Cicero - Self Initiation into the Golden Dawn Tradition_Part 01

272 SELF-INITIATION INTO THE GOLDEN DAWN TRADmON
SECTION 2: Basic Alchemy Alchemical Operations
~The goal of Alchemy (both practical and mystical) is to obtain the
Quintessence. This is accomplished in a number of stages. First, the
material to undergo the process of transmutation exists with a state
of Chaos (Void) which must be separated and categorized to fit into
the fourfold model of the Elements. The alchemist then uses reason
to apply this same fourfold model to the First Matter, intellectually
structuring it into the divisions of the four Elements. The Spirit or First Essence
(Spiritus Mundi) is then drawn out of the First Matter (implanted within the
Alchemist s psyche). This Hidden Essence is then divided or broken down
(through the Unbodied Volatile) into the Triad of the Alchemical Principles (Mercury,
Salt and Sulfur). At length the Quintessence, which is the synthesis of these
Three Principles as well as the sustaining Life Force, is obtained.
There are four colors associated with four distinct stages in alchemical
transmutation of metals. In applied or practical Alchemy these stages are identified
by the colors shown forth by the Prime Matter as it undergoes the process of
transmutation. During these various levels the metals or materials used are said to
undergo a drastic change in appearance, becoming a mud or slime and then a
powder. These stages are also related to the four elements. In order they are:
MELANOSIS: Blackening (Earth) also called Nigredo.
LEUKOSIS: Whitening (Water) also called Albedo.
XANTHOSIS: Yellowing (Air) also called Citrinitas.
IOSIS: Reddening (Fire) also called Rubedo.
(Note: by the sixteenth century these colors were reduced to three the
yellowing stage was dropped, resulting in a triad of colors: black, white and red.)
Melanosis is the first state, which is either present from the onset as a quality
of the Prime Matter, or obtained from of a process of separation, death, dissolution or
putrefaction. The next stage is Leukosis, which signifies a washing or cleansing
process, a resurrection and the release of the pure essence. (This results in the white
tincture or Lunar essence symbolized by the White Queen.) The final stage is Iosis,
which results from the raising of heat to its highest intensity. (The Red King or Solar
essence is the symbol here.)
Other colors may also be seen in the process. These additional colors represent
intermediate states in the process. The four colors listed above are usually
the only recognized colors in Alchemical work. After the black stage of Melanosis,
the color blue may be seen, which is considered a feminine aspect, indicative of
Height and Depth. After the red stage of Iosis, the color of violet may be seen to
indicate the limit of the process.
The colors of Alchemy can be associated to the Planets in the following
manner: