"True it is, without falsehood, certain and most true.
“That which is below is like that which is above, and that which is above is like that which is below, to accomplish the miracles of one thing."
The Emerald tablet essentially implies that we live in a fractal universe; where the whole is represented within each smaller part and the microcosm is just a reflection of the macrocosm. So, by the law of correspondence everything without or exterior to us is just a reflection of all that is within. (this is an important point I’ll come back to later)
In polite circles we generally talk of the three kingdoms in alchemy which are the mineral, vegetable and human/spiritual but there exists a very important and missing link in the true and complete chain that is situated precisely between the vegetable and the human/spiritual, a fourth realm so to speak: that of the Animal Kingdom.
We have for too long looked at and used alchemy in too few dimensions and usually in only one direction which is linear and often only based upon the planetary archetypes to dictate the rest of the process; such as looking at the metals that are directly linked to their planetary archetype by correspondence, then to the plants that are also linked to the planets that govern them, which upon using them medicinally effect our so called “humours”, overall composition or health in the broadest sense.
The concept of the four humours was established by ancient Greek physician Hippocrates (c. 460 – c. 370 BCE). This medical theory was further developed and systematized by Galen of Pergamon (129 – c. 200/216 CE), a prominent Greek physician and philosopher.
The humours in ancient medical theory are linked to planetary archetypes through the influence of astrology on medicine. Each humour is associated with a specific planet, which in turn influences the temperament and physical constitution of individuals according to astrological beliefs.
Traditional Alchemy has up until very recently predominantly used this thinking that relies on the classic planetary archetypes that define the boundaries of reality and nature that are then extrapolated throughout the kingdoms (mineral, vegetable & eventually to man) and become a map that can subsequently be used to navigate across the realms or kingdoms of nature. This is the map most alchemists use to navigate as it provides a common language by which we can communicate and understand each other, and it works just fine.
So this map works pretty well indeed; but it could and can be better especially if we look at how and why alchemy has and is being used today we can introduce a different perception that will open more doors of understanding and truly show that the study of alchemy; if ALL its facets are understood and used, is in my humble opinion, a damn good attempt by human consciousness to understand, manipulate and navigate the divine nature of matter and to even help its evolution.
The Animal Realm
If we accept that the universe is fractal and that the laws of correspondence exist (As above, so below, as within, so without) then the Animal kingdom takes on a level of importance that cannot and should not be ignored.
As a not inconsequential side note;I like Carl Jung’s definition of archetypes as it is the only definition that includes this articles subject matter.
Carl Jung's Psychological Archetypes:
According to Carl Jung, an archetype is a "universal, archaic symbol and/or images that derive from the collective unconscious." Jung identified several primary archetypes, including the Self, the Shadow, the Anima/Animus, and the Persona. These archetypes represent different aspects of the human psyche and are manifested in myths, dreams, and art across cultures.
Often, we look to archetypes to establish either physically, mentally or spiritually a diagnosis or condition that is affecting us or a resonance that we would like to obtain. For example, we might be inspired to take the Oil of Gold that has been prepared alchemically which is a Classic Sun archetype which holds significant influence in various cultural, spiritual, and psychological contexts.
- Apollo (Greek/Roman Mythology):
- Mentally: Apollo represents the rational mind, intellectual clarity, and the pursuit of knowledge and truth. He is the god of prophecy, music, poetry, and healing.
- Physically: Apollo is often depicted as a youthful, vigorous figure symbolizing physical health, vitality, and athletic prowess.
- Spiritually: Apollo embodies light, order, and harmony. He represents the spiritual enlightenment and the illumination of the mind and soul.
- Ra (Egyptian Mythology):
- Mentally: Ra is the symbol of divine wisdom and foresight. He is considered the creator and ruler of the cosmos, embodying supreme knowledge.
- Physically: Ra is depicted with a strong, radiant form, often with the sun disk on his head, representing life-giving energy and physical power.
- Spiritually: Ra represents the spiritual force of the Sun, the cycle of life and death, and resurrection. He is central to the spiritual understanding of the universe in Egyptian mythology.
- Surya (Hindu Mythology):
- Mentally: Surya represents the illuminating power of the mind, dispelling ignorance and bringing mental clarity.
- Physically: Surya is the god of health and vitality, often depicted riding a chariot pulled by seven horses, symbolizing the seven colors of the rainbow and the seven chakras.
- Spiritually: Surya is a symbol of spiritual enlightenment, inner awakening, and the divine light that nurtures all life.
- Helios (Greek Mythology):
- Mentally: Helios, the personification of the Sun, is associated with illumination, insight, and the clarity of thought.
- Physically: Helios is depicted as a vigorous, strong figure driving a chariot across the sky, symbolizing the Sun’s journey and its physical power to sustain life.
- Spiritually: Helios represents the all-seeing eye of divine justice and the omnipresence of the spiritual light.
- The Hero (Jungian Archetype):
- Mentally: The Hero represents the journey of self-discovery, mental resilience, and the quest for meaning and truth.
- Physically: The Hero embodies physical courage, strength, and the ability to overcome challenges.
- Spiritually: The Hero's journey is a metaphor for spiritual growth, transformation, and the pursuit of higher purpose.
These Sun archetypes encapsulate various aspects of human experience, integrating mental clarity, physical vitality, and spiritual enlightenment and all the above indeed provide good reason to work with a correctly prepared Oil of Gold.
So where does the animal kingdom fit into all this I hear you ask…..?
Accepting that the universe is fractal should give you a clue; Animals are an integral part of nature, part of divine creation and as such provide the closest bridge and link to ourselves in the grand hierarchy and scheme of things.
So, I suggest we look at animals as individual archetypes? But not in the classical linear and directional sense as planetary archetypes that are just a step up from the mineral and vegetable realms; but as stand-alone archetypes of the infinite facets of ourselves, our psychology, our character, our strengths, our weaknesses?
For example:
- Lion:
- Consciousness: The lion symbolizes strength, courage, and leadership. It is often associated with the conscious desire to overcome challenges and assert dominance.
- Attitude: Confidence, authority, and pride.
- Mood: Determination and assertiveness.
- Eagle:
- Consciousness: The eagle represents vision, freedom, and high perspective. It is linked to the ability to see the broader picture and aspire to greater heights.
- Attitude: Ambition, insight, and clarity.
- Mood: Inspiration and motivation.
- Snake:
- Consciousness: The snake is a symbol of transformation, healing, and primal energy. It represents the cycle of life, death, and rebirth.
- Attitude: Cunning, adaptability, and wisdom.
- Mood: Introspection and renewal.
- Owl:
- Consciousness: The owl signifies wisdom, intuition, and mystery. It is often seen as a guide in the darkness, representing deep knowledge and insight.
- Attitude: Perceptiveness, curiosity, and caution.
- Mood: Thoughtfulness and serenity.
- Wolf:
- Consciousness: The wolf embodies instincts, social connections, and resilience. It highlights the balance between independence and cooperation.
- Attitude: Loyalty, bravery, and vigilance.
- Mood: Assertiveness and community-oriented.
- Dove:
- Consciousness: The dove is a symbol of peace, purity, and hope. It represents the aspiration for harmony and the higher ideals of love and compassion.
- Attitude: Gentleness, serenity, and optimism.
- Mood: Calm and peacefulness.
- Bear:
- Consciousness: The bear signifies strength, protection, and introspection. It represents the power of introspection and the primal instincts of protection.
- Attitude: Protective, introspective, and patient.
- Mood: Solitude and contemplation.
- Fox:
- Consciousness: The fox symbolizes cleverness, adaptability, and strategic thinking. It is often associated with quick thinking and resourcefulness.
- Attitude: Slyness, agility, and curiosity.
- Mood: Alertness and playfulness.
- Butterfly:
- Consciousness: The butterfly represents transformation, beauty, and the transient nature of life. It is a symbol of personal growth and metamorphosis.
- Attitude: Joy, light-heartedness, and changeability.
- Mood: Optimism and renewal.
Animal archetypes provide powerful metaphors for numerous human characteristics, helping to illustrate complex psychological and emotional states through familiar and evocative imagery. Therefore, if we extrapolate working with the Oil of Gold into the animal realm we can work with an alchemical preparation of a particular animal that we can use to stimulate that resonant frequency or correspondence within ourselves and acquire, assimilate or have access to the desired attributes of that animal such as those used as examples above.
Unlike the seven classical planetary archetypes, if we accept that the universe is fractal (as within, so without) then there are literally millions of species of animal whether insect, bird, fish or mammal on the planet that by definition are just fractal representations and mirrored archetypical images of our multi-facetted selves and so if used correctly in the form of psycho spiritual tools, could bring us to a better understanding of the divine nature of who we are and of our place and connection to nature.
For some reason animal alchemy has been considered taboo throughout history and that taboo is still omnipresent even to this day, nevertheless there is documented historical precedent that implies that we as spiritual beings have a right and maybe a duty to use all at our disposal to truly understand our divine nature.
Genesis 1:26-28. (KJV):
"And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.
So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.
And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth."
To summarize: this article has only touched upon one particular aspect of animal alchemy and its potential as a therapeutic aid that should be considered at least equivocal to the mineral and vegetable potential for physical, mental and spiritual healing but there are more aspects of this forgotten science that touch upon its use, potential and probable necessity for achieving even the Stone of the Wise that I can`t get into in this short article but If you want to know more then I suggest you sign up for this years courses In October where Raven Israel Ruiz from Materia Artium Labs who is without a doubt the leading authority on the subject will be teaching a unique and never before divulged course.
