The Magus of Freemasonry: The Mysterious Life of Elias Ashmole—Scientist, Alchemist, and Founder of the Royal Society

by Tobias Churton

Elias Ashmole (1617–1692) was the first to record a personal account of initiation into Accepted Freemasonry. His writings help solve the debate between operative and “speculative” origins of Accepted Freemasonry, demonstrating that symbolic Freemasonry existed within the Masonic trade bodies. Ashmole was one of the leading intellectual luminaries of his time: a founding member of the Royal Society, a fellowship and later academy of natural philosophers and scientists; alchemist; astrological advisor to the king; and the creator of the world’s first public museum. While Isaac Newton regarded him as an inspiration, Ashmole has been ignored by many conventional historians.

Tobias Churton’s compelling portrait of Ashmole offers a perfect illustration of the true Renaissance figure—the magus. As opposed to the alienated position of his post-Cartesian successors, the magus occupied a place at the heart of Renaissance spiritual, intellectual, and scientific life. Churton shows Ashmole to be part of the ferment of the birth of modern science, a missing link between operative and symbolic Freemasonry, and a vital transmitter of esoteric thought when the laws of science were first taking hold. He was a man who moved with facility between the powers of earth and the active symbols of heaven.

Genres: Biography, History, Occult, Science, Esoterica, Alchemy

303 pages, Paperback

First published June 27, 2006

About the author

Tobias Churton is a filmmaker and the founding editor of the magazine "Freemasonry Today". He studied theology at Oxford University and created the award-winning documentary series and accompanying book The Gnostics, as well as several other films on Christian doctrine, mysticism, and magical folklore, such as "A Mighty Good Man" (2002), a documentary on Elias Ashmole, his religious ideas and Masonic initiation in 1646. He is currently a lecturer on Freemasonry at the Exeter Centre for the Study of Esotericism, Exeter University. He lives in England.

Reviews

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this work, Churton offers a biographical picture of one of the most ignored thinkers in the history of ideas. Because of some of his “outdated” or “superstitious” beliefs (i.e. alchemy, esotericism, ect.) Ashmole is by passed in traditional origins of modern science. However, 300 years later we find ourselves with a scientific worldview that has nearly depleted itself. Thus Churton offers this biography as an answer to the question of “what’s next?”

[Sienna · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a frustrating read — lots of opinions stated as facts and snarky one-liners inserted into each page. Some unnecessary repetition between chapters, too. Not sure what happened, as I really liked Churton's The Golden Builders; the most memorable and striking parts of this were the quotes taken from C.H. Josten's biography of Ashmole (who is clearly a worthy subject). Still, I enjoyed it. He's certainly correct about the history of science having a marked tendency toward revisionism...

[Per Thykjaer Jensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elias Ashmole is the man behind the Ashmolean Museum. He was a freemason, and the first one to tell about it in his diaries. Churton's biography is interesting and entertaining. Some of his hypotheses about the masonic activities are very interesting. This book was the book next to the bed for a long period of time. It's a book you may read again and again.

[Mona]

its perfect

[Arnold Grot · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ex Uno Omnia: from One, All.

Be open to the mysteries and balance between spiritual and corporal existence. Ashmole impacted both, leaving his mark in history.

[james ross · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful look into England and those that were able to see beyond what the society of the time had to offer.

I gave 4 stars because of the difficult reading if the old English. I would recommend it to those seeking a look at pre-Grand Lodge masonry in England.

[James of the Redwoods · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very informative and well researched. Excellent photos.

[Bill Churchill · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very well written book about a very interesting man.

[Chris Feldman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting work on the man who was the link between John Dee and Isaac Newton. Recommended.