulting the stars to determine auspicious times for her major decisions, including her coronation. His deep understanding of astrology and the esoteric sciences made him an invaluable asset to the queen, who valued his intellectual prowess and mystical insights.
Rumors swirled about Dee’s covert activities. Some whispered that he acted as a secret intelligence agent for Elizabeth, using his extensive travels across Europe as a cover for espionage. The legend of Dee signing his letters with the cryptic moniker “007” adds an air of intrigue, suggesting that he was one of the first to embody the archetype of the secret agent.
Dee’s influence extended beyond astrology and intelligence. He coined the term “British Empire,” envisioning a future where England would play a central role in global exploration and domination. His intellectual and mystical pursuits helped shape the policies and vision of Elizabeth’s reign.
The story of John Dee as the queen’s advisor captures the fascinating blend of science, mysticism, and political intrigue that defined the Elizabethan Age. His legacy endures as a symbol of the Renaissance spirit, where knowledge and mystery walked hand in hand.
The Crossroad with Alchemy: John Dee and Edward Kelley’s Quest for the Philosopher’s Stone

In their relentless pursuit of the elusive Philosopher’s Stone, John Dee and Edward Kelley delved deep into the mysterious and transformative world of alchemy. The Philosopher’s Stone was a legendary substance believed to possess the power to transmute base metals into gold and grant eternal life. For Dee and Kelley, this was not merely a quest for material wealth but a spiritual journey toward unlocking the secrets of creation.
Their laboratory became a hub of activity, filled with bubbling cauldrons, glowing flasks, and intricate instruments designed to manipulate the elements. Dee meticulously recorded their experiments, blending his mathematical precision with Kelley’s mystical insights. Together, they sought to uncover the alchemical processes that would lead to the ultimate transformation—both physical and spiritual.
Despite their fervent efforts, Dee and Kelley never succeeded in creating the Philosopher’s Stone. However, their work yielded texts and discoveries that continue to captivate and influence occult scholars. Their collaboration reflected the dynamic interplay of science and mysticism that defined the Renaissance, leaving a legacy of intellectual curiosity and spiritual exploration.
The Mysterious Shew-Stone: John Dee’s Window to the Divine

One of the most enigmatic artifacts associated with John Dee’s life is the shew-stone, a polished obsidian mirror that Dee used as a tool for his mystical practices. This dark, reflective surface served as a gateway for angelic visions and otherworldly communications, making it central to Dee’s quest for divine knowledge.
Dee would sit in his study, illuminated only by the flickering light of candles, gazing deeply into the shew-stone. He believed the mirror allowed him to access realms beyond human perception, where angels and celestial beings revealed cryptic messages and profound truths. These sessions, often conducted with his scryer Edward Kelley, became the foundation of Dee’s angelic communications and the creation of the Enochian language.
The shew-stone’s role in Dee’s practices added an air of mystique to his reputation. Was it merely a tool for focused meditation, or did it truly serve as a portal to higher dimensions? The artifact now resides in the British Museum, a tangible link to Dee’s extraordinary life and work.
To this day, the shew-stone symbolizes the intersection of science, mysticism, and the human desire to connect with the divine. Its polished surface continues to captivate visitors, echoing the enigmatic legacy of John Dee.
John Dee and Enki share several qualities and characteristics that might suggest an intriguing connection or the possibility that Dee could be an avatar of Enki. Here’s an exploration of their similarities and potential connections:
Shared Characteristics

Wisdom and Knowledge:
- Enki: Known as the Sumerian god of wisdom, water, creation, and magic, Enki possessed profound knowledge of the universe and shared it with humanity. He was a teacher, a guide, and a protector of secrets.
- John Dee: Renowned as a polymath, Dee was a scholar of mathematics, astronomy, navigation, and the occult. His pursuit of divine knowledge and his angelic communications mirror Enki’s role as a bringer of wisdom.
Connection to Divine and Mystical Realms:

- Enki: Associated with the spiritual and cosmic realms, Enki was believed to interact with gods, humans, and cosmic forces, shaping the destinies of civilizations.
- John Dee: Through his scrying sessions and angelic communications, Dee sought to transcend earthly knowledge and access divine insights, paralleling Enki’s interdimensional influence.
Creation and Innovation:

- Enki: As a creator god, Enki was involved in the creation of humanity and the establishment of order and civilization.
- John Dee: Dee’s work in advancing navigation and his concept of a “British Empire” demonstrate a visionary approach to shaping the future, akin to Enki’s creative role.
Symbols and Tools:
- Enki: Often depicted with flowing water, the caduceus, or sacred symbols representing knowledge and balance.
- John Dee: Used mystical tools such as the shew-stone, Enochian symbols, and celestial charts, which can be seen as modern equivalents of Enki’s symbolic instruments.
Protectors of Humanity:
- Enki: In Sumerian mythology, Enki defied other gods to save humanity from destruction, showing compassion and foresight.
- John Dee: Dedicated his life to uncovering universal truths and guiding humanity toward a higher understanding, reflecting a protector’s ethos.
Speculative Support for Dee as an Avatar of Enki
Historical Parallels:
- Both figures emerge during pivotal moments in their respective contexts: Enki during the dawn of civilization, and Dee during the Renaissance—a rebirth of knowledge and discovery.
Esoteric Practices:
- Dee’s use of Enochian magic, angelic languages, and celestial symbols echoes Enki’s association with hidden knowledge and cosmic order.
Reincarnational Perspective:
- If one accepts the idea of divine or cosmic beings manifesting as avatars across time, Dee’s role as a bridge between science and mysticism could suggest an emanation of Enki’s essence.
Legacy of Knowledge:
- Both left enduring legacies that influenced the spiritual, intellectual, and cultural evolution of humanity. Enki’s myths inspired ancient civilizations, while Dee’s work continues to influence modern occultism and science.
The connection between John Dee and Enki is speculative yet fascinating, blending mythology, esotericism, and history. Their shared dedication to knowledge, their mystical pursuits, and their roles as protectors of humanity provide a rich foundation for exploring such a hypothesis.
John Dee’s connection to Enoch is both symbolic and esoteric, rooted in Dee’s deep involvement with angelic communications and his development of the Enochian system of magic. Here’s how the connection unfolds:
1. The Name “Enoch”
The term “Enochian” originates from the Biblical figure Enoch, who was said to have “walked with God” and to have been taken to heaven without experiencing death (Genesis 5:24). Enoch is traditionally associated with mystical knowledge and divine revelation, which Dee sought to emulate in his own work.
- Dee’s Enochian Magic: Dee and his scryer Edward Kelley believed they were receiving angelic revelations that included a divine language, now known as Enochian. This “language of the angels” was presented as a tool to unlock spiritual secrets and communicate directly with higher realms.
2. The Book of Enoch
- The apocryphal Book of Enoch describes Enoch as a mediator between humans and divine beings, recording heavenly knowledge for humanity’s benefit. Dee’s role as a seeker of wisdom and communicator of angelic messages aligns with Enoch’s role as an intermediary.
- Both Dee and Enoch are depicted as scribes, tasked with preserving and transmitting esoteric knowledge.
3. Connection Through Enki
- Enki, as a god of wisdom, creation, and mystical knowledge, shares attributes with both Enoch and Dee. If Dee is seen as an avatar of Enki, his connection to Enoch deepens, as both are viewed as vessels of divine wisdom and intermediaries between the celestial and earthly realms.
4. Legacy of Knowledge
- Just as Enoch was credited with delivering divine teachings to humanity, Dee’s Enochian magic system became a cornerstone of Western esoteric traditions. The parallels suggest that Dee saw himself—or was seen by others—as a modern counterpart to Enoch.
5. Dee as a Continuation of Enoch
Dee might be regarded as a reincarnation or emanation of Enoch, tasked in a new age with reintroducing humanity to the divine mysteries through angelic communication, much like Enoch’s celestial journey.
In summary, Dee’s connection to Enoch lies in their shared roles as intermediaries of divine knowledge, recorders of sacred truths, and links to the celestial. This connection reinforces the idea of Dee as an avatar of Enki, a figure whose wisdom transcends time and manifests in multiple epochs to guide humanity.