Alchemical Symbolism in the VMS

[bi3mw]

It should also be noted that the alchemical process can be divided into different stages. For example, there is a division into 4, 7 or 12 stages. In general, it can be said that the process began with fewer stages and then more and more stages were added as alchemy developed.
So if (parts of) Quire 13 in the VMS are to be interpreted as an alchemical process, there is no getting around the question of which classification should be taken as a basis.


The Four Stages:
The origin of these four phases can be traced at least as far back as the first century. Zosimus of Panopolis wrote that it was known to Mary the Jewess.

1.) Nigredo (Blackening or Melanosis):
This initial stage involves decomposition and reduction.

2.) Albedo (Whitening or Leucosis):
Following Nigredo, Albedo represents purification.

3.) Citrinitas ( (Yellowing or Xanthosis):
Citrinitas serves as the transition between the purification of Albedo and the final perfection of Rubedo.
This phase represents the transmutation of silver into gold.

4.) Rubedo (Reddening, Purpling, or Iosis):
The final stage, Rubedo, represents the completion of the alchemical process. Here, the true transformation occurs,
and the opposites unified in Citrinitas achieve a harmonious balance. Rubedo signifies the full realization of the
Magnum Opus, culminating in the creation of the rebis.

Colors of the magnum opus seen on the breastplate of a figure from Splendor Solis:
   


The seven stages ( Probably the most widely used method ):

1.) Calcination
Heating a substance over a flame until it turns to ashes.

2.) Dissolution
Dissolving ashes of substances into water.

3.) Separation
Isolating and filtering the products of dissolution.

4.) Conjunction
Form a new substance from the separated elements you choose to keep.

5.) Fermentation
Induce chemical breakdown of substance with bacteria or other micro-organisms.

6.) Distillation
Boil and condense solution to increase purity.

7.) Coagulation
Transformation to a solid state.

Michelspacher, Steffan, Cabala, Augsburg 1616 ( deviating phases )
   

These are the twelve stages ( in Ripley ):
You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login to view.

The First Gate - Calcination
The Second Gate - Solution
The Third Gate - Separation
The Fourth Gate - Conjunction
The Fifth Gate - Putrefaction
The Sixth Gate - Congelation
The Seventh Gate - Cibation
The Eighth Gate - Sublimation
The Ninth Gate - Fermentation
The Tenth Gate - Exaltation
The Eleventh Gate - Multiplication
The Twelfth Gate - Projection

You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login to view.