HermaphroditeChild of the Sun and Moon Hermaphroditisches Sonn- und Monds-Kind, das ist: Des Sohns deren Philosophen natrlich- bernatrliche Gebhrung, Zersthrung und Regenerirung oder vorgestellte Theorie und Practic den Stein der Weissen zu suchen und zu machen. Durch einen unbekannten Philosophum und Adeptum in 12 emblematischen Figuren und so vielen Paragraphis. Mit Applicir- und Beyfgung so vieler Canonischen Versen des berhmten Schwedischen Adepti Northons: aus einem alten manuscript gezognener praesentiret. Nun aber nach dem mystichen Verstand und innerem Weesen expliciret, nebst denen Caballistischen Zeichen Salomonis durch einen Lehr-Jnger der Natur. L.C.S. Mayntz, bey Joh. FriederichKrebs Buchhndler. Geduckt inder Churf. Hof und Univers. Buchdruckerey bey denen Hffn. Erben, durch EliasPeter Bayer. 1752. Translated by MikeBrenner CopyrightMike Brenner 1997 Permissiongivento freely copy this. Aslongas this copyrightremains attached. THE HERMAPHRODITE CHILD OF THE SUN ANDMOON Abstract:Analyzesthe natural and supernatural birth, destruction,and regenerationof the symbolicChild.Introduces the theory and practiceof how to quest for and manufacture the Philosopher's Stone. Includes applicationsand explanationsof verses by the famous Swedish [sic]Adept Norton, from an ancientmanuscript. Now, for the firsttime, revealed accordingto mysticaltraditionand esoteric enlightenment. Includesthe qabbalisticsignsof Solomon, explainedby a master-student of nature. With12 emblematicalfigureswithcorrespondingexplanatoryparagraphs. Author:an Unknown Philosopher and Adept (L. C. S.) PublisherJohn FrederickKrebs, Maintz 1752, Printer EliPeter Bayer. SectionI. SectionII. SectionIII. SectionIV. SectionV. SectionVI. SectionVII. SectionVIII. SectionIX. SectionX. SectionXI. SectionXII. Appendix. HermaphroditeChild of the Sun and Moon I

This figureiscomplicated,but to a philosopher,wondrous to behold. In the center of the inner circleisthe sun with7 rays of warmth. Aboveis the crown of celestial SAL-NITRE of the physicalworldand the Nature-Spirit.The figurerepresents:(1) Chaos or universalsubjectivenature as the purest birth of this Nature-spiritinthe center of the Earth, (2) Sulphur saturated with astralMercury, (3) the White Gold of the wise, (4) the many layers of the Earth, and (5) Travisan's Fountain. The outer circlerepresents the Zodiacwhere the 7 planets forever course through the ether. The planetsconcentrate theirinfluxof energy intothe worldbelow, inducingthe law:as above so below, and as belowso above. The planets inthis figurehave an occult order, withSaturn inthe first, or lowest, spot. From above, Saturn congealsthe One Substance (the etherialFiery-Wateror the astral Watery-Fire withitsringof coldness). It manifestsrightintothe alchemist'shand and continuesthroughout the Work. The goldenSun-Childalreadylays concealedin It. Jupiteris rightabove Saturn, the next step of the Work. The power of Jupiterfirst lets blackSaturn experienceComposition,then darkens the Sun and the Moon. Jupiter then sweeps up to paradiselikean airborne dragon, out of the stomach of Saturn. Jupitertransmutes the dark Earth into the subtle elementsfrom whichthe blackchild isfreshly born in the sky, the way a noblejewel ispolished.Finally,this enables Jupiterto completelydiscard the shadowy mundane world, the oldAdam. Atthe top is the moon, snow-white Diana, the queen of solidity.She starts her heavenlyjourney by drinkinginand dissolvingallthe tailcolorsof a Peacock ina heat. The Moon uses the Philosophers' Stone to hermeticallysealthe pure liquid Air-Element.Continuingthrough the dry gaseousFire, the Moon journeys on the Path to the celestialSolidFireand the Red Tincture. Nextafter the moon at the very top, is Mercury, the Initiator,the Worker, andthe Completer of the wholeWork, the moist-radicalor base-moistureof the Stone. Now, Mercury swingsfrom the top horn of the crescent Moon down to Venus, enteringthrough her silverchord. Mercury starts out in liquidform at the Moon, but solidifieswhilepassingthrough Venusand Mars, penetratingthrough to the center of the Sun. ----- PARAGRAPH1 Amongthe 7 planets I am calledthe Sun. My pointy crown symbolizesthe process: First, we become completelysubtle and pure Andbind withMercury, Then the blackraven grows. It is buriedin the grave, Risinganew, Adornedwith lillies,and betrothed. Then at lastthe Sun-Childappears, Bedecked withpurpleon histhrone. EXPLANATION OF PARAGRAPH1 The mundane Nature-Spirit:(1) pours itselfintothe Central-Fireof the earth, (2) starts workingin that fire, (3) isbound inmercurialmoistureand liquidform, (4) is impelledto and fro, through the Archaeum of the Earth, as a saturated wind, (5) is congealedby Saturn, and (6) isthrown to the groundin front of the Alchemist,like the true metallicgore (the metal's seed). The Alchemist:(1) recognizesthisas the most valuabletreasure on earth, (2) takes it home joyfully,(3) insertsit intothe glasscoffin, (4) bindsit withthe gaseous Mercury, (5) seals the coffin, (6) watches the blackRaven growin the putrefaction, (7) is reborn in the ParadisiacalKingdomto corporalDiana, and (8) is crowned asthe Childof the Sun. ----- CANON1 WorshipGod, and lovethose Who overcome theirdepression and cravings. Giveonly the best to God and neighbor. Come, I willshow you ATreasure that you willtreasure: Agoldenfountainand a silverspring From the word of God and the Soul of Humanity. I am that Treasure, Better than allother goodthings. Yet, I am alsoan poisonousdragon, Afurious lionwith jaws open likean abyss. Allmetals bow before me; When I grabthem, they bust to pieces. EXPLANATION of CANON1 The Alchemistshouldbe a pious, sincere, lover of God and neighbor.That way, better success willensue in thishighestmystery of nature, whichcan onlybe givenas a gift from God. The author of thiscanon writesabout the originof the Substance ofthe Stone. This One Substance originatedfrom the very firstmoment of creation when God said the all-powerfulword FIAT. The One Substance is animatedby that emanation of BeingItselfcalledthe Nature Spirit.Therefore, the Substance isas powerfulfor thisWork now as itwas in the beginning,and ever shallbe untilthe end of the world. Now this is(1) Hermes' superiorand inferior,(2) Bernardus' littlewell,(3) Hermogenes' magicfire-staff,(4) silveryMercury springingfrom the forehead of God, (5) the highestgood fromthe time of the Fall,when people became poisoned by ignorance,untilthe time they are reintegratedinto Paradise. HermaphroditeChild of the Sun and Moon II

EXPLANATION OF FIGURE 2 This fire breathingdragon isHermes' littlebird, flyinghere from the North. It isa celestialcreation, consistingof fire and air. Its fire-breathingmouth, therefore, hasthe power to (1) warm the coldchaotic water, (2) transmute itinto a virginearth, and finally(3) transmute it intoa fire-resistantliquid-waxStone, whichis why the Stone iscalleda Tincture. The dragon wingshave 7 indentations,to indicatethe seven steps Eleazersaid are needed to chop off those wings(after Eleazer's meaning).The first three steps involve progressingthe dragongentlyand without corrosionthrough the 3 worldsin turn: the Mundane (solid),the Paradisiacal(liquid),and the Celestial(gaseous). The fourth step represents passingthrough Frequent barriers inthe distantislandsof the philosopherswhere the dragon eats himselfso fullof Earth, that he can no longerfly, as if he wanted to melt everythingsolidintoliquid.In the fifth stagehe becomes a prisonerof Saturn's scythe. In the sixthstage, everythingturns around, liquid becomingsolidagain. ----- PARAGRAPH2 If the sublimewisdom of the universe, Prized about allelse, Had opened up clearly, Astold by Philaleth;and If my mother, Nature, hadn't grayed My colorfulMercury; and If my fierylifewere revealed; Then there wouldbe as many Adepts, Asthere are Sophistsnow. But God wills The greedy worldnot to Grasp my nature or Discovermy Mercury. So I am only known to those Who God sends to my Master. Who explainseverythingclearly, Andreveals my figure: What to make out of the poisonousdragon, Andmy solidred brother. EXPLANATION OF PARAGRAPH2 Physically,mentally,and emotionallyturn to the Kingdominyour heart. Onlythen can you trulyunderstand our overallmother, Nature. Onlythen can you comprehend the MercurialSpirithidden deeplyin her innards, which giveslife,seed, and soulto all3 kingdoms.If the innumerablemodern pseudo-Adeptswould just recognizethis, then the worldwould be fullof true masters. But it ishidden from their mundane eyes, that can perceive onlythe tranistory, that is, physicallymanifested thingslikemineralsand metals. The One Substance escapes them. They do not recognizethe seed and germ of allmetals, where the glowing Mercury of nature lieshidden, the seed whichthe south-windprovides inshining gray, viscousliquidform. Why? Because greedy, selfimportant people, seekingonly to satisfy theircravings, are fated to losethisTreasure whichthe God of Gods givesonlyto those in tune with nature, seekingwith the heart of a child.Andonly these, not the thousands of sophisticatedmanipulators,know what to make of thispoisonous Mercurialdragon and his accompanyingliquidSulphurand viscousEarth. ----- CANON2 My species givesme a grey belly, but I'm neithermale nor female. Rather, I have both genders. My flesh and blood prove it. My blood ismale, my fleshfemale. The power of both isspiritual. I have both male and female organs. So people callme a hermaphrodite. My treasure isthe Earth Element, where there are minerals,metals,and such. Yet I'm nothingthat you may suppose. I am One Substance by my nature. In my metalform I am simultaneously hot and cold, wet and dry. EXPLANATION OF THE CANON 2 Here the author points out that the One Substance, isa viscous, gray, hermaphroditic liquid.Its passive, femininecharacteristiccomes from its liquidstate and spiritof Mercury. Its active, masculinecharacteristiccomes from its solidstate and spiritof fiery Sulphur.In other words, physicallyitis Water and earth, but spirituallyitis Mercury and Sulphur. The author's second paragraph shows the Substance born inthe center of the Earth and brought forth by the South-Wind. The author empowers us with clearwords: It is neithermineralnor metal. It isan essence or substance with equalproportions ofthe characteristicsof the 4 elements. Now what can sophists and vain seekers after thismystery say about thisatomic Substance, whichhas a hermaphrodite spiritand body, yet is neithera mineralnor a metal? Alltheirmisconceptionsare swept away:there isno antimony, vitriol, saltpeter, salt, quicksilver,sulphur, gold,silver,nor other metaliccompounds. One Substance only isneeded. It encompasses allwisdom. Nature consituted It. The wise use It. Discover itand recognizeIts esotericsecrets, lest, in allyour science, you completelymiss the target. HermaphroditeChild of the Sun and Moon III

EXPLANATION OF THE FIGURE 3 Figure1 shows the superiorand inferiorof Hermes. Figure2 showedthe hermaphrodite dualityin a singlething,the philosophicalAdam, who stillhas his rib, that is, who had not yet dividedintoseparate maleand femaleto produce offspring.Figure3 concealsmany importantsymbols of theory and practice. (1) The most-secret dual receptacle, withoutwhich the Work cannot be done. (2) How to hermeticallysealthe passions(CAPRICUS inthe form of goldenEarth or Sulphur, representingmasculinity)withthe the power of the Conscience(BE-JAH the Holy Spirit[literally,the Lord God], in the form of liquidMercury or the Moon, representingfemininity).(3) The hermaphrodite figurestandingon the circle,so it belongsto that circle,but isnevertheless separate from it. (4) The greenlionin the circle, whichrepresents the blossomingof Life, and which attainsits power throughthe gaseousSAL-NITRE. It becomes largerby devouringthe liquidMercury itdrank, which itexcretes as thick as tar. ----- PARAGRAPH3 Hermes calledme the Sun and the Moon. Riplaeuscalledme the green lion.Our author calledme hermaphrodite, but I pay no attention to that. It makes no difference. Nor does itmatter what the sophistscallme, for they learnnothingfor alltheirtrouble except:(1) I am One Substance, not two; (2) In me isBernard's littlefountain; (3) I am dry water, subtlepure; (4) I am raised up by the power of Mars, as commanded by Philaleth,the famous Adeptwho coagulatesmy esotericnature with Mercury. EXPLANATION OF PARAGRAPH3 In their books for the curious world, the adepts spoke in symbols. For example, the Stone ismade of One Substance. It is a thingthat is a simpleunity, not a composite. It has equalparts of Earth, Water, Fire, and Air.It possess equalattributes of heat and cold, moisture and dryness. It arisesfrom liquidand solidFire. Thus, in the first verse, Hermes callsitthe Sun because itis made of SolidFire; and inthe second verse, he callsitthe Moon because itis made of LiquidMercury. Riplaeus callsit the green lion,because it growsmore fierywhenever the CelestialFireis inflamed. The Master Norton calledita Hermaphrodite, sinceHermes saidit isboth solarand lunar. But don't make the mistakemade by most current-day alchemists.This single thingwith dualcharacteristicsisnot a composite constructed by human hands. As it says in verse 13: By my nature I am One Substance. Andin verse 15: I am Dry Water, subtle and pure, and I am powered with Mars energy. That means, that inthe center there isa subtleFire. The Mars energy causes thisFire to rise up and become strengthened by the CelestialFire. Accordingtothe words of the philosopher:Give the fire to the Fireand mercury to Mercury. ----- CANON3 Four elements are sealed inme, Sulphurand Mercury are dissolvedin me. I am savage, deadly, smoky, poisonous, solid,liquid,constant, and gaseous. Not animal,vegetable,fungus, arsenic, vitriol-alaun,salt, sulphur, mineral, gold,nor any metal. I am WhiteMercury. I have only one root and two stems. Everyone despises me, because I don' t look too cool inmy dullgray coat. Yet, I am likethe prize-winningbeehive that produces the best honey for lords, princes, andthe king.I equallyvaluablefor everyone, highand low, rich and poor. EXPLANATION OF CANON3 We are informed inVerse1 that the chaotic-philosophicalWater isnot the same as the Water Element. There the author states: the four elementsare sealedin me. Andto show us the originof his centralSulphur and astral Mercury, he adds: flowingwith sulphurand mercury. The next 2 verses clarifythat thishermaphrodite Substance is both solidand gaseous. Firsthe describesthe dark, earthly, liquidcharacteristic,saying:I am wild,deadly, smoky, and poisonous. No man can face it withoutcryingout and sufferingfromthe most terriblepoison. None dare touch itnor taste its repulsivesmell.Yet even its raw state, it effects wonderful cures. Also,after a littlepreparation withsmalldoses of ADMIRACULAPRAESTANDA, it can be touched or taken without harm. But the followingverse describesits characteristicas solid,liquid,constant, and gaseous. The author alreadynamed the interiorand exteriorforms of thisOne Substance. But, admittedly,God and the adepts do not permitdiscoveringany clearer revelation. Next,the author states what it isn't:not animal,vegetable,fungus, arsenic, vitriol, alum, salt, sulphur, mineral,gold,nor metal. So thisuniversalTincture is not fromthe animal,vegetable,mineral,or metalkingdoms.These words bringparticular dizzinessto the brains of today's alchemists,who willask:what isit then? Well,it has certainlyalreadybeen named several times,but to repeat itone more time superfluously:(1) It is the purest offspringof the gaseous mercury in the bellyand center of the Earth. (2) It isa stone inliquidform. (3) It isan invisiblesolid.(4) It growsup likethe mustard seed. (5) It works throughthe astralfire. (6) It transmutes everythingit touches into a liquid-solidlikeitself.(7) It is a fiery water or airwhich coldSaturn congealson top of the Earth. Enough said, sinceanyone who does not understand this now is beyond help, and further words willnot help, for this is essentialto any real Alchemy.(8) Manipulations,spells,and magicalformulae do not applyhere, because itis a dual spiritual-physicalmaterial,intractibleto sophists. (9) It isWhite Mercury transmuted intogray, liquidform. (10) Even thoughit islayingat everyone's feet, philosophycannot explainitbetter than as a unity withbalanced dual characteristics. HermaphroditeChild of the Sun and Moon IV

EXPLANATION OF FIGURE 4 The face on the Sun shows a different emotionin Figure4 (The MysticalSubstance) from the Sun in Figure1 (The Physical Substance) in order to highlightthe following differences between the two substances. (1) The PhysicalSubstance evolvesnaturallyand is calledthe lessersubstance ofthe Stone, whilethe MysticalSubstance is manufactured by the Adept and is called the greater substance of the Stone. Compoundingthese two Substances together completesthe firstRotation, by fulfillingthe seven circulationsof the Water. This symbolicallyprepares the Earth to accept the AstralSeed. Thequeen has sexwiththe kingand conceives the Child. (2) The three cloudsrepresent the three principlesof Mercury, Sulphur, and Salt appearingfrom the four elements. (3) The planetsaround the horizon differin theirorder. (4) Mercury, the hermaphroditespiritbalancingpassion and conscience, is the first symbolon the bottom because Mercury isthe firstto work on the Hermaphrodite Child.The Child's materialattachments leadto Saturn dominatingitfrom above, to teach itthatitsanimalnature is illusionary. (5) Saturn, the mythicalancestor of the planets, swallowsthe goldenChildof the Sun (whichMercury made) into hispitch-blackbelly.Saturn is nextabove Mercury and stays for seven time seven days. Then Saturn tires. Hispredecessor Mercury, withhelp from celestialMercury, forces Saturn to spitthe Childback out, and to hand the Child,undamaged, over to Saturn's follower,Jupiter. (6) Jupiter lovinglynurses the vomitted Childin the cosmic kingdomofthe Airandgivesthe Childa beautfulform likea wellpolishednoblejewel. (7) Venus, the snow-whitecrystal liquidMercury comes next, the Amazonqueen, already on the other sideof and ruler of the cosmickingdomof the Air.The Child beginsto growaggressive.Venus, the nurse-mother, uses her virginmilkto suckle and wash the Childand make the Childgrow. (8) Mars isnext under Venus. The Childgrows strongand fieryfrom the virginmilk of Venus, solidas Mars himself,yet liquidas Venus. When thisperfect balanceis achieved, the blacknessof the Childgivesway to a rainbow of colors. Finally, the colors alljoin togetherto form white light. (9) The Moon is now directlyoppositebelow the cosmic kingdomof the Air, the solid,snow-white Diana, the white Stone, the crowned queen, who supervisesthe seven circulationsof the Air,and becomes the solidTincture, which transmutes all incompletemetals intothe finestSilver. PARAGRAPH4 Norton, Philaleth'sinstructor, Drew me In my correct form Andhe saw me clearly. Everythinggood isin me, Whichyou and everyone can do. In the middleis my crowned figure, My silverMercury, Whichthe educated callargentum, Andwhich isknown as quicksilver. Two hazy materialsmust be made very clear, Mariawrites, to perform the Work: Those two are my frozen Water Andmy brother Mercury, subtle and pure. EXPLANATION OF THE PARAGRAPH 4 People enjoy expoundingabout the heightof the sky, the depth of the sea, andthe locationof the center of the earth, but they are quieterthanPythagorean neophytes about the nature of the Universe. Andwithout knowingthe nature of Being itself,the rest of their speculationsare worthless. In this Work, there are uncountablymany seekers of the Stone. However, they do not know the keys which are calledquicksilveror mysticalMercury, or the Medium between two bodies, the conjunction of passion (CAPRICUM) and conscience (BE-JAH). Findingthe Stone seems likeuntyingthe Gordian knot or bumpinginto a brickwall,because modern speculators imaginethey are lookingfor earthly, physical thingsinstead of mystical,spiritualthings. Norton, the Adept who taught the famous Philaletha,hintsthat we should seek and findquicksilveror philosophicalMercury in the Medium of the One Substance. Mariathe prophet says iteven clearerwhat thisMedium is, namely, two invisible gases, composed of black-redmaterial,appearingto the adept in crystalclear liquid form. Now comes the key, when she says that this Mediumshould be harnessed to lead the entire Work. She adds that the source of these two hazy chemicalsis Aqua Compositaand itsesoteric gaseousMercury. CANON4 I am the good unicornof the ancients. Dissociateme intotwo, Andthen bond us back together, So that my mortal remainsno longerdecompose. That is how to getthe most powerful medicine. Pay no attentionto my wildand poisonous nature, Because, God willing, I cure allsicknessand givelonglife. EXPLANATION OF CANON4 The One Substance is above alla unity, symbolizedby the one horn of the unicorn. Denyingthis unitywould overlookimportant mechanismsand lawsof nature.The One Substance is a singlematerialwith both male and female gender. It is the One Glass for the adept blower, but whichAficentia[sic]callsa duality,and Hafilio [sic]and others calla trinity.It isthe One Oven producingflames withas many degrees of coldand heat as you can findon a thermometer, and a similarnumber of degrees of wetness and dryness. The degrees are determined by the Elementappearing inbiggestproportion, whichwillinglyand gentlygivesIt itsform. The one plan and recipe for the Work is:Dissolveand Coagulate;thisformula creates the entireworld, accordingto the occultistDicentes[sic]. Keep dissociating(dissolvingthe coagulation)and bonding(coagulatingthe solution) untilthe moistureis completelyovercome from the dryness and soldified.Then you have that powerfulmedicine,that the modern worldcannot understand, and that makes fools of those who pretend to be wise. HermaphroditeChild of the Sun and Moon V

EXPLANATION OF FIGURE 5 This triangledepictsthe philosophicalalembicor oven. Inside the trianglearethe hexagon,representingthe MysticalSubstance as a conjunction of four equaland intertwinedelements, and the sun and the moon, representingthe weddingof Passion (CAPRICUM) and conscience(BE-JAH). Outside the triangleare salt, sulphur, and mercury, the three principlesof the Stone, orbitinginperfect balance. These principlesappear to the adept as an ephemeral spiritor a diaphanous dragon, transmuted from the murky bodiesof the mundane worldinto the clarifiedbodiesof the the paradisiacalworld.Afterwards, White Mercury willappear above, Red Sulphurin the middle,and BlackSalt at the bottom. Gently(without damage)unify these pure Principlesby scienceand art, and you hit the target dead center. PARAGRAPH5 This Figureclearlyshows The orbitingof the four Elements: Turn Air,Fire, Water, and Earth intoWater throughour Fire. Then make that Water intoEarth. That completes the Work. In other words, separate the Air,Fire, Water, and Earth, and unify them once more. Do it gentlyor allis wasted, Andallthe work and allthe reward are lost. The Crown sitsin the point of the Earth. EXPLANATION OF PARAGRAPH5 Alchemyteaches of three kindsof circulationsoccuringinthree worlds:the outer Earthly, the Paradisiacal,and finally,the CelestialWorld. Mass concentrates in the outer Worldwhere the gross, corporal elements, Water and Earth, predominate. The subtle elements, Airand Fire, predominatein the paradisiacaland celestial World. In the firstWorld, the Earth is drowned in Noah's flood of sin and bottoms out intothe ground. In the next World, the Earth isevaporated by the warm breeze, andthe rainbow appears. In the thirdworld, the Earth is purifiedby fire, crystallized,and coagulated. In each World, the Elements procede alongtheirorbit:Water turns intoAir,Airinto Fire, Fireinto Earth. The same order is alsoused for Reduction. Eventuallythiscycle repeats. The firstWorldhas seven circulationsof Water. The second seven circulationsof Air.The third seven circulationsof Fire. The Latinscholar Morienus, who moved to Jerusalem from Rome, said that you findwhat you seek when you change the Water intoAir,the AirintoFire, and the Fire intoEarth. Ebner [sic]agrees withHermes, saying:It come intoIts fullpower when It turns to Earth, whichmust occur graduallyand without damage, or else the Work islost. CANON5 Seek after reason and intelligence, Anddo not look down on me, Though I am vileand small, Nothingelse inthe entireworld Containsthe true Tincture, SinceI have the subtleand pure Mercury, Settled, withoutturbulence, Completelyliquid,yet whiteand clear. EXPLANATION OF CANON5 ZealousAdepts can see further and sharper, because they penetrate through tothe center, to the esoteric meaningof things.Thus they perceivethe effects of Spirit manifestingin the physical.The One Substance, in whichGod and nature placedsuch a deep mystery, appears to be a vile,contemptiblething.Yet, the Tincture or Stone of the Philosophers can be made out of nothingelsein nature. The One Substancehouses, attracts, and produces the absolutelypurest spiritof Mercury. In It, the wise findallthey seek. HermaphroditeChild of the Sun and Moon VI EXPLANATION OF FIGURE 6 Back in Figure1, Mercury swungfrom the dark, exotericworldof the gross elements to the subtle, esoterickingdomof the Air.This same spiritof Mercury in pure, crystal-white, liquidform appears in Figure4 insidethe innermosttriangle.The crown sitting on the trianglerepresents the Sun-childas a solidjewel. Though the noble Saltis sealed inthe excreted soil,that soilisnow set aside, later to become the cornerstone, the foundation of the entireWork, unchangingand forever. The seven stars represent the circulationsof Air,through whichthe paradisiacalqueen nourishesso the Childgrowsin power, strength, and virtue. PARAGRAPH6 The dry water indicates Asubstance that wets nothing,yet is The Seed of allhumidity. It is the Green Lion's partner, Made pure and subtle by the Mars-nature, The White Mercury is made here: It must be polishedas bright Asa springof liquidsilver: That is how to gentlyinspirethe Work along, So it bindswith itsRed servant. EXPLANATION OF PARAGRAPH6 The Dry Water symbolisfundamental to this Work of our hearts. It isa dry rain from above, a rarefactionand condensationstrangeto the touch. Your hand would not get wet, but would changecolors, becomingblackas chimneysoot, white as snow, and red as freshlyspiltblood. It is invisible,yet everywhere. It isthe moistCenter,the warm Radical,the green lion,the liquiddragon. The magicalfirein Its waters evaporates It. It becomes a liquidsilverSpiritrisingup from a fountain floatinginthe Air.It istransmuted from the putridmurk of the rottinggrave, into a pure and splendidLightfullof Glory. It is now the Nymph-Spa where the Sun and Moon bathe, preparingfor a magicalcopulationso powerfulthat they are permanentlybonded togetherinto a singlebeing. THE SIXTH CANON Akinginpurple robes Stabilizesme each time: That is the pure Goldof the Philosophers Who seek It in me. It is calledSolidRed Sulphur. Everythingelse keeps a wideberth, Because I can do itallsinglehanded, Though I am only one Stone, I tolerateno Silveror Gold, AndMercury treats me withdisdain. I completethe entire Work Allby my Self. EXPLANATION OF CANON6 In this recipefor cookingthe Stone to coherency, the cloudy, vaporous Water that does not wet the hand serves as the moisturethat bindsand stabilizesthe Stone, like an eggbindsdough. This stabilizationprocess isrepresented by the Regulusof Jupiter who is the newly born heavenly Childor the black Stone beset withrubies. It symbolizesthe passionsregenerated intotrue desire, the red solidSulphur that arises from this same purifiedmoistureand becomes the Stone. The art and science of this spiritualunion and reintegrationgivesIt the power to complete allWork pertainingto the Stone and the true Tincuture. Onlysomeone (are your ears turningred now?) wallowingin blissfulignoranceof naturallaw wouldthink that lifelessmetallicgold,silver,and mercury, whichneither speak nor breathe, couldever givebirth to a life-givingStone or healingTincture.The Adept who wrote thisCanon dismissesallsuch nonsense. True, the Stone may look likegold,silver,and mercury, but its internalessence is the MysticalSubstance from Figure4. This MysticalSubstance issometimes calledgoldbecause part of it issolid fiery Earth. Silverbecause part of it isliquid-water,and Mercury or quicksilver because of the whitemixtureand the product arisingfrom it. So, withthe bubbleof prideburst, you can succeed inachievingyour goaland reach closerto your final destination. HermaphroditeChild of the Sun and Moon VII

EXPLANATION OF FIGURE 7 The number 7 is very symbolicof the stagesof the Work, including7 planets, 7 days, 7 weeks, 7 circulations,and 7 systemicperiods. The spiritualenergy of Nature courses throughthe MysticalSubstance usingthe 7-spoked wheel of the planets. The mystical Earth is readiedby the 7-day work, a symbolicalmonths-time, and then 7 weeks makes a systemicperiod. The 7 circulations,occuringinboth the magicaland natural rhythms, bringthe Work allthe way throughtto the white Tincture. Figure7 revealsthe Gold, Silver,and Mercury from Paragraph 6 and Canon 6 fully. The Sun represents the Childemanatingfrom Saturn, or JupitersStone, or the Gold of the Philosophers stillhalf-shrouded indarkness, whose internalheat draws in and devours the magneticwhiteness of the Mercury-Water of hissister the radical humidity. The Moon represents this Mercury-Water, the mysticalSilver.When Sun and Moon are equallymixedthey accomplishthe true Weddingof the red Servant withhis good smellingwhite sister. Mercury, the hermaphrodite spiritwith both masculineand feminineattributes,the off-springof the Sun and the Moon, is symbolizedby the cross connectingthese sacred siblings. This MysticalMercury or quicksilverhas a positiveand negativeaspect. Its negative aspect isbeingdissolvedinthe very MercurialWater it magneticallyattracts to itself. Its positiveaspect is that it bindsthis Water and solidifiesit. Likered and white roses grow form ordinary stems, Silverand Goldflowers grow from the stem of mysticalMercury. PARAGRAPH7 Here the Work begins, Aduality givesthe power To heal, The elixirof longlife. Adualityseparated by a moist fire, Bestowinghealth and wealth. That is how to see this Figure. EXPLANATION OF PARAGRAPH7 The results of the Work can onlybe attainedin Firewet withsweat by this alchemical weddingof the red groomto hiswhite sister. No one knows this better than those who strivedfor ageswithout the benefit of this paragraph. Had they onlyplaced the red groomatthe altarbetween the center of the heavens and the earth,and then brought hispure, liquidsister-brideto kisshim there. Then they wouldhave been wellalong theirPath to stable healthand limitlesswealth, the by-products of the white andthe red elixirs. CANON7 Do not polluteme, Just dissolveme, coagulateme, Andturn me upside down. That how to do goodWork. EXPLANATION OF CANON7 In these 4 verses Northon tosses allthe the other Alchemistsa rock to stubtheirtoes on. (1) Guard It from pollutionby any externalsubstances that arenot homogenous and harmonious. (2) Pour your water on the fire withoutputting the fireout sothe water escapes as steam.(3) Followingthe ancientwisdom, giveFireto the fire and Mercury to the mercury.(4) Asthey meltinto each other, their tightembrace dissolvesthem and finallycoagulatesthem. (5) Then a doubledMercury dissolves and coagulatesitselfthrough a strengthened or doubled Fire. AsMercury completesthe circleby returningto fieryEarth, likea flower turnedstem-up, you become master of the art of the Stone and completethe Work. HermaphroditeChild of the Sun and Moon VIII

EXPLANATION OF FIGURE 8 The figuresinthis book organizethe stages of the work, likethe linksin a chain, loud and clear. Meditationon these figures teaches everythingever publishedabout Alchemy,withno need to even read the accompanyingwords. So far, the figuresportrayed the lifecycleof the OneSubstance: Its origin,birthplace, purification,separation,hermetic sealing,pollution,congealing,sublimation,andunionin strictsuccession. These processes led to the consummationof the alchemical weddingbetween the red groomand the white bride. Figure8, next inthis mysticallifecycle, containsa miniaturecopy of itselfinsideit. There isa cross on top of an outer circle,containingan inner solarsystem. The shaded area insideisthe dead Winter Earth, the old-Adam,who experiencesa force fieldemanatingfrom the circlewithin.That force enlivenshim, calcinateshim, and transforms hishidden Saltinto thicklyflowing,solidwhite, Mercury, whichisthe new SpringEarth, where Hermes said to sow our Gold. Sun and Moon hang inperfect balancewith each other, witnessingthisalkinization. The placement of the 4 elements issignificant.Fire ison top by the cross because the Firefor the process must be soughtfrom Above. Earth is directlyunder Fire, because the firecalcinatesthe Earth and makes is fire-proof. Fire, Air,and Water then transform similarly,and the Stone is produced. The Sun, a goldenpebble, floatingbetween Fire and Air,represents solidRed Sulphur whichconsists of Fire and Airand which isthe masculineaspect of the Moon.The liquidMercury, floatingbetween Fireand Water,consists of Fire and Water and isthe feminineaspect of the Moon. The MercurialMoon hangingfrom the undersideof the transformingEarth repesents allthis joining,circulating,and one-time concentratinginto solidEarth. PARAGRAPH8 When Sun and Moon withMercury Are Joinedtogether, Indivisibleand fireproof, Aneternal splendoroccurs. But, you must know and understand Figure8. Allwork willbe invain In this mysteriousart, If mundane Moon and Mercury Enticeyou from the Path. MysticalMoon and Mercury Is another name for one's nature: MysticalFire isthe FieryWater, In which the MysticalMoon and Sun are cremated. EXPLANATION OF PARAGRAPH8 To join the Sun and Moon withMercury, use solidFire. The MercurialMoon ismade of Fire and Water, here calledFieryWater. To reallylearn somethingfromthe beautifulParagraph 8, meditate on the dualstate of this FieryWater that the Sun and Moon cook in. The feminineaspect of thisdual Mercury consists of Fire and Water. It dissolves, penetrates, and makes thingsturn greenand blossom. Its Humid Primigeniumor Radicalmaintainsand nurtures the inner heat of the Sulphur and the dry heat ofthe Salt. The masculineaspect appears as a viscousOilwhen extracted from Sulphur and Salt. The mysticallyimplantedFire-Nature isthe firstto bindand to coagulate. When you can repeat thisdissolutionand coagulationina controlledmanner, then you can claimto truly understand Paragraph 8. CANON8 Dissolveme gently, Withno water or powder. Place me ina moistcoffin. I turn whiteand red, Then bubble forth a spring, Fairas the Moon, brightas the Sun. EXPLANATION OF CANON8 Withoutusingacid, dissolvea stone into liquid,so gentlyyou would say it dissolved itselfvoluntarily,the way a blackagate ispolishedintoa diamondwithout cutting any faces. Physicallythiscannot be done, and even more so more so, becausethe Canonist says to do it withno water or polishingpowder, which prohibitsforcing the transformation withphysicalstrength(Aqua Forte), economicpower (Aqua Regis),or any other compulsivepowers (corrosive powders). The next verse describes how to do it mystically,by placingitin the moist coffin. That means, submerge the newly wedded couple, our Goldand Silver,intothe liquid mercury. They are raised to the spiritualplaneas they become one with each other in the fiery Water. This united Spirit,Soul, and Body bursts forth likebubbles ina bright shiningspring.And the horns of the moon hide at the boundarieswhere these bubbles meet. HermaphroditeChild of the Sun and Moon IX

EXPLANATION OF FIGURE 9 Asoaringeaglewith heart aflame, with the Sun and Moon at the thresholdof its wings,bears tokens of dominion:the crown of influence,the sceptre of the king,and the globeof the empress. Its buoyancy inflightand its flamingheart show the etherialnature of this eagle:wet outside, fireinside.It isour LiquidMercury. The Sun and Moon seek solace under the shadow of these wings,baskingin the pleasingradiationfrom the flamingheart. To win the Crown of the Earth, fuse the power of the sceptre and the globeusing the Dry Fireof Mars and the Wet Fireof Venus. PARAGRAPH9 This figureshows the power of theLiquidFire: Cookingand melting Solidinto liquid. Firewhich slaysthe Sun and Moon then Resurrects them. Then the 4 elements turn Solidred: The Lesser Work givesway to the Birthof the childof the sun. EXPLANATION OF PARAGRAPH9 Philosophersspeak of four firessymbolizethe four attributesof the elements:moist and cold, dry and warm, each one servingas the cure and resurrectionof another. There are also two lions,one volatiledrawn with wings,and one soliddrawn without wings.The latter magneticallyattracts the wisdom to turn the solidto liquid,and the liquidto solid,and to unitethem together. One is solar, and the other lunar. One isRed Sulphur, the other WhiteSulphur,which must be made one witheach other. Here isthe conflictbetween the wolfof ascent and the dog of descent, who biteeach other to death, meltinginto a pool of their own commingledblood. When the solidis thus made liquid(when the Dry Fireis dissolvedin the Wet Fire, and the warmth beginsto work inthe moisture)then thismixturegivesbirth tothe black raven of solarand lunareclipseswhichthen dies. The Lesser Work ends when the mysticalFire changesthe 4 elements intoSolidFire likea black, tarry, metallicgore. That isthe beginningof the Great Work wherethe childof the sun is born. CANON9 The black raven grows For those who are ableto Stop the fire, and be patient, Untilthe colorsappear. EXPLANATION OF CANON9 It seems impossibleto changea blackraven intoa whitedove or swan, but that is justpart of the hermetic work. Noah first triedto use ravens to scout out whether the waters of the Sin-Floodhad receded. But the ravens found some dead carrionto feed on and did not come back, so he used doves. That is why we drown the blackraven inthe LiquidMercury, so itis resurrected as a whitedove that proclaimsthe whiteStone. The raven had nothingmore to giveexcept to stay submergedin the LiquidFireuntil the spiritualdove arrives. This process of changingfrom black to white passes through allthe colorsofthe eacock's tail,or the colorsof the rainbow. Whilethe LiquidFire predominated, the black raven was born. Asthe Dry Fire surpasses the LiquidFire, the dry gaseous colorsappear, but eventuallyturn intopure white. HermaphroditeChild of the Sun and Moon X

EXPLANATION OF FIGURE 10 There are several ways to say the same three things. The raven (symbolizingour dark earth) (1) sits on the groundthough quiteflight capable, (2) stares straightinto the sun hungeringfor, gobblingup, and sealingin the vibrationsofthe astral north-wind, (3) buildsup enough internalheat to metamorphose into a gorgeouspeacock. The darkened HermaphroditeChild(1) putrefyinginthe shadows (2) uses Midnight Fire(3) to overcome the cold lightof itsformer life. Saturnianlead must (1) melt, (2) cook, and (3) turn to tin. The dove (1) can sometimesgo back, but (2) once the raven drinks inthis fire,(3) the ashes can never be unburned. The fermentingmetallicsperm islikedough. (1) Let itfinishrisingon itsown before addingany flavors. (2) Heat the oven as gentlyas the gurglingof a broodinghen.(3) The Tincture is ready when a goldencrust appears on the loaf, ifwe can patiently conquer our damned ignoranceand compulsionto hurry the process. PARAGRAPH10 Your first task isControllingthis faculty: Turn our virginEarth Into Milk,but Be Gentle and take as long Asa pregnancy. Then the raven is born, Later classifiedas the peacock, In 5 months, liliesbloom When you decideto open the door for him. EXPLANATION OF PARAGRAPH10 The most difficultpart of the Work is exactlycontrollingthe intensityofthe expansionand contraction of the esotericFire. Mistakes are guaranteed without precise understanding.The word Alchemydenotes both Chemistryand Physics, so pay careful attentionto both. The expanding-contractingFireis actuallytwo non-interacting,freelycirculating firescorrespondingto the elementalattributes dry-moist. These two firesbalance each other out so when one rests the other works. Gracefullyexpandingand contractingboth fires willprevent dissolvingthe moist liquidFire too abruptly or coagulatingthe dry mysticalsolidFiretoo harshly. Rightfrom the start of the Work, continuallyemphasize thisgentlenessinprocessing the White solidinto the mysticalFire, so that neitheroverwhelms or ruins the other. This takes time, so Paragraph 10 makes the beautifulanalogyto the nine months it takes to bear a child.This also happens to be the timeit takes to manufacturethe Elixirand for the other operationthat creates the Stone. Atthe end of thistime periodthe raven is at the door. The Raven isdeprived of its body or itsdarkness after lasting40 days. The peacock colorsappear in the half-solidliquidgases, whichbecome fullysolid alongthe way, as they changeinto the Moon. Evaporate the raven's body (our LiquidMercury), then resolidify,meaningkillit. That is how the swan is born, swimmingin the sea of glass,Hardeningintothe crystal Stone of the first order. This paragraph followsFlamellinkeepingthe fiery kingsealed for 150 days, though Bernardus Trevisanus says 130 days, to produce the first Stone. CANON10 Now it whitens Andhas the power to Transmute lead, tin, copper, AndMercury Into the finestSilver, Blessedbe. EXPLANATION OF CANON10 Initially,Saturn produces 4 kinds of forms and 4 correspondingcolors:(1) Saturnial black, (2) Jovialgray, (3) Mercurialor Lunar white, and (4) Martialor Venusian yellow.Then Solar red evolves followedby allthe mixedhues of nature and contrivance. When the variousprinciplescompletethe finaldarkness of their putrefaction,the mixtureor composite iscalledLaton. The Laton crystallizesthrough Azoth (MercurialAcid)and augmentsand solidifiesinto the white Tincture. After completingthe cycle of putrifyingand cleaningthe Stone and fermentingit, there isnothingleft to worry about, exceptto hope God preserves it from violation. Onlythe WhiteStone can turn the black Laton Stone to yellow.And onlythe Yellow can turn itto Red. Make (1) the Black intoWhite, (2) the White intoYellow,(3) the Yellowinto Red, then you have Mastery. The Black Stone is likeWinter, the WhitelikeSpring,the YellowlikeSummer, and the Red likeAutumn. Pay exceptionalattentionnot to take the White Stone from the fire too early, before it iscompletelysolidand precipitated.When it isdone, it shatters allby itself,and from then on we use itsshards. The first Stone hardly transmutes anything.However, after the AstralMercury resurrects it,and joinsit withas much acid as it willsoak up, then one part of this Tincture willtransmute many thousand parts of incompletemetalsinto Silver. HermaphroditeChild of the Sun and Moon XI

EXPLANATION OF FIGURE 11 The White Stone appears as a swan standingon both feet, wearinga silvercrown, whichtransmutes allmetals intoSilver. The twelve stars of the zodiac conduct the lastrites as the Water dies and turns to Stone. The Astralforce fieldrepresented by the cross firstmultipliesitspower by marryingit withits Acid,then suppliesitwith Dry Fire, coloringityellowlikeVenus and Mars, and finallyreddens it as the Sun. PARAGRAPH11 Dianashines through When the proud peacock givesup histail The white swan Diana appears Likethe man-in-the-moon You can transmute Venus, Mars, Mercury, and Tin Into Silver: Just think about what he did, Anddo itthe same way: Then the power of the swan grows, Andchanges allmetals intoSilver. EXPLANATION OF PARAGRAPH11 When the peacock givesup his tailcolors, a tinycirculationof white opens up. Shortlyafter thiseverythingturns white inthe blinkof an eye. Be careful not to break the glassand shinyfiguretoo soon, or elsethe Firegoes out, the uncooked product is wasted, and better lucknext time. It has to harden by itself,so itshatters likea pieceof glass. It is important, each time you use VirginMilk(itsAcid)to dissolveand precipitateit, to multiplyitby 10, goingfrom 10 to 100, 100 to 1000, etc., ad infinitum. My favorite isthe Method of Projection where you dissolvethe Stone inits WhiteOil (itsfermentation) untilit turns to oil.Put quicksilverinthe vesselwith some of this oil,and cook untilsolid.This precipitatetransmutes lead, tin, or copper intoSilver. You can alsodo thisprocess withthe SolidRed Sulphuror Stone. Before combiningitwith quicksilver,mixa littleof thisoilwithsome wineor brandy. This produces the world-famous AurumPotabile (liquidgold)whichcures every illnessof the human body. CANON11 Keep goinguntilit turns red, If that happens, thank the Lord:for The Sun isthe beauty that isin allthe metals, The Sun isthe power that turns those metalsinto Gold. EXPLANATION OF CANON11 Insidethe Black(the attributeof the body) dwellsthe White(attribute of the spirit), insidethe Whitedwellsthe Red (attributeof soul). Thus Alchemistswork in three worlds, the outer dark world, the paradisiacalspiritualworld, and the celestialLight beyond. The first Work is done through Water and Earth (accordingto the outer mundane qualities),the second throughAirand Salt, and the third throughFire and Light. Whoever knows how to make the SolidWhite Stone from the celestialLight,that is, from the mysticalDry Fire, knows how to conduct the marriageof the solidqueen and the solidred king. So simmer itin Dry Fire, and inDry Calcination,untilit isred as cinnabar. Do not add water or anythingelse. Waituntilitis brewed to completeredness. Before you getany red, a gray ash appears whichcontains the hidden Phoenix. Then yellowor orangeRed emergesfrom that ash, turningintored. By simmer ita whilelongerand the Salamanderappears, who firsttakes on a yellowishRed, and finallya lackRed color. The Salamander issolidand fire-proof, and actuallyenjoys beinginand feedingon the Fire. The multiplicationand projection of Paragraph 11 are now clear withnothingmore to do except what I leftout inthe interestof brevity HermaphroditeChild of the Sun and Moon XII

EXPLANATION OF FIGURE 12 The snake eatingits own tailrepresents the solidWhite and Red Stones. These first harden and solidifythe virginMilk,and then transform intoa Salamanderwho lives inthe Fire. The Fire furnishesthe Salamanderwith the energy for its continued evolution. The flyingdragon, now fallento Earth, breathes fire, whichdevours allmetals, transmutingthem intoSilveror Gold. The cross designatesthe AttractionFieldof the AstralFire whose vibrationscolorthe SalamanderVenusianyellow,MartianCitrine-Red,and blood-red. This is the Fire of eternal Youth throughmultiplication,experiencedby many. PARAGRAPH12 Alchemy Turns the swan into aSalamanderabruptly. She feasts on Heat Andlivesinflames, Blood-Redin color, Nourishedby the glowingembers: Those who bow to her rule, (Likethe Pelican Who givesallto hisyoung): Willsee the Salamander Developtheir Strengthand Virtue, But she onlyappears to those who Understand 7 stars: She opens up The 7 gatesfor us. EXPLANATION OF PARAGRAPH12 Fireis the energy for implementingand completingallAlchemicalWork. Fireand heat instantlychangedthe swan to a Salamander. Dry mysticalFire was used in the earlierpart of the Work. Now the moist physicalFire at steady heat buildsup, maintains,and cools the mysticalFire. The mysticalFireis calledthe bloodof itsown Fire-Embers, appearingin Figure12 beneath the pelican. The 7 Stars, whichremind us of the magicalor natural Imbibitiones,the author himselfclarifies: The Milkof the Moon is not likethe virginMilkof the Sun: making (EINTRAENKUNG) the WhiteStone requireswhiter milk,than the Red. Use Dry Fireto sublimateand calcinateit. Start makingit red by pouringa tinybit of yellow-redMercury on it, once or, ifneeded, twice. CANON12 Just One Thingunder the Sun Its Possession isthe secret of makingGold. Its form isboth maleand female. Its nature isboth hot and cold. Its nutrients pour out, Its male part, solid,Its female part, liquid. Its unity makes it the beginningand the end. Its state changesfrom maleto female: Dissolving,putrefying,purifying,coagulating, Untilthe goldenChildappears. Its milkfeeds the Childanew, Andlets you immediatelyrepeat the Work, Untileverythingflowsand penetrates. Then fine goldaccumulates, Its SpiritualBody turns acid. Its Colors have to be made ready for the Work: But be righteousand guardagainstsins, AndGod willgrant you this treasure: Its color willeventuallyturn red, Andthen remember to thank the Lord. EXPLANATION OF CANON12 To sustain succintness, the Author can say no more, yet says all. This finalcanon is the Epiloguesummarizingand confirmingthe others. In the beginningverses, there isthe One Substance, our WhiteIngredient,the Ens Mundi, the One Thing, the secret Subject or spiritenergy whichis the source of the physicalenergytransmitted throughits object, the Sun. This One Substance is ina state of perfect balance, a perfect gender balanceof male and female, and a perfect vibrationalbalanceof heat and cold. The male and female aspects of thisbalance are thispassiveSubject and its active Object. The male (the artificiallymodifiedObject) waitsinsidethe Subject insolid form, untilthe femaleSubject acts on the Object. Then the Object losesits congealed solidityand turns liquid.When itsflows (as Hermes said)they can be harmoniously and gracefullyseparated from teach other, and later hermeticallysealed back together. Atthe beginningof the Work, as a liquid,and at the end, as a solid,It is just One Thing. But not inbetween, from the time Passion and Reason are separated, untilthey are sealedback togetherto produce the White Stone. The steps are:(1) dissolve,(2) putrefy, (3) purify, (4) coagulate.Repeat thisprocess untilthe goldenChildappears in the form of the nobleStone. Separation followedby marriage.Nourishthe Stone with heavenlynectar, the ambrosiaof our virginMilk, whichmeans dissolveit. Let itrot and wash itwith magicalsolutions.Seal itin its tomb untilitcoagulatesand solidifies,untilthe power of the Tincture climaxes. This Gold of the Sun is the fine Goldof the Wise. Repeat the process untilIt becomes cherry red. Then just melt a bunch of metals together, one fifth gold,and toss ina freely flowingportionof the Tincture, and you willsee how much incompletemetal you can changeinto the finest goldthis way. Praise God for the Result. HermaphroditeChild of the Sun and Moon Appendix The 44 QabbalisticSeals of Solomon:AHandy Chart of the Recipe for Changing Lead intoGold 1. Subject Ingredient.Prepare the Liquid,viscous Mercury, the Chaotic Waters over whichthe Spiritof God moved, the One Substance of Alchemy. 2. Object Ingredient.Visualizethe the polarstar, in perfect equilibriumat the center of the heavens, to represent the Object of Alchemy. 3. Vessel.Raisethe Inner Fire that accomplishesthe Work inthe dualvessel. 4. Separation. Separate the Water from the VirginEarth. 5. Decoction. Bringthe VirginEarth to lifewith5 magicaland 4 scientificimbibings, untilit flowsliketar. 6. Conjunction. Jointhis Earth and Water back together. The number X discloses the veilat the boundary of the Water kingdom,the threshold separatingthe Kingdom of Lightfrom the Worldof Outer Darkness. 7. Augmentation.Increase the pure elements inthe form of the 3 Principlesto take the first step into the Lunar or ParadisiacalKingdomof the Airand the SpiritWorld. 8. Calcination.Start calcinatingand alkinizingthese pure elementsinto a heavy, solid Earth, containingthe Saltof Power. This is the key to the wholeWork. 9. Inner Conjunction. Couple the seeds of the sun and the moon, or Mercury and sulphur, ina mixtureof oiland water. 10. Patience. Waitpatientlywhilethe innerspiritof the liquifiedMercury-Water growsthe seeds. 11. Reduction. Combinethe three principlesintothe foul, dark purulence. 12. Balance. Watch the North Star sustainthe calcinationof the Earth. 13. DualFire. Braid togetherlicksof Hot Dry Fire withlicksof Cold MoistFire to form the mysticalDual Fire. 14. Sealing.Sealthe vesseltight. 15. Calcinationof the Salt. Watch the Salt calcinateinsidethe glassdoor. 16. Leaching.Keep up the circulationof the MoistFire as the Saltleaches out. 17. Further Leaching.Watch the quintessence bubbleout from the 4 pure elements. 18. Athanor. Recallthat thisis allhappeninginan oven constructed withthree sciences. 19. Corpse. Discardthe priorvessel whichis now an empty shell. 20. LivingSilver.Gather the AlchemicalMercury from the center of this amalgamatedmysticalmaterial. 21. Sufficiency.Realizethat thisLivingSilveris sufficientto do the entireWork by itself. 22. Reduction. Use the perfect balance of the North Star to reduce the crystal Stone usingthe magicalFire. 23. Blossoming.Count the ten colors of the peacock's tailthe Fiery Sulphurgoes throughas the LiquidMercury develops it. 24. Bleaching.Then dry it, so it beginsto turn white. 25. Solification.Solidifythe Mercury. 26. Tincturification.Jointhe Mercury to the Sulphur and Salt, formingthe fireproof Tincture. 27. Petrification.Take the Stone from amidstthe mixture,the White Goldof the Wise withthe power to changeallincompletemetals intothe finestSilver. 28. Standingat the Second Threshold. Withyour back to the ParadisiacalKingdomof the Air,face the open door to the CelestialKingdomof Light. 29. FireElemental.Mercury isnow the SolidWhiteStone, a fire-warrior,a Salamander. 30. Multiplication.The Stone increasesin proportionto the amount of LiquidMercury added, coagulatinglikemilkturningto cheese, permittingthe Stone to tingein unlimitedqualityand quantity. 31. Harmony. Start the Red Work, but reflecton the balance of the polarstar to inspirean extremelygentlefire, so it does not turn red too quickly. 32. Reflection.Atthe completionof thisWork, the mysteriesof the universe are as easy to see as lookinginto a mirror. 33. Fragmentation.Break the Stone into three parts, one to make the white Tincture of Silver,one to make white liquidGold, and one to crush. 34. Dispersion.Scatter the remnants across the red stone and mixwell. 35. Rapture. Withthis mixture,start conductingthe marriageof the Sun and Moon. This willpermitthe mysticalGold and Silverto complement each other, the kingand the queen to be broughtto the highestecstacy, and, for the thirdtime, the cycleof 10 to be completed. 36. Fermentation. The first step in the Marriageisfor the solidSulphurof the Sun to ferment the whitesolidSulphurof the Moon, recapitulatingthe heavens insideitself. 37. Exaltation.Next, the SolidWhiteSulphur coolsand bringthe hot, fierySulphur to life,so it can be glorifiedever higher. 38. Completion.Now complete the Work of manufacturingthe Stone usingthe fourth element, Earth, intowhich Hermes sought to transmute the Mercury. 39. Fireand AirElements. Watch as these appear with ephemeralbodies of fire. 40. Control. Bringthe LiquidMercury, once burningpassionatelylikeliquidFire, under control as it isexcreted as solidEarth, imperturbableas a flame-resistantStone. 41. Realization.The Stone has a body, a spirit,and a soul. A body because itis visible and tangible,a spiritbecause itpenetrates throughallmetals, and a soulwhose fiery attributematures everything,turns it intoa tincture, and perfects allmetals. 42. The Quintessence inboth Stones. These Stones advance from a singleBeingto form a duality,a triple,a subtlequadruplet, and finallythe quintessenceitself.This is Multiplication,sincethe whiteand the red quintessencecan reproduce endlessly,as soon as the noble weddingof the Sun and Moon takes place. 43. The CrowningAchievementof the Work. The three crowns indicatethatthe Tincture-Stone of the Philosophersovercomes and refines the three kingdoms: vegetable,animal,and mineral. 44. The Weddingof the Sun and the Moon inMagicalCelesticalFire. They are broughtto theirhighand holy station.