User:King Vegita/Hermetic alchemy
Hermetic Alchemy or The Operation of the Sun is a spiritual technique used to purify and refine oneself. The Emerald_Tablet is considered to be the originating writing for Hermetic Alchemy and all of Western alchemical thought. Disagreements exist over whether physical alchemy or spiritual, Hermetic alchemy came first. Scholars of science and history tend to believe that spiritual alchemy is the offspring of physical alchemy. Occultists tend to believe that physical alchemy is the perversion of its spiritual counterpart, however some occultists, such as Manly P. Hall, believe that both are plausible and that spiritual alchemy is the key to successfully doing physical alchemy. (Hall The Secret Teachings of All Ages p. 509)
Hermetic Alchemy came forth from Egypt, as a Hermetic art, and during the Middle Ages dominated the other branches (Astrology and Theurgy). (Hall The Hermetic Marriage p. 225) This art and Astrology are known as the two oldest sciences in the world. A legend even exists which purports that an angel had given to Adam knowledge of these two arts and told him that mankind could reenter Eden once both were mastered. (Hall The Secret Teachings of All Ages p. 494) It gained much support from those who required logic, reason, and philosophy once religion in Europe lost its philosophical edge and became entrenched in blind faith. (Hall The Hermetic Marriage p. 226)
Alchemy has given birth to chemistry through the work of such men as Roger Bacon. (Hall The Hermetic Marriage p. 225) However, according to Hermetic alchemists, the physical side to the art is only half of it, the spiritual is the other. This is revealed in the symbolism of the Egyptian goddess Isis whose veil hides the other half from the unworthy. (Hall The Secret Teachings of All Ages p. 126)
Spiritual alchemical processes[edit]
Calcination[edit]
Calcination is the first of the seven steps to transformation. The chemical procedure of Calcination is when a substance is pulverized and then heated over an open flame or in a crucible to eliminate water and other volatile compounds until it is reduced to ashes. In the Arcanum Experiment, Calcination is represented by sulfuric acid, which the alchemists made from a naturally occurring substance called Vitriol. Sulfuric acid is very corrosive and reacts with all metals except gold. Psychologically, Calcination is an operation on the saturnine elements of the personality which allows the identification of illusions and therefore the ability to destroy attachments to material possessions. It is a controlled burn achieved by a deliberate surrender of materiality through a variety of psychological and spiritual disciplines that cause introspection and self-evaluation. The intensity of the calcining fires varies depends on how much the person needs to burn away mental constructs and reveal their true essence. The identification of calcining fires can be seen in many religions, such as in Buddhism where “all life is suffering.” This suffering is caused by the need to be purified by the calcining fires. What are experienced as the soul is purified are the fiery emotions such as anger and frustration.
Dissolution[edit]
The second major stage of alchemical transformation is Dissolution. The chemical procedure of Dissolution is when the ashes of Calcination are dissolved in water or acid. In the Arcanum Experiment, Dissolution is represented by iron oxide or rust, which illustrated the potentially corrosive powers of Water on even the hardest of metals. When processed, Vitriol breaks down into sulfuric acid and iron oxide, which are the first two arcana, or secret ingredients. Psychologically, Dissolution is the further breaking down of the artificial structures of the psyche by the immersion in the unconscious or irrational and rejected parts of our minds. It is an unconscious process in which our conscious mind allows the surfacing of previously buried emotions that conceal or distort our true nature. It results in a flowing presence that is free of inhibitions, prejudgments, and restrictive mental structures.
Separation[edit]
The chemical procedure of Separation is the isolation of the components of Dissolution by filtration and then discarding any contemptible or unnecessary material. In the Arcanum Experiment, Separation is represented by the compound sodium carbonate, which separates out of water and appears as white soda ash on dry lake-beds. The alchemists sometimes referred to this compound as Natron, which meant the common tendency in all salts to be in a solid form. Psychologically, this process is the rediscovery of our essence and the reclaiming of dreams and ideals. It is the separation of frozen energy released from the breaking down of habits and crystallized thoughts from the pure essence, and the conscious removal of energy that is no longer valuable. It is the development of a self deprecating attitude in the personality as one becomes aware of all the illusions of the unconscious mind. Depth psychologists consider containing and uniting these mental opposites the basis for the creation of consciousness.
Conjunction[edit]
Conjunction is also known as the 'Lesser Stone,' as an alchemist achieving it should see the way forward to enlightenment. Practitioners of spiritual alchemy see this stage as the revelation of the true self and the union of all parts of the psyche. Chemically, the elements of the Separation are recombined to create something new.
Fermentation[edit]
Fermentation is the introduction of new life into the product of Conjunction to raise it to a more advanced level of being and ensure its survival. In the Arcanum Experiment, the process of Fermentation is represented by a compound called Liquor Hepatis, which is an oily, reddish-brown mixture of ammonia and hydrogen sulfide. During Fermentation the mind enters a spiritual state of inspiration and is enlightened by creative abilities. This is a state of consciousness in which mental images or visions seem more representative of reality than anything physically visible. During this state of consciousness, one may enter a phase of deep inspirational depression.
Distillation[edit]
The sixth alchemical stage of transformation is Distillation. Chemically, it is the boiling and condensation of the fermented solution to increase its purity. In the Arcanum Experiment, Distillation is represented by a compound known as Black Pulvis Solaris, which is made by mixing black antimony with purified sulfur. Psychologically, this agitation and sublimation of psychic forces is necessary to completely purify the mind for the final stage of transformation.
Coagulation[edit]
The final alchemical procedure necessary for complete transformation is Coagulation. Chemically, Coagulation is the precipitation or sublimation of the purified Ferment from Distillation. In the Arcanum Experiment, Coagulation is represented by a compound called Red Pulvis Solaris, which is a reddish-orange powder of pure sulfur mixed with the therapeutic mercury compound, red mercuric oxide. The name Pulvis Solaris means "Powder of the Sun" and the alchemists believed it could instantly perfect any substance to which it was added. Psychologically, Coagulation is first sensed as a divine confidence or a permanent state of consciousness that is only concerned with the highest aspirations and evolution of the mind. Coagulation incarnates and releases the Ultima Materia of the soul. Alchemists referred to this incarnation which completely transforms any substance to perfection as the Philosopher's Stone. Using this magical Stone, the alchemists believed they could exist on all levels of reality. Physiologically, this stage is indicated by the release of the Elixir in the blood that rejuvenates the body into perfect health.
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THIS ENTIRE ARTICLE - WORD FOR WORD - HAS BEEN STOLEN FROM DENNIS WILLIAM HAUCK's PUBLISHED WORKS! At least give the guy credit. It is all taken from his books "The Emerald Tablet - Alchemy for Personal Transformation" and "Secret Formula of the Emerald Tablet", and from his websites www.AlchemyLab.com and www.DWHauck.com .