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Posted: Sun Jul 13, 2025 3:12 pm
“In alchemical treatises, the Philosopher’s Stone is often symbolized by the serpent Ouroboros, devouring its own tail. Another symbol of the elixir is the Rebis — the hermaphrodite born from the union of the “king” (philosophical sulfur) and the “queen” (philosophical salt) in an alchemical marriage. The Philosopher’s Stone is also symbolized by a lion swallowing the Sun.
One of the main goals of alchemists was the preparation of two mysterious substances through which the refinement (perfection) of metals could be achieved. The most important of these two preparations — one believed to possess the power to transmute not only silver but also base (imperfect) metals such as lead, tin, and others into gold — was known as the Philosopher’s Stone, the Great Elixir, or the Magisterium. It was also called the Red Tincture, the Panacea of Life, and the Elixir of Life.
This substance was believed to possess tremendous power: it was supposed not only to refine metals but also to serve as a universal medicine. Its solution, diluted to a certain degree — called the aurum potabile (“drinkable gold”) — when taken internally in small doses, was believed to cure all diseases, rejuvenate the aging body, and extend life.
Another mysterious substance, secondary in its properties and known as the White Lion, the White Tincture, or the Lesser Magisterium, was said to have the ability to transmute all base metals into silver.
Those who discovered the Philosopher’s Stone were called adepts; among them, according to legend, were four women: Maria the Prophetess, Cleopatra the Alchemist, Medea, and Taphoetia.
In an esoteric sense, the Stone symbolized the transmutation of the lower, animal nature of a person into the higher, divine nature.
Alchemists did not seek gold for its own sake — it was merely a tool, not the goal (nevertheless, Dante in his Divine Comedy placed alchemists alongside counterfeiters in Hell, specifically in the eighth circle, tenth bolgia).
Their true aim was the Philosopher’s Stone itself — and the spiritual liberation and exaltation it grants to the one who possesses it: absolute freedom.
Although most people consider the Philosopher’s Stone to be a myth, transmutation was in fact achieved in the 20th century — gold is sometimes produced from other elements during the operation of a nuclear reactor.
One of the main goals of alchemists was the preparation of two mysterious substances through which the refinement (perfection) of metals could be achieved. The most important of these two preparations — one believed to possess the power to transmute not only silver but also base (imperfect) metals such as lead, tin, and others into gold — was known as the Philosopher’s Stone, the Great Elixir, or the Magisterium. It was also called the Red Tincture, the Panacea of Life, and the Elixir of Life.
This substance was believed to possess tremendous power: it was supposed not only to refine metals but also to serve as a universal medicine. Its solution, diluted to a certain degree — called the aurum potabile (“drinkable gold”) — when taken internally in small doses, was believed to cure all diseases, rejuvenate the aging body, and extend life.
Another mysterious substance, secondary in its properties and known as the White Lion, the White Tincture, or the Lesser Magisterium, was said to have the ability to transmute all base metals into silver.
Those who discovered the Philosopher’s Stone were called adepts; among them, according to legend, were four women: Maria the Prophetess, Cleopatra the Alchemist, Medea, and Taphoetia.
In an esoteric sense, the Stone symbolized the transmutation of the lower, animal nature of a person into the higher, divine nature.
Alchemists did not seek gold for its own sake — it was merely a tool, not the goal (nevertheless, Dante in his Divine Comedy placed alchemists alongside counterfeiters in Hell, specifically in the eighth circle, tenth bolgia).
Their true aim was the Philosopher’s Stone itself — and the spiritual liberation and exaltation it grants to the one who possesses it: absolute freedom.
Although most people consider the Philosopher’s Stone to be a myth, transmutation was in fact achieved in the 20th century — gold is sometimes produced from other elements during the operation of a nuclear reactor.