The realms of science and magic have long been intertwined, particularly during the Renaissance, a period marked by a fervent quest for knowledge and understanding. One of the most fascinating figures of this era was Dr. John Dee, a man whose life straddled the line between scholarly pursuit and mystical exploration.
Born in London on July 13, 1527, Dee was a prodigious talent, entering Cambridge University at the tender age of fifteen. His academic journey would lead him to become one of the most influential scholars of his time, as well as a royal advisor steeped in the occult.
Early Life and Education
Dee’s early education was rigorous. He studied the Trivium—grammar, logic, and rhetoric—for three years, followed by the Quadrivium—mathematics, astronomy, music, and geography—for an additional four years. His dedication to his studies was remarkable; he allowed himself only four hours of sleep and two hours for meals and recreation, dedicating the rest of his time to learning. This intense focus laid the groundwork for his future endeavors.
In his early twenties, Dee traveled across Europe to further his studies. During this time, he delivered a series of free lectures on Euclid in Paris in 1550, which garnered him significant attention. Despite being offered professorships at prestigious institutions, including Oxford, Dee declined these positions, choosing instead to pursue his interests independently.
Royal Astrologer and Political Intrigue
Dee’s fortunes changed when Mary Tudor ascended to the throne. He became her Royal Astrologer, drawing horoscopes for both Mary and her half-sister, Elizabeth. His involvement with astrology, however, led to accusations of treason, and he was summoned before the Star Chamber. Fortunately, his extensive knowledge of divinity helped him secure his freedom.
After Mary’s death in 1558, Elizabeth I remembered her previous interactions with Dee and invited him to calculate the most auspicious day for her coronation. Dee’s calculations led to the coronation taking place on January 14, 1559, solidifying his position at court. He subsequently moved to Mortlake, a village on the outskirts of London, where he amassed one of the largest private libraries in Europe and conducted experiments in his laboratory.
Personal Life and Tragedy
Dee married in 1574, but his wife died the following year on the same day that Queen Elizabeth made an informal visit to him. This tragic loss deeply affected Dee. In 1578, he married Jane Fromond, a woman 28 years his junior, with whom he had eight children. Despite his personal challenges, Dee continued to pursue his intellectual and mystical interests.
The Meeting with Edward Kelly
In 1582, Dee’s life took a significant turn when he met Edward Kelly, a man who claimed to possess the ability to communicate with spirits. Kelly, who initially went by the name Mr. Talbot, convinced Dee that he could act as a medium, allowing Dee to communicate with angels through a scrying mirror. This partnership marked a shift in Dee’s focus from natural philosophy to the supernatural.
Dee had already established a reputation as a practitioner of “natural magic,” and in 1564, he published Monas Hieroglyphica, a work that sought to explain the unity of the universe through a cabalistic lens. With Kelly, Dee began to explore more esoteric practices, including the use of a language they called Enochian, believed to be the language of God and the angels.
The Quest for Knowledge and Power
Dee and Kelly’s partnership was not without its challenges. The spirits they consulted reportedly instructed them to share wives, a suggestion that Dee found troubling. Despite this, the two men traveled across Europe, visiting various courts and seeking patronage. Their journey was marked by a series of mystical experiences and revelations, but it also led to increasing tensions between them.
In 1587, Dee and Kelly parted ways, with Kelly facing legal troubles in the Holy Roman Empire. He was arrested on murder charges and reportedly died from injuries sustained while attempting to escape from Hnevin Castle. Dee returned to England, only to find his home in Mortlake ransacked by a mob.
Later Years and Legacy
In 1596, Dee accepted a position as Warden of Christ’s College in Manchester, where he spent his remaining years oscillating between Manchester and Mortlake. His wife, Jane, tragically died from the plague in 1605, leaving Dee to navigate his later years alone. He passed away in 1608, leaving behind a legacy that blurred the lines between science and magic.
The Legend of Raising the Dead
One of the more sensational stories associated with Dee involves an alleged attempt to raise the dead in 1560. According to a legend recounted in Lancashire Folk-Lore (1882) by J. Harland and T.T. Wilkinson, Dee, Kelly, and a man named Paul Wareing supposedly gathered in a churchyard to perform incantations to resurrect a corpse. The tale claims that they successfully animated the body, which then provided predictions about local events.
However, this account is riddled with inaccuracies. For instance, Edward Kelly would have been only five years old at the time of the alleged event, and Dee did not become Warden of Manchester until 1596. Such embellishments serve as a reminder to approach historical narratives with a critical eye.
Conclusion
Dr. John Dee’s life is a captivating blend of scholarship, mysticism, and intrigue. His contributions to mathematics, astrology, and the occult reflect the complex interplay between science and magic during the Renaissance. While his pursuits may seem strange by modern standards, they were emblematic of a time when the boundaries of knowledge were still being defined. Dee’s legacy endures, not only in the annals of history but also in the ongoing fascination with the mystical and the unknown. His story serves as a testament to the enduring human quest for understanding, whether through the lens of science or the allure of the supernatural.
