original Latin: "Qui non intelligit, aut taceat, aut discat." This famous warning serves as a gateway to the hermetic mysteries within.

THE HIEROGLYPHIC MONAD

Hieroglyphic MonadA complex symbol designed by Dee to represent a mystical unity of the cosmos, combining the signs for the Moon, Sun, elements, and the zodiac sign Aries.

BY JOHN DEE, OF LONDON,

TO

MAXIMILIAN, BY THE GRACE OF GOD,

THE MOST WISE KING

OF THE ROMANS, BOHEMIA, AND HUNGARY.

Maximilian II (1527–1576) was the Holy Roman Emperor, known for his religious tolerance and interest in the sciences and arts.

FIRE
original Latin: "Ignis". Represented by the sun symbol at the top of the left column.

Scrolls on left side:

THE KING BECOMES
THE PARENT AND
[SOURCE] OF
ALL PLANETS
original Latin: "Rex fit parens et planetarum omnium." In alchemy, the "King" often represents Gold or the Sun.

(Pedestal medallion)
WATER
original Latin: "Aqua". Found at the base of the pillar of Fire.

AIR
original Latin: "Aër". Represented by the crescent moon at the top of the right column.

Scrolls on right side:

AL? RE?
[I] CONSIST
OF STABLE
[MATTER]
original Latin: "al re consta stabili sum." This is a fragmented version of a common alchemical phrase suggesting that while appearances change, the underlying substance remains firm.

(Pedestal medallion)
EARTH
original Latin: "Terra". Found at the base of the pillar of Air.

This is a quote from Genesis 27:28, part of the blessing given by Isaac to Jacob. In an alchemical context, "dew of heaven" often refers to a divine or celestial substance required for the "Great Work."