Alchemy symbolism is an ancient and fluctuating system of intertwined elements compounded over more than 2000 years. A cornerstone of analytical psychology, alchemy experiences a rebirth into the 20th century and beyond with pioneering work of psychologist Carl Jung.
"The world of alchemical symbols does not belong to the rubbish heap of the past, but stands in a very real and living relationship to our most recent discoveries concerning the psychology of the unconscious."
~ Carl Jung (1875 - 1961)
Lapis lazuli can be compared with the stone of the philosophers lapis philosophum but it's not the same. Lapis is Latin for stone in general. In alchemy lapis lazuli symbolizes clarification of vision or higher awareness, a spiritual goal of alchemists.
The stone of truth, integrity and prosperity, lapis lazuli enhances wisdom, inner vision and mental clarity. It encourages feelings of serenity and loving acceptance of self. Lapis lazuli helps taps into inner power while purifying spirit and thoughts.
Brilliant blue lapis lazuli is known in Mesopotamian mythology as the scribal tablet of Nisaba, ancient goddess of writing. Another of her symbols is a stylus of gold. Both blue and gold are royal or divine colors.
In the 20th century, Jung is intrigued by alchemy and its symbols after reading Chinese alchemical texts. He explores connections of symbolic motifs found in alchemical illustrations and the inner symbolic imagery in dreams, visions, and fantasies of human beings.
Jung refers to ancient Buddhist texts describing how an advanced yogi's gaze can penetrate through the floor of lapis lazuli and into the depths of the unconscious. This metaphor describe one interacts with the world on the outside through the chaos of everyday life.
The person who is willing and brave enough to peek into the depths of the personal unconscious, the place "which contains all that one would like to forget, and all that one does not wish to admit to oneself or to anybody else, and which one prefers to believe is not true somehow.
To see through the floor of lapis lazuli, the practitioner must focus from external distractions to introspection. Jung's statement emphasizes the necessity of complete self-awareness before the floor becomes transparent.
Lapis lazuli is esteemed for its metaphysical attributes. This semi-precious gemstone promotes spiritual awakening, inner clarity, and self-consciousness. This stone stimulates the third eye chakra, enhancing profound intuition, psychic talents and spiritual development.
Source of the deep blue pigment ultramarine, lapis lazuli is a rock colored by lazurite (sodalite). Besides sodalite minerals. small amounts of white calcite and of pyrite crystals are usually present. The rich blue color comes from sulfur components of the stone.
Blue is the color of the sulfur flame. Sulfur is one of the elements of the later tria prima, along with mercury. In the sulfur mercury theory, vapors of these merge underground in various proportions, forming metals. Thus gold can be made by varying the ratio of sulfur to mercury.
As Jung and his colleagues explore the study of alchemy, they begin to see it as more than a pseudoscience or mystical practice. They interpret alchemical symbols as representations of profound psychological transformations.
Jung observes the manifestation of these alchemical symbols during the intricate process of psychic metamorphosis, or individuation. Individuation is
the process by which an individual becomes unique
becoming the person one is meant to be.
Central to his interpretation is the symbolism of gold and its relationship with transformation or transmutation, being the goal of an arduous journey.
These represent both the origin and ultimate destination of the individuation journey. Gold signifies the accomplishment and completion of the Magnum Opus. Turning lead to gold is a popular motif in alchemy.
This concept arises from a trick to multiply gold or silver. Real gold is formed in a thick layer around a core of a metal of lower value, such as lead. The trader or goldsmith subjects it to testing. If the lead is discovered, the purveyor claims it's proof lead can be turned into gold.
The transition or transformation is a spiritual one, using the theme of turning lead to gold to symbolize enlightenment. Blue and gold are colors of royalty. The stone lapis lazuli carries the appearance of gold within it. In nature pyrite may be found near real gold.
Collaborating closely with analyst Marie-Louise von Franz, Jung begins a comprehensive study of ancient alchemical texts. He compiles a lexicon of pivotal phrases and explores esoteric meanings.
Through extensive research and insights, Jung's work reignites popular interest in alchemy as a pathway towards inner harmony and completeness. Within this schema, paradoxical elements of existence unite in a sacred union known as the hieros gamos or divine marriage.
Jung's groundbreaking work illuminates the mysteries of dreams, symbols and the profound archetypal forces shaping the human psyche. Some of his related work looks into synchronicities or coincidences; and practices such as astrology.
By integrating alchemical wisdom into analytical psychology, Jung hopes to offer a deeper transformative therapeutic experience. He saw alchemy as a timeless source of wisdom to illuminate the path to psychological healing and spiritual growth.
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