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The Mysterious Life of Elias Ashmole - Scientist, Alchemist, and Founder of the Royal Society
Inner Traditions 2004, 2006 ISBN #:1594771227 For those who hold an interest in Freemasonry, Western Mysticism, or esotericism in general, this is a wonderful book. Churton presents the life of Elias Ashmole (1617-1692), intellectual and true Renaissance figure, in great depth and with stunning clarity. Ashmole's accomplishments include being a founding member of the Royal Society (an academy of natural philosophers and scientists), Windsor Herald, Alchemist, Freemason (one of the earliest recorded), astrological advisor to the King, and the creator of the world's first public museum (the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford). Ashmole has been largely "set aside" by historians, with the notable exception of the C.H. Josten's presentation of Ashmole's writings, published in five volumes by Oxford University Press in 1966. Churton posits that part of the problem for historians is how to classify Ashmole, as he is a Renaissance Magus on the one hand, and a rational mathematician and founder of the Royal Society on the other hand. Whatever history chooses to see, Ashmole is the missing link between operative and symbolic Freemasonry. He was the first person to record a personal account of initiation into what is termed Accepted Freemasonry. The ceremony took place in Warrington, Lancashire, in 1646. The picture that Churton paints of Elias Ashmole is one that is firmly set against the background of Ashmole's time. We see the development of his life in terms of the existing political and social mores, and the importance that his mother's strong will, and her ability to network through family connections, had in his growth. We see Ashmole through the people that he associated with, including astrologer George Wharton, parliamentarian astrologer William Lilly, and those that he admired, including John Dee. Through references to Ashmole's journal's we view something of the inner man, including his perhaps "overuse" of consulting astrology concerning his romantic escapades. We read about the good and the bad, including the fire that destroyed Ashmole's lifetime collection of rare manuscripts, coins and other memorabilia, all of which was to have gone to the Ashmolean Museum. Throughout the book are numerous black and white photographs, showing us the countryside and buildings referred to, the people of Ashmole's time, and rare manuscripts and esoteric works. This is as much a photo-journal as it is a text based book. Ashmole was born and grew up in Lichfield in Staffordshire, the son of a saddler. He never forgot his beginnings in Lichfield - he was a generous patron to Lichfield's great cathedral, and played a large part in its rebuilding (it was severely damaged during the Civil War by Cromwellian forces). He also managed to save part of its library during the time that the cathedral was being vandalized, which was no small feat. Ashmole's legacy includes his alchemical magum opus, the "Theatrum Chemicum Britannicum", as well as the creation of the Ashmolean Museum. The inscription placed by Ashmole's widow over his tomb in St. Mary's church, Lambeth, reads:
Elias Ashmole, of Lichfield, Gentleman, Holder, among other public offices, of the Comptroller-ship of the Excise: And also honored for many years with the title of Windsor Herald, Who, after two marriages, married, as his third wife, Elizabeth, Daughter of Sir William Dugdale, Knight, Garter Principal King of Arms, He passed through death 18 May 1692, in the 76th year of his age, But so long as the Ashmolean Museum of Oxford endures he will never die." It is important to know our history, so that we can better understand our present, and choose the best path for the future. "The Magus of Freemasonry" reflects esoteric as well as physical history, and one day will be part of history itself. It is an excellent resource book, and an important addition to any library.
Bonnie Cehovet
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