Enochian Magic: The Angelic Language of John Dee

BY NICOLE LAU

Enochian magic is one of the most powerful—and most complex—systems in Western ceremonial magic. Born from the angelic communications received by Dr. John Dee and Edward Kelley in the 16th century, it claims to be the language spoken by angels, the original tongue of creation itself.

This is not beginner magic. Enochian work is intense, transformative, and demands respect. But for those ready to engage with it, it offers direct contact with angelic intelligences and access to profound spiritual power.

The Origins: John Dee and Edward Kelley

In 1582, Dr. John Dee—mathematician, astronomer, and advisor to Queen Elizabeth I—began a series of scrying sessions with his partner, the medium Edward Kelley. Using a black obsidian mirror (called a "shewstone"), Kelley would enter trance states and communicate with angelic beings.

Over seven years, these angels dictated an entire magical system, including:

• The Enochian alphabet (21 letters)
• The Enochian language (grammar, syntax, vocabulary)
• The 48 Enochian Keys (Calls) — invocations in the angelic tongue
• The Watchtower Tablets — complex grids of letters representing elemental and angelic hierarchies
• The Sigillum Dei Aemeth — the Seal of God's Truth, a protective talisman

The angels claimed this was the language used to create the world, and that by speaking it correctly, humans could command the same creative forces.

What Makes Enochian Different?

Unlike other magical systems that invoke planetary or elemental forces, Enochian magic works directly with angelic hierarchies organized into a complex cosmology of:

• 30 Aethyrs (Aires) — spiritual realms or dimensions, from the material world (TEX) to the highest divine presence (LIL)
• Four Watchtowers — elemental kingdoms (Air, Water, Earth, Fire) each containing sub-quadrants and angelic governors
• The Tablet of Union — the fifth element (Spirit) that unifies the four watchtowers
• Angelic Kings, Seniors, and Servient Angels — hierarchies of beings with specific functions

The system is vast, intricate, and operates on multiple levels simultaneously.

The Enochian Alphabet

The Enochian alphabet consists of 21 letters, each with its own name, sound, and mystical significance. The letters are written right-to-left (like Hebrew) and have a flowing, angular script.

Examples:

• Un (A) — pronounced "oo-nuh"
• Graph (B) — pronounced "grah-fuh"
• Tal (C/K) — pronounced "tahl"
• Gon (D) — pronounced "gohn"

The language itself sounds guttural, powerful, and otherworldly when spoken aloud.

The 48 Enochian Keys (Calls)

The Enochian Keys are invocations written in the angelic language. There are 48 in total:

• Keys 1-2: General invocations to open the gates
• Keys 3-18: Invoke the 16 sub-quadrants of the Watchtowers
• Key 19: The Call of the 30 Aethyrs (used with different Aethyr names)
• Keys 20-48: Not publicly released by Dee (some traditions have reconstructed them)

Example: The First Enochian Key (Opening)

Enochian:
"Ol sonf vorsg, goho Iad Balt, lonsh calz vonpho..."

English translation:
"I reign over you, says the God of Justice, in power exalted above the firmaments of wrath..."

When vibrated correctly, these Keys are said to open portals to angelic realms and invoke specific angelic forces.

The Watchtower Tablets

The four Watchtower Tablets are massive grids of Enochian letters, each representing one of the four elements and its corresponding direction:

• Air Watchtower (East): Yellow, intellect, communication
• Water Watchtower (West): Blue, emotion, intuition
• Earth Watchtower (North): Black/green, manifestation, grounding
• Fire Watchtower (South): Red, passion, transformation

Each tablet is divided into four sub-quadrants, and each quadrant contains:

• A Great King (elemental ruler)
• Six Seniors (planetary governors)
• Servient Angels (specific functions and powers)

By invoking specific squares or names from the tablets, you can call upon angels with precise functions (e.g., healing, protection, knowledge, transformation).

The 30 Aethyrs

The Aethyrs are 30 spiritual realms or dimensions, arranged from the densest (30th Aethyr: TEX) to the most refined (1st Aethyr: LIL, the realm of divine unity).

Each Aethyr has:

• A three-letter name (e.g., TEX, RII, ZAA, DEO, LIL)
• Specific angelic governors
• Unique spiritual lessons and visions

Magicians "travel" the Aethyrs through scrying or astral projection, using the 19th Key with the Aethyr's name inserted. This is advanced pathworking that can trigger profound spiritual transformation.

Warning: The Aethyrs are not to be taken lightly. They can induce intense visions, emotional releases, and spiritual crises. Always approach with preparation and respect.

How to Begin Enochian Magic (Safely)

Step 1: Study the System

Before attempting any Enochian work, study the system thoroughly. Read:

• "The Essential Enochian Grimoire" by Aaron Leitch
• "Enochian Magic for Beginners" by Donald Tyson
• John Dee's original diaries (for historical context)

Step 2: Master the Basics First

Do not attempt Enochian magic until you have solid experience with:

• The LBRP and other banishing rituals
• The Middle Pillar Exercise
• Meditation and visualization
• Grounding and psychic protection

Enochian work can open powerful energies. You need a strong foundation to handle them.

Step 3: Create the Sigillum Dei Aemeth

The Sigillum Dei Aemeth (Seal of God's Truth) is a protective talisman used in Enochian work. It's a complex circular seal with seven layers of angelic names and symbols.

You can:

• Draw it on parchment
• Engrave it on wax or metal
• Print a high-quality version and laminate it

Place it under your scrying mirror or on your altar during Enochian work.

Step 4: Learn to Pronounce Enochian

Enochian must be spoken aloud to be effective. Learn the pronunciation of the alphabet and practice vibrating the words with power and intention.

There are audio recordings available online to help you learn the correct sounds.

Step 5: Start with the First Key

Begin by working with the First Enochian Key. Perform it after the LBRP, vibrating each word clearly and visualizing a gateway of light opening before you.

Do this daily for a week and journal your experiences.

Step 6: Work with the Watchtowers

Once comfortable with the First Key, begin invoking the Watchtowers using Keys 3-6 (one for each element). This establishes a relationship with the elemental angelic hierarchies.

Step 7: Scry the Aethyrs (Advanced)

Only after months or years of practice should you attempt to scry the 30 Aethyrs. Start with the 30th (TEX) and work your way up. Never skip Aethyrs or rush the process.

Safety and Warnings

Enochian magic is not a game. Practitioners report:

• Intense spiritual experiences and visions
• Rapid life changes and upheavals
• Encounters with powerful non-physical beings
• Psychological and emotional challenges

Do not attempt Enochian work if you:

• Are new to magic
• Have unstable mental health
• Lack grounding and protection skills
• Are not prepared for intense transformation

Always:

• Perform the LBRP before and after Enochian work
• Keep detailed records in a magical journal
• Work slowly and respectfully
• Have a support system (teacher, group, or experienced practitioner)

Enochian in Modern Practice

Enochian magic was adopted and adapted by the Golden Dawn, Aleister Crowley (who extensively worked the Aethyrs), and modern chaos magicians. Each tradition has its own interpretation and methods.

Golden Dawn approach: Structured, ceremonial, focused on the Watchtowers
Thelemic approach: Emphasis on the Aethyrs and personal gnosis
Chaos magic approach: Experimental, results-focused, less dogmatic

Choose the approach that resonates with your practice.

Final Thoughts

Enochian magic is the nuclear option of ceremonial practice—immensely powerful, potentially dangerous, and absolutely transformative.

It's not for everyone, and it's certainly not for beginners. But for those called to it, it offers a direct line to angelic intelligences and the raw creative forces of the universe.

Approach with respect, preparation, and humility. The angels are listening.

Ready to explore advanced magical systems? Our collection includes Enochian study guides, scrying tools, and ceremonial resources for serious practitioners.