| | | | --- | --- | | | | | Haeling Angels - Astrologers who called themselves Raphael | History of Astrology | | By Kim Farnell, Section Biography Posted on Mon Apr 29th, 2002 at 22:33:27 EDT | | Astrologers speak of the works of Raphael as if they were all penned by one person. However, there were six astrologers carrying the name of Raphael during the nineteenth century. But why choose the name “Raphael”? And who were the astrologers who chose to name themselves thus? Post Comment | | --- | | | --- | | The name Raphael means “God has healed” and his day is 29 September. Usually Raphael is associated with Mercury (some say the Sun). St. Raphael is one of seven Archangels. He was sent by God to help Tobit, Tobiah and Sarah. At the time, Tobit was blind and Tobiah’s betrothed, Sarah, had had seven bridegrooms perish on the night of their weddings. Raphael accompanied Tobiah into Media disguised as a man named Azariah. Raphael helped him through his difficulties and taught him how to safely enter marriage with Sarah. Tobiah said that Raphael caused him to have his wife and that he gave joy to Sarah’s parents for driving out the evil spirit in her. He also gave Raphael credit for his father’s seeing the light of heaven and for receiving all good things through his intercession. Besides Raphael, Michael and Gabriel are the only Archangels mentioned by name in the bible. Raphael’s name means “God heals.” This identity came about because of the biblical story which claims that he “healed” the earth when it was defiled by the sins of the fallen angels in the apocryphal book of Enoch. Raphael is also identified as the angel who moved the waters of the healing sheep pool. He is also the patron of the blind, of happy meetings, of nurses, of physicians and of travellers. The association with the planet Mercury, ruler of astrology is one clear reason why this particular angel was chosen. As many nineteenth century astrologers held day jobs and didn’t want their true identities to be known, choosing angelic, or angelic sounding names was a popular pastime. Additionally, most were also members of one or another occult societies and so would adopt a secret name for that purpose. The first Raphael, Robert Cross Smith was known to have read the magical works of Francis Barrett who associated Raphael with Mercury and thus astrology. Francis Barrett, a practically unknown author of The Magus published in 1801.This was a concise handbook on the occult and magic. Barrett, an Englishman, claimed himself to be a student of chemistry, metaphysics, and natural occult philosophy. He was an extreme eccentric who gave lessons in the magical arts in his apartment and fastidiously translating the Kabbalah and other ancient texts into English. He vigorously wanted with great enthusiasm to revive interest in the occult arts. The Magus gained little notice until it influenced Eliphas Levi. The writings in The Magus are lifted almost completely from the works of Cornelius Agrippa. Raphael also appears in literature and paintings and was a recognisable figure. Now he was to become associated with astrology forever. Robert Cross Smith 19 March 1795 in Bristol. Died 26 February 1832 at 9: 07 a.m Robert Smith, the first Raphael, was born in the village of Abbots Leigh on the outskirts of Bristol on 19 March 1795 and died on 26 February 1832. Nine days after Smiths birth, his rival Dixon was born. On the 15 June 1795, Richard Morrison, who was to come to fame as Zadkiel was born. Astrology was being reborn. At this time there was limited interest in the subject. Very few books had been printed since the 1790’s, indeed there were few published in the eighteenth century. Smith maintained that he began to study astrology at an early age and took some lessons in Bristol. Smith was sickly child. Originally a carpenter, Smith moved to London in about 1820 with his new wife to work as a clerk with a builder in Upper Thames Street, London. He already had been interested in astrology for some years. One of his acquaintances was the balloonist G W Graham, who numbered astrology and alchemy amongst his interests. As well as introducing Smith to his friends Graham gave him financial assistance while building up his connections. It was unlikely that Smith had the intention of becoming a professional astrologer at this time. Such a thing didn’t really exist. At a later date it was to be recognised that his work was had established a minor astrological boom. Dixon “Raphael has, with indefatigable industry and perseverance, mainly contributed to the revival of elementary philosophy; indeed, the rapid progress it has made within the last six or seven years, is of itself a convincing proof.” After meeting Graham’s friends, Smith decided to leave his job and begin a career in astrology. He was supported by Graham and moved to a house off Oxford Street in central London. In 1822 Smith and Graham collaborated on writing The Philosophical Merlin “the translation of a script formerly in the possession of Napoleon Bonaparte” . It was dedicated to the “Famous and Renowned Mademoiselle Le Normand”. Mlle Le Normand was a famous Parisian Tarot reader, but there is no record of her having any connection with Smith. Smith’s interests went beyond astrology alone; as did Graham he also practised alchemy. Smith was in 1824 appointed editor of a new periodical, The Straggling Astrologer of the Nineteenth Century, in the twelfth issue of which appeared for the first time his pseudonym Raphael', which was to become famous in the next few years. He also introduced a weekly feature predicting the planetary effects on love and marriage, finance, business, travel -- the first weekly predictions to be made in a journal. *The Straggling Astrologer* did not last long; Smith had better luck with *The Prophetic Messenger*, the first issue of which came out in 1826, and which on his death in 1832 was taken over and continued until 1858. *The Straggling Astrologer* featured the writings of Princess Olive of Cumberland. Olivia Serres claimed to be the legitimate daughter of the Duke of Cumberland and so have a claim to Royal lineage. Smith appears to have been completely taken in by her "...Her Royal Highness who has, we are persuaded been most unjustly persecuted..." On 21 August 1824 he first used the pseudonym Raphael although he frequently signed himself the Royal Merlin. Smith hoped to hit a popular note. The third issue carried advice on how to judge if your future wife was a virgin - the publishers' consternation resulted in a number of changes to the magazine. The next issue offered lots contributors added weekly astrological calendar with headings for love and marriage first weekly feature in history of astrological journalism. Other writers weren't always impressed with Smith and the name *Straggling Astrologer* provided much mileage for humour - the *Stumbling Astrologer*, the *Struggling Astrologer*. A year later Olivia Serres' name was to appear on the title page of *The Oracle of Human Destiny; or the unerring foreteller of Future Events and accurate interpreter of Mystical Signs and Influences through the medium of Common Cards*, by Mme Le Normand. It was believed by Ellic Howe that Smith himself was the author of this book. The name given in the book was Victorine Le Normand but the famous fortune teller of Paris went under the name of Marie-Anne Adelaide Le Normand. Smith's preoccupation with magic was viewed badly by his contemporaries and many digs against him were made by Dixon in *The Spirit of Partridge*1824. In 1824/5 Smith published *Urania or the Astrologers Chronicle and Mystical Magazine* showing the existence of another group called the Philosophic Lyceum. Information was also given about the Mercurii - an astrological Society of which Smith and Zadkiel are the only known members. Smith began to present himself as an expert in magical rituals and wrote more widely than his astrological heritage would indicate. It also made it clear that he wrote under the names of Medusa, Alfred the Inspired Penman, Extraordinary Genius, Royal Merlin and Mercurius. He also called himself Merlinus Angelicus Junior after Lilly. According to Zadkiel, Smith was hardly typical "In this character as a man of some education, he was quite a rara avis, for, since the days of William Lilly, who flourished during the commonwealth, most professors of the science have been extremely illiterate, the necessary effort of the study having been placed under the ban of public opinion." He favoured the Placidean system so wrote tables of house division on that basis. He is largely responsible for their spread, since he issued Almanacs and Ephemerides of the time, so that for lack of any other, they are commonly used in the British Isles and in the U.S.A. today. Thomas Oxley 1830 - "Raphael is a gentleman of great talents and scientific acquirements and is well known, not only in the British Empire but also in the United States of America and everywhere in Europe..." Although the *Straggling Astrologer* ceased publication in October 1824, it was republished in bound form in 1825 as *The Astrologer of the nineteenth Century; or Compendium of Astrology Geomancy and Occult Philosophy*. With additional material it was again published as *The Astrologer of the Nineteenth Century; or the Master Key of Futurity and Guide to Ancient Mysteries*. Much of Smiths occult writing was simply cribbed from Barrett's work. By now he was becoming quite well known. Towards the end of 1824 J English, a teacher of astrology attacked Smith in the *World of Fashion*. "I do not write as he has done for the purpose of exciting the credulous to come to me to have their fortunes told.." Smith was so angry that he moved to a more secluded address off City Road, although he was to return to his old home nine months later. He took his revenge on English by publishing his horoscope with a baneful prediction for the future. Dixon's The Spirit of Partridge appeared in 1824 and was used as a platform for attacks on Smith. Dixon couldn't resist the occasional dig at Smith " Editor of the *Straggling Astrologer* (stumbling Astrologer would have been more appropriate..." Always short of clients Smith didn't make a lot of money from his astrology. As the *Straggling Astrologer* declined he decided to give up astrology to open a coffee-house but failed due to lack of funds. From his writings it is clear that he used astrology in financial speculation. It was at this point that he began to edit the *Prophetic Messenger*. It was the almanac that formed part of the *PM* that was to outlive him. A number of publishers availed themselves of the advertising opportunities and commissioned Smith to write books for them. In quick succession appeared the *Manual of Astrology* 1828, *Royal Book of Fate*, 1829, *Royal Book of Dreams* 1830, and *Raphael's Witch* 1831. His last major work was the *Familiar Astrologer*, an allusion to Lilly. It gives an account of how on 21 June 1826 Smith met his friend Captain B at the Royal Exchange "...having sold a few thousands of consols by the following July account, which, although I am naturally averse to "high play" of any description, I had been induced to do at the persuasion of a friend, chiefly to convince an unbeliever in celestial lore of the ample means possessed by an Astrologer for increasing the store of this world's wealth." There is also the story of visit received by well-dressed and imperious gentleman wearing a valuable ring. Unwilling to give birth data he asked for a horary and was told that he would die within two years. King George IV obliged by dying 26 June 1830. In 1829 he was subpoenaed as witness in bankruptcy case. (10:40am) as described below in a newspaper report. *Globe and Traveller* Butcher and Others v. Wroughton "This was an action of trover brought by the plaintiffs, assignees of a bankrupt named Smart, to recover the value of goods which had been sold by the defendant, as sheriff of the County of Wilts., under an execution which it is alleged had been obtained illegally by a creditor for the purpose of a fraudulent preference. "...Smart had committed an act of bankruptcy ...he should call a witness of a novel description in a court of law, a "conjurer" - he begged the gentleman's pardon, he believed he called himself an astrologer, to whom the bankrupt went to enquire if there was a writ likely to be issued against him. He (the learned Counsel) would produce the horoscope drawn by the astrologer (laughter) with all the unfortunate bankrupt's misfortunes clearly shown (great laughter) he - (the astrologer) found the stars in conjunction, therefore he believed it would be unfortunate to go to law, so he advised him to threaten chancery (laughter), but to avoid as he would a whirlpool that vortex of trouble (laughter), so that the advice given by this astrologer was sound sense, thou the premises from which he adduced it were wrong. The bankrupt...He did not know whether the astrologer foretold it. "...the shopkeeper of the bankrupt Smart...said he left home in consequence of his communications with Raphael, the astrologer, in Tabernacle Walk, City Road, who told him "he smelt a writ so strong that he ought to leave home by the first opportunity... Mr Sergeant Tandy for the defendant...could not conceive that a man would visit an astrologer to know his fate. He would rather visit an attorney, who could tell his fate much better than any conjurer, therefore he thought it was impossible they could think that he left his residence to avoid his discreditors. The persons in court appeared very much disappointed that the astrologer had not been called... " Smith wrote of this occasion in *The Familiar Astrologer* and spoke of a number of elegant females eager to see him. Smith died just as he was planning to move to another publisher for *PM* as he was paid a fixed sum, whatever the sales were, which were steadily increasing. The daily predictions attracted a lot of interest, and in 1827 Smith was introduced to William Blake by John Varley shortly before Blake's death. He claimed to have met him several times (*Urania or the Astrologers Chronicle* 1825). By 1830 Zadkiel had published his *Herald of Astrology* in opposition to the *Prophetic Messenger*. By 1831 this "mathematician and astronomer" "sat pouring over the fates of Kings, Emperors and distinguished individuals."And had moved down the road to number 75. In 1831 he fell ill "caused by much study". He spent a bad winter suffering from a violent cough and frequent fits. He died at 16:15 on 26th February 1832 of consumption. He left behind his widow and six children and Ј1000. **John Palmer** Born 28 May 1807, died 1837 When Smith died there was an immediate interest in the future of *PM* as the copyright, which was his, had some value. An astrologer called Dixon approached Smith's widow and was informed that "two pupils of her late husband had offered their services to write the *Prophetic Messenger* for 1833". The first of this pair was John Palmer who was employed in a chemists shop in Duke Street, Piccadilly. He was born in Bristol on 28 May 1807 and had recently returned from Paris where he claimed to have studied under Nicolas Vauquelin, professor of chemistry at the Ecole de Medicine in the Sorbonne. Palmer described himself as a professor of chemistry and mathematics. His companion was P Moody, Extra Door Keeper at the House of Lords. He later became Head Messenger and died c. 1876. Moody soon sent Mrs Smith a note: - "I object to a mask been taken of Smith's face - because it will give his death too great a publicity at present - the full grounds I stated last night. Mrs Smith will use her own discretion after this; at any rate I should not agree to a cast being taken of his whole head." Dixon had hoped to become Raphael the second but had been pipped at the post. But whatever, he decided to write a PM for 1833, not claiming to be Raphael "in order to prevent the public from being so grossly imposed upon, as I understand it is the intention of the two aforesaid young men to write the *Prophetic* in 1833, for WC Wright, which publication will be said to be written by Raphael! I thought it proper to premise this much, and put the public in possession of the facts, in order to prevent the dissemination of such trash as cannot fail to emanate from the hands of those who have yet to learn their ABC in astrology." The 1833 *PM* contained a brief notice of Raphael I's death and the statement that the present edition had been published for the benefit of his wife and children. By the time of Palmer's death WC Wright appears to have bought the copyright and he continued to publish the almanac until his death in 1858. Palmer was a member of the Astrological Society of London and the Mercurii, the organisation started by Robert Smith. He taught astrology and gave the address of 75 Castle Street, East Oxford Street for correspondence, he also held classes there. We don't know what happened to Mrs Smith and the six kids but Palmer appears to have taken on more than simply the name of Raphael. Palmer's period as Raphael was not to last long as he died in 1837. **Dixon** 28 March 1795 The astrologer Dixon - first name unknown - one of Smith's main rivals - published an issue of the True Prophetic Messenger in 1833. This so closely copied Smiths publication it even used the same type and copied the cover. **Medhurst** He edited the *Prophetic Messenger* from 1828 to 1847 and was also known as a dealer in occult manuscripts. He charged 5s for "a horary figure for any event". He charged from 20s to Ј5 for a "horoscope of the whole life". He also taught astrology and sold "correct copies of curious ancient MSS on Alchemy, Magic &c. and all branches of the Occult Sciences. No horoscope seems to have survived for him as Cross wrote in 1892 that he was unable to find it. **Wakely** 10 May 1814 7 26 am 23 cancer rising mo 23 32 cp Died 1852 (data gives 10 cancer rising but hour later correct) According to Howe he edited the Prophetic Messenger from 1846. A former naval schoolmaster on HMS Victory he died in 1853. He was the first to use the pseudonym Edwin Raphael. Little is known about him but Cross states that he lost his mother at 16, his father at 19 and he married about 20. He was a "pleasant and amiable person; of excellent manners but his constitution was weak and he was often ailing." Cross states in the Astrologer's Magazine September 1892 that his editorship began in 1849 and that he died in 1852. **Sparkes** B17 July 1820, died April 1875. Asc 29 scorpio mc virgo 24 He was the editor of two issues of *The Oracle: A Monthly Journal of Inductive and Predictive Philosophy*, May/June 1861 Editing Prophetic Messenger for 20 years he was "a very good astrologer but negligent with his customers." He began to edit the *Prophetic Messenger* in 1852, following Wakeley's death. He lived at the Elephant and Castle and advertised usual astrological services and sold own special dyspeptic pills. Raphael's Ephemeris 1861 "There are several persons in London and in various parts of the country who assume Raphael's name - such are impostors. Raphael resides at Walworth..." The same issue carried advertisements for "Raphael's' Dyspeptic pills. He died suddenly was a good astrologer but negligent with his customers not rich though he had his own home. Sparkes had the dubious honour of also being a Zadkiel. He was a friend of RJ Morrison for many years and on the latters death in 1874 the editorship of Zadkiel's almanac was passed onto him. When the 1875 issue was published in the autumn of 1874 no reference was made to the death of its founder. A simple notice was placed discouraging correspondence. Unfortunately Sparkes was to die in 1875 making his reign as Zadkiel a very short one. **Robert Thomas Cross** 15 May 1850 2:35 am Robert T Cross was only twenty-five years old when he started to edit the *Prophetic Messenger*. He obtained the copyright to *Raphael's Ephemeris* in the 1870's and it is still owned by the Cross family. Owing to the similarity in names, he is frequently confused with Robert Cross Smith. Born in East Anglia, he published his own horoscope in *Raphael's Ephemeris* for 1913 where he wrote: ": "Nothing has prospered with me except astrology. I have tried many things but have ended in failure or loss. In Astrology, however, I have succeeded beyond my expectations, and my life as a whole leaves me much to be thankful for." His *Guide to Astrology*, published in two volumes in 1877-9 was widely used for many years. He does not appear to have practised astrology, but in his almanac supplied the names of astrologers for whom applicants for horoscopes could apply. Cross was renowned among his peers for "Placing astrology in a cheap form, void of all abstruse technicalities, before the masses, and thus endeavouring to prove it is not specially for the well-to-do, who alone are able to pay the high price charged for certain abstruse mathematical emanations, but that it is a science for all, poor and rich." Cross never claimed to be a mathematician or scientist, unlike many of his contemporaries. He advertised the Society of the Most Ancient Magi - Institute for the especial purpose of advocating Astrology in its purity and for the spreading of occult knowledge." 10 It is clear that despite the myth surrounding him, Cross worked as a consultant astrologer. In the 1870's the following appeared in an astrological periodical "Astrology taught and Nativities calculated Prospectus Sec. Mr Robert Cross, 15 Malvern Road, Dalston London NE. He also advertised the Society of the Most Ancient Magi "Institute for the especial purpose of advocating Astrology in its purity and for the spreading of Occult knowledge." It is unknown whether anyone actually joined this society. As with all Raphael's, Cross' interests were wider than astrology alone He was convinced that he was able to mesmerise animals and vegetables.3 His life as an astrologer did not make an easy start as he states that he was nearly ruined after being conned by friends in 1873. In 1893 his almanac sold 200,000 copies. A prolific writer, Cross could not resist involving himself in every astrological argument going. His name pops up incessantly in the correspondence pages of periodicals. He particularly enjoyed locking horns with Sepharial. It may appear from his writings that he was opposed to the Theosophical astrology that was emerging. However, a letter in the *Astrologers Magazine* of January 1894 makes it clear that he was a member at that time. Although he stated that he would discuss Theosophy "whether in Theosophical journals or out of them, provided I can get on the right side of the editor" we can only assume that he didn't as none of his writings appear in the Theosophical press. Modesty was never a problem. In April 1895, Cross wrote about the death of his granddaughter, the previous November in the Astrologers Magazine. "it is unfortunate that the parents did not send for me instead of their medical attendant...the chances are ten to one that I could have saved its life by recommending suitable medical treatment." I have yet to trace his family records but he certainly married young enough to have a grandchild by 1894. He was reputed to have had a happy married life. From 1889 in *Raphael's Almanac*, Cross suggested that an astrological society be formed. This was a popular plea of all astrologers at the time. In 1895 the *Astrologer's Magazine* cited Cross in support of forming a society and he wrote several letters saying this. Finally, on 14 January 1896 Alan Leo founded a society with himself as president and Cross as vice-president. *Modern Astrology* was intended to be the society's official organ and Cross' writings in it are notable by their absence. On his death in 1923 an obituary appeared in the *British Journal of Astrology*, where EH Bailey said "His genial personality will be missed by all who knew him, and none the less than by the little band of assiduous workers who assisted him in the heavy and onerous work of compiling the *Raphael's ephemeris*. Probably no one can write with better knowledge of this than myself, as for nearly twenty years Mr Cross availed himself of my assistance in connection with his astrological work." However, EH Bailey shows a marked propensity for exaggerating his own importance in the astrological world so the level of his "assistance" can only be guessed at. Cross didn't make great efforts to increase his own popularity. Which may go some way to explaining why *Modern Astrology* completely ignored his death. He was a noted enough figure in his time for his death to be reported in the press. Arthur Mee felt moved to mention it in the August 10th issue of the *Cardiff Evening Express*. "I did not know Raphael personally, but shall always feel grateful to him because my first introduction to astrology was made through the medium of his Key’.” Raphael’s Ephemeris had no hiccough in its sales with the death of Cross. It continues to be sold today and remains in the ownership of his descendants. Cross died shortly after AJ Pearce, the then Zadkiel. The reigns of Raphael and Zadkiel began and ended together. As a closing note…I am indebted to Caroline Gerard who sent me a cutting from Scotland on Sunday dated 5 August 2001 where a horoscope column appears under the name of Raphael. She described the heading photograph as being of someone who “…looks like he’s been told to stop playing with his Play Station and go and tidy his room.” Raphael in all his incarnations has been petulant. I am delighted to see the tradition continue. But I have yet to hear of the new Zadkiel… Sources etc available on request. | | | | --- | | < Auto Format Mode for Articles, Diaries, and Comments (2 comments) | Pressurized gravitational vacuum balloons (3 comments) > | |