At the base we have the double crescent of Aries, the celestial fire of transformation; next the Solar Cross, the four elements, the cardinal directions, the Crucifixion, and the Hermetic mystery of the ‘quaternary in the ternary’, the ‘4 in the 3’. Dee believed in the Holy Trinity, but also that all creation was embodied in the number 4, the Trinity plus One (the One being manifest reality). Though seemingly mystical and arbitrary, the 4 in the 3 was a mathematical principle describing a Platonic solid called the Cuboctahedron, a shape made up of 8 triangles and 4 squares. This structure provides great supporting strength at little cost to weight, and was popularized in the 20th century by American architect Buckminster Fuller in the development of high-rise construction cranes as well as Geodesic Domes such as the one at Epcot, Florida.
Moving up, we have the point and the circle, two basic principles of geometry from which all others follow. Together they become the Sun with the Earth at its centre (a pre-Copernican worldview), over which we have the horned Moon. These horns combine with the circle to present the Earth sign of Taurus, as well as symbolising the alchemical wedding of the Active (Sun) and Passive (Moon). Joined with the circle and cross we find the symbol for Mercury, that the ancient Greeks called Stilbon (the God of the Wandering Star), which they considered the prime planet and metal. All seven classical planets, and the metals of the ancient world, are also revealed.
Considered as a whole, we can view the Monad as the alchemical process, with the transformative, Promethean fire of Aries at the base, and silver (the Moon) and gold (the Sun) at the top, forming the Cornucopian horns of wisdom. It also has an anthropomorphic aspect of a contemplative, kneeling figure. This finds a natural comparison in the spiritual concept of the Kundalini, the upward progression of energy points through the body, from the root through to the Divine light of revelatory experience; as well as in the Buddhist practice of meditation, in which fiery Desire fades with the awakening to our true, wise nature.
Despite Dee’s somewhat tarnished reputation as a magician and necromancer, even his critic, the pious Andrestius Babius, capitulated to recognising the Monad’s importance as a standardising tool that transcended language; a true, universal, scientific notation. That it so keenly marries Science with Spiritual wisdom presents an opportunity of revelatory understanding for those who would still take the time to study it.
In 1582, Dee began collaborating with an Irish medium called Edward Kelley, the two engaging in scrying and ‘necromancy’ (specifically, the summoning and questioning of spirits). Their transcripts report contact with a variety of angels, with whom they claimed to have uncovered a lost Adamic language known as ‘Enochian’. Such practices, dubious in the eyes of a Christian public, did little for Dee’s reputation, and by the time the two returned from their Continental wanderings, having failed to impress the King of Bohemia with an alchemical demonstration, both men were penniless and parted company soon after. Kelley went on to some limited success as an alchemist, whilst Dee returned to his home in Mortlake to find his grand library of over 2000 occult works ransacked.
In his final years, Dee’s neighbours described him as a fastidious, robed scholar who was only too willing to lend a diplomatic hand in petty disagreements. The same neighbours whispered behind closed doors of a man who still dabbled in black magic, rumours no doubt fuelled by the strange sounds and odours that issued from Dee’s home laboratory. Ever possessed of an inquiring mind, Dee had paid a heavy price to his reputation for his far-ranging intellectual excursions, and was firmly ensconced in the public imagination as a black magician. So besmirched was his name that Meric Casuabon would draw comparison to him in his attacks on the alchemist Robert Fludd, half a century later.
In their structure, the seals of Solomon combine symbolism and imagery, power and beauty, ordered within a geometric whole that touches the earthly world at its base, and reaches to the divine heavens at its apex. They express the link between science and metaphysics, medicine and magic, astronomy and astrology; each a necessary part of the divine whole.
To employ the Pentacles, the magician was required to first ritually cleanse themselves, after which they would turn their face to the east and hold their chosen talisman over burning incense (frankincense or myrrh being popular choices), whilst reciting the appropriate psalms and evocations. After this was done, they would then consecrate the seal by reciting The Oration from chapter eight of The Key of Solomon. Activation of the seal was then simply a matter of holding the talisman in the left hand and reciting its associated versicle.
Our selection features the most powerful and beneficial talismans from The Order of the Pentacles. They have been thoroughly researched and masterfully transcribed with care given to the finest detail. They are sealed within a cabochon lens, which magnifies them beautifully so their details remain vivid to the naked eye. It is our pleasure to bring these occult treasures into the modern world and share their mysteries with you.
Our house is a thriving ladybug Hibernaculum, and this time of year, we see them waking up, a mass of red beads clustering around our windows. They keep the garden clean of aphids but we are gently shooing them away all day long. It's good luck, they say, when a ladybug lands on you, and if this is the case we are very much blessed to the point of annoyance!
There are also Hibernacula in myth, folklore, and fairy tales. Sleeping beauty, in her spellbound kingdom, dreaming in her nest of thorns. The brave sailor Jonas, swallowed by the whale, or naughty little Red Riding hood in the belly of the wolf. Every autumn, Persephone, the Goddess of Flowers and Spring-time, makes her seasonal descent into the dark realms beneath the earth, reclaiming her throne as Queen of the Underworld. There, she lives in subterranean luxury with her husband-king, Hades, the God of Death.
When you seek your Hibernacula, remember: The earth, like the ocean, does not freeze. You are digging in deep, you are returning to the body that gave birth to you. You are confronting darkness and finding comfort there. You are claiming a safe place to rest, to heal, to wait, and to dream. Maybe you need to take some time, maybe you just need a moment to yourself, either way, your Hibernaculum is there to welcome you.
Remember this, most importantly, Hibernacula is not a grave. There must be a return, an awakening. That is the promise. And we will emerge, hungry, eyes stung by the sun, stretching out our cramped but well-rested limbs. We will greet the world and rejoice in our fresh freedom. We will share our dreams and plans. We go forth into a new season of wakefulness. I hope to meet you there.
--KMK
One story recounts how Ishtar descends into the underworld to rescue her lover Tammuz, the god of the harvest. Seven precincts yield to her, at each threshold she removes first her crown, then her braided pendants, her necklace, her bracelets and anklets, the jewels from her breast, the girdle about her waist, and finally her dress. Naked before Ereshkigal, she is imprisoned, much to the sorrows of the earth and heavens. Her redeemer comes in the form of Asushu-Namir, the twin-gendered progeny of the water god Ea, whose magic overcomes that of Ereshkigal. Leading Ishtar back out through the seven precincts, where the goddess reclaims her garb and adornments, Asushu-Namir is cursed by the Queen of the Night to be forever a stranger in their own home, but blessed by Ishtar with the gifts of prophecy, wisdom, and healing.
This goddess is embodied as a wild woman, embracing her primal power, but she is also a figure of divine dignity, holding the symbols of sacred right. There is wisdom in her mysterious smile. She stands as goddess of empowered and emancipated femininity, a proclamation of strength which dates back to the cradle of civilization.
In these troubled modern times, we may still draw strength from the rebel Lilith, the sacred harlot Ishtar, the dark and all-embracing Ereshkigal; respected, beloved, and feared. Find this power in your own Key of Lilith.