In alchemy the four colors black, white, yellow and red define phases of psychological growth, enlightenment or physical process as the alchemist moves toward the Magnum Opus or Great Work. In spiritual alchemy, the colors correlate to individual mental processes.
The four alchemical color phases are:
nigredo - black, putrefaction, Gr. melanosis
albedo - white, purification, Gr. leucosis
citrinitas - yellow, illumination, Gr. xanthosis
rubedo - red, the Magnum Opus, Gr. iosis
In analytical psychology they equate to:
confession
illumination
education
transformation
The steps of alchemical advancement linked to the Great Work and depth psychology are rooted in symbolism and metaphorical representations. For example, the Red and White stages are personified in the symbolic marriage of the Red King and White Queen.
Nigredo, the first stage, represents the darkness and chaos within the soul, where one must confront inner shadows and impurities. It is a period of dissolution and breaking down of the ego, similar to the process of burning away old matter to reveal the essence within.
In this phase, the practitioner faces difficult memories or aspects, pushed below the surface. The practitioner may feel intense emotions during confrontation of harmful or undesirable elements. The nigredo phase is represented by the raven.
Following nigredo is albedo, the purification stage of balance and clarity. An inner light begins to glow. New insights and understandings appear on higher levels of psychology and spirituality. Here one cultivates the feeling of serenity even in the midst of chaos.
It is a time of repose, reflection and introspection. The practitioner, with a clarified perspective, gains a deeper awareness of Self and the world. Meditation is especially helpful to resolve energies and harmonize vibrations. The dove represents this phase.
Citrinitas, the third phase, signifies the soul's awakening and unification of contradictions. It's a period of equilibrium, during which the person harmonizes conflicting elements of existence in preparation for the unity of opposites process in rubedo.
Now the solar light shines as a new day dawns. This stage is marked by a sense of inner unity, as well as heightened spiritual awareness. Shallow or petty elements do not exist here. Yellow is a color of happiness. The morning sun symbolizes this phase.
Rubedo, the final stage of the alchemical process, beholds transformation of the soul into its highest form, reaching spiritual perfection and unity with the divine. The metaphor of turning lead to gold symbolizes personal growth, self-discovery and triumph over challenge.
This stage is ruled by the phoenix. Weakness becomes strength and wisdom, establishing a profound connection with inner and outer worlds. One takes steps to reveal the true divine Self, confident and unapologetic, in the glow of self-awareness and enlightenment.
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