Podcast Summary: Not Just the Tudors – Episode: John Dee's Angels
Introduction In the episode titled "John Dee's Angels" from the Not Just the Tudors series hosted by Professor Suzannah Lipscomb, listeners are transported into the enigmatic world of John Dee, a Renaissance polymath whose pursuits spanned mathematics, navigation, and the occult. Joined by Egyptologist Gary J. Shaw, the discussion delves deep into Dee's mystical endeavors, particularly his interactions with angelic beings through his companion, Edward Kelly.
John Dee: A Polymath at Elizabethan Court Professor Lipscomb opens the episode by setting the stage in March 1583, introducing John Dee and Edward Kelly in a candlelit chamber in Mortlake, London. Dee, an advisor to Queen Elizabeth I, is portrayed as a man obsessed with understanding the cosmos through every available means. Gary Shaw elaborates on Dee's multifaceted interests:
"Dee is one of these absolutely fascinating people of the Elizabethan age... he was obsessed with collecting books. He wanted to learn everything he possibly could." ([05:58])
Despite his extensive knowledge and close ties with the royal court, Dee struggled to secure a stable position, often working as a freelancer and seeking patrons to support his scholarly pursuits.
The Quest for Divine Knowledge As Dee's conventional methods reached their limits in deciphering the universe's mysteries, he turned towards the divine. Shaw explains that the prevailing apocalyptic sentiments of the time influenced Dee's shift:
"There were signs that people were seeing... he wanted to help... guide the world, how to help people for this coming apocalypse." ([09:06])
This quest led Dee to seek direct communication with divine entities, believing that such interactions could unlock deeper cosmic secrets and provide solutions to his financial woes.
Enlisting Edward Kelly: The Scryer Dee's search for a suitable scryer—someone capable of mediating between the earthly and the divine—eventually brought Edward Kelly into his life. Shaw provides background on Kelly, noting the murkiness surrounding his true identity:
"He had his ears cut off as a punishment for some crime he'd committed... He seems quite an elaborate person in that way." ([12:43])
Their partnership began earnestly in 1583 when Kelly, presenting himself under the name Talbot, demonstrated his scrying abilities. In their first meeting, Kelly facilitated Dee's interaction with the Archangel Michael, marking the genesis of what would later be known as Enochian magic.
The Angel Diaries: Documenting the Divine The core of Dee and Kelly's collaboration lies in the Angel Diaries—extensive records purportedly documenting conversations with angels. Shaw describes the nature of these diaries:
"It's a mixture of languages that Dee is just scrolling out as fast as he possibly can... one long stream of consciousness." ([25:28])
Dee meticulously transcribed these sessions, capturing not only the dialogues but also the apparitions, symbols, and quixotic instructions provided by the angels. This body of work included the "Alphabet of the Angels," a purportedly celestial language that Dee believed could unlock universal secrets.
Kelly’s Manipulations and Dee’s Gullibility As the angelic communications progressed, questions arose about Kelly's authenticity. Shaw suggests that Kelly may have manipulated Dee, leveraging his extensive knowledge of Dee's library to present convincing yet fabricated angelic instructions:
"Kelly snooped around a lot... he even seems to have been looking at Dee's private diary." ([23:15])
Kelly's ability to provide details about Dee's hidden manuscripts and his strategic corrections during angelic conversations indicate a possible confluence of deceit and genuine belief. Shaw posits that Dee's desperation for knowledge and solutions may have made him susceptible to Kelly's manipulations.
Conditions and Rituals: Setting the Stage for the Supernatural The angelic communications came with stringent conditions, meticulously dictated by the angels themselves. Shaw outlines the elaborate setups required for these interactions:
"The room itself... has to be somewhere quiet... the showstone... placed on a wax seal... holy table covered in symbols." ([25:28])
These rituals bore a striking resemblance to Biblical descriptions, particularly those of the Ark of the Covenant, which likely lent them an air of authenticity in Dee's eyes.
The Breakdown: From Partnership to Betrayal The relationship between Dee and Kelly reached a critical juncture in 1586 when the angels mandated an unsettling requirement: the swapping of wives. Shaw recounts the harrowing events that followed:
"They make a contract which the four of them sign in a chapel in the presence of God... Dee's wife has a baby as a result of this. Is it probably Kelly's?" ([49:28])
This decree not only strained their personal lives but also signaled the unraveling of their collaborative endeavors. The subsequent cessation of angelic communications marked the end of their partnership, leading Dee back to England while Kelly remained in Prague.
The Aftermath and Legacy The episode concludes by reflecting on the lasting impact of Dee and Kelly's Angel Diaries. Shaw expresses fascination with the manuscripts as both mystical artifacts and potential hoaxes, underscoring the complex interplay between belief, manipulation, and the quest for knowledge:
"It's a fantastic example of this... what they're telling you about these individuals and the times they were living." ([53:12])
Conclusion "John Dee's Angels" offers a compelling exploration of one man's relentless pursuit of understanding the divine amidst personal and societal turmoil. Through insightful analysis and historical context, Professor Suzannah Lipscomb and Gary Shaw shed light on the intricate dance between science, magic, and faith in the Elizabethan era. This episode not only uncovers the mysteries surrounding Dee's Angel Diaries but also invites listeners to ponder the fine line between obsession and enlightenment.
Notable Quotes:
- "Dee is one of these absolutely fascinating people of the Elizabethan age... he was obsessed with collecting books. He wanted to learn everything he possibly could." — Gary Shaw ([05:58])
- "They make a contract which the four of them sign in a chapel in the presence of God... Dee's wife has a baby as a result of this. Is it probably Kelly's?" — Gary Shaw ([49:28])
Closing Remarks Professor Suzannah Lipscomb thanks Gary Shaw for his invaluable insights, highlighting the enduring intrigue of John Dee's life and work. She encourages listeners to explore further episodes of Not Just the Tudors for more riveting historical narratives.