The Hieroglyphic Monad:

BY JOHN DEE, OF LONDON,

Explained Mathematically, Magically, Cabalistically, and Anagogically: To

THE MOST WISE MAXIMILIAN, KING OF THE ROMANS, OF BOHEMIA, AND OF HUNGARY.

Theorem I.

Through the straight Line and the Circle came the first and simplest Bringing-forth into Light, and representation, of Things, both of those not existing and of those lying hidden in the wrappings of Nature.

Theorem II.

But neither can a Circle be made artfully without a Straight line, nor a Straight line without a Point. Therefore by the reasoning of the Point and of the Monad, Things first began also to be; and those things that are affected by a periphery (however great they may be) can in no way lack the service of the Central Point.

Theorem III.

The conspicuous Central Point of the HIEROGLYPHIC Monad, therefore, represents the EARTH, around which both the SUN and the MOON, and the remaining Planets, complete their Courses. And since in this office the SUN holds the highest dignity, we mark it (by way of excellence) with an Entire Circle and a Visible Centre.

Theorem IV.

Although the Moon's Semicircle is here, as it were, Higher and Prior to the Solar Circle, yet it observes the SUN as its Lord and King: it seems so to delight in his Form and nearness that it both rivals him in the Magnitude of its semidiameter (as it appears to common men) and always turns its Light toward him; and it so desires to be imbued with SOLAR Rays that, as if Transformed into him, it vanishes from the whole Sky, until after some Days it appears in precisely this horned figure which we have depicted.

Theorem V.

And indeed, with the Lunar Semicircle drawn over to the Solar completion, there was made Evening and Morning, one Day. Let this then be the First, on which the Light of the Philosophers was made.

Theorem VI.

We see here the SUN and MOON resting upon a Rectilinear Cross. This can signify, quite fittingly, by Hieroglyphic reasoning, both the TERNARY and the QUATERNARY. The TERNARY, indeed: from two Straight lines and a Point common to both, as a Copulative, so to speak. The QUATERNARY, truly: from 4 Straight lines enclosing 4 right Angles, each of them twice (for this purpose) repeated; (and thus, there, most secretly, the OCTONARY also offers itself; which I doubt whether our Predecessors, the Magi, ever beheld: and you will note it especially). The Magical TERNARY of the first Fathers and Sages consisted of BODY, SPIRIT, and SOUL. Whence we have here, manifest, the Primary SEPTENARY. Namely, from two Straight lines AND a Common Point: then from 4 Straight lines separating themselves FROM One Point.

Theorem VII.

When the Elements are displaced outside their natural Seats, their dislocated homogeneous Parts will teach the experimenter that they naturally make their Returns to those Seats along Straight lines. It will not be absurd, therefore, to intimate, by 4 straight lines running out from a single, Indivisible Point into Opposite directions, the Mystery of the FOUR ELEMENTS (into which each of the Elementates can at last be resolved). This too you will note diligently: Geometers teach that a LINE is produced BY THE FLUX OF A POINT; we here advise that it is made by a similar reasoning, in that our Elementary Lines are produced in our Mechanical Magic from the continual Fall of a DROP (as a Physical Point, as if by FLUX).

Theorem VIII.

Moreover, the Cabalistic Expansion of the QUATERNARY, according to the phrase of the customary Numeration (when we say One, two, three, four), exhibits the DENARY in sum. As Pythagoras himself used to say: for 1, 2, 3, and 4 make ten. Not rashly, therefore, was the Rectilinear CROSS (that is, the Twenty-first letter of the Roman Alphabet), judged to be made of 4 straight lines, adopted by the most ancient Latin Philosophers to signify the DENARY. Its place, too, is defined at the very point where the TERNARY, drawing its force through the SEPTENARY, establishes it.

Theorem IX.

But this will be seen to suit our MONAD, the SUN and the MOON, most excellently: since, by the Magic of the 4 Elements, a most exact SEPARATION of them into their Lines will have been made; and then, through the Peripheries of those same Lines (for to the Magnitude of any given line one may describe a Circle, by the laws of Geometry), a Circular CONJUNCTION will have been made in the SOLAR Completion. For then it cannot be hidden how much the DENARY Proportion of the Cross serves our MONAD, the SUN and the MOON.

Theorem X.

That figure of the Dodecatemorion of Aries which is in use among Astronomers (being, as it were, Acioxedes, and Pointed) is known to all; and it is agreed that from this place of the sky the Beginning of the Fiery Triplicity is marked. To signify, therefore, that the ministry of fire is required (in the Practice of this MONAD), we have added the Astronomical sign of Aries. And thus briefly we complete one Hieroglyphic Consideration of our MONAD: which we wish to be put forth thus in a single Hieroglyphic Context.

THE MOON AND SUN OF THIS MONAD WISH THEIR ELEMENTS TO BE SEPARATED, IN WHICH THE DENARY PROPORTION SHALL FLOURISH; AND THAT TO BE DONE BY THE MINISTRY OF FIRE.

Theorem XI.

The Mystic Mark of Aries, composed of two Semicircles joined at a common Point, is most aptly assigned to the place of the Equinoctial Nycthemeron. For the Time of twenty-four Hours, distributed in the manner of the Equinox, denotes our most Secret Proportions. Ours, I say, with respect to the Earth.

Theorem XII.

The most ancient wise Magi have handed down to us the Hieroglyphic Marks of the five Planets: all of them composed, indeed, of the Characters of the MOON or of the SUN, together with the Hieroglyphic Sign of the Elements or of Aries. Like those which you see figured here. Each of these, in Hieroglyphic fashion, it will not be difficult to explain from the Foundations we have laid before. But first we shall now treat Paraphrastically of those that have the Character of the Moon; then of the Solar ones. Our LUNAR Nature, when through the knowledge of the Elements it has once been revolved around our Earth, was called mystically SATURN. And for the same reason it also had the name of JUPITER, and retained this more secret figure. And the Moon, elementated for a third time, they marked more obscurely thus. This they are wont to call MERCURY. How LUNAR it is, you see. That this is produced by the FOURTH Revolution, although Some Sages would have it so, will yet not be contrary to our Secret proposal: provided that the most Pure Magical Spirit, in place of the Moon, administers the Work of the whitening; and that by its Spiritual virtue the SUN ALONE, through the Middle, as it were Natural, day, speaks with us Hieroglyphically without words: introducing into the most Pure and Simplest Earth, prepared by us, those 4 Geogamic figures, and IMPRESSING them; or, in place of them, that other one.

Theorem XIII.

Is not, then, the Mystic Character of MARS compounded of the Hieroglyphs of the SUN and of ARIES, with the Elemental Mastery (in part) intervening? And that of VENUS, I ask, is it not from that of the SUN and the Fuller Explication of the Elements? These Planets, therefore, look to the SOLAR circuit, and to the Work of rekindling: in whose progress there at last becomes Conspicuous that other Mercury, the Uterine Brother, indeed, of the former. That is, when the Magic of the Elements has been Completed in the Lunar and the Solar, as the Hieroglyphic Messenger himself speaks most expressly to us, if only we are willing to fix our eyes upon him and lend him a more attentive ear. And (BY THE NOD OF GOD) this is that most Celebrated MERCURY of the Philosophers, the MICROCOSM, and ADAM. Yet some of the Most Experienced were wont to place the SUN himself in his place and degree. This we, in this our age, cannot accomplish, unless we were to set over this Gold-coral Work some SOUL separated from the BODY by the Pyronomic art. Which is both difficult to do, and most dangerous on account of the Fiery and Sulphurous vapours which it brings with it. But that SOUL, certainly, could perform marvels. Namely, both to bind with Indissoluble chains the LUCIFER to the Disc of the MOON (or at least of MERCURY), indeed even the PYROENT; and in the Third place (as they wish) (to complete our SEPTENARY Number) to exhibit to us that SUN of the PHILOSOPHERS. For the signifying of the SECRETS of these two Theorems, see how exactly, how openly, this ANATOMY answers to our HIEROGLYPHIC MONAD.

Theorem XIV.

That this whole Mastery depends on the SUN and MOON has now been clearly confirmed. Of this too that Thrice-greatest Hermes once admonished us, asserting the SUN to be its Father, and the MOON its Mother; and we Know that it is nourished in LEMNIAN EARTH. Namely, as the LUNAR and SOLAR Rays exercise a Singular INFLUENCE around that same Earth.

Theorem XV.

Therefore we propose to Philosophers, for their Consideration, the Labours of the SUN and MOON about the Earth. Of this, indeed, how it is that while the SOLAR Radiance abides in Aries, she herself then, in the Neighbouring Sign (namely Taurus), receives a new Dignity of Light and is EXALTED above the powers innate in her. This Nearness of the LUMINARIES (more notable than the others) the ancients explained by a certain mystic Character, marked with the Name of TAURUS. That this is the EXALTATION of the MOON has been handed down in memory from the very first age of Men (among the Tenets of Astronomers), and is very well known. But only those understand the Mystery who have come forth as perfected Hierophants of the Mysteries. And by a similar reasoning they said that TAURUS is the HOUSE of VENUS: namely of chaste and Prolific CONJUGAL LOVE; for thus ἡ φύσις, τῇ φύσει τέρπεται: as that great OSTANES laid up in his Most Secret Mysteries.

Of the SUN, moreover, by what reasoning He himself, after admitting some Eclipses of his Light, receives MARTIAL Strength; and in the HOUSE of the same (namely our Aries) is said to Triumph, as in his own EXALTATION. These most Secret Mysteries our MONAD too demonstrates most clearly and perfectly: namely by the Hieroglyphic figure of TAURUS depicted here, and by that of MARS which we adduced in Theorems 12 and 13, which indicates the SUN heading Straight into ARIES. From the present Theory, moreover, another Cabalistic Anatomy of our MONAD offers itself, of which this is the true and ingenious explanation: THE EXALTATIONS OF THE MOON AND SUN, THROUGH THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE ELEMENTS.

Annotation.

I think two things here are especially to be noted: first, that this Hieroglyphic figure of Taurus exactly represents for us the Greek Diphthong ȣ, the always singular Genitive Ending of the First Declension. Second, that by an apt Local Metathesis it doubly shows us ALPHA with the Circle and Semicircle merely touching, or (as here) cutting each other.

Theorem XVI.

Now we must philosophize briefly about the CROSS, as befits our purpose. Our CROSS, although it is made (as we said) of two Straight lines, and those equal, nevertheless does not cut them into equal lengths at their mutual crossing. But we have wished both equal and unequal parts to be found in the Mystical distribution of our Cross. Thereby hinting that in the power of the two lines thus cut (because they are of equal Magnitude) the virtue of an Equilateral CROSS also lies hidden. For when a CROSS is bidden, in the most general terms, to be made from equal Straight lines, a certain JUSTICE of NATURE requires that it be made by an equal Crossing of the lines. According to the Rule of this Justice, concerning the Equilateral CROSS (such as is the twenty-first letter of the Latin alphabet) we shall propose the following things for consideration. Of a CROSS, » rectilinear, rectangular, and equilateral, if through the common » point of intersection, and through Opposite angles, a Straight line » be conceived to pass anywhere: on either side of the line so » passing, the parts of the Cross thus made are wholly similar and » equal: and their figures are the same as that letter of the Latins which is accepted as the FIFTH of the Vowels, and which among the most Ancient Latin Philosophers was in very common use for denoting the QUINARY: and I consider that this was done by them not absurdly, since it is the Conformable Half of our Denary. From the figure of that letter, therefore, thus doubled (arising from this Hypothetical division of the Cross), in the manner in which both represent the QUINARY (although one is upright, the Other here inverted), we are admonished that the Square Multiplication of Square Roots is here imitated (which here wonderfully falls upon a CIRCULAR NUMBER, namely the QUINARY), whence it is certain that TWENTY-FIVE is produced (as the letter itself is also the twentieth, and the Fifth of the Vowels). Now, however, we shall consider another position of the equilateral CROSS itself: namely that which is similar to the Position of our MONADIC CROSS; and that a similar bipartite Division of the Cross (as above) is made here, we suppose.

Whence the doubled figure of another letter of the Latin Alphabet also shows itself: one upright, the other inverted and turned away; which (by the most ancient custom of the Latins) is in use for representing FIFTY. This, it seems to me, was first established for the following reason: that it too is indeed a Sign of the QUINARY, essentially derived from our Denary of the Cross; but located in that position in which the Cross itself, the greatest of all Mysteries, is the most consummate Hieroglyphic Sign: whence, embracing the Power of the DENARY in its QUINARY Virtue, it rejoices in the NUMBER FIFTY as in its own Offspring. O MY GOD, HOW GREAT ARE THESE MYSTERIES! And its Name is EL. Nay, in this respect too it seems to regard the Denary virtue of the Cross itself, that it is placed in the Middle Position between the first Letter of the Alphabet and the Denary of the Cross itself, and from either of the two it is, in order, the Tenth. And when we have shown that in the CROSS there are two integral parts of this kind (considering now only their Numeral force), it is most evident that a HUNDRED grows from them. But if, by the Law of Squares, they undergo Mutual Multiplication, they will yield for us Twice a Thousand, Five hundred: whose SQUARE, compared with the Square of the former Circular Number and applied to it, will again restore the HUNDRED; just as the CROSS itself, unfolding itself according to the Power of its DENARY, will be acknowledged to be a CENTURION. And yet, since it is but a single Character of the CROSS, it also represents One. Here, therefore (besides other things most worthy of note), from these Theories of the CROSS we have now been taught to Count and Progress in this manner: One, Ten, Hundred, the DENARY Proportion of the CROSS thus carrying us forward.

Theorem XVII.

As can be clear from the Sixth Theorem, in our CROSS FOUR right angles are to be considered: to each of which the preceding Theorem taught us to attribute the signification of the QUINARY, when they are located in one manner; but when they hold the other Position, the same Theorem admits that they become the Hieroglyphic Signs of the NUMBER FIFTY. Thus it is most evident that the CROSS commonly denotes the DENARY; then that in the order of the Latin Alphabet it is the twenty-first letter (whence it came about that the Sages, called Mecubales, signified twenty-one by the same Letter); and finally that it can also be considered Most Simply, as it is seen to be One Sign, whatever other power and magnitude it has. From all these things we see that it can be concluded, by the best Cabalistic Demonstration, that our CROSS can signify to the Initiates, with wonderful Brevity, TWO HUNDRED FIFTY-TWO. For FOUR times FIVE; FOUR times FIFTY; TEN; TWENTY-ONE; and ONE make two hundred and fifty-two. This Number, just as we are able to derive it in two other ways from what has been set forth, so we commend the same to Cabalistic Novices to be worked out, thus studying brevity; judging, however, the varied and ingenious production of this Magisterial Number worthy of the Consideration of Philosophers. Nor shall I conceal from you another Mystagogy here, a memorable one. Seeing that our CROSS permits itself to be Divided into two other letters: if, just as we first weighed in a certain way their Numeral virtue, so now in turn we COMPARE THEIR VERBAL FORCE WITH THE CROSS ITSELF, we shall understand with the greatest Admiration that from it there ARISES LIGHT: the Final and Magisterial WORD (from that Conspiracy and Consent of the TERNARY in the Unity of the Word).

Theorem XVIII.

From our twelfth and thirteenth Theorems it can be gathered that Celestial Astronomy is, as it were, the Parent and Mistress of the INFERIOR. Therefore, with our Cabalistic eyes lifted up to Heaven (Illuminated by the Theory of the aforesaid Mysteries), we shall behold such an ANATOMY of our MONAD, exact to the letter, showing itself to us always thus in the LIGHT OF NATURE and in LIFE, and by its own NOD most openly disclosing the most Secret Mysteries of this Physical ANALYSIS. That the figure of the EGG is to be applied to this COORDINATION we were taught by the Celestial MESSENGER, when we were at some time Contemplating the Theoretical and Celestial Motions. For that it traces in the Aether, by its Course, an OVAL Circuit is most well known to Astronomers. And since a Word to the Wise ought to be Enough, behold our Interpretations of this Celestial Counsel (thus Hieroglyphically set forth), wholly Consonant with what has been said! Thus Warned, let the most wretched Alchemists learn to recognize their various Errors: what the WATER of the Albumen of EGGS is; WHAT OIL comes from the YOLKS; what the LIME of EGGS is. From this let those most unskilled Impostors, to their Despair, understand these things, and very many others like them. Here we have almost the WHOLE PROPORTIONED BY NATURE. This is that EAGLE'S EGG which the SCARAB once broke, on account of the INJURY which the Violence and Cruelty of that BIRD had inflicted on Timid and Brutish Men. Some, indeed, fled to the Scarab's cave (to Implore Aid), yet were not thereby delivered; but the Scarab alone, reckoning that this INJURY must by all means be avenged, as he was ready with eager mind and Constant Will, so also for accomplishing it lacked neither Strength nor Ingenuity. Hence, while the Scarab pursued the EAGLE by various Attempts, using the most Subtle Art of DUNG, he at last brought it about that her EGG (even when it had been deposited in Jove's Lap) was CAST DOWN to the EARTH and so BROKEN. And by this or some other means the Scarab would at last have wiped the whole Eagle Species from the Earth, had not Jupiter (guarding against so great an evil) arranged that, at that time of the year when the Eagles carefully tend their EGGS, no SCARABS should fly about them. Yet I would advise those who are vexed by the Cruelty of that BIRD to learn from the Heliocanthari themselves (who live thus by hiding in fixed Courses of Times) a most Useful art: for even though they may not do it themselves, it would nonetheless be far most welcome to them to be able to take Vengeance on their Enemy by their own INDICATIONS and Signs. And here (O King) that I am trying to play not Aesop but Oedipus, they would admit, were they present, into whose Minds it first came to discourse thus of the Highest Mysteries of Nature. There are certainly some I know of who, by the SCARAB'S ARTIFICE, if they had the DISSOLVED EAGLE'S EGG, would first TEMPER the LIME of it with the pure and whole Albumen. Then they would smear that TEMPERAMENT all over with the whole liquor of the YOLK, in an artful order, rolling and rolling back, as Scarabs roll their Balls together. Thus a great METAMORPHOSIS of the EGG would come about: the ALBUMEN itself now disappearing and, as it were, enfolded (after those many Revolutions, like those of a Helix) in the YOLKY LIQUOR itself. Such a Hieroglyphic sign of this Artifice will not displease the Stewards of NATURE. In earlier ages, we read, such an Artifice was much celebrated by the gravest and most Ancient Philosophers as most certain and most useful. Anaxagoras certainly made from this Magistery, afterwards, an excellent Medicine, as may be seen in his little book περὶ τῶν ἐκστροφῶν φυσικῶν. Whoever applies his mind more sincerely to these Mysteries will most clearly perceive that there is nothing here outside the Hieroglyphic virtue of our MONAD.

Theorem XIX.

That the SUN and MOON infuse their Corporeal Powers into all the lower Elemented Bodies far more strongly than all the other Planets, the PYRONOMIC ANALYSIS of all Corporate things demonstrates by its Effect: for the MOON's rays pour back the Watery Humor, and the SUN's the Fiery Liquor, by which the TERRESTRIAL CORPULENCE of Mortal Things is Sustained.

Theorem XX.

Although in the Hieroglyphic manner above we have demonstrated with sufficiently good reason that the ELEMENTS are signified by Straight Lines, here nevertheless we shall give a most Exact Speculation concerning the, as it were, CENTRAL POINT of our CROSS. In the Consideration of our TERNARY, that cannot in any way be Absent, in that Position of our BINARY. For if it could be absent (whoever, Unskilled in Divine Mathesis, would contend it), let him Suppose it Absent. Then our BINARY will not remain, but a QUATERNARY will emerge, by the removal of that Point and the Discontinuance of the unity of the Lines. But that the Binary remains, our Adversary has supposed along with us; therefore the same thing will be both BINARY and QUATERNARY, in the same consideration. Which, among the impossibilities is sufficiently Manifest. That POINT, therefore, must be present by every Necessity, which with the BINARY constitutes our TERNARY, nor can anything Else be SUBSTITUTED in its place. Yet it is not of the Hypostatic Property of the BINARY itself, nor in any way a Part. That it is not a Part is demonstrated thus. All Parts of a Line are Lines. But that it is a POINT the hypothesis confirms. Therefore it is not any Part of that BINARY, and much less of the Hypostatic Property of the Binary. Hence it is above all TO BE NOTED that it both has its Own HYPOSTASIS, and nonetheless is contained in the LINEAR Lengths of our BINARY itself. And since it thus seems to be COMMON TO BOTH, it is held that IT ALSO RECEIVES A CERTAIN SECRET IMAGE OF THE BINARY. Whence we here DEMONSTRATE the QUATERNARY RESTING IN THE TERNARY. Do thou, my God, forgive me, I beseech thee, if I have now sinned against thy Majesty by revealing so great a Mystery in Public Writings. But I hope that only those who are Worthy will truly Understand it. Let us now proceed to that QUATERNARY which we assigned to our CROSS. There let us weigh whether that POINT which is Represented THERE can be Absent. Mathematics indeed teaches us that it can be removed. For not only, WITH IT SEPARATED, is our QUATERNARY LEFT, but it will be made far more DISTINCT and likewise CLEARER in the eyes of all, NO PART OF ITS SUBSTANTIAL PROPORTION DEPARTING, BUT THE SUPERFLUOUS POINT OF CONFUSION BEING THUS CONDEMNED AND CAST OUT. O Omnipotent Divine Majesty, HOW GREAT A WISDOM IN THY TITTLES AND JOTS, DESCRIBED AND ARRANGED IN THY LAW, AND WHAT AN INFINITY OF INEFFABLE MYSTERIES, WE MORTALS ARE COMPELLED TO CONFESS, IF THE GREATEST EARTHLY SECRETS AND ARCANA CAN BE EXPLAINED AND MOST FAITHFULLY DEMONSTRATED BY THE VARIED TESTIMONY OF THIS ONE POINT, PLACED AND EXAMINED BY ME (BUT IN THY LIGHT)? Of a POINT, namely, in the divine TERNARY in no way SUPERFLUOUS, BUT of a POINT considered in the realm of the FOUR ELEMENTS, FECULENT indeed, CORRUPTIBLE, DARK. O thrice and four times Blessed are those who can ATTAIN that POINT of the TERNARY (as it were the COPULATIVE), and BANISH that foul and SUPERFLUOUS one of the QUATERNARY and leave it to the Prince of Darkness. Thus we shall arrive at the Ornaments of SNOWY CLARITY and of WHITE GARMENTS, O MAXIMILIAN, whom God (by this Mystagogy, or some one of the Austrian Family) may one day make Greatest (even if I should then be sleeping in Christ) to the Honor of his Fearful Name, amid those, those abominable and moreover intolerable Darknesses (of the Point SUPERFLUOUS on EARTH). But lest I myself now pour out Superfluous words (in an unsuitable place, of course), I shall at once withdraw within the bounds of my Proposal. And since I have now finished my Discourse to those whose Eyes sit in their Heart, my Speech must now be turned to those whose Hearts still stand out in their eyes. What we have said in this place, behold, the drawn figure of the CROSS can in some way represent. First, of the POINT NECESSARY in Two Equal LINES (crossed equally and unequally), as here at A. Then, at B (as a certain Vacancy of the removed superfluous Point), you see FOUR straight Lines, distinct, SEPARATED from the POINT previously common to them, with no detriment thereby befalling them.

This is the way by which Our MONAD, progressing through the Binary and the TERNARY, is restored to ITSELF alone in the Purified QUATERNARY, through the Proportion of Equality. (For every Whole is Equal to all its parts.) And while this is being done, Our MONAD meanwhile admits nothing of External Unities and Numbers, since it most exactly suffices for itself, being most absolute in all its own Numbers. Into the Amplitude of these Numbers it is diffused in Magical ways; and then, by the uncommon Industry of the Artificer, and to the greatest Advantage of the Monad itself (in Dignity and Power), it is restored to its First and Proper MATTER. Meanwhile, whatever does not Belong to its genuine and hereditary Proportion is cut away in every manner and with diligence, and the Dregs are cast out forever.

Theorem XXI.

IF what lay Involved in the inner Recesses of our MONAD were brought out into the Light, and, the places being exchanged, its First Parts, the as it were Exterior ones, were enclosed in the Middle Place, you have seen Above what Philosophical Transformation of the MONAD would result. But now we shall set before you another Local Commutation of the Mystic MONAD: those Parts from which our Hieroglyphic Characters of the SUPERIOR PLANETS offered themselves to us before being here set Upward; and in that arrangement the remaining Planets in turn each obtaining that Position which Plato seems almost to have assigned to them, if they are rightly derived from this Position. For at the very Apex of the Ram, Saturn, Jupiter and Mars meet; then, descending, the Cross serves Venus and Mercury. Finally follow the Sun himself, and the lowest, the MOON. But these things are to be discussed in another place; yet I did not wish to conceal these Philosophical Treasures of our MONAD, and so we have thought it advisable to give at least one reason why the Position of the MONAD is thus changed. But see and hear other, greater things concerning this Position, which I know to be to your benefit, and which can be explained in few words. Let us therefore divide the MONAD (placed in this new manner) into the Anatomical members B, D, C. In that new TERNARY, the FIGURES of D and C are known even to Rustics. But that THIRD one, which is designated by B, cannot so easily be recognized by All. Nor is this lightly to be considered: that those so well-known FORMS D and C show ESSENCES separate and different from that B; secondly, that the horns of that C are seen turned downward, as it were toward the EARTH; and that part of D which illuminates C itself looks toward the earth, that is, downward, in whose Center alone is the Visible POINT, truly TERRESTRIAL. And finally, that both D and C here make their Hieroglyphic Indication toward the Lower places more than B does. Now Earth can Hieroglyphically denote to us STABILITY and FIXATION. What kind of things D and C are, therefore, I leave to be concluded from this. Whence anyone can now also note a Great SECRET: how what we said before of the SUN and MOON can hence receive a fuller and most necessary Interpretation, they having been, up to this place, set upward, and the Lunar Horns raised upward. But of this enough. Let us now examine the NATURE of that THIRD one, according to the Foundations of our Hieroglyphic Art. First, it seems to bear on its Head a DOUBLE MOON. Or our Ram (but Mystically inverted). Then it has annexed the Hieroglyphic Sign of the Elements. As to the Doubled MOON, it can be explained thus (according to the subject Matter): THE DOUBLE DEGREE OF THE MOON. We speak of those degrees by which those skilled in Physics can find only FOUR among all Created NATURES: namely, TO BE, TO LIVE, TO SENSE, and TO UNDERSTAND. Noting, then, that the first Two of these Degrees are present in this, we shall say: THE MOON EXISTING, LIVING. Some, however, define Life by Motion. And of MOTION there are Six very well-known Species. The CROSS which is joined to it certainly denotes that the Artifice of the Elements is required here. Moreover, in these our Theorems, as we have most often taught that the SEMICIRCLE is the Hieroglyph of the MOON, so also the Whole Circle signifies the SUN. Here, however, there are two Semicircles, but SEPARATED (yet Copulated at the common POINT), which, if aptly joined (as they can indeed be by art), can present to us the SOLAR and Circular Plenitude. From these considered together, it is evident that we can thus, in summary, bring forth this Sentence Hieroglyphically: THE MOON EXISTING, LIVING, TO BE TREATED THROUGH THE MASTERY OF THE ELEMENTS: HAVING THE POWER TO REPRESENT SOLAR PLENITUDE, ITS SEMICIRCLES BEING SIMULTANEOUSLY CONNECTED BY ART. Let it be completed, then, and let that CIRCLE (which we mentioned) be made, as we have marked here by the letter E. Let us remember, therefore, first, that this SOLAR DEGREE did not come to us from Nature, but is already ARTIFICIAL and MADE; and that it presented itself to us at first sight; and in its Nature (namely in B) with its Parts Loose, Fluid, dissolved, not SOLIDLY compacted into a solar form. Next, that the Semidiameter of these Semicircles is not equal to the Semidiameter of D and C (born thus for us, and best known to all), but much Smaller. Whence it is Clear that this B is not of so great an Amplitude as D and C themselves are. And E itself well confirms this for us, this circular work having been advanced from B into the form E. For from it there emerges for us only the Character of VENUS. We have therefore now made it plain, by these Hieroglyphic Syllogisms, that from B we must not hope for a true D; nor was there at first a true C in the nature of B; whence it was not a TRUE, living MOON. Of LIFE, therefore, and Motion you may also now doubt whether they truly and Naturally stand so; yet, as we have now Elucidated for the Prudent, ALL things that are said in similar phrase (of B) will be at least ANALOGICAL; and as also what we briefly touched upon above concerning C and D, ANALOGICALLY, they Properly suit B itself with its ELEMENTS. What we have adduced concerning the Nature of the Ram, too, must exactly suit it, since it bears the same Figure of it on its head (though inverted); as also the same Mystic Mark of the Elements is joined to B itself.

Since from this Anatomy, however, we see that from the single body of our MONAD (dissected by such art) this new TERNARY has come forth, we therefore cannot doubt that Members of this kind will embrace a mutual SYMPATHY among themselves, and, as if of their own accord, will admit a MOST ABSOLUTE MONADIC UNION: so vigorous is the MAGNETIC power in these MEMBERS.

Finally, it pleased me to note this (for the recreation of the mind): that B itself most readily exhibits to us as many RUSTIC letters as it bears Points, to be seen above on its Head and, as it were, Forehead: those three, namely; and also about six others (in sum, three times three), very RUDE and unpolished, fluid and rolling, such that you see they have been made from Semicircles, one or several. But in the hands of the Experienced and lettered there is a firmer and more stable method of FORMING THOSE LETTERS. Here I had before my eyes an infinity of Mysteries, but I wished to break off this Theory with this Jest. Yet I understand that I shall help forward the efforts of some, if (our MONAD having been restored to its former Mystic Position, and its several Members artfully composed) I at least admonish and urge them to unearth more accurately NOW WHO that ARIETINE FIRE of the FIRST TRIPLICITY was; WHO that Equinoctial one of ours; WHO was the cause that the SUN COULD BE EXALTED ABOVE ITS COMMON DEGREE; and to run through the many other earlier matters in WISER SECOND MEDITATIONS. But we, hastening now to other things, wished only to point out the way to others with a finger (on which they ought to persist), not only in a friendly manner but also most faithfully, passing over in silence, as we said, the Conspicuous infinity of other Mysteries.

Theorem XXII.

That the Mysteries of our MONAD are not yet exhausted will easily be seen if I now present for Your Royal Serenity's inspection certain more secret Vessels of the HOLY ART (altogether Cabalistic ones, to be revealed to the Initiated alone), cautiously drawn from the workshop of that same MONAD. Having therefore wisely DISSOLVED the whole KNOT of our MONAD, let us add literal Marks to the single parts (for the sake of distinction), as you see done here. We note, then, that α is a certain Artificial Vessel, made from A and B, since M itself (with the SEMIDIAMETER common to both, and already Manifested) is what makes it. And this letter differs from the First of the Greek Alphabet solely by a local Metathesis of the parts, as you see; for from the Straight line, the Circle and the Semicircle, we are the first to teach its True and Mystic Symmetry (although we also noted above that the same can be made from a Circle and a Semicircle, all things nevertheless come back to the same Mystic purpose). But λ and δ are, in the first place, as it were Images of other Vessels (λ, indeed, of a GLASS one; δ, of an Earthen one). In the second place, however, λ and δ can remind us of a certain Pestle and Mortar, to be prepared from (truly) such Material, so that with them we may grind into the finest Powders Artificial pearls that have not been pierced, crystalline and beryl plates, chrysolites, then precious rubies, carbuncles, and other Most Rare Artificial Stones. Finally, what you see marked with ω is a little Vessel most Full of Mysteries, differing from the Last letter of the Greek Alphabet itself (now restored to its first established Mystagogy) by the manifest local Metathesis of its parts alone, and that too consisting of two Semicircles. Concerning the Common and Necessary matters of Vessels, both their shapes and the Materials from which they ought to be made, there is no need for us to speak in this place. This, however, must be considered: that α seizes the Occasion to perform its Office from the Most Secret and briefest ARTIFICE of the Breathing-hole; and (המלח המורי ששם נשוה סם או liroVnium אחד ממעל נבוא) it will draw out for Beginners of the WORK a most ready Primordial Specimen, until in the meantime a more artful Way of Preparing the SUBTLER matters becomes known to them. But in the glass λ (in the performance of its chief function) all external Air and Wind would bring great damage.

But ω is the MAN OF ALL HOURS.

Corollary.

Of the Sacred Art, who can now not scent out the sweetest and most wholesome Fruits springing from the Mystery of those two letters alone? Some of these, to be seen as in a mirror, we shall bring somewhat closer from our GARDENS OF THE HESPERIDES, bringing into the midst nothing from outside our MONAD. For the Straight Line itself that appears in Alpha is homologous to that part of the Cross of the last Anatomy which is marked with the Letter M; the rest, too, can be made plain from where they come here.

By these few words I know that I give such persons not only starting points , but Proofs, to those in whom a fiery Vigor thrives and swells within, and a celestial Origin, so that they may now readily lend an ear to great Democritus, that of Fortune as he foretells the stream, a release from all toil for those who wish to succeed, that this Doctrine is not Folly , but a “Mystery and Arcanum”: as also to him who asserted that the world is guided by the creative Word, so that the God-minded and God-born man may learn, through the true working, both theological and mystic words.

Theorem XXIII.

The Symmetries, then, which we have observed in the Hieroglyphic Construction of our MONAD, and which it will be pleasing for those who wear the same on Rings or Seals, or otherwise possess it, to observe, we set forth here, carefully noted down. In the Name of JESUS CHRIST, fixed to the CROSS for us (whose Spirit, swiftly writing these things through me, I both wish and hope that I am only the Pen), from our CROSS of the ELEMENTS we shall now seek all these Measures. And this indeed for the following reason (according to the MATTER OF THE ARGUMENT PROPOSED): that beneath the Heaven of the MOON, whatever takes the Beginning of its Generation is either compacted from the FOUR Elements, or is itself indeed an Elemental ESSENCE, and that in various ways, not commonly known. And since in no Created thing are the Elements themselves in Equal Proportion or power, yet by Art they can in certain things (as the Sages know) be brought back to Equality, in our CROSS we establish Equal and not Equal parts. For in another respect we can call the Same and the Different, or the One and the Many, admitting in Secret the Property of the equilateral CROSS (as we noted above). But if we were to bring into the open the reasons (which we hold) for each of the SYMMETRIES set down here, or were to demonstrate their causes in any other way than we have done, abundantly enough for the Wise, throughout the whole little work, we should overleap the Limits of our Purpose, not rashly prescribed to us.

Having taken some Point in the plane, say A, let a sufficiently long straight line be drawn through it on both sides, which shall be C A K; and above the line K C, from the Point A, let a Perpendicular be erected, produced on both sides to a sufficient Length (to Infinity, geometers are wont to say, wisely forestalling inconveniences), which let be D A E. Now in A K let a Point be taken, wherever you like, and let it be B. Having now first A B (the common Measure, namely, of our work), let a Triple of it be taken from A toward C, and let it be A C. Let A E be made the Double of A B itself. And let A D be the Double of A B. So that the whole D E is the Quadruple of A B. Thus, then, we have made our ELEMENTAL CROSS, from A B, A C, A D, and A E, namely from the QUATERNARY of Lines. Now, from B K let a straight line be cut off equal to A D, and let it be B I. With center I and Interval I B let a Circle be described, which let be B R, cutting the line A K at the point R. From the point R toward K let a straight line equal to A B be cut off, and let it be R K. At the point K let a straight line of sufficient length be drawn out on both sides (at right angles with A K itself), which let be P, K, F. From the point K itself toward F let a straight line equal to A D be cut off, and let it be K F. Then with center K and Interval K F let a Semicircle F, L, P be described, so that F, K, P is its Diameter. Finally, at the point C let a Perpendicular to the straight line A C be drawn, extended on both sides to sufficient length, and let it be O, E, Q. Next, from the line C O, and at the point C, let a straight line equal to the line A B be taken, and let it be C M. With center M and interval M C let a Semicircle C, H, O be described, whose Diameter is C, M, O. And finally, in a similar way, from the straight line C Q, and at the Point C, let a line equal to A B be cut off, and let it be C N. With center N and length N C, then, let a Semicircle C, G, Q be made, of which C N Q is the Diameter. Now we declare that all the requisite SYMMETRIES in our MONAD have been explained and described.

Yet I would advise the Craftsman that the whole line C K consists of nine such parts as our FUNDAMENTAL line A B is one. Hence he can approach the completion of this same work by another way. Then, that all Diameters and Semidiameters ought to be marked here with obscure lines (as the Craftsmen say). And no visible CENTER is to be left, except the Solar Center, which you see here marked with the letter I. And no letters are to be added. Then, for Ornament (not for any Mystical Necessity, which we need not consider in this connection), the Craftsman may add to the Solar Circumference a superficial Breadth (a single parallel being described on the inside). (The distance of the parallels can be made by a fourth or fifth part of A B, or thereabouts.) To the Lunar one, however, he may give that Appearance which is wont to appear first in the Heaven after its Conjunction with the Sun: namely, quite Horned. This will be done if from the point K, toward R, that fourth or fifth part (which we mentioned) of the line A B is taken; and upon the end of that line, as Center, with the Lunar Semidiameter, that second part of the Circumference is drawn, to a sharp contact with both ends of the former Semicircle. Something similar can be done at the points M and N, perpendiculars being erected there, on which a sixth part of A B itself, or less, is taken; where, the Center being made, with the former Semidiameters M C and N C, those second, as it were Semicircles, are drawn on the outside. Finally, through the straight lines of our Cross themselves, Parallels can be drawn on both sides, at a distance from the middle of an eighth or tenth part of A B: so that our CROSS may in that way be composed of FOUR Surfaces, as if of Lines, whose breadth is a fourth or fifth part of the straight line A B. These Ornaments I wished to adumbrate in some way in the appended figure. All of which each person may do according to the judgement of his own mind, provided that meanwhile no Injury (or the least) be inflicted on our Mystical SYMMETRIES; lest, through such negligence, in the progress of time, the Hieroglyphic Commensurations, these true (and most necessary) ones, be disturbed, or the new Discipline perish: a Discipline far more ample and greater than we were able, or indeed willing, to explain in this little book. As TRUTH, the Daughter of Time, will teach, by the NOD OF GOD.

BUT those things which can be obvious to anyone exercising himself in these Symmetries of our MONAD, we shall now set before the eyes methodically. Beginning first from the QUATERNARY of the Lines of our CROSS, in that respect in which anyone can simply declare that there are FOUR Lines. Then concerning the QUATERNARY of the same lines, as they have, in another mode, a peculiar and Mystical partition and ratio. Thirdly, by the Numbers which we have artfully elicited, either in this place or from the other Theorems throughout the little book, we shall show by some examples that certain useful Offices have been destined by God in NATURE; and we shall insert others in suitable places, which, rightly understood, will bear no small fruit; and we shall complete these as briefly as possible.

Our Canon of Metathesis.

In natural order, from the First Monad, any number of Numbers having been set down: if from the First to the Last a Continued multiplication is made, namely of the First by the Second, the product by the Third, and that Product by the Fourth, and in like manner up to the last: the last Product determines every Possible Metathesis in those so many places. And by the same reasoning, in any so many different things. This Operation, O KING, I most highly commend to you: it is most useful both in every examination of Nature and in other affairs of the Commonwealth. This I am wont to use, with the greatest pleasure, in the Tziruph (or Thmura) of the Hebrews.

I am indeed not unaware that very many other Numbers could have been brought to light from the Arithmetical Virtue and FORMALITY of the QUATERNARY. But whoever has not perceived that the great obscurity of Nature is unfolded and illumined by THESE would feel his wit dulled, not sharpened, by a greater multitude of them. Of our Numbers, therefore (AS we have promised), how much Authority they hold in WEIGHING THE ELEMENTS, in defining the MEASURES OF TIMES, and finally in prescribing certain DEGREES to the Power and Virtue of Things, we present in the following Diagrams, to be weighed.

From these Diagrams more can be drawn out (if they are considered more deeply) than it is fitting to set forth in plain words. This one singular thing, however, we point out above the rest (published by us as the first, together with this whole new art): that a Reason is here set in the open why the QUATERNARY, or DENARY, puts a certain end to Numerations; and we assert that the cause which our Elders gave was not absolute and exact, but this one, which we shall now relate.

After this MONAD has been restored to itself entirely, fully, and Physically (then indeed it is the MONAD, MOST UNITED, and judged by the Magi to be UNITY), it is neither in the power of NATURE nor of any ART to impel THE SAME more often than four times, through Supercelestial Revolutions, to make any Progress or MOTION: (And from this is begotten That,

» which we wish, on account of its eminence, to be so marked,)
» And for this reason, that neither in the Elemental world,
» nor the Celestial, nor the SUPERCELESTIAL, is there any
» CREATED INFLUENTIAL Power, which,
» then, would not have been most absolutely Enriched and Endowed.

The true Effect of which, FOUR most illustrious Men philosophizing together (of old) achieved in Work: whence, long Astonished at the Greatest Miracle of the Matter, they at last turned themselves wholly thereafter to singing and proclaiming the Praises of God Most Good and Most Great, who in that way had bestowed on them such great Wisdom, and a most ample Power and Dominion over the other CREATURES.

Theorem XXIIII.

AS we began the Opening of this Little Book from the Point, the Straight Line, and the Circle, and so from our MONADIC POINT led round into a Circle the LINEAR Extreme Effluxion of our ELEMENTS, nearly analogous to the Equinoctial itself, which completes its circuit in 24 Hours: SO now at last, in this our Twenty-FOURTH Theorem, we shall complete and conclude the ALL-MANNER METATHESIS of the QUATERNARY (defined in number as 24) AND ITS METAMORPHOSIS: To the HONOR AND GLORY of Him WHO (witness John, Chief Prelate of the Divine Mysteries, in the FOURTH part of the FOURTH Chapter of the Apocalypse, the LAST part) sits on the Throne: In Whose MIDST AND ROUND ABOUT, FOUR Living Creatures (each having SIX WINGS) without rest, DAY and NIGHT, say: Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty: WHO Was: and WHO Is: and WHO is to come: WHOM also, from 24 Seats placed ROUND ABOUT, 24 ELDERS, falling down (CASTING DOWN THEIR GOLDEN CROWNS) adore, saying: Worthy art Thou, O Lord, to receive GLORY and HONOR and POWER: FOR THOU HAST CREATED ALL THINGS: And for THY WILL THEY ARE: AND WERE CREATED. AMEN, SAYS THE FOURTH LETTER, Δ:

ANTWERP PRINTED BY WILLEM SILVIUS, ROYAL PRINTER: THE DAY BEFORE THE CALENDS OF APRIL, IN THE YEAR 1564.