John Dee’s Five Books of Mystery: Original Sourcebook of Enochian Magic

by Joseph H. Peterson

Discovered in a hidden compartment of an old chest long after his death, the secret writings of John Dee, one of the leading scientists and occultists of Elizabethan England, record in minute detail his research into the occult. Dee concealed his treatises on the nature of humankind's contact with angelic realms and languages throughout his life, and they were nearly lost forever. In his brief biography of John Dee, Joseph Peterson calls him a "true Renaissance man"? detailing his work in astronomy, mathematics, navigation, the arts, astrology, and the occult sciences. He was even thought to be the model for Shakespeare's Prospero.All this was preparation for Dee's main achievement: five books, revealed and transcribed between March 1582 and May 1583, bringing to light mysteries and truths that scholars and adepts have been struggling to understand and use ever since. These books detail his system for communicating with the angels, and reveal that the angels were interested in and involved with the exploration and colonization of the New World, and in heralding in a new age or new world order. While Dee's influence was certainly felt in his lifetime, his popularity has grown tremendously since. His system was used and adapted by the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, and subsequently by Aleister Crowley.

This new edition of "John Dee's Five Books of Mystery" is by far the most accessible and complete published to date. Peterson has translated Latin terms and added copious footnotes, putting the instructions and references into context for the modern reader.

Genres: Occult, Magick, Religion, Nonfiction, Spirituality, Philosophy, Esoterica

489 pages, Paperback

First published February 15, 2002

Reviews

[Katharine Kerr · Rating 4 out of 5]

The editor, J. Peterson, has produced a clear, readable transcription of a portion of the surviving "angel conversations" of John Dee, the Elizabethan natural philosopher. These "books" cover the period from 1581 to early 1583 and include his early forays into the "Enochian" alphabet and pseudo-language. I was very glad to have this material in a readable form, partly to satisfy a very long curiosity about it, partly because I plan to make a very odd use of some of it in a new book. I keep wavering between giving this edition 3 stars and 4, however because his prefactory material is sketchy though well-referenced.

I was particularly intrigued by Peterson's discussion of the magical order of the Golden Dawn's use of the Enochian material. He states outright that Mathers, one of the order founders, used the material found in Meric Causabon's RELATION, which is apparently full of typographical errors. Since Peterson's seen the original of this material (the Cotton manuscript), and I haven't and probably never will, I have to assume he's correct. I would have liked a fuller discussion of what these errors amounted to rather than the few notes and observations he gives, but that would probably be a long essay in itself.

Overall, this book is a valuable addition to the library of anyone interested in studying the work of Dr. Dee, as well as anyone researching the so-called "Western Tradition" of ritual magic.

[José L B Carvalho · Rating 5 out of 5]

one way trigger to absolute madness

[Vrufener]

I've heard of John Dee. Basically he seems to be the basis for James Bond (he was a spy for Elizabeth I) and the basis for our image of wizards (Pictures of Merlin, and therefore Dumbledore, are remarkably like him). So I guess this makes my list of to read books...

[Aaron Meyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another one of those essential books to put on the shelf.

[Pamela · Rating 4 out of 5]

These experiments could have been lost to history. Remarkable, indecipherable to myself. Talking with what he believed to be angels. Blood red letters, sword of flame, many names and yes, mysteries of the magical kind.

[Chris Feldman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must-have for students of Enochian.

[Unconscious Abyss · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will shew you a trik

[Anna Luna · Rating 2 out of 5]

As a person that’s not fluent in English, since it is not my native language, it’s very hard to understand in broken English mixed in with the Hebrew and Latin. This book, which I got reading the reviews about how it i detail describes everything, I got confused even more. Cool concept, but I just wish it was translated an executed better. If you willing to sit Around for hours trying to decode this book, and go right ahead And purchase it, however, if your English is not good, or you don’t have the patience to read indirect translations in three languages, I would say toss it.

[Äsruþr Cyneaþsson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book offers an excellent editorial by Peterson. In his notes, Peterson offers great translations, insights, and cross-references as appropriate. As the source of the Bonorum, Dee's version of the Sigillum Aemeth, and the Holy Table, it is an interesting read for those engaged with Dee's work. The purist and the neo-Enochian practitioner will find useful elements here, as will a historian.

[HRZ · Rating 3 out of 5]

john dee? sandra dee? hiram abiff? biff from back to the future? i don't know, i feel we choose our culture on some instinctive level.. accepting what jives as our own.. sheeeet, i guess i prefer alchemists mixing my martinis..

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five Books of Mystery is an excellent book with a plethora of information straight from the notes of John Dee & Edward Kelley (with excellent footnotes and a highly accessible organization of the inherently difficult-to-read source materials by Joseph H. Peterson). Overall, an exciting and great read. I highly recommend it!

[AttackGirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I made detailed notes. If you read the book and would like to discuss it feel free to contact me.

[Shemuel Bensusan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Esoteric Community

[Dan Zarfati · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very important book on John Dee's work, providing many interesting insights.

[Ixel Balamke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joseph Peterson never disappoints. I'm looking forward to reading the 3rd edition.

[Timm]

The original 5 source texts of Enochian Magick. This is the less known Heptarchical system, as well as the Dairies detailing the reception and construction of the temple furniture presented here in an easy to read and easily absorbent form. Required Reading for the Enochian Magician.