The Enochian Alphabet & Angelic Language: John Dee's System
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BY NICOLE LAU
Introduction to Enochian Magic
The Enochian system is one of the most powerful and complex magical systems in Western esotericism, revealed to Dr. John Dee and Edward Kelley in the 1580s through angelic communication. At its heart lies the Enochian alphabetβa complete angelic language with its own script, grammar, and pronunciation, allegedly the language used by God to create the universe and spoken by angels. This system includes elaborate tables, calls, and a complete cosmology that has influenced ceremonial magic for over 400 years.
This comprehensive guide explores the Enochian alphabet, the angelic language, its reception, structure, and how to work with this powerful system.
The Historical Context
Dr. John Dee (1527-1608)
John Dee was:
- Mathematician, astronomer, and astrologer
- Advisor to Queen Elizabeth I
- Scholar of Hermetic and Kabbalistic texts
- Seeker of angelic communication and divine knowledge
Edward Kelley (1555-1597)
Edward Kelley was:
- Dee's scryer (crystal gazer)
- Medium through whom angels communicated
- Controversial figure with possible criminal past
- The one who actually saw and heard the angels
The Angelic Sessions (1581-1587)
Over seven years, Dee and Kelley conducted hundreds of scrying sessions:
- Kelley gazed into a crystal or 'shewstone'
- Angels appeared and communicated
- Dee recorded everything meticulously
- The angels revealed a complete magical system
The Reception of the Alphabet
The Method
The angels transmitted the alphabet in a unique way:
- Angels appeared in Kelley's crystal
- They presented tables of letters
- Letters were given backwards (right to left, bottom to top)
- Each letter was revealed with its name and pronunciation
- The angels explained this was the 'Adamical' languageβthe original language of Adam
The Angelic Claim
The angels stated that Enochian was:
- The language God used to create the universe
- The language Adam spoke in Eden
- The language of angels
- More powerful than Hebrew or any human language
- The true names of all things
The Enochian Alphabet
The 21 Letters
The Enochian alphabet consists of 21 letters (no J or U in the original):
The Letters: A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, L, M, N, O, P, Q, R, S, T, V, X, Z
Letter Names and Sounds
Each letter has an Enochian name:
- A: Un (oon)
- B: Pe (pay)
- C: Veh (vay)
- D: Gal (gahl)
- E: Or (ohr)
- F: Mals (mahlz)
- G: Ged (ged)
- H: Na (nah)
- I: Gon (gohn)
- L: Ur (oor)
- M: Tal (tahl)
- N: Drux (droox)
- O: Med (med)
- P: Mals (mahlz)
- Q: Ger (gehr)
- R: Pal (pahl)
- S: Fam (fahm)
- T: Gisg (geesg)
- V: Van (vahn)
- X: Graph (grahf)
- Z: Ceph (kef)
The Script
Enochian has its own unique script, angular and geometric, resembling no known human alphabet. Each letter has a specific form used in creating talismans and magical squares.
The Structure of Enochian
Grammar and Syntax
Enochian has its own grammar:
- Word order often differs from English
- Verbs, nouns, and modifiers follow specific patterns
- Some words are compounds
- Pronunciation is crucial for magical efficacy
Example Words
- IAIDA: God (ee-ah-ee-dah)
- ZORGE: Love (zohr-gay)
- BABALON: Wicked/Harlot (bah-bah-lohn)
- MADRIAX: Torment (mah-dree-ahx)
- MICAOLZ: Mighty (mee-kah-ohlz)
The Enochian Keys (Calls)
The angels revealed 19 Keys or Callsβinvocations in the Enochian language used to open the gates to the angelic realms. These are the primary magical texts of the system.
The First Enochian Key
In Enochian
OL SONF VORSAG GOHO IAD BALT, LONSH CALZ VONPHO...
English Translation
'I reign over you, saith the God of Justice, in power exalted above the firmaments of wrath...'
Purpose
The First Key invokes divine authority and opens the gates to angelic communication.
The Angelic Hierarchy in Enochian
The Great Table
The Enochian system includes a Great Table (Tabula Recensa) divided into:
- Four Watchtowers (elemental tablets)
- The Tablet of Union (spirit)
- Each containing angelic names and hierarchies
Types of Angels
- The Heptarchia Mystica: Seven planetary kings and princes
- The Watchtower Angels: Elemental angels
- The Aethyrs: 30 celestial regions with governing angels
Working with Enochian
Prerequisites
Before working with Enochian magic:
- Extensive magical training and experience
- Mastery of basic ceremonial magic
- Strong protection and banishing skills
- Pure intentions and spiritual preparation
- Understanding that this is advanced, powerful magic
Basic Practice
- Study: Learn the alphabet, pronunciation, and Keys
- Protection: Establish strong protective circle
- Invocation: Use the appropriate Key
- Communication: Engage with the angels respectfully
- Recording: Document all experiences
- Banishing: Properly close and banish
The Enochian Calls
The 19 Keys are used to:
- Open gates to angelic realms
- Invoke specific angels
- Access the 30 Aethyrs
- Perform ceremonial magic
- Communicate with higher intelligences
The 30 Aethyrs
The Celestial Regions
The angels revealed 30 Aethyrs (or Aires)βcelestial regions arranged from outermost (30th) to innermost (1st):
- 30th Aethyr (TEX): Outermost, easiest to access
- 1st Aethyr (LIL): Innermost, closest to God, most dangerous
Scrying the Aethyrs
Magicians use the 19th Key (modified with the Aethyr name) to astrally travel through these regions, encountering angels, visions, and initiations.
Warnings and Cautions
The Power of Enochian
Enochian magic is considered extremely powerful and potentially dangerous:
- Can produce dramatic, overwhelming results
- Opens gates to forces beyond normal control
- Requires absolute precision in pronunciation and ritual
- Not recommended for beginners
Historical Warnings
- Aleister Crowley called it 'the most powerful system known'
- The Golden Dawn restricted Enochian to advanced members
- Many practitioners report intense, life-changing experiences
- Some report negative consequences from improper use
Ethical Considerations
- Use only for spiritual development, never for harm
- Respect the angels and the system
- Be prepared for profound transformation
- Have experienced guidance if possible
Modern Enochian Practice
The Golden Dawn System
The Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn systematized Enochian magic:
- Integrated it with Kabbalah and tarot
- Created elaborate rituals and correspondences
- Made it accessible (but still advanced) to initiates
Aleister Crowley's Work
Crowley extensively explored Enochian:
- Scried all 30 Aethyrs (recorded in The Vision and the Voice)
- Integrated Enochian into Thelemic practice
- Emphasized its transformative power
Further Study
Primary Sources:
- A True & Faithful Relation by Meric Casaubon (Dee's diaries)
- The Vision and the Voice by Aleister Crowley
- Enochian Magic for Beginners by Donald Tyson
Conclusion
The Enochian alphabet and angelic language represent one of the most sophisticated and powerful magical systems in Western esotericism. Revealed through angelic communication to John Dee and Edward Kelley, this complete language with its own script, grammar, and cosmology provides a direct method for communicating with angels and accessing higher spiritual realms. However, its power demands respect, preparation, and cautionβthis is advanced magic that should only be approached by experienced practitioners with pure intentions.
May you approach Enochian with wisdom and reverence. May the angels guide your path. May you speak the language of creation with care.
As you explore the profound mysteries of the Enochian alphabet and John Deeβs angelic language, consider grounding these celestial insights with the Archangel Michael Tapestry to summon protective energies into your sacred space, while the Jung and the Archetype guide helps bridge the unconscious symbols you may encounter with the angelic realms. For a more practical approach to weaving these celestial whispers into daily practice, the 30-Day Tarot Practice Workbook offers a gentle structure to attune your intuition, allowing the language of the angels to flow through your readings like a blessed current.
