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The Minoan Genius (pl. Genii) spirit appears as a hybrid animal merger of animals which can include lion, snake, hippopotamus, crocodile, and other creatures. The spirits often manifest as a duo or pair, a common motif in early mythology. READ: World of Alchemy: Spiritual Alchemy Active Imagination: Creative Therapy Mandalas: Psychology & Art Therapy Synchronicity: Psychology of Coincidence Sylvia Rose Books As well as in Minoan Greek culture, Genii also show up in the myths of earlier Egyptians and later Romans. For wordies, the plural genii refers to the spirits, while geniuses refers to people with high intelligence quotients. Like the sukkals  of Mesopotamia, genii are portrayed as benevolent helper spirits of a god or goddess, or they might be gods or goddesses themselves. They can also exist independently and are popular as household spirits or deities. Sukkals - Mythic Viziers to the Gods Cylinder Seals of the Ancient World Depth Psychology: Search for Meaning Sylvia Rose Books Genii are often shown carrying cups or vessels, interpreted as libations for the Gods. Cup bearers such as the Greek Hebe, Goddess of Youth, who serves ambrosia to the Gods, and demi-god Ganymede, cup bearer to Zeus, reflect the tradition of the Minoan Genius. Despite the demonic sounding names the term daimon just means spirit. In related artworks the snake is called Agathodaimon or 'good daimon' or 'good spirit'. Agathos Daimon is a patron snake divinity of ancient Alexandria. Agathodaemon: Snake God Alexandria Alchemy Symbols: Circle, Snake, Lion Žaltys: Sacred Snake & Serpent Queen Sylvia Rose Books The earliest Minoan reference to Genii appears c. 1800 - 1700 BCE. The Minoan Genius has origins in the Egyptian Hippopotamus Goddess Taweret. In Egypt, Taweret is the deity of fertility, pregnancy, childbirth and protector of small children. Her name translates to " She Who is Great ". Taweret is a mix of lion and crocodile, with pendulous human breasts and toothy head of a hippopotamus, powerful and quick to anger. She is pacified partly with epithets such as "Mistress of Pure Water" and "Lady of Heaven". Taweret - Hippopotamus Goddess of Egypt Psychology: the Conscious Ego (Self) Fortune Telling - The Mystic Victorian Sylvia Rose Books The fabulous piece above is a faience Taweret figurine with the favored brilliant blue color. The figure is treated with quartz crystals and heated in a sintering process (Ancient Egyptian: tjehenet ) to achieve the beautiful glaze. As the primary process of faience, sintering  covers the base material in a vitreous or glassy coating. It can create bright lustrous color often in translucent blue or green. The Minoan Greeks are very fond of blue in art and fashion. Lucifer, Venus & Anti-Gods of Mythology Spagyria: Botanical Science of Alchemy Silver - Queen of Precious Metals Sylvia Rose Books The Genius may be part of the sacrfiicial ritual. According to author Judith Weingarten: "The Minoan Genius is also known for carrying large beasts of all kinds to sacrifice ... rarely depicted in an act of violence; though closely linked to sacrifice, the demon is only once seen to do the deed: on a seal impression from Zakro ... it slaughters a huge upright bull with sword or spear. The Genius moves indirectly on a cylinder from Kakovatos: a hero stabs an upright lion while the demon urges him on from behind." Hermes Trismegistus: Alchemy & the Occult Psychology: the Personal Unconscious Alchemist Dippel: the Frankenstein Files Sylvia Rose Books Rome ardently adopts the theme. Genii in Rome of the 1st millennium BCE appear in murals, frescoes and other art, often with human aspects and protective powers. The snake is a popular depiction, linked to medicine, fertility and prosperity. READ: World of Alchemy: Spiritual Alchemy The Genius might assume the role of plate or cup bearer to a God or, in art, a wealthy patron. As culture expands so does the identity and function of the Genius. Pairings can be for symbolic, ritual or aesthetic purposes. World of Alchemy: A Little History Anima & Animus: Gender Archetypes Alchemy Symbols in Psychology Sylvia Rose Books To the Romans, Genius exists in the life spirit or essence of a person. It can also be a separate guardian spirit or deity as the Goddess Juno is Genius to all women, and Jupiter to all men. Besides gender Genii, households and individuals may have a personal Genius. The Genius comes to be seen as a type of guardian angel. It often has wings, at first related to the Eagle, as seen in the Griffin; then more ethereal as the earthly monster influence falls away. Collective Unconscious: Seeking the Whole Individuation: Process and Philosophy Mad Hatter's Disease: Mercury Madness Sylvia Rose Books When Christianity spreads, theologians equate the human soul with the Roman Genius. The common depiction of the Genius is a human-shaped angel or angelic figure, with wings but otherwise human qualities. Non-Fiction Books: World of Alchemy: A Little History World of Alchemy: Spiritual Alchemy Fiction Books: READ: Cult of the Fire God - Bronze Age Quest Adventure READ: Lora Ley Adventures  - Germanic Mythology Fiction Series READ: Reiker For Hire  - Victorian Detective Murder Mysteries Back to Top

Agathodaemon (Agathos Daimon or noble spirit ) is a household snake god and patron protector of sparkling Alexandria in ancient Egypt. He appears as one entity or a class of beings. From humble beginnings as a minor demon, Agathos rises in power and influence. READ: World of Alchemy: Spiritual Alchemy Nüwa: Chinese Primordial Snake Goddess Ouroboros Glyph: Snake Eating its Tail Wadjet - Winged Snake Goddess of Egypt Sylvia Rose Books Agathos Daimon is originally a lesser deity ( daemon ) of classical ancient Greek and Graeco-Egyptian religion. In his original form, he serves as a household god. After a meal, he's given libations. His name Agathos Daimon means "good genius " or "benevolent spirit." In later antiquity Agathodaemon evolves into two related forms. One is a type of household god similar to the Baltic Žaltys ; one as the Agathos Daimon a prominent serpentine civic god, revered as the patron protector of Alexandria. European Grass Snake: Nature & Lore Žaltys: Sacred Snake & Serpent Queen Minoan Genius (Genii) Helper Spirits Sylvia Rose Books Žaltys is the European Grass Snake , Natrix natrix . It has a strong role in Baltic folklore and is traditionally kept as a house spirit near the hearth or under the bed for fertility. It's extremely bad luck to harm a zaltys. In Greece, the Agathoi Daimones are also serpentine household gods, individual protectors and fertility spirits of homes in which they're worshipped. In either capacity, people pour several drops of undiluted wine into the ground to honor Agathos at the end of meal. Ninazu: Healing, Death, Snakes & War Active Imagination: Creative Therapy Allegory of the Cave: Vision and Truth Sylvia Rose Books The opposite of Agathodaimon spiritually is Kakodaimon (bad spirit). Likewise Kakodaimons can appear as one or several. They possess powers of the evil eye . READ: World of Alchemy: A Little History Prayer to Agathos Daemon " ... I call to you for favor, my own good spirit, my Agathos Daemon, my companion through life. From the day of my birth you have walked next to me, turned me from all evil, kept me safe from those who would do me harm ... Mandalas: Psychology & Art Therapy Alchemy: Processes Used by Alchemists Seduction of Hedammu, Father of Snakes Sylvia Rose Books "... In days of old, kind spirit, you received offerings of strong wine, you were honored at great banquets and in the home. Faithful one, unfailing guardian of my luck, I turn to you for counsel when I am in doubt, for direction when I am uncertain. Mild and helpful spirit, I thank you for your guidance, I thank you for your blessings. Agathos Daimon, I honor you." Fuxi: Chinese Primordial Emperor God Abu - Ancient Vegetation Snake God Maiden & The Lindwyrm: A Fairy Tale Sylvia Rose Books In his capacity as protector spirit of Greco-Roman-Egyptian Alexandria, the hub of the alchemical and philosophical world, Agathos is associated with Meilichios, later Zeus  Meilichios, a chthonic snake deity. Votive reliefs show Meilichios as a serpent, linked to Plutus, bringer of wealth, son of harvest goddess Demeter. He also has the traits of an Erynis , one of a group of vengeful female goddesses. Erinyes - Vengeful Women of Ancient Greece Pagan Solstice Fests: Saturnalia Emerald Tablet - Sacred Alchemy Text Sylvia Rose Books Meilichios is connected to the mythical river Styx. Sacrifices to this god are holocausts (burnt offerings) in nocturnal rituals. In general lore snakes have a chthonic or underworld aspect and a solar aspect, connected to energies of chaos and creation. Another god enters the picture by 300 BCE in the form of Serapis, introduced by the Greek Pharoah as a way of uniting Greeks and Egyptians. He usurps Egyptian Osiris and marries Isis, Queen of the Gods, former wife of Osiris. His worship is by Pharaonic decree. Rasayana: Alchemy & Health of India Chinese Alchemy: Mind Body Spirit Egyptian Alchemy - Power of Eternity Sylvia Rose Books The first statue erected to Serapis shows him as resembling Hades or Pluto, both kings of the Greek underworld. He holds a scepter in his hand to indicate rulership. Three-headed dog Cerberus, gatekeeper of the underworld, rests at his feet. READ: World of Alchemy: Spiritual Alchemy The statue has a serpent at its base, and this serpent relates to Agathos Daimon who also has underworld connections. The Snake God manifestation of Serapis is Serapis Amun Agathodaemon . Amun is a deity of the Ogdoad , among the first gods of creation. Ogdoad - Primordial Gods of Egypt Women Scientists of the Ancient World Anqi Sheng & the Elixir of Immortality Sylvia Rose Books Agathos Daimon , also called the "good and rich spirit" is spouse or consort of Tyche Agathe (Good Fortune). Their numinous manifestation is a serpent, or a youth with cornucopia and bowl in one hand, poppy and ear of grain in the other. In late antiquity in Egypt, agathodaemons are seen as bestowing blessings of protection and good fortune. Snake deities and snake worship appear in almost every world culture; even Ireland, where no snakes exist naturally. According to folklore, St. Patrick drives them out. Asclepius: Greek Medicine Snake God Aesculapian Snakes: Nature & Lore Alchemy Symbols: Circle, Snake, Lion Sylvia Rose Books Snakes are symbols of fertility, healing and medicine (a sign of Greek medicine god Asclepius ); sensuality, rebirth, immortality, fertility, wisdom, good luck and wealth. These reptiles represent the primal unconscious and can arouse fears and phobias. In analytical psychology, the snake is a common symbol of the animal archetype . In mythology and spirituality a snake is seen as the most ancient form of dragon. It represents cycles of birth/death/rebirth. Archetypes - Personality & the Persona Synchronicity: Psychology of Coincidence Magic of the Circle: Spirituality & Lore Sylvia Rose Books As Alexandria grows to a hub of alchemy and philosophy, the ouroboros often appears as an alchemical symbol. In a bizarre case of synchronicity, German chemist Friedrich Kekulé discovers the ring structure of benzene in 1865 after a "waking dream" of an ouroboros. In the Egypt of later antiquity, Agathos becomes part o f lion-headed snake Chnum-Agathodaemon-Aion. Chnum (Khnum) , an Egyptian god, creates humans and other animals on his potter's wheel. Khnum: Ram Headed Potter God Egypt Anima & Animus: Gender Archetypes Zosimos: First Golden Age of Alchemy Sylvia Rose Books A Greek Hellenistic deity, Aion appears as a youth. He's associated with time; the orb or circle encompassing the universe; and the zodiac. He represents perpetual, unbounded, ritual, and cyclic time. In Gnosticism, an active school of mixed theology in post-AD Alexandria, the lion-headed snake is used to portray Yaldabaoth. He is identified as the false god who keeps the souls trapped in physical bodies, imprisoned in the material universe. Sylvia Rose Books In Gnosticism he has a complex meaning, appearing both as an imperfect creator god and imperfect being of creation born of Sophia (wisdom). He's responsible for the Great Flood. Gnostics who perceive the lion-headed snake as "not all evil" are decried as heretics. Non-Fiction Books: World of Alchemy: A Little History World of Alchemy: Spiritual Alchemy Fiction Books: READ: Cult of the Fire God - Bronze Age Quest Adventure READ: Lora Ley Adventures  - Germanic Mythology Fiction Series READ: Reiker For Hire  - Victorian Detective Murder Mysteries Back to Top

Various archetypes recur in human psychology and play significant roles in shaping the behaviors and perceptions of a person. These archetypes, identified in analytical psychology, are universal elements deeply embedded in the collective unconscious . Booklet : World of Alchemy: Spiritual Alchemy Collective Unconscious: Seeking the One Tria Prima (Three Primes): Meanings Alchemy: Science, Philosophy, Magic Sylvia Rose Books An archetype is a pattern. It's universally recognized by people of various time periods, arising from the collective unconscious. Archetypes populate this deep universal part of the mind. They aren't people, places, objects, events or pets but manifest qualities of these. They communicate via symbols. The symbols pass from the collective unconscious, through layers of personal unconscious. When surfacing they may have added colors and flavors. Active Imagination: Vital Connections Rasayana: Alchemy & Health of India Mandalas: Psychology & Art Therapy Nonetheless their quintessence doesn't change. They represent fundamental human experiences and themes transcending cultural boundaries and time periods. One of the most prominent archetypes is the hero, a personification of courage and resilience. Booklet: World of Alchemy: A Little History The hero's quest is a recurring motif in myths and legends across different cultures. It symbolizes the individual's journey toward self-discovery and personal growth. Another essential archetype is the shadow, representing darker aspects of the human psyche. Alchemy, Psychology & Archetypes Colors of Alchemy: Black Nigredo Putrefaction Chrysopoeia - Turning Lead into Gold Sylvia Rose Books These dark aspects are often repressed or denied. By acknowledging and integrating the shadow, an individual achieves a greater sense of wholeness and psychological balance. Archetypes also manifest in the form of symbols such as the wise old man or woman, the trickster, and the anima/animus. These symbols serve as guides, challengers or mediators in individual psychological development. Cleopatra the Alchemist of Alexandria Colors of Alchemy: White Albedo Purification Sulfur - Treasures of the Underworld Sylvia Rose Books Arising from the collective unconscious , these archetypes through generality and familiarity help navigate the complexities of the inner world. Archetypes like the mother, father, and child reflect fundamental relationships and dynamics within the human psyche. Archetypal figures influence perceptions of authority, nurturing and innocence, and model one's understanding of familial and social bonds. In addition to individual archetypes, collective archetypes relate to shared human experiences, such as birth, death, and rebirth. Women Scientists of the Ancient World Kotharat - Bronze Age Birth Goddesses Stone Age Botai - First Horse People Sylvia Rose Books These archetypal events evoke profound emotions and existential reflections, highlighting the cyclical nature of life and interconnectedness of all beings. Overall, study of archetypes in human psychology provides valuable insights into deeper layers of the human mind. Universal themes resonate across cultures and generations. By recognizing and exploring these archetypal patterns, individuals gain a deeper understanding of the unique Self and the integrated functions of the world, fostering personal growth and psychological well-being. Zosimos: First Golden Age of Alchemy Hesperus (Vesper) the Evening Star Amethyst - Divine Purple Quartz Gemstone Sylvia Rose Books The number of archetypes is infinite. Some may appear more commonly at various times. Consider archetypes as a set of qualities or characteristics. Certain powerful, particularly notable archetypal images recur in individual, community or universal view. They are: shadow animal trickster / fool wise elder / healer child father - protection, wisdom, guidance - Sun mother  - compassion, innate knowledge, caregiver - Moon maiden   self persona (mask) anima (feminine)  in man animus (masculine)  in woman The final two can function in a similar way to the yin and Yang of eastern philosophy, or the unification of opposites. The persona, anima / animus, shadow, and self are four of the archetypes also under separate systems in the complex schemata of the personality. Women of Alchemy - Mary the Jewess Colors of Alchemy: Citrinitas Solar Yellow Golden Ages of Alchemy: Renaissance Sylvia Rose Books The father figure holds a significant role in various cultures and societies, embodying the patriarchal qualities common throughout history. As a protector archetype, the father is a shield against external threats, ensuring safety and well-being of his family and community. In his archetypical role as provider, he takes on responsibility of meeting material needs of loved ones, offering sustenance and security. The father archetype is often associated with wisdom. He draws from his life experiences and knowledge to guide and mentor others. Alchemist Dippel: the Frankenstein Files Chamomile - Herbology & Folklore Hermes Trismegistus: Alchemy & the Occult Sylvia Rose Books Throughout different mythologies and folklore, the father archetype manifests in diverse forms. These can range from the regal and authoritative figures of kings and chiefs to the more personal and intimate relationship associated with the biological father. Each representation carries its own nuances and symbolism, reflecting the multifaceted nature of the father archetype and its enduring presence in human narratives and collective consciousness. Colors of Alchemy: Rubedo Magnum Opus Black Pigments of Ancient Artisans What is the Philosopher's Stone? Sylvia Rose Books The mother archetype , also called the caregiver, holds a significant role in shaping individuals' emotional and psychological development. As the epitome of nurturing and protection, the "mother" figure symbolizes unconditional love, empathy, and guidance. The archetype transcends biological relationships, extending to maternal figures who may exhibit the same caring nature, for example the Goddess. The archetype generally represents qualities rather than a specific person. Khaos: Primal Goddess of Greek Myth Prima Materia: Elements of Alchemy Asclepius: Greek Medicine Snake God Sylvia Rose Books The concept of the mother archetype goes beyond external influences to encompass an internalized maternal instinct within individuals of whatever gender, shaping one's capacity for empathy and compassion. This profound archetype serves as a cornerstone for understanding the complexities of human relationships. It highlights the universal themes of love, care, and emotional support that underpin our connections with others. The Igigi - Why Humans are Created Ouroboros Glyph: Snake Eating its Tail Herbs & Natural Remedies - Ancient Egypt Sylvia Rose Books The concept of Self in psychology encompasses a complex array of psychic processes and characteristics of a person. It refers to ultimate unity and integration of various facets of one's personality, a central organizing principle guiding growth and personal development. As individuals progress through life, the archetype of the Self typically emerges more prominently during middle age. This is a period marked by a deepening sense of self-awareness and a growing desire for wholeness and fulfillment. Cyrene: Huntress Queen of Greek Myth Corycian Caves, Bee Nymphs & Greek Gods Magic of the Circle: Spirituality & Lore Sylvia Rose Books This stage often involves a process of introspection and reflection. A person seeks to reconcile conflicting aspects of identity and strive towards a more harmonious and authentic existence. The journey towards self-realization during middle age often centers on a heightened focus on personal values, life goals and growth of meaningful relationships. Ultimately, emergence of the Self archetype represents a pivotal moment in the psychological evolution. Eye of Ra Egypt - Wrath of the Woman Brunhilde: Tragic Germanic Warrior Queen Classic Elements & Concept of the One Sylvia Rose Books The persona or "mask" archetype is a fundamental concept in psychology, particularly in Jungian analytical psychology. It represents the social mask or facade individuals wear to navigate through the complexities of society. This archetype enables individuals to conform to societal norms, expectations and roles. However, when individuals become excessively attached to this persona, they may start to lose touch with their authentic selves. Chun Yuyan & Death of Empress Xu Žaltys: Sacred Snake & Serpent Queen Cleopatra the Physician of Greece Sylvia Rose Books The shadow is a representation of the personal unconscious as a whole and usually embodies the compensating values to those held by the conscious personality. It is the hidden, suppressed side of the persona. The shadow is in direct opposition to the persona. Thus, the shadow often represents one's dark side. This is one or more existing aspects of self, described as the animalistic and sinister aspects of all people. Unacknowledged it remains repressed but powerful. Industry & the Age of Monsters Europe The Anxious Victorian - Mental Health Klagefrau: Wailing Woman of German Folklore Sylvia Rose Books Even though the shadow may seem a negative archetype, one seeking to degrade and destroy the ego, the opposite is true if the shadow is integrated properly. If the shadow is suppressed and not integrated properly there can be negative effects. The anima archetype represents a complex and multifaceted aspect of a man's psyche. It goes beyond mere sexual expectations of women and delves into deeper layers of his unconscious mind. Alchemist Dippel: the Frankenstein Files Mad Hatter's Disease: Mercury Madness Chinese Alchemical Elixir Poisoning Sylvia Rose Books This archetype symbolizes not only his idealized image of femininity but his own untapped feminine potential. By embracing the anima , a man can explore and integrate aspects of himself typically associated with the feminine (ie. intuition, nurturing, emotional depth). On the other hand, the animus archetype plays a crucial role in a woman's psychological development. It embodies the "masculine" qualities she may possess or seek in others. Amazons - Warrior Women History & Myth Tria Prima of Paracelsus: Three Primes Horse in Dreams - Meaning of Horses Sylvia Rose Books By recognizing and engaging with the animus, a woman can tap into her assertiveness, logic and independence. This archetype serves as a bridge between her conscious self and the deeper realms of her psyche where masculine traits reside. Both anima and animus archetypes highlight interconnectedness of masculine and feminine within individuals, regardless of gender. By acknowledging and exploring these archetypal forces, one can achieve a more balanced and integrated sense of self. Aesculapian Snakes: Nature & Lore Ornithomancy - Prophecy by the Birds Alchemy: Four Elements + The One Sylvia Rose Books Archetypes are usually not plain and simple. They may combine with others and interchange qualities, making it hard to know where one archetype ends and another begins, and how to ascertain meaning. Time nurtures confidence. The shadow archetype embodies the darker, hidden aspects of the psyche that are often repressed or denied. When examining archetypal images of the anima or animus , these qualities of the shadow archetype can be particularly pronounced. Owl - Death, Messages, Mystic Wisdom Hypatia: Scholar & Martyr Alexandria Fortune Telling - The Mystic Victorian Sylvia Rose Books It is through the interplay of these archetypes that a deeper understanding of the self and the unconscious mind can be gained. It's important to note archetypes are not rigid or fixed entities. They manifest in various forms and expressions. This fluidity in the manifestation of archetypes raises an intriguing question: when encountering different forms of a single archetype, should one consider them separate entities or simply as different facets of the same underlying archetype? Hattusa Green Stone - Mystic Secrets Elixir of Life: Alchemy & the Emperor Mercury: Miracle Metal of Madness Sylvia Rose Books The ambiguity challenges traditional notions of categorization within archetypal psychology. It beckons the seer to explore the complexities and nuances of the human psyche, delving into the interconnected web of archetypal energies shaping thought, emotion, and behavior. The methodology is simple natural process. By contemplating the multiplicity of archetypal forms, a person can uncover layers of meaning and symbolism to enrich understanding of the unconscious forces within. Women of the Wild Hunt: Holle, Diana, Frigg Medicine in Ancient Egypt: Ebers Papyrus Anqi Sheng & the Elixir of Immortality Sylvia Rose Books Archetypes seek actualization through individuation, a creative process described as the realization of one's destined potential. These primordial images with various levels of meaning exist to guide the person towards self-realization and the potential whole. Non-Fiction Books: World of Alchemy: A Little History World of Alchemy: Spiritual Alchemy Fiction Books: READ: Cult of the Fire God - Bronze Age Quest Adventure READ: Lora Ley Adventures  - Germanic Mythology Fiction Series READ: Reiker For Hire  - Victorian Detective Murder Mysteries Back to Top

Rasāyana focuses on rejuvenation, longevity, and vitality, aiming to promote well-being and balance. In Vedic alchemy, the term rasa has a dual meaning. It signifies the path of essence and also refers to "metal", often mercury, or "a mineral." Chinese Alchemy: Mind Body Spirit Zosimos: First Golden Age of Alchemy Ruby, Rubies: Passion, Blood and Fire Sylvia Rose Books This duality reveals the intricate relationship between the physical and metaphysical aspects of health and healing in ancient medicinal practices. The use of metals and minerals in alchemical processes reflects a deep-rooted belief in the transformative powers of nature. In early ayurvedic medicine, the concept of rasāyana holds a significant place as one of the eight key areas of medicine outlined in Sanskrit literature. The term "rasāyana" originates from Pali and Sanskrit, defined as the path of essence . What is the Philosopher's Stone? Honey Mead: Most Ancient Ambrosia Nüwa: Chinese Primordial Snake Goddess Sylvia Rose Books The concept of Indian alchemy originates from early medieval sources, with its seemingly magical application of alchemical substances continuing through the medieval era in tantric sorcery texts. The earliest organized alchemical writings come from the 10th century. The goals of alchemy in India include the creation of a divine body (Sanskrit divya-deham ) and immortality while still embodied (Sanskrit jīvan-mukti ). Sanskrit alchemical texts contain much material on manipulation of mercury and sulfur . Sulfur - Treasures of the Underworld Folk Magic: Fly Agaric (Amanita muscaria) Rhododendron & the Toxic Ambrosia Sylvia Rose Books They set two main objectives of Indian alchemy: to turn base metals into gold (dhātuvāda, transmutational alchemy); and to create elixirs of immortality (dehavāda, elixir alchemy). Buddhist scriptures of the 2nd - 5th centuries refer to transmutation of base metals into gold. The Vedas from the 2nd millennium BCE illuminate a connection between eternal life and the precious metal, gold. This ancient text hints at the enduring fascination humans have had with immortality and the perceived value of certain elements in achieving it. Electrum: Metal of Money & Myth Silver - Queen of Precious Metals Gold - Precious Metal of the Sun Sylvia Rose Books Exploring rasāyana and its associations with metals and minerals, practitioners seek to unlock the secrets of longevity and vitality. People find connections between the intricate workings of the human body and the elements and processes of the natural world. This holistic approach to medicine echoes the ancient wisdom embedded in ayurvedic practices. The importance of balance, rejuvenation, and the pursuit of optimal health through the harmonization of mind, body, and spirit, is paramount. Myrrh - Mystique, Death & Divinity Cinnamon - Spice Trade of Ancients Sistrum (Sistra) Music: Ancient Egypt Sylvia Rose Books Eleventh century Persian physician and chemist Abū Rayhān Bīrūnī explores the tradition of Indian science, particularly Rasāyana . This ancient science is dedicated to the art of restoring health and rejuvenation through use of plant-derived medicines. Rasāyana is the Sanskrit term used in South Asian texts to refer to "alchemy." The classical alchemical scriptures originated in the 10th century. Much earlier, rasāyana was associated with "rejuvenation therapy." Victorian Health: Sea Water Hydrotherapy Synchronicity: Psychology of Coincidence Alchemy & Psychology: Hidden Meanings Sylvia Rose Books Rasāyanas are the elixirs used in this therapy. Around the 8th century CE, the term rasa-rasāyana is introduced in Buddhist and Hindu tantric texts to describe the supernatural power ( siddhi ) of acquiring a magical elixir. The term rasa is used to refer to mercury, which is the main alchemical reagent. The term rasāyana specifically denotes the alchemical utilization of mercury and its compounds. The traditional Indian alchemical writings were composed between the 10th and 13th centuries. Vermilion - Scarlet Pigment of Death Mercury: Miracle Metal of Madness Garnets - Gemstones of Blood and Life Sylvia Rose Books Starting from the 13th century , mercurial, mineral, and botanical preparations begin to be increasingly employed in various forms of medical treatments, many of which complemented the traditional ayurvedic rasāyana therapies. Yet another branch of tantric alchemy is known as siddha alchemy. In numerous alchemical texts, Rasa-Siddhas are considered originators of alchemical lineages and customs. Mandalas: Psychology & Art Therapy Unus Mundus One World: Psychology Booklet: World of Alchemy: A Little History Sylvia Rose Books Through the medieval period, various factions proclaim themselves perfect beings or siddha s, possessing extraordinary abilities called siddhi s. A rich mythology develops around the siddha s during this era. They are seen as mythical figures who fuse alchemy with yoga and tantric practices. These groups play key roles in integrating aspects of laboratory alchemy into yogic traditions. Alchemy: Processes Used by Alchemists Spiritual Alchemy: Process & Philosophy Horse in Dreams - Meaning of Horses Sylvia Rose Books Traditional Rasayana formulations consist of components, such as minerals, pearl, coral, and gems. They also feature specially treated mercury. Today the majority of current products of made of herbal ingredients along with a few mineral and animal substances. The current Rasayana formulas are based on such ingredients as amla or Indian gooseberry ( Emblica officinalis ) which is high in vitamin C if fresh. Other ingredients include Terminalia bellerica, used to protect the liver and to treat respiratory conditions. Mugwort (Wormwood) Herbal Lore Psychology: the Conscious Ego (Self) Spagyria: Botanical Science of Alchemy Sylvia Rose Books It's also used to treat respiratory tract infections, cough, and sore throat. Terminalia chebula is a remedy for dysentery. Terminalia bellerica and Terminalia chebula are used in lotion for sore eyes. Shilajit, a black tarry substance exuded by rocks; long pepper, black pepper, ginger or processed Guggul ( Commiphora wightii ) are also medicinal ingredients. Guduchi, Ashwaganda, Shatavari and similar elements are found in common remedies. Common Archetypes & Spiritual Ascension Archetypes - Personality & the Persona Herbology & Lore: Plantain Plant Sylvia Rose Books Parallels between ancient rasāyana practices and rasaśāstra alchemy are many. Elements such as mercury (Hg) and cinnabar (HgS) play pivotal roles in transformative procedures. This science extends beyond metals to powerful medical tinctures from nature. . Rasaśāstra's goals include longevity, health, cognitive enhancement, virility, and extraordinary abilities. In contemporary times, the concept of rasāyana continues to hold significance as it bridges ancient herbal wisdom with modern scientific knowledge. Sylvia Rose Books The process of perfume making is included in alchemical writings, highlighting the use of different qualities of perfumes and their significance. Abū Rayhān Bīrūnī, who visits Gujarat as part of the court of Mahmud of Ghazni, reports, "... they have a science similar to alchemy which is quite peculiar to them, which in Sanskrit is called Rasāyana and in Persian Rasavātam. It means the art of obtaining/manipulating Rasa : nectar, mercury, and juice. This art was restricted to certain operations, metals, drugs, compounds, and medicines, many of which have mercury as their core element. Its principles restored the health of those who were ill beyond hope and gave back youth to fading old age." Sylvia Rose Books An early alchemical writer, Nāgārjuna Siddha (c. 200 CE) is a Buddhist monk. His book, Rasendramangalam , is a compendium of Indian alchemy and medicine. He's said to develop a method of converting mercury into gold. A great deal remains to be discovered about Indian alchemical literature. The content of the Sanskrit alchemical corpus has not yet been adequately integrated into the wider general history of alchemy. Sylvia Rose Books Non-Fiction Books: World of Alchemy: A Little History World of Alchemy: Spiritual Alchemy Fiction Books: READ: Cult of the Fire God - Bronze Age Quest Adventure READ: Lora Ley Adventures  - Germanic Mythology Fiction Series READ: Reiker For Hire  - Victorian Detective Murder Mysteries Back to Top

Synchronicity describes thoughts and occurrences with apparent relations in meaning, yet without an obvious causal connection. Coincidences between events in one's mind and the outside world may seem unrelated, but have an unknown link. Anima & Animus: Gender Archetypes Booklet:  World of Alchemy: Spiritual Alchem y Booklet: World of Alchemy: A Little History Sylvia Rose Books In analytical psychology this is a healthy function of the mind. It can become harmful within psychosis. Psychosis is a condition of the mind or psyche in which one has problems defining what is real and what's not. Symptoms of psychosis include delusions hallucinations incoherent speech behavior inappropriate to a situation sleep problems social withdrawal lack of motivation difficulty with everyday activities Mandalas: Psychology & Art Therapy Alchemy & Psychology: Hidden Meanings Unity of Opposites: Spiritual Alchemy Sylvia Rose Books In the late 1920s Carl Jung coins the term synchronicity in psychology as a hypothetical "noncausal principle". It functions as the intersubjective or philosophically objective link between coincidences perceived as significant. He collaborates with physicist Wolfgang Pauli a1952 work The Interpretation of Nature and the Psyche . This culminates in the Pauli-Jung conjecture . Jung and Pauli explore the idea of acausal connections as offering a glimpse into the nature of humanity and the Universe. Alchemy: Processes Used by Alchemists Allegory of the Cave: Vision and Truth Unus Mundus One World: Psychology Sylvia Rose Books Similarly, causal connections can provide a meaningful understanding of the psyche and the world without and within. Causality is the condition of one event, process, state, or object ( a cause ) contributes to the production of another event, process, state, or object (an effect ). Cause is partly responsible for the effect, and effect is partly dependent on the cause. In general, a process has many causes or causal factors , and all lie in its past. In turn an effect can be a cause of, or causal factor for, many other effects, which lie in its future. Psychology: the Personal Unconscious Spagyria: Botanical Science of Alchemy Spiritual Alchemy: Concept of Tria Prima Sylvia Rose Books Causality is metaphysically prior to notions of time and space. A discipline of philosophy, metaphysics examines the fundamental structure of reality. Metaphysics is commonly referred to as first philosophy, suggesting it holds a more foundational position compared to other branches of philosophy. Traditionally metaphysics examines aspects, deemed independent of the mind, existing in the world. Common Archetypes & Spiritual Ascension What is the Philosopher's Stone? Elixir of Life: Alchemy & the Emperor Sylvia Rose Books Metaphysics explores the conceptual framework(s) shaping human cognition and perception. It takes into account external influences and the mental processes involved in experiencing and, if necessary, resolving them. The concept of synchronicity originates with Carl Jung's study of ancient Chinese religion and philosophy, and his use of the I Ching . An ancient Chinese divination text, the I Ching is among the oldest of the Chinese classics. Archetypes: Psychology of the Shadow Archetypes - Personality & the Persona Spiritual Alchemy: Alchemical History is the ancient form of zhēn ( to divine ) as seen on the turtle plastron above. Sylvia Rose Books The I Ching is originally a manual of divination in the Western Zhou period (1000 - 750 BCE). It becomes part of the Chinese Five Classics in the 2nd century BCE. The I Ching is the basis for divination for hundreds of years throughout the Far East. Between the 18th and 20th centuries, the I Ching is influential in the Western comprehension of East Asian philosophical thought. Fluctuating surges of 18th century Romance, Victorian mysticism and science of the mind open channels of the unconscious. Psychoid: Secrets of the Unconscious World of Alchemy: Spiritual Alchemy Individuation: Process and Philosophy Sylvia Rose Books In 1930 Jung states: "The science [cleromancy] of the I Ching is based not on the causality principle but on one which—hitherto unnamed because not familiar to us—I have tentatively called the synchronistic principle." Cleromancy refers to lot casting, akin to divination with dice or casting the bones . Pebbles and and small objects are used, often of different colors. The I Ching uses hexagrams. Collective Unconscious: Seeking the Whole Colors of Alchemy: Citrinitas Solar Yellow Asclepius: Greek Medicine Snake God Sylvia Rose Books In I Ching divination , bundles of yarrow stalks are manipulated to produce sets of six apparently random numbers ranging from 6 to 9. Each of the 64 possible sets corresponds to a hexagram, which can be looked up in the I Ching . According to philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer in 1850: All the events in life would accordingly stand in two fundamentally different kinds of connection: firstly, in the objective, causal connection of the natural process; secondly, in a subjective connection which exists only in relation to the individual who experiences it, and which is thus as subjective as one's own dreams. Hypatia: Scholar & Martyr Alexandria World of Alchemy: A Little History Golden Ages of Alchemy: Renaissance Sylvia Rose Books Jung looks into hidden structures of nature to explain coincidences. In 1932, with physicist Wolfgang Pauli. They discuss and collaborated on various topics surrounding synchronicity, contemporary science, and what is now known as the Pauli effect. The Pauli effect comes from the physicist's experience with breakdown of automations only when he's in the vicinity. Pauli sees this as an example of synchronicity. Though his ideas are dismissed by peers, Pauli believes in the authenticity of the effect. Zosimos: First Golden Age of Alchemy Women of Alchemy - Mary the Jewess Pagan Solstice Fests: Saturnalia Sylvia Rose Books Analytical psychology elaborates on the idea of numinosity, which describes the feeling of gravitas or solemnity in religious experiences. Numinosity refers to spiritual power in the relationship between an individual and other people and things. He mentions parapsychologist J. B. Rhine whose work in the 1930s seems   to validate claims of extrasensory perception. Other notable influences and precursors to synchronicity appear in the concept of correspondences, sympathetic magic, astrology and alchemy . Colors of Alchemy: White Albedo Purification Fortune Telling - The Mystic Victorian Alchemy: Science, Philosophy, Magic Sylvia Rose Books Jung works on the theory of synchronicity for twenty years before making it public in 1951. The next year, Jung and Pauli publish their pivotal work  Interpretation of Nature and the Psyche , with Jung's central treatise "Synchronicity: An Acausal Connecting Principle". These works on synchronicity influence thinkers today. Modern physicist Thomas Filk mentions  quantum entanglement  as "a particular type of acausal quantum correlations". Quantum entanglement is a theory first proposed by Einstein et al. Chinese Alchemical Elixir Poisoning Women Scientists of the Ancient World Emerald Tablet - Sacred Alchemy Text Sylvia Rose Books According to Filk, Pauli uses this as a model for the relationship between mind and matter. Quantum entanglement may be the physical phenomenon which most closely represents the concept of synchronicity. In quantum entanglement particles interact or are close in the spatial environment. Each particle in the set can't be defined independently. Its composition and behavior depend on the states of others, even when the particles are distant from one another. Winter Tales - 4 Novellas Tria Prima of Paracelsus: Three Primes Hermes Trismegistus: Alchemy & the Occult Sylvia Rose Books According to contemporary scholar L. K. Kerr: " Jung also looks to modern physics to understand the nature of synchronicity, and attempts to adapt many ideas in this field to accommodate his conception of synchronicity, including the property of numinosity. He worked closely with Nobel Prize winning physicist Wolfgang Pauli and also consulted with Albert Einstein. Spiritual Magic - Numbers Three & Nine Shennong Primordial Farmer & Healer Alchemy Symbols: Circle, Snake, Lion Sylvia Rose Books The notion of synchronicity shares with modern physics the idea that under certain conditions, the laws governing the interactions of space and time can no longer be understood according to the principle of causality. In this regard, Jung joins modern physicists in reducing the conditions in which the laws of classical mechanics apply." Jung's use of the concept in arguing for the existence of paranormal phenomena is widely considered pseudoscientific. He arouses objections from Pauli regarding experiments of the concept using astrology. Honey Mead: Most Ancient Ambrosia Wild Women and Winter Tales Moon Magic - the Feminine Principle Sylvia Rose Books In analytical psychology , acknowledging meaningful coincidences, also known as synchronicities, plays a crucial role in the process of individuation. These synchronicities, according to Jung, are not mere chance occurrences. They can be meaningful connections able to bridge the gap between conscious and unconscious realms of the mind. Recognizing these synchronicities, an individual gains deeper understanding of the inner self. Victorian Health: Sea Water Hydrotherapy Wolfsbane (Aconitum) Ancient Poisons Chun Yuyan & Death of Empress Xu Sylvia Rose Books People can identify underlying patterns governing their lives. This process of introspection and interpretation allows for a more intricate understanding of the psyche. Acknowledgment of synchronicities is a guiding light, giving insight into one's path and purpose in life. It opens a world of possibilities and potential meanings, inviting individuals to delve into the mysteries of existence and the interconnectedness of all things. The Anxious Victorian - Mental Health Pioneering German Women - Bertha Benz Herbology & Lore: Poison Hemlock Sylvia Rose Books Any negative consequences depend on the individual's reactions to this material. This concept can also counteract the adverse impacts of excessive rationalization and tendencies towards mind-body separation in today's society. The way one processes and interprets data and stimuli is influential, shaping perceptions and subsequent actions. Stressing importance of individual reactions and responses, the concept of synchronicity takes a holistic approach to understanding mind-body connection. Spiritual Alchemy - Attuning the Self Spiritual Alchemy: Touching the Divine Spiritual Alchemy: Key Elements to Growth Sylvia Rose Books Non-Fiction Books: World of Alchemy: A Little History World of Alchemy: Spiritual Alchemy Fiction Books: READ: Cult of the Fire God - Bronze Age Quest Adventure READ: Lora Ley Adventures  - Germanic Mythology Fiction Series READ: Reiker For Hire  - Victorian Detective Murder Mysteries Back to Top

Yarrow is an herb of magic and medicine. A flowering plant native to the northern hemisphere yarrow ( Achillea millefolium) is commonly used in folk medicine, divination and herbology. Yarrow's benefits come from its toxic compounds. Herbology & Lore: Poison Hemlock Anima & Animus: Gender Archetypes Witches & Witchcraft: Ancient World Booklet:  World of Alchemy: Spiritual Alchem y Sylvia Rose Books In the family Asteraceae, it's related to sunflower and daisy. Yarrow grows to 1 metre (3.3 ft ) tall and has a strong sweet scent. Visually Yarrow can resemble Queen Anne's lace or wild carrot ( Daucus carota ) and poison hemlock ( Conium maculatum ). READ: Cult of the Fire God  - Bronze Age Adventure Common yarrow is frequently found in the mildly disturbed soil of grasslands and open forests. Active growth occurs in spring. In the wild yarrow is white or, more rarely, pink. Cultivars are known for dramatic colors. Yarrow stalks are used in I Ching divination. Pretty Poisons: Holly, Yew, Mistletoe Gold - Precious Metal of the Sun Chrysopoeia - Turning Lead into Gold Booklet: World of Alchemy: A Little History Sylvia Rose Books   Native to the Old World , yarrow Achillea millefolium is introduced to North America by European immigrants. The plant grows from sea level to 3,500 m (11,500 ft) in elevation. Like plants of the nightshade family, yarrow prefers to grow in recently disturbed soil. Yarrow is used in animal feed, but comes with warnings. The unprocessed plant can be toxic to dogs, cats, and in large amounts cause adverse effects in humans, cattle and horses. Ephedra - Oldest Medical Stimulant Herb Mandalas: Psychology & Art Therapy Agrippina & Son: Poisonous Plots of Rome Sylvia Rose Books Manifestations of yarrow poisoning: allergic skin rashes induced menstruation miscarriage increased urination increased salivation brown urine vomiting, diarrhea dermatitis abnormal sperm If eaten by cows, yarrow gives a bad taste to the milk. This effect could be blamed on witches and witchcraft in history. Small amounts of yarrow are scientifically proven to improve blood circulation in livestock. Creation, Cattle & the Cosmic Cow Stone Age Botai - First Horse People Khnum: Ram Headed Potter God Egypt Sylvia Rose Books Yarrow has been found in Neanderthal burials, suggesting use by humans at least 60,000 years ago. Despite its natural toxins, manufactured by the plant to discourage insects such as aphids and deter wild browsers, the entire plant is edible and has a high nutritious value. Traditionally, yarrow is: Applied to the skin for wounds and minor bleeding. Taken by mouth to reduce inflammation and digestive problems In tea or capsule form, as a sedative to relieve anxiety or insomnia. German Folklore - Irrwurz or Mad Root Spagyria: Botanical Science of Alchemy Woad, the People's Blue: Ancient Pigments Sylvia Rose Books Health problems arise with over-consumption. Flowers and leaves have a bitter taste due to astringent acids. They're used in some liquors. Yarrow can be an ingredient in bitters, an herbal infusion taken after a meal to aid digestion. Spiritually yarrow is a plant connected with healing and love. Originally it's a medicinal herb documented by the Greeks. Yarrow is ruled by planet Venus and element water. Lucifer, Venus & Anti-Gods of Mythology Copper: Ruddy Metal of Myth & Magic Herbology & Lore: Rowan (Mountain Ash) Sylvia Rose Books Leaves can be brewed as tea. In the Middle Ages, yarrow is part of the herbal mixture gruit. It's used to flavor beer before the use of hops. Gruit is particular to each region and brewer. Its components can vary and the recipe is passed from a knowledgeable woman to the brewer, who is sworn to secrecy. German House Spirits: Beer Donkey (Bieresel) Immortal - Quest for the Elixir of Life Zircon - the Primordial Gemstone Sylvia Rose Books The main ingredients of gruit may include: Common heather ( Calluna vulgaris ). Ground ivy ( Glechoma hederacea ) Horehound ( Marrubium vulgare ) Mugwort ( Artemisia vulgaris ) Sweet gale ( Myrica gale ) Yarrow ( Achillea millefolium ) ... And more. Yarrow is a principle medical herb for the army in ancient times. It's called Herba militaris in the Classical era, used during battles to stop bleeding. Verdigris: Volatile Blue Green Pigment Prussian Blue - Delight of Artists & Poisoners Curse of the Evil Eye & Apotropaic Magic Sylvia Rose Books Yarrow essential oil is deep midnight blue. The oil is extracted by steam distillation of yarrow flowers. The chemicals giving yarrow its properties comes from chamazulene (proazulene), a blue-violet chemical compound derived from organic compound azulene. Azulene is biosynthesized from matricin by such plants as chamomile ( Matricaria chamomilla ), wormwood ( Artemisia absinthium ), and yarrow ( Achillea millefolium ). It kills the larvae of the invasive mosquito Aedes albopictus . Cress, Watercress: Natural Health of Ancients Baltic Amber - Gold of the North Women of the Wild Hunt: Holle, Diana, Frigg Sylvia Rose Books In folk medicine the plant A. millefolium is used for various purposes including: astringent properties mild laxative (leaves). to heal wounds and stop bleeding (crushed leaves) Before the introduction of yarrow to North America, indigenous people use its native relatives such as western yarrow to treat toothache, earache and indigestion, and as insect repellent. Magic: Heka & the Ka in Ancient Egypt Before the Vikings - Nordic Bronze Age Egyptian Blue Lotus: Visionary Beauty Sylvia Rose Books Fresh flowering heads of yarrow are used in tinctures or concentrated herbal extracts. Smoked, yarrow leaves are thought to relieve congestion of the lungs. Yarrow is also called Nosebleed Plant, Milfoil, Thousand-leaf, Soldier's Woundwort, Devil's Nettle, Devil's Plaything, Bad Man's Plaything, and Yarroway. In Sweden it's known as Field Hops. In Chinese tradition yarrow is considered a lucky plant. Book of the Heavenly Cow - Myths of Egypt Jimson Weed, Witches & Zombies Chamomile - Herbology & Folklore Sylvia Rose Books It's called Devil's nettle because it's thought to be a favorite plant of the Christian devil due to its association with magical sight. Leaves placed on the eyes are considered capable of inducing that gift. Yarrow may be used in magic to produce visions or trance states. In large doses yarrow is psychoactive. In small doses it's considered to heighten the senses. Spiritually yarrow clears neural pathways to enhance hearing and vision. Ram God of Egypt Ba-neb-djedet Spiritual Alchemy: Touching the Divine Taweret - Hippopotamus Goddess of Egypt Sylvia Rose Books The plant receives its Latin name Achillea millefolium because Achilles uses it at the battle of Troy c. 1200 BCE to staunch wounds of soldiers. Achilles himself is killed by Paris of Troy with an arrow to the heel. In Greece yarrow is a symbol of war. Yarrow has been popular in Irish lore for love divination. A girl cultivates a yarrow plant and places it under her pillow to dream of her soulmate. At weddings, yarrow represents a guarantee of seven years of love. Nanaya - Goddess of Erotic Love Fairy Rings, Moon & Nature Magic Dream Interpretation (Oneiromancy) - Ancient Egypt Sylvia Rose Books Birds such as starlings use yarrow to line their nests, taking advantage of the plant's insect repellent properties to protect from parasites. Pollinators love yarrow due to its dense clusters of florets. Achillea millefolium is cultivated as an ornamental plant with bright yellow, red and purple flowers. Yarrow enjoys the company of other plants and is often part of natural landscaping. It's tolerant of drought and dry soils, and may be found in wildlife or butterfly gardens. Orpiment - Painter's Golden Poison Hyssop - Magic & Medicine Herb Lore Ullikummi - Rock Monster of Legend Sylvia Rose Books Yarrow is effective as a medicinal herb and considered safe by health authorities for international consumption. Allergies may flare in people with daisy sensitivity. Today, it's still used mainly as a tonic and as a cure for stomach disorders. Yarrow is an ingredient in over 20 pharmaceutical products and is popular in commercial European herbal remedies. Eschenfrau: Wicked Ash Tree Woman Castle Frankenstein - Legend & Lore Reiker For Hire, Victorian Era & Nixies It connects with the seventh chakra. Yarrow is used for divination and love spells. It's also considered effective in spells for contacting or locating a specific person. Worn as a charm, yarrow is said to protect the wearer and bestow courage. Sylvia Rose Books Non-Fiction Books: World of Alchemy: A Little History World of Alchemy: Spiritual Alchemy Fiction Books: READ: Cult of the Fire God - Bronze Age Quest Adventure READ: Lora Ley Adventures  - Germanic Mythology Fiction Series READ: Reiker For Hire  - Victorian Detective Murder Mysteries Back to Top

The squared circle, snake, dragon or wyrm biting its tail, and the alchemical lion appear as predominant signs in alchemy and literature. With potential powers to heal sickness, live forever and turn base metal to gold alchemists guard their knowledge well. Mandalas: Psychology & Art Therapy Unity of Opposites: Spiritual Alchemy Booklet: World of Alchemy: Spiritual Alchemy Sylvia Rose Books 1. Alchemical Shapes & the Squared Circle A geometric problem , squaring the circle first appears in Greek mathematics. It is the challenge of constructing a square with the area of a given circle, with a finite number of steps using a compass and straightedge. In the 19th century it's proven impossible. The squared circle becomes a symbol for attaining the impossible. The search for the elusive philosopher's stone , the elixir of life , the magical panacea and the transmutation of metals are fantastic dreams. Alchemy & Psychology: Hidden Meanings Khaos: Primal Goddess of Greek Myth Emerald Tablet - Sacred Alchemy Text Sylvia Rose Books The shapes relate to harmonious interplay and dynamic tension of natural elements. Circle, square and triangle are the three primary shapes. From these come sphere, cube, prism and cylinder. They make up complex forms representing balance and creation. Alchemy is banned in 1317 by the Pope. An act of 1404 by Henry IV forbids anyone from turning anything into gold. It's repealed in the late Renaissance . In the 17th century the squared circle symbol comes to mean the whole of alchemy rather than an equation. Silver - Queen of Precious Metals Allegory of the Cave: Vision and Truth Women of Alchemy - Mary the Jewess Sylvia Rose Books The Sun Wheel ☉︎ appears in the forms of the inner and outer circles. It's also a symbol for zodiac Leo. In psychology the sun wheel represents the conscious self as the dot in middle, with the unconscious in the outer circle. In Alexandrian alchemy a cone is attached to the circle representing solar rays. The circle relates to infinity and wholeness, beginnings, continuance, cycles and completion. A circle is a vessel for magic. Psychology: the Conscious Ego (Self) Booklet: World of Alchemy: A Little History Alchemy: Processes Used by Alchemists Sylvia Rose Books 2. Ouroborus - Snake or Dragon with Tail in Mouth The ouroboros acts as a symbol for eternal cyclic renewal or a cycle of life, death and rebirth. The snake shedding its skin represents the transmigration of souls, completion of a cycle, renewal. In tomb art of Tut, the ouroboros is a protective sign. The snake biting its tail is among the most ancient of alchemical symbols. Snake represents eternal life through renewal, and the circle relates to infinity or wholeness. The snake corresponds to healing, creation, sensual self and financial prosperity. Depth Psychology: Search for Meaning Ouroboros Glyph: Snake Eating its Tail Spagyria - Botanical Science of Alchemy Sylvia Rose Books In Germanic lands the Lindwyrm is a mythical snake dragon who takes its tail in its mouth and rolls like a wheel to pursue human prey. A Lindwyrm can multiply treasure by lying on it, making the ouroboros a fitting alchemical symbol.. 3. Alchemical Lion According to Carl Jung, in alchemy the lion, "the royal beast, is a synonym for Mercurius, or, to be more accurate, for a stage in his transformation. He is the warm-blooded form of the devouring, predatory monster who first appears as the dragon." Individuation: Process and Philosophy Alchemy Symbols in Psychology Archetypes - Personality & the Persona Sylvia Rose Books The alchemical or Gnostic lion symbolizes gold or the sun , and his symbol is the Sun ☉︎. He represents the highest dimensions of ascension and enlightenment. Due to qualities of courage, ferocity and strength, the lion is the ultimate protector of alchemical secrets. The Lion is also associated with the Underworld, in the above pic represented by the volcano or fire of Hades or the afterlife in general. On the Lion's head is a crown of laurel leaves, a sign of his royal rank. Common Archetypes & Spiritual Ascension Archetypes: Psychology of the Shadow Hypatia: Scholar & Martyr Alexandria Sylvia Rose Books Another prominent figure in alchemy is the green lion symbolically consuming the Sun. The concept of the alchemical green lion devouring the sun represents the idea of consciousness being overtaken by intense and unfulfilled desires. “The symbol is a metaphor for aqua regae (the green lion) consuming gold (the sun).” Aqua regia or royal water is a mixture of nitric acid and hydrochloric acid, in a ratio of 1:3. It becomes a fuming liquid able to dissolve gold. In spiritual alchemy is can symbolize caustic, toxic or consuming elements in life. Sylvia Rose Books Non-Fiction Books: World of Alchemy: A Little History World of Alchemy: Spiritual Alchemy Fiction Books: READ: Cult of the Fire God - Bronze Age Quest Adventure READ: Lora Ley Adventures  - Germanic Mythology Fiction Series READ: Reiker For Hire  - Victorian Detective Murder Mysteries Back to Top

Alchemical symbolism plays a crucial role in analytic psychology, The symbols of alchemy appear around archetypes of the collective unconscious . Common symbols include sun/gold and moon/silver. Those corresponding to an archetype tend to recur. Women of Alchemy - Mary the Jewess Collective Unconscious: Seeking the One Common Archetypes & Spiritual Ascension Sylvia Rose Books The work of renowned Swiss psychologist Carl Jung is perhaps the most influential corpus in psychology and alchemy today. By the early 20th century his fascination with symbols and meanings becomes a lifelong obsession. READ: Cult of the Fire God - Bronze Age Quest Adventure A profound connection exists between the symbolic representations in alchemical drawings and the inner images appearing in patients' dreams, visions, and fantasies. They arise from a deep, strange and compelling place. Archetypes: Psychology of the Shadow Spiritual Alchemy: Process & Philosophy Alchemy, Psychology & Archetypes Sylvia Rose Books Difference between Symbols and Archetypes - symbols are visual representations, physical items or events, which stand for another concept, event or intangible feeling. In contrast, archetypes are complex models of conduct, thought and sentiment. READ: Lora Ley Adventures  - Germanic Mythology Fiction Series Symbolic images can be seen as manifestations of the process of transformation, termed by analytical psychology as individuation . For Jung, the appearance of symbols like gold or lapis (stone) symbolize the beginning and goal of the individuation process. Gold - Precious Metal of the Sun Lapis Lazuli: Vibrant Blue Gem of Ancients   Tria Prima (Three Primes): Meanings Sylvia Rose Books Archetypes arise from the collective unconscious, a compendium of knowledge and understanding shared by all humans regardless of gender, culture or lifestyle. They manifest through symbols. Common archetypes of the collective unconscious include: shadow animal trickster / fool wise elder / healer child father - protection, wisdom, guidance - Sun mother  - compassion, innate knowledge, caregiver - Moon maiden   self persona (mask) anima (feminine)  in man animus (masculine)  in woman The anima and animus are important archetypes, in many ways corresponding to the sulfur (male) and mercury (female) elements and/or symbols. One of the key processes of alchemy and spiritual transformation involves reconciliation of opposites. Classic Elements & Concept of the One Archetypes - Personality & the Persona Spiritual Alchemy: Alchemical History Sylvia Rose Books In alchemy mercury is a female principle, and sulfur the male, similar to the interactive concept of yin and yang. Union of inner and outer realms, and integration of spirit and matter, is the hieros gamos or divine marriage. It's found in the 12 Days of Zagmuk and other fertility fests and rites. While the concept of hieros gamos doesn't always involve actual sexual activity during ceremonies, it's often used in a symbolic or mythological sense, as in alchemy and Jungian psychology. 12 Days of Zagmuk: Chaos & the King Chrysopoeia - Turning Lead into Gold Colors of Alchemy - White Albedo Purification Sylvia Rose Books Analytical psychology can help those exploring dreams, symbols, and the archetypal forces within the unconscious mind. By defining archetypes one can begin to resolve past or ongoing issues. READ: Reiker For Hire  - Victorian Detective Murder Mysteries Jung's magnum opus is Mysterium Coniunctionis . Jung explains mysterium coniunctionis (mystery of the conjunction) as a term for mystical paradox. Mystics who conceptualize a mysterium coniunctionis may find the paradox hard to express in words. Mad Hatter's Disease: Mercury Madness Zosimos: First Golden Age of Alchemy Hypatia: Scholar & Martyr Alexandria Sylvia Rose Books While archetypes themselves come from the collective unconscious, manifestation of archetypes or symbols are often specific to an individual. Thus it's important to identify the symbol as it relates to the person, remembering the whole meaning is not always obvious. For instance one person might dream of an apple and one of a tree but both are dreaming of an apple tree. Apples and trees are prominent in the symbolism of spiritual alchemy. These elements also signify growth, creativity, abundance and the "mother" archetype. Golden Ages of Alchemy: Renaissance Khaos: Primal Goddess of Greek Myth Alchemist Dippel: the Frankenstein Files Sylvia Rose Books Edward F. Edinger writes in the introduction to his book The Mystery of The Conjunctio : One might ask, why alchemy? ... The alchemists were fired with the beginnings of the modern spirit of inquiry, but yet, as investigators of the nature of matter they were still half asleep. So, in their zeal to investigate those newly opened vistas, they projected their fantasies and dream images into matter. In effect, they dreamed a vast collective dream using chemical operations and materials as imagery and subject matter for that dream. Alchemy is that great collective dream, and what makes it so important for us is that it's the dream of our ancestors. Cyrene: Huntress Queen of Greek Myth Amazons - Warrior Women History & Myth Colors of Alchemy: Rubedo Magnum Opus Sylvia Rose Books The alchemists were rooted in the Western psyche which we've inherited, so their imagery, their fantasy, their dream, is our fantasy and our dream. That's what Jung demonstrates so magnificently in his major works on alchemy. Jung maintains: 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. Chinese Alchemical Elixir Poisoning Hermes Trismegistus: Alchemy & the Occult Mandalas: Psychology & Art Therapy Sylvia Rose Books The Journal of Analytical Psychology said of this book: What Jung has to convey is so truly original and so far ranging in its implications that I suspect this book will be a real challenge even to those most psychologically sophisticated. What he here presents in rich and documented detail can perhaps best be described as an anatomy of the objective psyche. Below: Alchemical symbols of Zosimos of Panopolis. He's one of alchemy's most prolific writers. Without Zosimos almost no information about the Alexandria school would exist. Tap the image for translations of the symbols. Left row top is the conical alchemy symbol for Sun . Women of the Wild Hunt: Holle, Diana, Frigg Thrace - Tribal Mythology & Lore Casting the Bones - Astragalomancy Sylvia Rose Books READ: Cult of the Fire God - Bronze Age Quest Adventure READ: Lora Ley Adventures  - Germanic Mythology Fiction Series READ: Reiker For Hire  - Victorian Detective Murder Mysteries Back to Top

Alchemy processes such as calcination, fermentation and distillation appear frequently in history and modern life. Neolithic humans use the fermentation process to make honey mead c. 8000 BCE. From Egypt comes the alchemy of embalming and mummification . Lead White & Minium Red: Colors to Die For Egyptian Alchemy - Power of Eternity Alchemy & Psychology: Hidden Meanings Alchemy processes today are common in health and medicine, cooking, nature, chemical experiments and various sciences. Symbolically some of these processes are used in analytic psychology, for example the alchemy colors nigredo , albedo , citrinitas and rubedo . Below are only some of the ways ancient alchemists concoct experiments. The mortar and pestle is a common tool used to crush, grind, mash, powder, combine or separate plants or other matter such as bone and ocher . A press is used to extract juice or oil from a substance. Unus Mundus One World: Psychology Spagyria: Botanical Science of Alchemy World of Alchemy: A Little History Sylvia Rose Books A Albedo or leucosis is the second of the four major stages of the Magnum Opus. Meaning "whiteness" it follows the chaos or massa confusa of the nigredo stage to wash away impurities. This brings light and clarity to the prima materia (First Matter). B Bain Marie is an apparatus used in the process of heating liquids and other substances. Invented by Mary the Jewess (Maria Prophetissa) who is called the "first true alchemist" by Zosimos , it functions basically as a double boiler. Women of Alchemy - Mary the Jewess Zosimos: First Golden Age of Alchemy Prima Materia: Elements of Alchemy Sylvia Rose Books Boiling or slow boiling is a method of separating components in the process of breaking down elements to their most basic forms. Boiling can also separate oils from solid animal matter. C Calcination is thermal treatment of a solid chemical compound. The compound is heated to a high degree without melting, under restricted supply of ambient oxygen. It's used to remove impurities or volatile substances, or incur thermal decomposition. Golden Ages of Alchemy: Renaissance Shennong Primordial Farmer & Healer Mad Hatter's Disease: Mercury Madness Sylvia Rose Books Ceration is continual addition of a liquid to a hard, dry substance while heating the substance. This softens it, as molten wax (Latin: cera ). Alchemist Pseudo-Geber explains it as "the mollification of a hard thing, not fusible unto liquefaction". Cibation is the operation of feeding the contents of the crucible with fresh material. The crucible is a cup-shaped vessel used to contain chemical compounds when heating them to very high temperatures; or to melt or smelt ores. Psychoid: Secrets of the Unconscious Chrysopoeia - Turning Lead into Gold Alchemy: Science, Philosophy, Magic Sylvia Rose Books Citrinitas in alchemy means "yellowness." It's one of the four major stages of the magnum opus. In alchemical philosophy, citrinitas symbolizes dawning of the "solar light" inherent in one's being; the reflective "lunar or soul light" is no longer needed. Cohobation is the process of repeated distillation of the same matter. The liquid drawn from it (successive redistillation) is poured again and again upon the matter left at the bottom of the vessel. Cohobation is a kind of re-circulation. World of Alchemy: Spiritual Alchemy Individuation: Process and Philosophy Women Scientists of the Ancient World Sylvia Rose Books Condensation is an important part of distillation. A change of the state of matter from the gas phase into the liquid phase, condensation is also be defined as the change in the state of water vapor to liquid water when in contact with a surface. Depth Psychology: Search for Meaning Alchemy Symbols in Psychology Spiritual Alchemy: Alchemical History Sylvia Rose Books Congelation in medieval alchemy is crystallization. In the Secreta alchymiae it's one of "the four principal operations", with Solution , Albification and Rubification . It's considered one of twelve alchemical methods in creation of the philosophers' stone. D Decantation is separation of mixtures of immiscible liquids; or of a liquid and a solid mixture such as a suspension. After the compounds settle the layer closest to the top of the container is poured off, leaving denser liquid or the solid behind. Archetypes: Psychology of the Shadow Honey Mead: Most Ancient Ambrosia Pagan Solstice Fests: Saturnalia Sylvia Rose Books Desiccation is a state of extreme dryness, or process of extreme drying. Observed and experimentally reproduced by ancient Egyptians, desiccation is more than evaporation. Heating, freezing or centrifugal force may be used in this process. Digestion applies gentle heat to a substance over several weeks. The substance is sealed in a flask, kept in fresh horse dung or direct sunlight. It's considered one of the 12 core alchemical processes and dominated by zodiac sign Leo. Spiritual Alchemy: Process & Philosophy Psychology: the Conscious Ego (Self) Horse in Dreams - Meaning of Horses Sylvia Rose Books Dissection has been used for centuries to explore the anatomy of humans and other animals. Many alchemists are also physicians. In alchemy dissection might be undertaken to see how things work or remove components from the body. Dissolution is often applied to salt. Salt is solid, shaping principle and also associated with the human body in the tria prima . For the great work, Philosopher's Stone or magnum opus, salt is dissolved and used again for other steps. Mercury: Miracle Metal of Madness Solnitsata - Neolithic Salt Trade Town Tria Prima of Paracelsus: Three Primes Sylvia Rose Books Distillation is the process of separating the components of a liquid mixture of two or more chemically discrete substances; the separation process is realized by selective boiling of the mixture, and the condensation of the vapors in a still. F Fermentation creates chemical changes in organic matter by action of enzymes, used in biochemistry. In food production, fermentation is a process in which the activity of microorganisms brings about a desirable change to a food or beverage. Cinnabar (Mercury Sulfide) Red Death Emerald Tablet - Sacred Alchemy Text Quest for Immortality - Qin Shi Huang Sylvia Rose Books Filtration is a physical separation process that separates solid matter and fluid from a mixture using a filter medium that has a complex structure through which only the fluid can pass. Fixation transforms a volatile substance into a form (often solid) not affected by fire. It separates and re-creates the substance in the same or different shape. Fixation is one of the processes needed to complete the alchemical magnum opus. What is the Philosopher's Stone? Khaos: Primal Goddess of Greek Myth Mythic Fire Gods: Hephaestus of the Greek Sylvia Rose Books M Multiplication is the process in Western alchemy used to enhance the potency of the philosopher's stone, elixir or projection powder. It occurs near the end of the magnum opus in order to increase the gains in the subsequent projection . N Nigredo or blackness is putrefaction. In the first step to creation of the philosopher's stone, alchemical ingredients are cleansed, and cooked to a uniform black matter. In analytical psychology, nigredo is a metaphor for the dark night of the soul. Psychology: the Personal Unconscious Archetypes - Personality & the Persona Alchemy: Four Elements + The One Sylvia Rose Books Notarikon derives a word using its initial or final letters to stand for another, to form a sentence or idea from the words. Another variation uses first and last letters, or the two middle letters of a word, to form another word. P Projection is the ultimate goal of Western alchemy. Once the philosopher's stone or powder of projection is created, the process of projection is used to transmute a lesser substance into a higher form; often lead into gold. Gold - Precious Metal of the Sun Wine God Liber: Liberty & Liberal Libation Silver - Queen of Precious Metals Sylvia Rose Books Putrefaction is the fifth stage of death. This process breaks down of the body of an animal post-mortem. It can be viewed as decomposition of proteins, and eventual breakdown of cohesiveness between tissues, and liquefaction of most organs. Putrefying bacteria help decompose living matter. With other decomposers, they are important in recycling nitrogen from dead organisms. The bacteria also play a role in putrefaction and fermentation of proteins in the human gastrointestinal tract. Colors of Alchemy: Black Nigredo Putrefaction Elixir of Life: Alchemy & the Emperor Vermilion - Scarlet Pigment of Death Sylvia Rose Books R Roasting components alters their properties. On example is the creation of brilliant minium red pigment by roasting (toxic) lead white. Minium red is found in illuminated manuscripts. In Greece, a recipe by Cleopatra the Physician uses roast horse teeth. Rubedo meaning "redness" is adopted by alchemists to define the fourth and final major stage in the magnum opus. Both gold and the philosopher's stone are associated with red. Rubedo is alchemical success, achievement of the great work. Common Archetypes & Spiritual Ascension Cleopatra the Alchemist of Alexandria Song of the Loreley : Lethal Attraction Sylvia Rose Books S Separatory funnel is used to separate liquids of different densities. Dense liquid sinks to the bottom of the funnel to be drained out through a valve, away from the less dense liquid, which remains in the separatory funnel. Natron - Ancient Embalming & Household Salts Tria Prima of Paracelsus: Three Primes Alchemist Dippel: the Frankenstein Files Sylvia Rose Books Smelting is the process of extracting metal from ore by heating and melting. Alchemy emerges from metallurgy, the process of metal treatment, extraction and manipulation, and evolves into chemistry. Solution is a special type of homogeneous mixture composed of two or more substances. In such a mixture, a solute is a substance dissolved in another substance, known as a solvent. Prussian Blue - Delight of Artists & Poisoners Castor Oil, Wigs & Death in Ancient Egypt Hypatia: Scholar & Martyr Alexandria Sylvia Rose Books Sublimation is the transition of a substance directly from the solid to the gas state, without passing through the liquid state. The verb form of sublimation is sublime . Sublimate refers to the product obtained by sublimation. Sublimatory or sublimation apparatus is equipment such as laboratory glassware, for purification of compounds by selective sublimation. The operation resembles purification by distillation, except the products don't go through a liquid phase. Corycian Caves, Bee Nymphs & Greek Gods Amazons - Warrior Women History & Myth Hermes Trismegistus: Alchemy & the Occult Sylvia Rose Books above: Sublimation Equipment - Water usually cold is circulated in cold finger to allow the desired compound to be deposited. 1 Cooling water in 2 Cooling water out 3 Vacuum/gas line 4 Sublimation chamber 5 Sublimed compound 6 Crude material 7 External heating T Thermophilic Bacteria are produce heat when breaking down components and cause the natural heating properties of dung, manure or compost. Alchemists of old use this resource in alchemical processes such as digestion . Spiritual Alchemy: Touching the Divine Alchemy of Islam: Medieval Golden Age Collective Unconscious: Seeking the Whole Sylvia Rose Books U Unity of opposites relates deeply to non-duality. It defines a situation wherein existence or identity of an subject or situation depends on the co-existence of at least two conditions opposite to each other, yet dependent on each other. Urination - some 17th century alchemists consider urine, with its golden color, a possible ingredient in chrysopoeia. When they boil off the liquid, they discover a white substance, which glows in the dark: phosphorus . Spiritual Alchemy - Attuning the Self Spiritual Alchemy: Key Elements to Growth Alchemy, Psychology & Archetypes Sylvia Rose Books V Vaporization is conversion of a liquid or solid to the gaseous (vapor) phase. If conditions allow the formation of vapor bubbles within a liquid, the vaporization process is called boiling. Direct conversion from solid to vapor is sublimation. Non-Fiction Books: World of Alchemy: A Little History World of Alchemy: Spiritual Alchemy Fiction Books: READ: Cult of the Fire God - Bronze Age Quest Adventure READ: Lora Ley Adventures  - Germanic Mythology Fiction Series READ: Reiker For Hire  - Victorian Detective Murder Mysteries Back to Top

Cinnabar or mercury sulfide (HgS) is a rock composed of mercury (Hg) and sulfur (S). Historically it's used to make vermillion or scarlet pigment, and as the primary source of natural mercury. Read: Cult of the Fire God - Bronze Age Quest Adventure Mercury (Quicksilver): Miracle Metal of Alchemy Sulfur - Treasures of the Underworld Kermes Insect & Ancient Red Pigments Sylvia Rose Books   Also called cinnabrite and mercublende, cinnabar is a source ore for elemental mercury. Cinnabar is the most common source of mercury in nature. It typically occurs as a vein-filling mineral associated with volcanic activity and alkaline hot springs. READ: Lora Ley Adventures  - Germanic Mythology Fiction Series Until discovery of cadmium red in the early 20th century, vermilion is the most widely used red pigment and one of the most vibrant reds. It's found in Neolithic graves, Roman wall paintings and Renaissance palettes. Red Madder: Organic Ancient Colors Prussian Blue - Delight of Artists & Poisoners Butter - Food of Peasants & Barbarians Sylvia Rose Books   Cinnabar is a "soft" stone and can easily be ground into pigment, making it attractive to artists. It has a Mohs hardness of less than 3. Glass is 5.5 - 6.5. As a brilliant natural pigment, cinnabar has been mined for thousands of years, going back to the Neolithic Age. READ: Reiker For Hire  - Victorian Detective Murder Mysteries It's used as a coloring pigment or dye, in rituals and burials. Recent research investigates amounts of mercury in human bone from ancient archaeological sites. From Neolithic to Roman the bones tell the tale. Baltic Amber - Gold of the North Figs - Food of the Ancient World Slavic River Spirits & Roman Gods Sylvia Rose Books   Liquid mercury is discovered at ancient Egyptian sites by 1500 BCE but has little history of use. In the Americas, archaeologist Sergio Gómez uncovers "large quantities" of liquid mercury in a chamber beneath one of the oldest known pyramids in Mexico. Mercury is also found at various other archaeological sites in Mesoamerica. Its shimmering properties suggest symbolism of an underworld river or lake. The tunnel containing the mercury chamber is opened in 2003, for the first time in 1800 years. Turquoise: Precious Stone of Ancients Silver - Queen of Precious Metals Emerald Tablet - Sacred Alchemy Text Sylvia Rose Books   According to archaeologists the ancient Mesoamericans produce liquid mercury by heating cinnabar. In China the tomb of Qin Shi Huang , the first Emperor and first known death by Chinese alchemical elixir poisoning , is said to contain rivers of mercury. The earliest known written procedure for extracting mercury is recorded by the natural philosopher Theophrastus, who states in his work On Stones (4th century BCE), “Mercury is produced by grinding cinnabar with vinegar in a copper mortar with a copper pestle." Copper: Ruddy Metal of Myth & Magic Chinese Alchemical Elixir Poisoning Quest for Immortality - Qin Shi Huang Sylvia Rose Books   Like the Greeks , the Romans are greatly attracted to cinnabar. Natural philosopher Pliny the Elder writes the Romans see cinnabar as having divine associations. In alchemy metals, minerals and materials are ascribed male or female properties. Read: Cult of the Fire God - Bronze Age Quest Adventure The union of the two elements mercury and sulfur, creates the rock. Sulfur is fiery, combustive, active, and masculine; and mercury is flowing, receptive, changeable, and feminine. Cleopatra the Physician of Greece Honey Mead: Most Ancient Ambrosia Arcadia - Greek Lands of Ancient Gods Sylvia Rose Books   Cinnabar is the intimate interaction of masculine and feminine, active and receptive, which creates a dual dynamism. The intrinsic qualities of cinnabar metaphorically relate to the power of the philosophers’ stone. READ: Lora Ley Adventures  - Germanic Mythology Fiction Series Cinnabar ore used during this time comes from Almadén, Spain, the largest mercury mine in the world. The name Almadén is from the Arabic  al-maʻdin , lit. 'the metal', 'the mineral' or lode. Verdigris: Volatile Blue Green Pigment White Pigments of Ancient Artisans Anqi Sheng & the Elixir of Immortality Sylvia Rose Books   On the Iberian Peninsula , use of cinnabar as a pigment, offering or preservative in burial practices is documented by c. 4000 BCE. Cinnabar decorates megalithic rooms, figurines and bodies of the dead . In several graves the bodies are covered with powdered cinnabar. The highest levels of mercury appear in bones dated to the Copper Age  of Spain (c. 2900 - 2600 BCE). According to the International Journal of Osteoarchaeology  those affected are exposed to mercury through handling, processing or ingesting cinnabar . Red Madder: Organic Ancient Colors Cypriot Copper & Ancient Cyprus Rhododendron & the Toxic Ambrosia Sylvia Rose Books   The unfortunate people who mine and process cinnabar suffer symptoms of shaking, loss of sense, and death. Evidence from the ancient sites suggests mercury ls extracted from cinnabar and the workers are exposed to toxic mercury fumes. READ: Reiker For Hire  - Victorian Detective Murder Mysteries Early mining in the cinnabar mines of Almadén, 225 km (140 mi) southwest of today's Madrid, is done by slaves, prisoners of war and convicts, regarded as a death sentence. Today, Almadén mine is open as a museum. Jade - Jadeite, Nephrite & Jade Roads Lead White & Minium Red: Colors to Die For Agrippina & Son: Poisonous Plots of Rome Sylvia Rose Books   In late antiquity, alchemists interested in turning base metal into gold are also interested in substances like liquid mercury and cinnabar because of their unusual physical properties. Mercury is one of the tria prima in alchemy, the three essential elements. A process for producing a synthetic form of the pigment vermilion is recorded by Greek alchemist Zosimos of Panopolis, living in Egypt c. 400 AD. It's later backed up by a Persian alchemist, Jabir ibn Hayyan, c. 800 AD. Women of Alchemy - Mary the Jewess Women of the Wild Hunt: Holle, Diana, Frigg Pretty Poisons: Holly, Yew, Mistletoe Sylvia Rose Books   Cinnabar is typically deposited by epithermal ascending aqueous solutions, such as hot springs. They're located near the surface, not excessively hot and often far removed from their igneous source. To produce liquid mercury (quicksilver), crushed cinnabar ore is roasted in rotary furnaces. Pure mercury separates from sulfur in this process and easily evaporates. A condensing column is used to collect the liquid metal, which is most often shipped in iron flasks. Alchemist Dippel: the Frankenstein Files Eschenfrau: Wicked Ash Tree Woman Sun Goddesses of World Mythology Sylvia Rose Books   Cinnabar is frequently found together with native mercury, stibnite, realgar, pyrite, opal, marcasite, quartz, chalcedony, dolomite, calcite and barite. Due to mercury content, cinnabar is toxic to humans. Ancient Romans consider mercury poisoning (mercurialism) an occupational disease. Similarly, people in ancient South America use cinnabar liberally, although the toxic properties are known. Alchemy: Science, Philosophy, Magic Red Ocher (Ochre) Ancient Pigments Queen Eleanor & the Calamitous Crusade Sylvia Rose Books   Cinnabar has a rich history of use for its vibrant color dating back to antiquity in the Near East, where it was applied as a rouge-type cosmetic. This tradition is also found in the New World since the time of the Olmec culture, when use of cinnabar as a colorant is widespread. One example appears in royal burial chambers during the height of Maya civilization. In the 7th-century tomb of the Red Queen in Palenque, the noblewoman's remains and belongings are entirely coated in a brilliant red powder derived from cinnabar. Is Cherry Laurel Poisonous? Cleopatra the Alchemist of Alexandria Ancient Egypt Remedies: Ebers Papyrus Sylvia Rose Books   In China it's used  for writing on oracle bones  as early as the Zhou dynasty (1046-256 BCE). By the late Song dynasty, cinnabar finds its way into coloring lacquerware, showcasing its versatility and allure. Chinese carved lacquerware is thought to originate during the Song dynasty (960 - 1279 AD). While historical use of cinnabar in lacquerware poses risks of mercury poisoning, medieval artisans mitigate the danger by incorporating pigment into lacquer. Casting the Bones - Astragalomancy Wine God Liber: Liberty & Liberal Libation Immortal - Quest for the Elixir of Life Sylvia Rose Books   Today, modern industry has to seek safer alternatives. Vermilion pigment is made synthetically, and non-toxic pigment with resin-based polymers mimic the appearance of pigmented lacquer. Cinnabar or mercury sulfide is used in natural medicine. Gold - Precious Metal of the Sun Žaltys: Sacred Snake & Serpent Queen Periwinkle: Magic & Medicine of Europe Back to Top

The essence of alchemy transcends chemical experiments. Alchemists seek to experience psychological processes, conveyed through mystical terms and archetypal symbols. Alchemy employs rational, intuitive and metaphysical methods and thought. Unus Mundus One World: Psychology Allegory of the Cave: Vision and Truth Psychoid: Secrets of the Unconscious Sylvia Rose Books Alchemy is influential in early Greek philosophy. Alchemical symbols appear in Egyptian tombs . As a practice, alchemy is over 2000 years old. Seeking the quintessence of being, alchemy reaches beyond the physical realm, probing into the human psyche. "All is One - One is All" - alchemical saying Alchemy proves the Whole is more than the sum of its parts as a practitioner unlocks hidden meanings in symbols or rituals. Alchemic thought is not linear but spherical and overlapping. Through process, one perceives the interconnectedness of self and the universe. Ouroboros Glyph: Snake Eating its Tail Women of Alchemy - Mary the Jewess Psychology: the Conscious Ego (Self) Sylvia Rose Books The spiritual alchemist seeks to transmute "base elements" of the psyche into gold. This is a reflection of the human quest for enlightenment and inner wisdom. Transformation extends beyond the physical realm into domains of mind and spirit. The relationship between alchemy and the psychic process of individuation is studied by Carl Jung, founder of analytical psychology. The pressing need to address problems of the psyche (personality) comes from awareness of its cryptic vastness. Lead White & Minium Red: Colors to Die For Psychology: the Personal Unconscious Spagyria: Botanical Science of Alchemy Sylvia Rose Books Observing individuals it becomes evident the human psyche is a realm of mystery. Through the psychotherapeutic journey, both therapist and patient seek to uncover the essence of the complete individual, or Whole, in terms of personal evolution. As the alchemist conjures up chemical experiments, interplay between the personal and philosophical becomes the reality of the moment. Alchemists are widely known to experiment upon themselves. The alchemist might enter a trance or meditative state. Folk Magic: Fly Agaric (Amanita muscaria) Alchemist Dippel: the Frankenstein Files World of Alchemy: A Little History Sylvia Rose Books Self-experimentation is the modus operandus of the Chinese primordial god and divine farmer, Shennong . He teaches people many things including herbology. He consumes up to 70 poisons a day, and has a transparent stomach so he can observe their activity. Within this type of subjective/objective space the alchemist encounters tangible reactions of substances, as well as visionary experiences. Each reaction, each observation, becomes a mirror reflecting external properties of substances and the activity of the alchemist's psyche. World of Alchemy: Spiritual Alchemy Individuation: Process and Philosophy Alchemy Symbols in Psychology Sylvia Rose Books Several archetypes exist within the sphere of the unconscious: shadow animal trickster / fool wise elder / healer child father - protection, wisdom, guidance - Sun mother  - compassion, innate knowledge, caregiver - Moon maiden   self persona (mask) anima (feminine)  in man animus (masculine)  in woman The number of archetypes and symbols they produce into consciousness is limitless. Alchemists jot down symbols, coming from the unconscious mind, based on primal concepts like sun or birth. Shapes appear as symbols. Alchemists are also fond of dual meanings. Archetypes - Personality & the Persona Common Archetypes & Spiritual Ascension Alchemy, Psychology & Archetypes Sylvia Rose Books The relationship between the mysteries of alchemy and the psychology of the unconscious is critical. The psyche is considered to the only source for understanding the meaning of the alchemic lapis (stone). According to Jung the psyche encompasses three major realms: ego personal unconscious collective unconscious In trying to understand the psychology of alchemical thought it's necessary to start with the psyche. Contents of the chemical research become projective symbols of empirical, collective archetypes. Symbols often reflect the immediate state of things. Psychology: the Personal Unconscious Collective Unconscious: Seeking the Whole Psychology: the Conscious Ego (Self) Sylvia Rose Books For example, during the Golden Age of Alchemy in Greco-Roman Alexandria , Gnostics attempt to align Christian and Hebrew thought with alchemical and nature philosophy. Throughout Gnostic tradition, the symbolism of the lion carries multiple layers of meaning. Solar symbolism, regal authority, alchemical transformation and dualistic nature appear in the image of the Lion. It's a powerful emblem expressing the Gnostic quest for reconciliation of the divine and material realms. Other symbols are less obvious. Zosimos: First Golden Age of Alchemy Alchemy Symbols in Psychology Spiritual Alchemy: Alchemical History Sylvia Rose Books Goethe’s Faust and Nietzsche’s Zarathustra are given by Jung as examples of what happens when identification takes place with the thing to be transformed. The result is an inflation of ego consciousness, a paradoxical regression into unconsciousness. This happens when the ego consciousness takes too many unconscious contents upon itself and loses the power of discrimination. To avoid such a catastrophe it is necessary to recognize contents of the unconscious which do not belong to the ego consciousness. Depth Psychology: Search for Meaning Archetypes: Psychology of the Shadow Spiritual Alchemy: Process & Philosophy Sylvia Rose Books These come from a "psychic nonego" , the collective unconscious apparent in the archetypes of poets and philosophers. The alchemists’ attempts to find a panacea is regarded as a projection of the process of individuation. Individuation is still riddled with mysteries. It's concerned with centralizing processes in the unconscious which form personality. Reason alone cannot resolve this mystery; only experience can grasp the significance of the system of processes. Sylvia Rose Books Ancient alchemical texts mention projecting unconscious responses into chemical substances to unlock the mysteries of alchemy. This search for chrysopoeia of the soul reveals hidden messages and wisdom from the alchemist's unconscious mind. Exploring the psyche, the alchemist encounters symbolic imagery, archetypal figures, and mythical narratives representing universal themes like creation, destruction, and rebirth. Understanding the unconscious evolves to self-realization and spiritual awakening. Mad Hatter's Disease: Mercury Madness Women Scientists of the Ancient World Emerald Tablet - Sacred Alchemy Text Sylvia Rose Books Non-Fiction Books: World of Alchemy: A Little History World of Alchemy: Spiritual Alchemy Fiction Books: READ: Cult of the Fire God - Bronze Age Quest Adventure READ: Lora Ley Adventures  - Germanic Mythology Fiction Series READ: Reiker For Hire  - Victorian Detective Murder Mysteries Back to Top

Unus mundus is a concept rooted in Western philosophy, theology, and alchemy. It addresses the idea of a singular, unified reality as the source from which all aspects of existence emanate and interconnect. Psychoid: Secrets of the Unconscious Psychology: the Personal Unconscious Spiritual Alchemy: Touching the Divine Sylvia Rose Books In essence, it represents a unifying principle underlying the diverse manifestations of the universe, emphasizing interconnectedness and interdependence of all things. The concept of the unus mundus appears in teachings of philosophers such as Plato (427- 348 BCE). In his allegory of the cave , individuals are confined to a cave and perceive only shadows of reality, cast by a fire behind them. The story is a metaphor for limited perception. It expresses the idea of a higher reality beyond the immediate sensory experience. Allegory of the Cave: Vision and Truth Depth Psychology: Search for Meaning Psychology: the Conscious Ego (Self) Sylvia Rose Books Alchemists view unus mundus  as the prima materia , the essential substance from which all creations, transformations and transmutations arise. Unus mundus  exemplifies the interconnected nature of reality and the underlying unity binding it all together. Unus mundus  reflects the alchemical quest for the ultimate unity of opposites in pursuit of spiritual enlightenment and transformation. Unus mundus holds a central place not only in alchemy but also in the realms of philosophy and theology. Prima Materia: Elements of Alchemy Archetypes - Personality & the Persona Elixir of Life: Alchemy & the Emperor Sylvia Rose Books In the medieval Christian philosophy of nature, the unus mundus represents the plan of the cosmos in God’s mind before the Creation and the separation of heaven and earth. Sophia, the Wisdom of God, personifies this living matrix of all orderly creations. A concept resonating across different disciplines, the idea is deeply entwined with belief in a universal unity surpassing boundaries of individual distinctions. Study of this concept aims to bring together all aspects of existence into a coherent and balanced whole. World of Alchemy: A Little History Alchemy Symbols in Psychology Spiritual Alchemy: Process & Philosophy Sylvia Rose Books Philosophically, it represents the idea of a cosmic oneness that underlies the diversity of the world. Likewise it emphasizes the interconnected nature of all phenomena and the inherent unity that binds everything together. In theology, unus mundus embodies the concept of a divine harmony beyond human understanding, pointing towards a higher order uniting all beings in existence. It's also significant in the ability to inspire contemplation on the fundamental unity of existence. Archetypes: Psychology of the Shadow Spiritual Alchemy: Alchemical History Alchemy, Psychology & Archetypes Sylvia Rose Books It displays a holistic and integrated nature of the universe. The unus mundus goes beyond surface appearances as a deeper, interconnected fabric of reality concerned with all phenomena conscious or unconscious. At the end of his life, Jung thinks of the unus mundus not as an abstract metaphysical concept but as the the last stage of the individuation process symbolized by the mandala. Individuation is the process by which an individual becomes distinct. Spagyria: Botanical Science of Alchemy Common Archetypes & Spiritual Ascension Individuation: Process and Philosophy Unus mundus is the culmination of Jung’s psychological work summed up in Mysterium Coniunctionis : “If mandala symbolism is the psychological equivalent of the unus mundus, then synchronicity is its para-psychological equivalent.” Carl Jung, Mysterium Coniunctionis , published posthumously 1970 Sylvia Rose Books Non-Fiction Books: World of Alchemy: A Little History World of Alchemy: Spiritual Alchemy Fiction Books: READ: Cult of the Fire God - Bronze Age Quest Adventure READ: Lora Ley Adventures  - Germanic Mythology Fiction Series READ: Reiker For Hire  - Victorian Detective Murder Mysteries Back to Top