C. G. Jung

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C. G. Jung

• and the Alchemical Process

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Alchemy

• (In its purest form) a spiritual path to return
  fallen man to his state of perfection in the
  Garden of Eden the art of the transmutation of
  the soul (Granger).
• Man is essentially spirit, then soul, then
  physical body ? fell from Grace, lost the
  interconnectedness of these elements ? became
  lead (the physical body).
• Alchemy the path back to gold (spirit), but
  process difficult. Need to burn away the impure.
  The alchemical process was one of purification
  through obedience and meditation.
• The alchemist used catalysts and purifying
  agents to affect changes in the materials (and in
  himself)---next slide.
• Ultimately, alchemy was a cathartic experience,
  one meant to promote human transformation.

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The Alchemical Process

• Breaks down and reinvents or rejuvenates a base
  material (lead) into a pure one (gold).
• Vitriol ---often referred to as the green
  lion---is associated with the color green. It
  is the first material applied to crude matter,
  and it begins the process of breaking down and
  purifying this matter.
• Next, 2 catalysts applied to the broken down base
  substnce, and these reflect the masculine and
  feminine polarities of existence
• Alchemical sulfur the masculine, impulsive, red
  pole
• Alchemical mercury (or quicksilver) the
  feminine, cool complement
• Sulfur and quicksilver are often called the
  quarreling couple

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Separatio

• Separatio is the alchemical process that
  involves, as its name suggests,  the  separation
  of elements. Sometimes this is represented in a
  gentle way, like  sorting and organization.
  Sometimes its violent, like cutting. 
• In alchemy, it has to do with becoming aware of
  the opposites that exist within oneself.

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There are 3 stages to the alchemical process1)
The nigredo (or black) stage the stage of
dissolution, of breaking down, of burning away,
of destroying tin order to rebuild or to make
reborn.2) The albedo (or white) stage that of
purification, which follows a washing of the
material, which causes it to turn a brilliant
white. Frequent symbols of this stage are the
moon (Luna) and the lily. 3) The rubedo (or
red) stage that of recongealing or perfection,
when the purified matter is ready to be reunited
with the soul/spirit. At this point, one attains
eternal life.
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Conjunctio

• The joining of two opposite components, often
  seen as the union of the male and female, the
  subtle and gross, or even the elements.

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Alchemical Symbols
Phoenix renewal and resurrection signifying the
philosophers stone, especially the red stone
attained at rubedo, capable of transmuting base
metals into pure gold destruction and
recreation/rebirth Lily purity, immortality,
salvation the lily opens the path to God. James
the patron saint of alchemists, the Fisher King,
who heals the world/reclaims the Wasteland he
embodies the search for God. The Doppelganger a
creatures complementary figure, or shadow, that
reveals otherwise unknown aspects of the being.
(Examples would be creatures who can change form,
who incorporate 2 natures, twins, etc.)
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Animals often used to symbolize the basic
components and processes of alchemy. They may be
used to symbolize the four Elements such as the
lion or ox (Earth), fish or whales (Water),
eagles (Air), or salamanders or dragons (Fire).
Aerial animals generally indicate volatile
principles, while terrestrial animals indicate
fixed principles. Whenever two animals are found
together, they signify Sulfur and Mercury or some
relationship between the fixed and the
volatile.Dogs signify primitive matter,
natural sulfur, or material gold. A dog being
devoured by a wolf symbolizes the process of
purifying gold using antimony (a metal
symbolizing animal nature). Caduceus the
magical staff of Hermes, the Messenger of the
Gods and revealer of alchemy. The staff is
entwined by two serpents representing the solar
and lunar forces. Their union is the Conjunction
of alchemical principles and their offspring, if
it lives, is the Stone. This Stone is represented
as a golden ball with wings at the top of the
caduceus.
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The Philosophers Stone A legendary substance
that supposedly could turn inexpensive metals
such as lead into gold and/or create an elixir
that would make humans younger, thus delaying
death.
Nicholas Flamel a French alchemist who lived in
the 14th century. He is alleged to have been the
most accomplished of the European alchemists, and
it is claimed that he succeeded at the two
magical goals of alchemy -- that he made the
Philosopher's Stone which turns lead into gold,
and that he and his wife Perenelle achieved
immortality.