Cicero - Self Initiation into the Golden Dawn Tradition_Part 01

138 SELF-INl1'IATION IN10 lHE GoLDEN DAWN '!'RADmoN
cal theory states that Eternal Wisdom remains latent, dormant and obscure in
humanity so long as a mundane state of ignorance and superficiality exists. The
objective of Alchemy is the uncovering of this Inner WISdom and the removal of the
veils and obstacles between the mind and its intrinsically pure Divine Source.
Itis this spiritual Alchemy, as opposed to the purely chemical art, that the
Golden Dawn stresses. The initiation of an aspiring magician into the Neophyte
grade commences the spiritual Alchemical process. The Neophyte is the base material
which is to be transmuted by the Work (or Art) of the Hermetic Path. Further
initiations into the Elemental grades are analogous to the processes of separation
and purification. Initiation into the Portal and Adept grades represents the cohobation
or recombination of the Elemental constituents of the magician's psyche into a
purified whole. However, the process does notend there. The Adept must incorporate
the Quintessence into his/her being, an endeavor which may take a lifetime to
achieve. This Great Work or quest for spiritual gold is a long undertaking. Although
the goal may be distant, every step along the Path is infinitely rewarding.
The stages of the philosophical process of alchemical transmutation are symbolized
by four different colors: black (guilt, origin, latent forces) for "Prime Matter,"
a symbol of the Soul in its original condition, or the Elementary organization
of inherent possibilities, white(minor work, first transmutation, quicksilver), red
(sulfur, passion), and finally gold (spiritual purity).
There are three fundamental substances in the science of Alchemy which
exist in all things. The names and Alchemical symbols of these Three Principles
(Tria Principia) of Nature are:
8
Sulfur Mercury Salt
These substances are not to be confused with ordinary substances of the
same name. This triad of Principles may be considered as an undivided whole.
However, this unified state exists only before the purification of the Alchemical art
(the process of learning), one intention of which is to differentiate between these
principles and their homogeneous base. The three components are then purified
through the art and recombined into a more exalted whole.
The Principle ofSulfur
(Coptic-Then, Greek-Theion, Latin-Sulfur) This is the dynamic, expansive,
volatile, acidic, unifying, masculine, paternal, and fiery principle. Sulfur is the
emotional, feeling and passionate urge which motivates life. It is symbolic of the
desire for positive change and of vital heat. The entire act of transmutation
depends upon the correct application of this vibrant principle.Fire is the crucial
Element in the science of Alchemy. Sulfur is the essential Soul.
In practical Alchemy, Sulfur is usually extracted from Mercury by distillation.
Sulfur is the stabilizing aspect of Mercury, from which it is extracted and dissolved
back into.