Alchemical Symbolism in the VMS

[bi3mw]

What I also think is very likely is that the illustration at the top of You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login to view. represents the elements. Beside the four elements air, water, fire and earth still another fifth element is illustrated in the center. This element is (according to Rupescissa) the "quinta essentia" or the "funfften wesen".
   

Quote: "The four terrestrial elements are actually corrupted versions of the quintessence that grow even more corrupt over time." ( Testamentum, Pseudo-Llull )

However, Rupescissa believed otherwise:
Quote: "... although Rupescissa did not believe the four elements to be of the same substance as the quintessence. In Fact Rupescissa  emphasizes that the quintessence is altogether outside the the terrestrial elements, hence its power to overthrow corrupted nature."

( DeVun, L. Prophecy, Alchemy, and the End of Time, Columbia University Press, 2009, p. 97).