In this paper we will examine the positioning of the tablets in the great table based on the diagrams
in found in Sloane 3191. This information is important for several reasons. First we would like to
know to correctly draw the great table. Second we would like to know in which quarter each tablet
should be placed, its position on the great table might indicate this. Third, the quarter the tablet is
placed in will indicate its color, as several visions that Kelly received were specific about the colors of
the directions.
In sloane 3191 there are two diagrams of the great table with letters, found on pages 53b-54a (image
I) and 56b-57a (image III). On page 57a (above image III) there is a small note about positioning
(image V). While not a proper diagram, we must take it into consideration. The note says "so they
must be placed." A third grid on pages 55b-56a details how the sigils of the governours are drawn
(image II).
The drawing on pages 57b-58a (Image IV) seems to depict four squares surrounded by a circle which
has three flags in each quarter. While these squares do not have the grids or letters, it is a good
assumption that they represent the tablets. We can make a guess at the identity of the identity of
each tablet based on the names shown in the three flags drawn in that tablets quarter. The four sets
of names are derived from the 7th row of each of the tablets. While it is possible that the order of the
flags is not related to the tablets, for the purposes of this post we will assume that this is not the
case.
For convenience the tablets will be referenced by the letters in their upper left corners and by the
order of the aethyrs to which the governours that appear on them belong. These are: 1T, 2d, 3r, 4b.
The following table shows how the tablets are laid out in each of the Images:
Upper Left
Upper Right
Lower Left
Lower Right
Layout
I
3r
1T
4b
2d
A
II
3r
4b
2d
1T
B
III
3r
4b
2d
1T
B
IV
3r
1T
4b
2d
A
V
3r
4b
1T
2d
C
Image I agrees with image IV (the note), this we will call layout A. Image II agrees with image III, this
we will call layout B. Image V is different than all the rest, we will call it layout C.
The differences between the layouts become more apparent when the path one takes following the
governours up through the aethyrs is highlighted, shown in image VI. From a purely aesthetic point
of view, we believe that layout B is the most appealing when it comes to flow as the tablets move in a
circle rather than jumping about.
Image VI
Looking back into the diaries of the workings we find that layout A is the reformed version of the
table given April 20th 1587. Layout B shows the order supposedly given June 25th 1584, but a close
reading of the text does reveals some flaws in this idea. First it should be noted that Dee never
included the full great table in his diaries until the reformed table was received, so we can only
assume that the order in layout B is that given in 1584. This order is seems to based on the order
that the four seals were given, which is Upper Left, Upper Right, Lower Right and Lower Left. The
letters of the four tablets were then given in the order 3r, 4b, 2d, 1T. However, there is a note given
the next day as the angel is instructing upon the use of the black cross, it implies that 3r is in the
upper right:
.... As, in the first of the black crosses thou hast, e.
D. So it is.
In the first square of the right side thou hast r. beginning the name of the Angel
Urzla: put e to ie, and it changeth the sound, into Erzla.
This is problematic as it does not agree with any of the three layouts. We are of the opinion that
either the note was poorly worded and "the right side" is meant to note the fact that the letter e is to
the right of the r or that the circumstances surrounding that note probably involved a visual que or
gesture to a diagram that was not included in the diaries.
Later this order would be unmistakeably corrected while receiving the reformed table:
D. Note: When E.K. had shewed me this Note, we by and by brought forth my book of
Enoch his Tables, and found the four letters r T b d to be the four first letters of the four
principal squares standing about the black Cross: and that here they were to be placed
otherwise than as I had set them. And in the first placing of them together, I remember
that I had doubt how to join them; for they were given apart each by themselves.
So, if one were to believe that this reception of the reformed table is legitimate, as the members of the
Golden Dawn so believed, there is no question as to the order and composition of the tables.
However due to the errors present upon this new table, most apparent being the 8th row of 4b, we
believe magicians should take pause for consideration before using it in their work.
Page
141
148
168
Date
May 21st
May 22nd
June 20th
Year
1584
1584
1584
172
180
15
June 25th
June 26th
April 20th
1584
1584
1587
First 42 Governours Received, OCCODON through OOANAMB
Last 49 Governours Received, TAHANDO through DOZINAL
Vision of the 4 Houses, which are the 4 Angels of the Earth,
the 4 Overseers and Watch-Towers of God
Seals & The Four Tablets
Black Cross (Great Central Cross)
Reformed Great Table
Image I
Image II
Image III
Image V
Image IV