Mystical occult objects have long been a subject of fascination and curiosity for many individuals throughout history. These objects are often imbued with mystical powers or believed to possess supernatural abilities. One such object is the crystal ball, which is commonly associated with fortune-telling and divination. It is believed that the crystal ball can act as a portal to the spiritual realm, allowing individuals to gain insights into the past, present, and future. Some practitioners claim to see visions or receive messages from spirits or higher beings through the crystal ball. Another famous occult object is the tarot deck, a set of cards with symbolic imagery that is used for divination and self-reflection.
Another famous occult object is the tarot deck, a set of cards with symbolic imagery that is used for divination and self-reflection. Each card in the tarot deck represents different aspects of life, including love, career, and spiritual growth. By interpreting the cards that are drawn, practitioners believe they can gain insights and guidance into various aspects of life.
The mystical objects of John Dee
As part of our series of guest posts about John Dee’s life, books and publications, Mehzebin Adam from the Science Museum, London, writes about mystical objects believed to have been owned by Dee. These objects can been seen in the current RCP exhibition ‘Scholar, courtier, magician: the lost library of John Dee’.
John Dee (1527–1609) was an Elizabethan mathematician, astronomer, astrologer, alchemist and occultist, and also known for being an advisor to Queen Elizabeth I. The current exhibition at the Royal College of Physicians, which opened on 18 January 2016, explores the fascinating work of John Dee through his alchemical texts and extraordinary objects. Among the objects on display is the Claude glass believed to be John Dee’s scrying mirror and John Dee’s crystal with a facsimile of a statement about it. These objects are loaned from the Science Museum in London which has the objects on permanent loan from the Wellcome Trust since 1997.
The Claude glass, a device consisting of a black glass mirror stored in a sharkskin case, is thought to have once belonged to John Dee. A Claude glass was normally used by artists, travelers and connoisseurs of landscape. It is named after the artist Claude Lorrain (1600–1682), a 17th Century landscape painter whose name is synonymous with the artistic movement. It is believed that Dee used his Claude glass as a crystal ball to look into the future, a practice known as scrying and a form of divination. Divination has been used for thousands of years to forecast the course of an illness or find the best treatment, the practice involves an attempt to predict the future from signs and symbols. Dee spent much of his life devoted to alchemy, divination and hermetic philosophy. According to museum documentation records, the object has belonged to Lady Betty Germaine, from whom it passed to the Duke of Argyll and later to Horace Walpole. The documentation records show that the Wellcome Histroical Medical Museum, now the Wellcome Trust, accessioned the object into their collection in 1937.
Claude glass, believed to be John Dee’s scrying mirror. Europe, undated. Science Museum, London, Wellcome Images
John Dee’s crystal is a clear cut purple crystal attached to a chain and ring. Dee claimed that the crystal was given to him by angel Uriel in 1582 who instructed him and his assistant Edward Kelley (1555–1597/8) on how to make the philosophers stone, every alchemist’s ultimate goal. He believed that he had an ability to contact angels and spirits and claimed that angels had dictated several books to him. This crystal was passed down to Dee’s son, Arthur Dee (1597–1651), who gave it to Nicholas Culpeper (1616–1654) as a reward for curing his liver illness. Culpeper was a physician and an alchemist who used it to cure illnesses until 1651, when he claimed a demonic ghost emerged from it. The documentation records show that the Wellcome Historical Medical Museum, now the Wellcome Trust, accessioned the object into their collection in 1936.
John Dee’s crystal. Europe, 1584. Science Museum, London, Wellcome ImagesA facsimile of a statement about John Dee's crystal written by Nicholas Culpeper on the back of a deed is also on display. It was written on 7 March 1651 in Latin and gives a historical insight into the crystal and how Culpeper came to acquire it. Museum documentation records show that the manuscript was bought at an auction for the Wellcome collection in 1922.
Statement by Nicholas Culpeper about John Dee’s crystal. Nicholas Culpeper, 7 March 1651. Science Museum, London, Wellcome Images
These objects with their fascinating histories give a curious insight into the work and mind of John Dee, one of the most extraordinary and enigmatic figures of the Elizabethan age.
Mehzebin Adam, Science Museum
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Amulets and talismans are also popular mystical objects that are believed to provide protection or bring good luck. These objects are often worn as jewelry or carried in a pocket or purse. Amulets and talismans can be made from various materials, such as gemstones, crystals, or engraved metals, and are believed to ward off negativity or attract positive energies. In addition to these objects, various other mystical occult objects exist, such as wands, mirrors, and pendulums. These items are often used in rituals, spells, or ceremonies to harness magical energies or connect with the spiritual realm. They are believed to serve as conduits for the practitioner's intentions and desires. It is important to note that the belief in these mystical occult objects and their powers varies among different cultures and individuals. While some may dismiss them as mere superstitions or fantasies, others view them as valuable tools for exploring the unknown and connecting with the spiritual world. In conclusion, mystical occult objects are intriguing artifacts that have captivated the human imagination for centuries. Whether it be a crystal ball, tarot deck, or amulet, these objects are believed to possess mystical powers and provide insights into the spiritual realm. While their powers may be debated, there is no denying the fascination and allure they hold for many individuals..
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