Parachemy

Volume I: Number 1 Winter 1973

Parachemy
Journal of Hermetic Arts and Sciences

"The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious. It is the source of all
true art and science."
ALBERT EINSTEIN

CONTENTS

Winter 1973 Volume I, Number 1

Editorial ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1

Parachemy-A New Name with a New Meaning Frater Albertus --------------------- 3

Sacred Books of the Sibyls ---------------------------------------------------------- 4

'The Alchemist's Handbook'-An Alchemical Landmark - Israel Regardie ------------- 5

That Elusive Planet Vulcan - Carl Stahl ---------------------------------------------- 8

Cells-Their Significance and Essential Salts - Arthur Fehres ------------------------- 12

Mercury-The Troublemaker!- Frater Albertus -------------------------------------- 15

Polarity of Known Planets-And Those Yet to be Discovered - Frater Albertus ----- 17

Numbers and Q.B.L. -------------------------------------------------------------- 19

Was It Real Gold or Was It Man-Made? ------------------------------------------ 21

A Brief History of Alchemy - Anon.------------------------------------------------ 22

'Triumphal Chariot of Antimony'-The Old and the New - Robert Bremer ----------- 27

What Is Iridology? - Dr. Gerrit Janssen -------------------------------------------- 29

Questions and Answers ----------------------------------------------------------- 36

Announcements ------------------------------------------------------------------- 40

PARACHEMY is a quarterly publication of Paracelsus Research Society.

EDITOR: ROBERT BREMER

ART WORK: ALICE WHIPPLE

Manuscripts, comments, and questions are invited to be submitted for consideration for
publication. These should he sent, typewritten, doublespaced, in triplicate to: Paracelsus
Research Society, P. 0. Box 6006, Salt Lake City, Utah 84106.

The annual subscription rate is U.S. $7.50 for individuals, U.S. $10.00 for libraries, business
firms, and other institutions. For a limited time, individuals paying the $7.50 subscription fee
may designate a library or institution of learning to receive one copy of Parachemy without
additional charge. Individuals unable to pay the annual subscription fee may, upon verification of
their request, receive Parachemy gratis.
All remittances to be made by cheek or money order made out in U.S. dollars. Send your
subscription order to: Paracelsus Research Society, P.O. Box 6006, Salt Lake City, Utah 84106.

Copyrighted and printed in the U.S.A.

Editorial
As P.R.S. research and related work expand it becomes clear that I must not allow my activities
to become over-diversified, thereby serving less than adequately in any area. I feel that my first
consideration should be teaching and doing active laboratory research. Important topics yet
remain to be put down and published. My teaching abroad, too, brings prolonged absences from
P.R.S. headquarters.

Thus it becomes apparent that the new and enlarged JOURNAL OF PARACHEMY requires the
editorship of a qualified person other than myself. It gives me enormous pleasure to introduce to
the readers of PARACHEMY, our editor, Robert Bremer. His newspaper background,
contributions to British and American journals of the occult, association and collaboration with
creative writers in the motion picture and television field and over a dozen published novels
assure my confidence in his ability. His professional literary experience added to years of active
interest in subjects dealt with in PARACHEMY provide an unique combination of talents which
will be put to use in our service. It will be his work to make PARACHEMY a journal of
distinction.

Most recently Mr. Bremer edited the new edition of THE ALCHEMIST'S HANDBOOK.

Frater Albertus

Introductions can be awkward.

But at some time in our lives, each of us his had the experience of being introduced to someone,
and almost before we shake hands or utter some polite greeting, we have the instant sensation
that we are meeting an old friend.

To all of you who read these lines, and who feel an affinity for the alchemical work, Parachemy
IS an old friend, and we hope these pages will spark that sense of recognition and realization,
whether you be working students of the Paracelsus Research Society, persons of varied occult
affiliations, or individual seekers with no affiliation whatsoever to any formal group. It is not the
form, but the spirit, that matters. And it is the spirit of this publication that seeks to communicate
with you.

It seeks more than that.

It invites its readers to participate in the magazine, rather than merely read it. Being "interested"
in the occult can become a futile exercise in the exchange of pleasant platitudes unless we really
work to increase our knowledge, and then to share it. Those who acquire Parachemy Fellowships
will not only be gaining the benefit of the knowledge of others, but are urged to contribute to the
pages of the magazine by sharing their own insights and special projects in Alchemy, Astrology
and Qabalah.

The Occult Sciences are not petrified history. They embody living truths, and like every living
thing, they grow. And as we explore them, we grow-in knowledge, in awareness, in nearness to
God.

Parachemy hopes to share with its readers the hopes, the successes, the vital capacity for growth
of the active occultist, without regard to group affiliation or labels of any kind. Articles will
range from highly technical treatises on the chemical virtues of antimony, to the simplest, most
basic expressions of man's yearning for spiritual progress, for love and brotherhood.

We hope that though this issue be totally new to you, you will feel, after reading it, that the
handshake it represents is genuine, and that you have met an old friend.

Robert Bremer
Editor

p. 3

Parachemy
A New Name With a New Meaning

By Frater Albertus

When, in January, 1960, the first Alchemical Laboratory Bulletin appeared, some sceptics
predicted a short life for the publication of only a few months to a year or so. They were wrong.
The Bulletins appeared without interruption until the last issue in October, 1972. It was then
announced that its appearance would change and the number of pages would be increased at the
beginning of its fourteenth year, in 1973. The time is now!

PARACHEMY, literally meaning "like unto Chemy," goes back to the Egyptian word Khem,
"the black land." The original word may have referred to the dark, black soil, or to the dark-
skinned inhabitants of Africa, which is also known as "the dark continent." At any rate, its
meanings are associated with the darkness. Darkness which conceals light-for light came out of
the darkness.

Parachemy will be "the fountainhead from whence springeth the water of life" in alchemistical
language. When one looks at a fountain, one does not see where the water comes from. One sees
only the water coming out of an opening, either a trickle or a rushing stream. Its actual source is
concealed from the onlooker. He is aware only of what is available to him, but not from whence
it came. With such an analogy, we may look upon Parachemy. Out of the blackness or darkness,
concealed from the eyes of the onlooker, there will eventually well forth what was not previously
known.

It is the purpose of Parachemy to reveal what has hitherto been concealed or held back. The
circumstances that made such concealment a necessity in former times, no longer prevail, and
therefore the policy of concealment is not applicable to our times. Parachemy, though an
offspring of its parent, the Paracelsus Research Society, intends to remain free from any
dogmatism. It will not bow to the whims of any individual, or group, or to any organization, that
might exert pressure upon it to do their bidding for whatever reason. Parachemy will rely solely
upon the promptings of an ever-present consciousness that has its origin in the innermost depths
of every being, as a segment of unending wisdom. It may be likened to the "light which shineth
in the darkness, but the darkness comprehended it not"-for only the light in which it is presented.
will let it become apparent as light.

The greatest blessing bestowed upon mankind is to be conscious of that which exists in infinity,
even though the limited objective consciousness possess only a partial and incomplete
awareness. Out of the still, dark depths of the minds of men, from which the full realization has
not yet emerged, man will yet bring to light that which still lies concealed, so that it may become
known, understood, and eventually used wisely. This is part of the ever-enduring progression of
evolution, which has but one divinely decreed aim: Perfection.

This, then, is the aim of Parachemy: To help bring forth the light within man. There are many
among mankind who still slumber in the darkness; others who are halfawake, but not fully
conscious of what the darkness conceals. We strive to help the light prevail.

We extend our hand to all, who, free, from prejudice or bias, will offer their help and assistance
to bring about, by just and lawful means, the emergence of man into the light of knowledge and
understanding. We shall work together to banish ignorance, that blind belief may be replaced by
a confidence, a trust, a true faith in the justice of supreme universal laws.

Parachemy endeavors to be a decisive weight in the struggle against ignorance and beliefs based
on fear, placing its knowledge on the side of wisdom and understanding. If Parachemy cannot
outweigh ignorance by itself, then it shall at least assist in helping to bring about a balance. If
nothing else is accomplished by Parachemy, it will deserve to continue to exist for as long as it is
useful-for as long as there is a need.

p. 4

SACRED BOOKS OF THE SIBYLS

Under the title of "Oracles of the Sibyls" there exists a collection of verses in Greek hexameter in
fourteen books, which has long been regarded as an authentic collection of the prophecies of the
pagan Sibyls. In Libri Divinarum Rerum, Lactantius quotes Varro as saying that these books are
not all written by one Sibyl, but are called Sibylline because by the ancients all prophetesses
were called Sibyls. And Dioddrus Siculus states that the Sibyl was actuated by the Spirit of God
and that the name Sibyl signifies "being full of God."

As these books accurately, prophesied the mission, teaching, and miracles of Christ as well as his
death upon the cross and resurrection, the church fathers accepted and made use of them without
hesitation.

The original Sibylline Books were kept concealed in the Capitol at Rome, and were lost when it
was destroyed by fire in 405 A.D. Cicero bears witness to, their worth saying, "How often has
our Senate enjoined the decemvirs to consult the books of the Sibyls," when "portentious events
announced to the Romans terrible and disastrous seditions. On all these occasions the diviners
and their auspices were in perfect accordance with the prophetic verses of the Sibyl."

Thus Sambethe, the most ancient of the Sibyls, is seen to have initiated the, Sibylline Oracles
which guided the destinies of ancient Rome as well as the Delphic Oracles which exercised such
influence over the evolution of ancient Greece.

COMTE DE GABALIS

p. 5

'The Alchemist's Handbook'

An Alchemical Landmark

By Israel Regardie

[Israel Regardie has won a special place among writers on the occult. His works seem always to
strike a much-needed balance. From his pen, THE TREE OF LIFE and THE MIDDLE PILLAR
illuminated centuries-old techniques in magical ritual with the light of personal experience in the
profound framework of Jungian psychology. His publication of the secret rituals of THE
GOLDEN DAWN, an extraordinary act of conscience, balanced out the stultifying secrecy and
factionalism of an important but self-defeating Hermetic Order in its latter days.

In such recent works as THE EYE IN THE TRIANGLE, Dr. Regardie has ended a long, self-
imposed silence to share the benefits of his extensive experience and unique insights. The
following article, which will be published in the newly revised edition of THE ALCHEMIST'S
HANDBOOK by Frater Albertus, gives us Dr. Regardie's reaction to that work. -Editor.]
This is the age of "how to do it" books. There is one on almost any subject you can think of.
Since they fill a variety of needs, they have proven a boon. From them you can learn to paint,
sew, plant a herb garden, build a brick barbecue in the backyard, become an interior decorator, or
rewire your own home. Almost every imaginable topic has been covered by these books. So if
you assumed that this manual* falls in this category, you would be right-save for the simple fact
that it is a great deal more.

Alchemy has exerted a strange fascination over mankind for centuries. The underlying
philosophical theorem was that if the Divine Will had originally acted upon the prima materia to
produce the precious metals and all else, why shouldn't the alchemist-purified in mind and body,
and an expert in the then known laboratory techniques-seek to emulate the same natural process
in a shorter span of time? One has only to read a, good history of chemistry, or to peruse a little
of the vast alchemical literanture, to become aware of alchemy's awful seductiveness. Men have
left homes and families, squandered fortunes, incurred sickness and disease, ,ambled away
prestige, social and other positions, in quest of the goals embodied in the alchemical dream-
longevity, perfect health, and the ability to transmute base metals into gold.

One must not be deluded by superficialities here. The alchemical adepts were patently dedicated
and God-fearing men, holding the highest spiritual ideals conceivable. It is too bad more
practitioners of the Art did not perceive them.

Only recently, an ill-informed journalist alleged that the Paracelsus Research Society, which
sponsors this manual, offered to teach alchemy in two weeks! How could one be so myopic? Or
illiterate?

In the early fourteenth century, Bonus of Ferrara spoke of Alchemy as "the key of all good
things, the Art of Arts, the Science of Sciences." ' Not only was the alchemist to be concerned
with the purification of metals and the elimination of sickness and disease from the human race,
but he affirmed that Alchemy as Science and Art provided both a means to synthesize all the
other sciences and a training of the intellectual and spiritual faculties.

The fascination that Alchemy has always held over mankind has surely been tainted in that rarely
were there higher institutions of learning where promising students might study the ancient Art.
Or where the proper techniques and methods might be learned as with other arts and sciences.
No doubt, after the manner of the mysterious seventeenth century Rosicrucians, individual
disciples were selected and trained by the master alchemists. We know that they had assistants
and apprenticesfor who would have kept the fires stoked in the furnaces, and washed the
unending stream of glass and clay utensils employed in calcining, separating and distilling? Or
who would have done all the thousand and one menial things that are so easily performed today
that we barely have to think about them? But whether or not these assistants were ever
encouraged to learn or to acquire the requisite disciplines and procedures-this is problematical.

In the vast literature on the subject, there is nothing that I have ever found that even pretended to
demonstrate fundamental principles. Traditional alchemy, with its emphasis on piety, secrecy
and allegory, is admittedly obscure. Over the years, I have met many men who could talk a good
line about alchemy, but nothing practical ever emerged from them. Nor did anyone volunteer to
demonstrate its basic truths in a laboratory or over the kitchen stove. Not one-until I met the
author of this manual some years ago. Not one-until I read the first limited edition of The
Alchemist's Handbook, which literally is worth its weight in gold.

Incidentally, a few years ago I wrote something in recommendation of this manual, yet
expressing criticism of its literary style, its form of expression, its innumerable typographical
errors. These minor flaws have been corrected in the revised edition-yet the criticism was silly
and arrogant. For even if, theoretically, the book were written in the worst possible style, it
would still be unique and a genuine masterpiece. Had it not been written and published, we
would be the losers by far. It teaches with clarity, simplicity and accuracy the technical means
whereby the Lesser Circulation may be accomplished. It should be a revelation to those who
have not previously been introduced to this method of dealing with herbs. The Great Work is
said to be essentially an extension of the same process, the ame techniques, with the same
universal philosophy. Many an alchemist of former years would have given his eyeteeth-or
surely a small fortune -for this information. Many might have been spared disaster and
destruction had they been familiar with the data contained in this manual.

Descriptions of the alchemical processes are not readily understood in terms of modern
chemistry. This is not to say that some formal training in high school or firstyear college
chemistry would not be useful. At the very least, it would have provided the dexterity to use the
equipment also used in alchemy. But even if it were possible to translate the one system into the
terminology of the other, the alchemists are haunted by the fear of revealing too much, too
easily, or too soon-thus opening the way to abuse. Modern man has shown himself to be an adept
in the art of abusing nature, as all our current emphasis on ecology and environmental pollution
has demonstrated. So there is considerable justification for the doubts and cautiousness of the
early writers on alchemy and for the allegorical mode of expression they have deliberately
chosen.

But do not be deceived. Simply as this book is written, alchemy is a hard taskmaster. It demands
patient and laborious service. There is no simple or easy path to the Great Work. It requires great
dedication of purpose, sincerity and willingness to pursue this path to the bitter end-no matter at
what cost.

One of the older alchemists stated that the fundamental process of the Great Work is so simple
that even women and children could accomplish it. "A woman's work and child's play." Maybe!
But it is only after one has arrived at the other shore, as it were, that one can realize that "except
ye become as little children, ye cannot enter the kingdom of heaven." Meanwhile, it requires
effort, labor and prayer-or their equivalents to attain the simple, child-like state capable of
achieving the goals of alchemy. Not many have been blessed with the special genetic or
psychological structure, or the perseverance, or the grace of God to find it.

But, if you really want to learn the basic principles of practical alchemy, here they are in this
wonderful little manual. There is no other book that I have ever encountered in all my long years
in this movement that is one fraction as clear or as helpful. Forty years ago, I would have found
it far more intriguing and illuminating than Mrs. Atwood's heavy and ponderous tome** on
which I exercised my wisdom teeth. Study it-and work at the processes described. Practice is so
much more rewarding and enlightening than a sterile "head-trip,. Ora et labore. Pray and work
but work. Without this, you cannot even begin. And this book describes how to go to work, and
with what.

*The Alchemist's Handbook by Albertus Spagyricus.

**Suggestive Inquiry into the Hermetic Mystery by M.A. Atwood.

p. 8

That Elusive Planet Vulcan

By Carl W. Stahl

[Carl Stahl enjoys an international reputation among both professional astrologers and students
of that art. His articles have appeared in virtually every major astrological publication, and he
is looked to as an authority in the techniques of sidereal astrology. His researches are always
carefully documented-witness the following article-and we are proud to announce he will be a
frequent contributor to the Astrology section Of PARACHEMY. --Editor]

When the newspapers of the world publicized Professor Courtens' report that he believes he has
discovered a new intra-Mercurial planet, it aroused interest in other places besides the ranks of
the astronomers themselves. The professor bases his statement on the results obtained on his
expedition to Mexico to study the solar eclipse on March 7, 1970. The photographic plates taken
on that expedition, as well as those taken during the 1967 eclipse, seem to provide evidence that
such an intraMercurial planet may indeed exist.

When the planet Pluto was finally discovered on January 21, 1930 by C. W. Tombaugh, it was
by means of photographs of the distant stars. They showed clearly that one of the stars was
moving. By scanning photographs of other total eclipses perhaps Vulcan can be discovered in the
same way.

Professor Courtens estimates that Vulcan is about 500 miles in diameter, about nine million
miles from the sun, and with a declination of about twelve degrees from the ecliptic plane.

The general public will, of course leap to the conclusion that Professor Courtens is alone in
discovering this planet Vulcan. During the past 250 years there have been at least twelve other
fairly well authenticated reported sightings of this elusive planet. Nor is the average reader aware
that a Vulcan Ephemeris is available based on those twelve prior reported sightings, and that this
ephemeris is obtainable from the Paracelsus Research Society, whose students have been using
Vulcan's positions in astrological charts and cyclic charts for many years.
This ephemeris gives daily listings of Vulcan's position in the heavens for the years 1967, 1968,
1969, 1970, 1971 and 1972. It also contains tables making it possible for anyone to calculate
Vulcan's position from the year 1700 to 2000 A.D.

By using the tables from this Vulcan Ephemeris we find that at the time of the total eclipse of the
Sun on March 7, 1970, the geocentric longitude of Vulcan was 20 degrees 34 minutes of the
zodiacal sign Pisces, while the Sun was in 16 degrees 44 minutes of the same sign. Vulcan here
was begining to separate from a superior conjunction of the Sun and was approximately
6,300,000 miles out, or almost halfway towards its greatest elongation from the Sun which is
about 12,700,000 miles.

The November 2, 1967 eclipse gives us the Sun's position as 9 degrees 37 minutes of the sign
Scorpio while Vulcan appears at 15 degrees 57 minutes of Scorpio. This is approximately
9,500,000 miles from the Sun. This, you Will note, agrees closely with Professor Courtens'
estimate of 9,000,000 miles. However, Vulcan had reached its greatest elongation on November
1, 1967 at 16 degrees 37 minutes of the sign Scorpio.

Both of the preceding examples show that at the time of these eclipses Vulcan was far enough
away from the Sun to have registered clearly on photographs taken at these times.

In referring to the fairly well authenticated sightings of the planet ulcan crossing the Sun, we
begin with that of Dr. Alischer, Faure, France, (Julian Calendar), March 27, 1720. He again
sighted a dark body crossing the disk of'the Sun on March 15, 1721 (also Julian Calendar),
exactly 353 days after the first sighting.

This 353 day period between sightings proved to be very important in determining the motion of
Vulcan because it occurs again in the list of Vulcan transits of the Sun. This happened on
February 16, 1897 and again on February 4, 1898, a time lapse of exactly 353 days. The 1897
report came from astronomers at Stuttgart, Germany, and the 1898 report from astronomers at
Wiesbaden, Germany.

It was this coincidence that enabled Professor L. H. Weston to calculate Vulcan's position after
his interest was aroused by a sighting that was made by ship's Captain Isbester of the British ship
Dalgonar, enroute from Hamburg, Germany to Portland, Oregon, U.S.A. The longitude was 136
degrees west, and latitude 46 degrees north on June 25, 1907, which is about 200 miles off the
California coast. When Captain Isbester took the noon observation to declination with the sextant
he noticed a very large spot on the disk of the Sun. The spot was large and quite unlike the many
commoner Sun spots which he had seen almost daily for many years. In trying to describe this
spot, he said: "It looked like an inverted balloon."

This remark caused Professor Weston to write: "Now that was the shape Venus appeared to have
at ingress and egress at the transits of June 5, 1761, and June 3, 1769. It is well known that both
Venus and Mercury, while at internal contact with the Sun's disk at transits, present the
appearance of a pear-shaped spot, the small end elevated if the planet is north of the equator."
Isbester gives us the impression that the spot was on the Sun for a full four hours, from about
noon until late in the afternoon. Lescarbault, of France, in his observation on March 26, 1859
taken at Noon, G.M.T., also gives four hours for this crossing of the Sun's disk.

For those who may be interested we give a list of the transits that Professor Weston compiled
and used in developing his tables:

OBSERVED TRANSITS OF VULCAN

1. Dr. Alischer, Faure, France (O.S.), March 27, 1720

2. Dr. Alischer, Faure, France (O.S.), March 15, 1721
3. Fritch, Madgeburg, (Bode's Almanac), March 25, 1784
4. Fritch, Madgeburg, Germany, October 10, 1802
5. Stark, Augsburg, October 9, 1819
6. Schmidt, Germany, October 11, 1847
7. Lowe and Sidebotham, England, March 12,1849
8. Dr. Ritter, Hannover, Germany, June 11, 1855
9. M. Lescarbault, France, March 26, 1859, Noon, G.M.T.
10. Astronomers at Stuttgart, Germany, February 16, 1897
11. Astronomers at Wiesbaden, Germany, February 4, 1898
12.Captain Isbester, Lon. 136' W., Lat. 46' N., June 25, 1907, (8h39m p.m. G.M.T.)

Esoterically speaking, the Sun veils and the Moon hides Vulcan. At first thought this seems to
make no sense. A little consideration, however, soon makes some of the truth apparent. Even
physically the Sun veils Vulcan. Its light makes it all but impossible for Vulcan to be seen, either
by the naked eye, or with instruments. This much is easily apparent because of Vulcan's
closeness to the Sun.

But what about the Moon? It is nowhere near Vulcan. It hugs the Earth with its closeness.
Vulcan rules the mineral world, from the crystal and the ore, up to the most pure and precious
metal and the most precious jewel. The Moon being a dead body, in the sense that no planetary
Logos operates in or through it, responds only to its physical mass. In this sense it not only
reflects the rays from the Sun but also the potent rays from Vulcan. Then, acting as a relay
station, it transfers these influences to the Earth.

Since Vulcan rules the mineral world it was quite appropriate that it should be through the hiding
of the Sun by the Moon, during total eclipse, that once again led to its being rediscovered.

Ptolemy refers to the doctrine of "combustia" in the last sentence of Chapter 7, Book 2, of the
Tetrabiblos. This doctrine, in brief, is that when any planet is within a few degrees of the Sun,
usually supposed to be 8 degrees 30 minutes, it is in a state of combustia, that is, burned up, and
its virtue destroyed by that position. The Vulcan Ephemeris shows that Vulcan never gets more
than 8 degrees 11 minutes from the Sun.
In examining cases of combustia, it was found that in less than half the cases this theory held up.
In over half the cases it failed to hold up. When the position of Vulcan is calculated and entered
in these charts the reason for the successes and failures becomes apparent.

The conjunction of Vulcan with Mercury and the Sun appears to have no apparent effect on the
nature of either of these bodies. With the other planets, particularly the Moon, its effect seems to
to bring out he negative or material nature of the body affected. If we consider that he blacksmith
of the gods works in the mineral world, this makes sense.

Regarding more recently discovered knowledge about the nature of Vulcan we have as yet barely
made a beginning. We do know that in human relationships it has an intensely disruptive
influence, similar to, yet quite distinct from, the influence of the planet Pluto. Pluto causes loss
through, death or through some dramatic, public incident. Vulcan, on the other hand, seems to
sever the bonds of friendship or affection abruptly, and the association seems to end as though it
had never existed. This is particularly so of the conlunction of the transiting Vulcan to Venus.

Reports coming to us from others, who have used the Vulcan Ephemeris in all types of charts,
indicate that it has an influence on the stock market, on the charts of individual industrial
companies, and its influence is clearly in those of an inventive nature. Not always in the
conventional sense. but always in quite a logical manner when the nature of Vulcan understood.

But what I consider the greatest breakthrough occurred in the field of Alchemy, when the
Paracelsus Research Society, in its Alchemical Laboratory Bulletin, Vol. II, No. 2, 1970, on
pages 20, 21, and 22, published the results of the Vulcan influence on obtaining the three
essentials of the Metals.*

We wish Professor Courtens the best of luck in pinning down that elusive planet Vulcan, and
hope that others will do what they can to bring about this event.

*This report, among others, will be made available to those holding Parachemy fellowships. -Ed.

Books On Vulcan

Literature dealing with the planet Vulcan is very limited at present as little is known about this
elusive little sphere whose orbit is so close to the Sun.

The most informative and comprehensive literature available at the present time is that of Carl
Stahl.
Vulcan the Intra-Mercurial Planet
Vulcan Ephemerides-1969-70 1971-72 1973-74

p. 15
Mercury

The Troublemaker!
By Frater Albertus

That is what alchemists called Mercury. Pseudo-alchemists were even more outspoken. And in
all their strong words, it was not common quicksilver of which they spoke. When common
mercury is used as a medication, it is a poison, even when highly triturated and administered by a
doctor.

Why is there such a controversy about mercury, when it is not mercury, while it is mercury? this
statement-which seems not only strange but highly illogical-is itself the troublemaker. When
alchemists speak of mercury, they speak of the inert potency concealed in the structural
substance, which appears in a fluidic state and is called a metal.

This in itself is rather unusual. It is precisely this inert potency which is to be freed from a
corporeal substance that is known as mercury. Furthermore, it can be obtained not only from
metallic mercury (or a metal) but from minerals, plants and animals alike. It is actually known as
the spirit of life.

Since the search for this elusive mercury has been conducted primarily among metallic
substances, and practically without success by all researchers, emphasis has been directed
towards the salts, or the crude metallic substances, which alchemists have declared most
emphatically to be poisonous. There is weighty evidence against the so-called heavy metals (a
loose designation of a group including lead, chromium, cadmium, barium, cobalt, nickel,
beryllium, copper, antimony, arsenic, mercury and iron). Mercury, especially, has been shown to
produce damage to the nervous system and birth defects.

But mercury is not alone in being a troublemaker!

The danger of lead in household paints is common knowledge, and its use has been all but
eliminated by most manufacturers of paints intended for indoor use. Less well known are the
toxic effects of barium, also found in some paints. Its accumulation in the system can produce
muscular disorder and kidney damage. An equally alarming list of disorders could be enumerated
for each of the heavy metals, associated with the toxic effects they can produce.
But paradoxically, trace amounts of many heavy metals are as vital to human health as they are
dangerous in quantity. Copper, zinc, chromium, magnesium, iron, and arsenic are all
nutritionally essential. Even lead and mercury may be beneficial in small quantities.

So we see, that though nutritional virtues lie concealed within the metals, their various salts or
oxides also have a toxic effect, and the entire effect of metals is poisonous if used in the form of
solids. Even when they are dissolved with acids, their solutions are highly dangerous. It is no
mere poetic image that from these metals, man forges a two-edged sword!

If any curative properties are to be found in metallic substances, these must be so exactingly
separated from the metal involved, that they prove completely free from any harmful or toxic
properties. Up to the present, this has been achieved primarily, if not entirely, by spagyric means.
It is here that the critical difference between poison and medicine will have to show. If any
validity can be found in the spagyric or alchemical way, it will have to be the way to better
medications that have toxics removed from them, thereby becoming harmless in nature, yet are
the repositories of powerful healing potential.

p. 17

Polarity of Known Planets And Those Yet To Be Discovered

By Frater Albertus

Years ago, the Paracelsus Research Society suggested that there were more planets existing in
our solar system than had as yet been discovered or acknowledged by modern science, and that
furthermore their existence would one day become a matter of commonly accepted fact. Now,
with the recently heralded discovery-or it should be said, re-discovery-of Vulcan, the planet
nearest the Sun, making the known total of planets ten, science has moved a step further with its
conclusion that another trans-Plutonian planet must exist in our solar system. Time and the
planetary tides have moved to confirm our original position.

A recent report announced new mathematical calculations suggesting that another planet exists,
though such a planet has never been seen, in computations issued by scientists at the University
of California's Lawrence Livermore Laboratory. The proposed body-dubbed Planet X by
scientists - would be three times as large as Saturn and twice as far from the Sun as Neptune.

Earth, third nearest to the Sun of the nine known planets, is 80 times smaller than Saturn and
nearly three billion miles from Neptune.

The calculations which led to Planet X evolved from studies of Halley's Comet, whose orbit
contains mysterious deviations, and whose appearance near earth can never be predicted with
absolute accuracy.

The calculations were made by a team of three scientists at the laboratory. Joseph Brady, a
supervisor in numerical techniques, has written about the team's findings for the Journal of the
Astronomical Society of the Pacific. Mr. Brady, an acknowledged authority on Halley's Cornet,
said the prediction of new planets based on mathematical calculations was not new. Neptune's
location was predicted in 1846 in a similar way.

To make his predictions, Mr. Brady used information from previous observations of Halley's
Comet, sightings of which have been reported since before the birth of Christ. With the
laboratory's enormous computer system, he worked out the planet's probable location. The
proposed planet would take about 512 years to orbit the Sun and probably would orbit in a
direction opposite to that of the other planets, he said.

This raises another question, inasmuch as the law of polarity plays such an important role in the
attraction and repulsion of substances, including orbiting bodies. It has been a matter of
contention which polarity a planet would have to possess to fit into such an orderly system.

We present here a graphic depiction of the planets in,our solar system, according to the
Paracelsus Research Society, beginning with the planet nearest the Sun, Vulcan, whose positive
polarity is based upon the law that any activity commences with a positive impulse and has as its
opposite a properly attuned negative recipient. Such proper attunement would constitute the
opposite polarity. Only opposites produce again a positive reaction, requiring a negative recipient
to repeat the perpetual motion within the universe. Here, in turn, every outcome of an action
returns eventually (after a spherical circumscription) to the source of its impulse, only to repeat
itself.

This illustration is given within a circle representing our solar system. The squaring of the circle
by planetary influences is set into motion within this circle, though it is depicted here as
stationary. When in motion, each would actually represent a proton of a positive nucleus with its
negative electron as a shell circumnavigating its center (as in an atom). Since all this takes place
within the centrum rerum, which has to include both polarities as one, we have the neutron of our
Sun as the hub of all the energy, together with its manifestations as both polarities, i.e., positive
and negative.
The sequence outward from the Sun (reading bottom to top on the diagram) is Vulcan, Mercury,
Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, Pluto, Adonis, Cronos. Note that Vulcan
begins the sequence as positive. The Earth is negative. From the Sun towards the earth, we have
the positive impulse by way of Vulcan. From the Earth into space, we have Mars, the negative
opposite, terminating again as negative, with Chronos as the negative of Vulcan. +

p.19

Numbers and Q. B. L.
By Frater Albertus

It has been said that if there were no digits there would be no Qabalah, and. inversely, if there
were no Qabalah, there would be no numbers (digits). Since all this may smack too much of
obscure speculation, because there is so much controversy among adherents of the various
Qabalistic schools of thought, it is little wonder that today's scientifically inclined minds shy
away from a system that appears to be of such a vacillating nature.

Since only nine digits are known to man, which may repeat themselves in various combinations
almost ad infinitum, one cannot help wondering why there should be nine only; no more, no less.
It is still an unsolved mystery, and it is very doubtful if there is an answer to be found as to it,,
origin, regardless of all the pros and cons that may be raised concerning this system known as
Q.B.L. It cannot be denied that there is something strange indeed connected with the placement
and other arrangements of numbers and what these portend.

We must admit that considerable speculation surrounds and even permeates its whole structure,
yet there are known factors to be considered that cannot be brushed aside as meaningless.
Among them is the thesis that anything considered by its numerical value when it reaches near
perfection, i.e., the state of its ultimate climax as such (for which it was conceived), should total
the last and final of all digits, namely, nine. Suppose this were the case. What would that reveal
to us? All one could answer would be perhaps: termination. Simply because there is no higher
value numerically known than nine. This would terminate it. What, for example, could be
understood thereby? It may be supposed that the inherent quality, or its predetermined factor, has
reached its fulfillment.

This can, perhaps, be explained metaphysically, but there are few exact metaphysicians. Until the
training of the metaphysician becomes more precise and exacting, it will continue to'be
outweighed by the thorough training of duly qualified scientists. It should be equally possible,
however, for the scientist to consider the validity of Qabalistic statements. Have such efforts
been undertaken on a scientific basis? Are there at least some indications to be had that would
warrant further investigations? Such pioneer work could surely lead to establishment of laws not
presently even considered for investigation.

We shall cite here one such example from a scientific point of view, taking a recent newspaper
article that appeared under the heading: "New Value for Speed of Light." The story is datelined
Washington, November 21, 1972, and was distributed by United Press International (UPI). In a
condensed version, it says: The National Bureau of Standards today reported a breakthrough in
measurement of the speed of light. Involved is a laser light, a particularly pure form of
electromagnetic radiation. The breakthrough, as NBS called it, came when scientists at the
Bureau's Boulder, Colorado, laboratories measured the speed of light more accurately than has
ever been done before. They arrived at a new speed figure of 186,282.3960 miles per second.
The new value, NBS said, is 100 times more accurate than the one that had been accepted for the
past fifteen years.

The Boulder scientists worked with a laser whose frequency had been stabilized to prevent
unwanted shifts. They then measured the frequency by the most accurate standard available
oscillations of the cesium atomand the wave length by best current length standard, the wave
length of krypton.

Multiplying the frequency and wave length figures thus derived, gave them the new value for the
speed of light. The speed of light is what scientists call a constant. All electromagnetic
radiations, whether low frequency radio waves or high frequency x-rays, travel with the same
speed in a vacuum.

This constant, representing the maximum speed attainable by anything, appears in many
equations describing the behavior of the universe. Therefore, increasingly accurate
measurements of the speed of light have a profound effect in many fields. These include
calculation of interplanetary distances, tracking of space vehicles, manufacture of precise
instruments for gauging minute quantities of air pollutants, and expansion of the number of
telecommunication bands.

One of the great potentials stemming from discovery of the laser is that pure, concentrated light,
unmixed in frequency and wave length, offers tremendously more communications channels than
those now available.

But only by knowing precisely the frequency and wave length characteristics of laser light can
scientists move on to the next step of harnessing it effectively for communications.

The new measurement of the speed of light, with what the experiments reveal about laser
frequencies and wave lengths, make that step possible, according to NBS.

What does the above indicate? How can it be related to numerical interpretation? Let us see.
Light was formerly believed to travel at a speed of 186,300 miles per second. If we add up all the
digits contained in that figure, they will total nine. According to Qabalistic terminology, this
would indicate a termination.

If this postulation proves to be accurate, any further refinement of the given figure would have to
take place within such termination. This means, any division or multiplication would have to
result in an end product of nine. Let us check the end product of the new figure obtained by the
laser experiment, to see if the number again terminates in nine. The answer is yes. When all
digits of 186,282.3960 are added, we have 45. Adding four plus five, we have the terminus of 9.
Thus far, this would establish a scientific proof arrived at independently, of any Qabalistic
knowledge, yet confirming the Qabalistic teaching.

Much more needs to be done to help in the correlation of such factors to bring them under strictly
scientific classifications, but the above would indicate a step in the right direction.

WAS IT REAL GOLD OR WAS IT MAN-MADE?

The following account is taken from the acta of the judicial faculty of Leipzig, whose legal
decision was given in August, 1715. (Responsio Jaridica Facultis Juridicae Lipsiensis.) A few
years ago a man arrived late in the evening at the residence of the Countess of Erbach, the castle
of Tankerstein, and asked to be permitted to enter it, and to hide there a few days, as he had
accidentally killed a deer belonging to the Palatine of Palatia, who was, therefore, pursuing him
to take his life, and he asked to be protected. The Countess at first refused; but when she saw the
man she was so much impressed with his noble appearance that she consented, and the stranger
was given a room, where he stayed for a few days. Aft& that he asked for an interview with the
Countess, and when admitted to her presence, he expressed his thanks for the protection given to
him, and offered that, as a token of his gratitude, he would transmute her silverware into gold.
The Countess at first could not believe that such a thing was possible, but she at last consented
to have an experiment made with a silver tankard, which the stranger melted and transmuted
into gold. She thereupon sent this gold to the city and had it tested by a goldsmith, who found it
to be gold of the purest kind. She then permitted the stranger to melt and transmute all her silver
spoons, plates, dishes, etc., into gold, which he did, and finally he took his leave and went away,
having received a comparatively small sum of money as a gift from the Countess. Soon after this
event, the husband of the Countess, who seems to have been a spendthrift, and who had been
away from home for several years, serving as an officer in some foreign country, returned,
because he had heard that his wife had become suddenly rich. He claimed half of the gold for
himself, but the Countess refused to acknowledge his claims. The case came, therefore, before
the Court, and the husband supported his claims by the fact that he was the lord of the territory
(Dominus territorii) upon which the castle belonging to his wife was located, and that according
to the laws of the country all treasures found upon that land were lawfully his. He therefore
requested that the gold should be sold, and from the proceeds new silverware should be bought
for the Countess, and the surplus be given to him. The defendant claimed that artificially
produced gold could not come under the consideration of a law referring to buried treasures,
and that therefore the said law could not be applied in her case; that, moreover, the silver had
been transmuted into gold for her own benefit. and not for that of another, and she begged the
Court to be permitted to remain in undisturbed possession of it. The Court decided in her favor.
(From: IN THE PRONAOS OF THE TEMPLE OF WISDOM by Franz Hartmann)

p.37

Questions and Answers

Q. How were the old alchemists able to filter successfully without the use of filter papers such as
we have today?

A. They used wool threads very effectively.

Q. Would you explain what is meant by the term "theriac"?

A. Theriac is an antidote for poison, such as bites or other injuries. The Venetian theriac, also
formerly known as 'Venice treacle," contained over sixty ingredients. We are not aware of any
that mention over sixty ingredients; some give over twenty; others, even less. The original
formula i~ a matter of contention. Even pharmacopias differ.

Q. Does the Philosopher's Stone remain in a liquid form from the citrine color onward, or does it
become a solid?

A. It is said to he a solid.

Q. What do the ancients mean by the Spirit of Salt?

A. Hydrochloric Acid.

Q. What did the ancient alchemists mean by "sulphur vive"?

A. Literally, "sulphur that is alive." They were referring to crude sulphur from the mine.

Q. I've read several times in different books about Potable Gold. To my understanding this
means you can drink it. Is this possible? Can you bring a recipe how to make it and give the
source?

A. "The Alchemical Writings of Edward Kelly" contain the following: A Way of Making
Potable Gold.' "There are two kinds of potable gold. one is called Elixir, and is the stone
liquefied into oil; the other is extracted melted calx of gold with the red oil of Saturn. All other
recipes and methods of alchemists are inept and far from our intention, for whatsoever reduced
into a body, the same is crude and undecocted. Nature develops what is good into what is better
by the way of alteration. Gold which has passed through alteration or physical solution has not
been edduced into something better. Take oil of lead, and circulate for forty days in a steam bath.
Distil in retort till more than half has ascended, and then there will be seen in the vessel a white
and crystalline water remaining at the bottom, while the oil floats on the surface. Take up this oil,
and place the water by itself, as it is worthless; distil this oil slowly two or three times; when
quite free from water, circulate for three days, then rectify, and it will be ready."

Translated from the Hamburg edition of 1676.

ASTROLOGY
Q. On what law may we base the planetary sequence of the daily three and one-half hour
periods, as presented by H. S. Lewis?

A. You evidently refer to the hook "Fate and the Cycles of Life," by H. Spencer Lewis. He
follows the Hindu Tatwas, where each hour out of twenty~four has a planetary ruler. Instead of
using one planet for each hour, H. S. Lewis uses one planet for each three and a half hours, in the
same order. Thus, during sunrise on Sunday, not counting Sunday or the day in question during
sunrise, when five days are added, we come to Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday., and
Friday, which is Venus-ruled. This makes Venus, or "B" as Lewis calls it. the next in line. This is
followed by adding five again to Friday. namely. Saturday, Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, and
Wednesday, which is Mercury-ruled. or "C" in Lewis's system, to which again five is added and
we have Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, which is Moonruled. or "D" in the
Lewis version. This is followed by Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, which
Saturn rules, or "E" as Lewis has it, which leaves Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and
Thursday, which has Jupiter or "F" in Lewis's system. The seven periods are concluded by
Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday, which is Mars or "G" according to Lewis's
planetary disguises, and the whole order repeats itself in the Tatwas order. Although H. S. Lewis
clainis his system has nothing to do with astrology, it is only too evident that the entire structure
of his system is astrological-Qabalistic.

MISCELLANEOUS
Q. During the calendar year, many days are set aside as so-called "Holy Days." If these are
"Holy Days," as the name states, why are there so many, not only among the Christian faith, but
among all other religions? Could you name two or three that could be said to be of most
significance for all peoples?

A. This is rather difficult to answer, because some may reject what others prefer to believe.
Perhaps it would not be amiss to quote Alice Bailey, who says in her The Reappearance of Christ
(pp. 155-56):

"The Festival of Easter. This is the festival of the risen, living Christ, the Teacher of all men and
the Head of the Spiritual Hierarchy. He is the expression of the love of God. On this day the
spiritual Hierarchy, which He guides and directs, will be recognized and the nature of God's love
will be emphasized. This festival is determined always by the date of the first full moon of
Spring and is the great western and Christian festival. "The Festival of Wesak. This is the festival
of the Buddha, the spiritual intermediary between the highest spiritual centre, Shamballa, and
the hierarchy. The Buddha is the expression of the wisdom of God, the embodiment of light and
the indicator of the divine purpose. This will be fixed annually in relation to the full moon of
May, as is at present the case. It is the great eastern festival."

No conclusive answer is possible, as there are many other religious festive occasions all over the
world. In the end, all have to do with the renewal of life and the enlightenment that proceeds
after the first realization has taken place.

Q. What is your opinion of the books by Alice Bailey?

A. Their verbose literary style makes it unnecessarily difficult to appreciate their true value. We
wish they were more condensed, making them more accessible and attractive to the modern
reader, while at the same time clarifying what is needlessly obscure.

Q. What is your attitude toward the young generation?

A. The cry of youth-der Schrei der Jugend-needs not only to be noticed but heeded, and then
answered: Help is at hand-help is forthcoming!

Q. Regarding the destruction of Lucifer, making the Law of Polarity possible in the planetary
system-was there no polarity in the system before this time, and if so, how did the system
operate? Were the planets all of a Positive nature, and if so, was it not then necessary to learn
the difference between good and evil, and therefore was it not necessary for Lucifer, or for one
of the gods, to be destroyed, so that we could have evil to make the differentiation? We could
even assume that the Divine Consciousness contemplated it this way before creation.

A. Yes, we may assume this, as you say. As for us-sorry to confess our ignorance-we do not
know!

Q. When it comes to cancer we are told to beware of "quacks." What one really to understand by
that?

A. A quack in this case is someone with insufficient knowledge to provide the treatment or
"cure." To be able to spot a "quack" look for the following: a special machine or formula kept
secret. A quick cure, advertising the suggestion that even in extreme cases surgery does more
harm than good. That one has the "only" cure available, and it is not necessary to consult
anybody else, because others would not understand anyway. These and similar indications are
sure signs of a quack.
 Parachemy
Volume I: Number 2 Spring 1973

Mutus Liber plate 11

Contents

Iron in the Blood p.41

Alchemistical Compositum p.45
Questions and Answers p.57

p. 41

Iron In The Blood

By Frater Albertus
When children refuse to eat spinach, it is because of a peculiar taste sensation in their mouth,
especially on their teeth, where an abrasive feeling is noticed. Parents, telling the child that
spinach is good for them, usually cannot answer the question: "What is good about it?"

The reason for this taste sensation is iron. Spinach absorbs not only inorganic iron but other
minerals as well. Some plants seem to have a special need or storage facility for certain minerals,
not quite known and understood by man. The fact remains that some plants are a depository of
mineral contents out of proportion to their own needs. Whether Nature has intended this for its
next higher species, the animal, is not known but may be assumed to be the case.

Other plants besides spinach show a similar tendency towards iron absorption. Inorganic
minerals lack carbon and it is the plant which, with the help of carbon, brings about a
metamorphosis of the inorganic substance into an organic. When converted into organic iron it
still is iron except that carbon has formed a bond with the mineral. This makes assimilation in the
animal body much easier since carbon is the body fuel. Without heat no digestion is possible.
The plant relies on solar or artificial warmth for its sustenance. In itself it does not generate
enough heat to keep it alive. The body of man creates by constant putrefaction (fermentation) his
own heat and in this manner extracts in his own laboratory, the essentials from the food to
nourish his blood. A plant produces also heat by putrefaction, but when doing so, dies. Not so
with man. He may continue for a long period of time with this inner fermentation process and
survive.

The blood needs iron. It cannot function properly in the body if there is an iron deficiency. The
best and simplest way is to take what nature provides with an iron abundance so that the body
may supplement its needs. Among other plants besides spinach, the red beet is known to contain
a considerable amount of iron.

A recent special report on the concentrated beet in powdered form, says: There are many
valuable elements in the beet. When people can take enough concentrated beet either in the form
of juice or better yet, a juice which has been carefully dehydrated by a spray-dry process, they
obtain all of the valuable elements in the beet. When the beets are grown in rich organic soil that
contains all of the necessary humus and minerals including the valuable trace minerals, one
taking the powdered beet will obtain many of the vitamins, minerals and trace minerals known-
because the beet has a quality of picking up something of everything available.

"It is well known, of course, that the beet is a wonderful food which contains a high iron content.
The beet contains also much potassium, magnesium, phosphorous, calcium, sulphur and iodine.
The beet also contains many trace minerals which seem to be very valuable for the human body.
We suspect that cobalt, gold, silver, vanadium, all have some function. Many other foods contain
iron and yet it is well known that the human body assimilates iron from the beetroot more easily
than from almost any other known food. Researchers suspect that there is some catalyst in the
beetroot which helps utilize the iron available. This is not true of many other rich sources of iron.

"In the concentrated beet are nucleic acids which nourish the cell so that when the cell divides,
healthy cells are born. These nutrients offered in the beet have the special ferments that are
needed for cell respiration.
"In addition to the minerals and trace minerals mentioned above, research has shown that
because the beet contains ample amounts of silicon the mesenchyme cell is activated.

"The big factor in the beet is the Anthocyan which influences the metabolism of the cell. The
Anthocyans seem to have another function and that is to have a favorable influence on the
intestinal milieu. This means that it will be easier for the individual to re-establish his friendly
bacteria through the use of the acidophilus milk and acidophilus concentrations plus the use of
lactobacillus bifidus in viable form.

"The beet in concentration also tends to help the proper pH factor of the intestinal tract which
means the proper acid-alkaline balance. The red beets have a pH factor of from 5 to 6."

From an alchemistical point of view this is important. When the dried beet is used as an iron
supplement, only one of the three essentials is available. Two other essentials, sulphur and
mercury are not separated, purified, and added to the purified mineral. Suppose, then, one were
to undergo the process known as spagyric. The end product would be a beet concentrate with its
three separated and purified essentials, enabling the blood to absorb these blood builders much
easier and faster, because the digestion process is not required anymore to separate the essentials.

This in itself would indicate an emergency measure, because of lack of iron in the daily food
intake. In severe cases of pernicious anemia a more rigorous treatment would be required, not to
mention leukemia where the red blood cells, (the iron carriers) are subdued by the white
bloodeells.

Paracelsus was already aware of this half a thousand years ago, when he advocated a source
much more potent that would help in the restoration of iron deficiency in the body. He was
referring to native iron. In the process he recommended the separation of the three essentials
similar to the vegetable process. Today, science says this cannot be done, so it administers
sulphates, phosphates, or chlorides of iron. It should be remembered that such are again only the
mineral contents of inorganic iron. The other two spagyric essentials of its spirit and essential oil,
or alchemical sulphur, are missing in the preparation of these salts. Such a salt-let us take an
example the well known Ferrum Phosphate (phosphate of iron) as found in Dr. Schuessler's cell
salts or other remedies-is prepared by using pure iron wire over which phosphoric acid is poured.
When the iron wire is dissolved, the phosphoric acid is washed out and the remaining iron wire,
now iron salt, is taken medicinally. This is not only a procedure used centuries ago, but presently
employed as well in our modern pharmaceuticals. When blood donors are about to leave the
place where blood was given they receive a tiny capsule. This, they are told, will help to
replenish their blood. Its contents are iron sulphate, made by pouring sulphuric acid over iron
wire and then treated, as described, with phosphoric acid.

In the method of Paracelsus, the father of our present chemotherapy, we find that not only the
salt but its other two essentials have to be freed. This, science is presently not able to accomplish.
In the spagyric way, it is possible to derive a tincture of mineral iron, which is not a solution of
the iron salts, but an extraction therefrom. It is in such extracts that the potency of iron as a blood
builder can be found. It will be assimilated much more easily in the blood stream, than by the
digestive process in the stomach.
Why do people drink fruit or vegetable juices and discard the pulp when in need of the food
supplements? Because the vital (vitamins) substances are found in its tincture (juices). Strangely
enough, when one looks at a bottle of vitamins, it usually reads "Supplemented with the
following minerals for daily requirement, etc." A clear indication that deficiencies within the
body are not properly supplied by vitamins only. The reason is: vitamins have to be taken
continuously, instead of starting the metabolism to extract its own vital essences from the food
intake, so that from then on the body can recharge and regenerate the system by itself. It does not
matter so much what man eats or drinks, but when he insists that he has to have it, he is addicted
to it, whether alcohol, tobacco, coffee, coke, vitamin tablets, or what have you.

Only when man is able to take or leave what he wants (or better, has need for), is he free. This
means freedom of body, soul, and spirit.

Alchemists, since time immemorial, have advocated the spagyric way, as the sensible and truly
natural-way to perfect health.

Spagyrically prepared supplements contain all three essentials. These are the main building
blocks and preservatives for our existence.

p. 45

Alchemistical Compositum

By

Saint Dunstan

The following treatise attributed to St. Dunstan, of whom very little is known, is of interest to
alchemical students because of its references to mixtures of various substances with which he
worked. The brevity of the sections may not be sufficient to enlighten the reader who gives them
only a cursory examination, but our students should find in them some important additional
clues. We refer especially to Section IV, which brings to mind the work of the contemporary
French alchemist, Armand Barbault, who extracts a valuable essence from the virgin earth with
dew.

A careful perusal should give alert students many valuable hints.

-Frater Albertus

Take of the best red transparent ore of gold as much as you can have, and drive its spirit from it
through a retort: this is the Azoth and the Acetum of the Philosophers, from its proper minera,
which openeth radically Sol that is prepared.
II

Take the minera of Venus or Saturn, and drive their spirits in a retort; each of these dissolveth
gold radically, after its purification.

III

Take pulverized ore of Saturn, or vulgar Saturn calcined; extract its salt with Acetum or its
antinae (? anima); purify it in the best manner, that it may be transparent as crystal, and sweet as
honey, and be fluid in heat like wax, and brittle when cold. This is the tree which is cut off, of
unwholesome fruits, on which must be inoculated the twigs of Sol.

IV

Take of that earth which lieth waste in the field, found everywhere in moorish grounds, into
which the astrals ejaculate their operations, being adorned with all manner of colors, appearing
like a rainbow; extract from it its purest and subtilest. This is the universal menstruum for all;
and is all in all.

Take of the ore of Sol and Mercury a like quantity; grind each very well; pour on it the spirit of
Mercury, that it stand over three fingers deep. Dissolve and digest it in a gentle warmth.

VI

Take of the best vitriol, or of the vitriol of Venus; drive their spirits in a retort, whiteand red.
With this red spirit, being rectified and sweetened, you may ferment and imbibe the subtle gold
calx, and with the white spirit you may dissolve it after it hath been purified.

VII

Take quick Mercury; purify and dissolve it so long in alcolisated spirit of wine, till its impurity
he separated from it, and become into its extreme, transparent, easy, fluid essence, like unto the
white gluten of the eagle, and capable to receive the blood of the Red Lion.

VIII

Extract the salt of the crude and white calcined tartar; purify and clarify it often, till it be as
bright as the tear of the eye, and can be brought no higher; therewith you may sharpen its own
spirit of wine, which dissolveth Sol and Lune.

IX
Take of the rank poisonous matter or stone, called kerg swaden, exuviae, or husk of the metals;
drive its spirit very circumspectly; receive it so that it may turn unto water; it reduceth all metals
to a potableness,

Take of the air or heavenly dew, being well purified, ten parts, and of subtle gold calx one part;
set it in digestion, dissolve, and coagulate it.

XI

Take the urine of a wholesome man, that drank merely wine; make of it, according to art, the salt
of microcosm; purify it very well, which doth so much acuate the spirit of wine that it dissolveth
Sol in a moment.

XII

Take of the best ore of gold; pulverize it very well; seal it with Hermes his seal; set it so long
into the vaporous fire till you see it spring up into a white and red rose.

XIII

This last experiment he calleth the Light. Take, in the name of the Lord, of Hungarish gold,
which hath been cast thrice through antimony been laminated most thinly, as much of it as you
will, and make with quick Mercury an amalgam; then calcine it most subtily, with flowers of
sulphur and spirit of wine burnt, so often till there remaineth a subtle gold calx of a purple color.
Take one part of it, and two parts of the above mentioned red matter; grind it very well together
for an hour on a warmed marble then cement and calcine well by degrees for three hours in a
circle fire. This, work must be iterated three times; then pour on it of the best rectified spirit, that
it sand over it three fingers deep. set it in a gentle and warm digestion, for six days to be
extracted; then the spirit of wine will be tinged as deep as blood; cant off that tincture, and pour
on another as long as it will tinge it. put all these tinged spirits of wine into a vial so that the
fourth part only be filled, and seal it hermetically; set it on the vaporous fire of the first degree;
let it be of that heat as hot as the sun shineth in July; let it stand thus for forty days-then you shall
obtain your wish.

The author recommendeth this last experiment very highly, affirming upon his experimental
practice that this Aurum Potabile is the highest medicine next unto the universal, and, being
taken in appropriated vehicles, cureth all diseases without causing any pains at all.

Item.-With. this Aurum Potabile is Antimony prepared, so that it purgeth only downward, and
carrieth forth all ill humours without molestation, and is called the purging gold.

It is prepared also by the aid of antimony into a diaphoretic gold, to expel by sweating all
malignant humours; and Mercurius Vitae is made also with this Potable Gold (if it be kept in a
long digestion) ; their dose is according to the quality of the person.
P.57

Questions and Answers

ALCHEMY

Q. Since we talk of the four elements being within all things, what are these in relation to plants,
animals, etc.? What parts of? There is a fifth element, Akashic. Is this the Quintessence?

A. The four elements are always the same in essence: Heat, air, liquid, solids or fire, air, water
and earth. These are found, no matter in what proportions, in all substances. The fifth element is
found within the four but it is not one of the four, but one of the three essentials. This is
explained in the P.R.S. curriculum. Akasha is what is found as part of SuperConsciousness.

Q. Is coal similar to tartar since it is formed by organic material? Could it be used as this bridge
between the vegetable and mineral world?

A. Coal is primarily carbon. Tartar may contain carbon as in potassium carbonate. Carbon as
such is the bridge between inorganic and organic substance. Carbon contents in the plant world
distinguish it from the inorganic mineral which contains no carbon.

Q. Is anything lost by allowing Sb203, to boil before pouring?

A. Only its sulphurous and arsenic fumes.

Q. Do we have no use for the commercially prepared potassium carbonate in the making of the
tartar menstruums?

A. Yes, you may use it.

Q. Would an extract made by using acetone as the menstruum give a fixed extract, seeing that
acetone gives an acid reaction to litmus?

A. Not necessarily. We know of two types of acetone, one is the commercial, the other prepared
alchemically over antimony.

Q. Would taking the tincture of juniper berries be more beneficial than taking 7 berries a day? If
so, about how many drops should be taken?

A. We would say the tincture is more beneficial because some of the essentials within the juniper
berry have been separated and are easier to assimilate. As to the dose, that is for your doctor to
decide.
Q. Can the alkahest be used medicinally?

Yes.

ASTROLOGY

Q. Do the planets absorb all the rays except the special ray by which they are known?- Or do
they absorb the one ray by which they are known and reflect all others?

A. They absorb what they need for their sustenance and give off any excess of their needs.

MISCELLANEOUS

Q. Many occult traditions have given various interpretations as to who and what the Christ is.
On the one hand, there is the conception given forth by the Theosophical Society via eadbeater
and later Alice Bailey that the Christ is not a being but an office in the Spiritual Hierarchy of
this planet-this office being held successively for long periods by greatly exalted souls (the
present One sometimes called the Lord Maitreya), and that the One holding this office is always
known as the World Teacher. According to this tradition, it is the World Teacher who
overshadows or inspires the various Avatars (descending ones) which incarnate at critical times
for the welfare of mankind, i.e., Jesus, Krishna, Zoroaster, Hermes, and others.

On the other hand, there is the Esoteric Christian tradition emanating from Rudolph Steiner and
also Max Heindel which teaches that the Christ is a great Sun Being who ages ago, of His own
free will, made the great sacrifice of descending step by step into physical incarnation for three
years through the vehicle of Jesus of Nazareth. This was the one and only time this Being had
descended so far into dense matter and this incarnation occurred at a turning point when the
earth needed a special impetus for an upturn in its spiritual evolution. For it was not so much
what the Christ taught, this tradition says, but what He gave. This was His Body and Blood by
which the whole earth was regenerated. The Gnostics, again, in the early centuries of this era
taught that the entire Biblical Christ story-the birth, baptism, transfiguration, crucifixion, and
ascension-was only an allegory depicting the various stages of man's spiritual progress.
Christhood or being Christed was the enlightenment or illumination attained upon the fulfillment
of one's spiritual evolution or unfoldment.

None of these views seems complete in itself. Is it presumptuous to ask if there is a Christ Being?
Who and what is He?

There is a beautiful invocation which says the Lord of Life is approached through the Christ.
Why must the approach to the Lord be made in this way?

A. According to the law of polarity any mental concept can be conceived only within the three
essentials. No matter how subtle a substance may be it will have to have the spirit (life) within it.
These two, body and spirit, are imbued with consciousness (soul). Therefore, a Christ has a being
as a Being.
 Q. B. L.

Q. Should Daath be used in the Tree of Life pattern? Some do, others don't.

A. It is said.that Daath refers to a fallen angel. All angels on the Tree of Life end their names
with "EL' meaning God. Thus Ra-fa-el pertains to the sun (Ra). In the case of Daath (death) its
former name was said to be Te,-uf-el (German Teufel means devil) where our English devil-de-
vi-el-comes from. This son of the heavens (planet) fell from Grace. It is supposed to be now the
asteroids between Mars and Jupiter, the remnants of this destroyed planet. That is why the Devil
is called a destroyer, having destroyed his physical being and is now eager to have its
intelligence incarnate or substantiate itself in matter of any form in order to be active. Only when
embodied can the devilish life (spirit) by way of its great degree of intelligence (consciousness)
be felt. When entry in matter (body) is denied that, which is formerly of Te-uf-el, or devilish,
cannot operate. It is then bound within its own domain (doomed).

Q. How do the writers of the Bible account for the life span of individuals to be 500 years or
better?

A. Their calendars and ours differ. Also, a conscious reincarnation considered a prolongation of
the same life span here on earth.

Q. In the beginning all was void. Darkness was upon the face of the deep. The light was divided
from the darkness. Therefore the light must have been a part of the darkness. If this is true, then
there is no darknessif this light was divided from the darkness then there must be darkness left.
Does this darkness contain light? The Rosicrucians say light came not from darkness because
darkness is the absence of light. Please explain.

A. Absence of light does not necessarily refer to that conceived by optics. We also speak of an
inner light. This light within is found in the outer darkness. At night one can see "in his mind's
eye." Darkness, absence of optical light, does not conceive of light, but has within it darkness, to
conceal temporarily the inner light. This is necessary to distinguish between inner and outer
light, just as day and night are in essence found within one day.
 Parachemy
Volume I: Number 3 Summer 1973

Contents

Alchemy and Meditation p.61

The Magistery - W.B. 1633 p.65
Concerning Sulphur - Michael Sendivogius 1677 p.67

p.61

Alchemy And Meditation

By
Robert Bremer

The great alchemist Gerhard Dorn wrote the following extraordinary words:
Within the human body there is hidden a certain metaphysical substance, known only to the very
few, whose essence it is to need no medicament, for it is itself uncorrupted medicament. It is of a
three-fold nature: metaphysical, physical and moral. Thus the attentive reader will conclude that
one must pass from the metaphysical to the physical by a philosophic procedure.

In our view, this passage constitutes an amazingly concise summary of the alchemical work.

Time and again, we encounter persons who suffer from what we call the eilherlor syndrome. To
them, either alchemy is a purely physical and futile) laboratory pursuit-or it is a poetic analogy
that was never intended to be taken literally. For the latter group, alchemy means we must liken
the lead of our gross thoughts into the pure gold of religious platitudes, and that's all there is to it.
Men questioned about the physical laboratory apparatus with which alchemists worked, such
persons dismiss it blithely, saying, in effect, that if the discovery of phosphorous was made by an
alchemist (Hennig Brand), or if the virtues of antimony were illuminated by the work of an
alchemist (Basil Valentine), it was merely the result of accidentally stumbling onto important
facts after wandering through some vague metaphysical fog.

The opposite point of view holds that these men were determined, if rather misguided, pioneers
in the field of science, and that their religious speculations are nobody's business but their own,
and the less said about them, the better. After all, if a man discovers phosphorous, who cares
what he thought about gnomes and spirits? If a man can teach us something about antimony,
does it matter that he happened to be a devout member of a religious order?

The contemporary notion of priest versus scientist, monk versus nuclear physicist is very
strangely inaccurate when we come up against the historical facts of the alchemical work.
Science scoffs at the religious pretensions but accepts alchemy's important scientific discoveries.
Religion scoffs at the crude athanors and alembics and looks upon it all as a primitive exercise in
religious mysticism. Well, who is right?

The alchemists were deeply dedicated men who did not suffer from the fissure in our twentieth
century souls, namely, that on the one hand there is God, on the other, there is matter, and never
the twain shall meet. On the contrary, for the alchemist, God is in the world, and the world is in
God. They were not victims of our contemporary blindness; that is why some of them succeeded
in their work; that is why some of them have much of importance to convey to us today.

Here is another passage from Dorn that demonstrates further the beautiful confluence the
alchemist experiences between the physical world and the nonphysical:

There is in natural things a certain truth which cannot be seen with the outward eye, but is
perceived by the mind alone. The philosophers have known it, and they have found that its power
is so great as to work miracles.

This miracle, we suggest, is at work in the observation of a rose in your garden. This miracle is at
work in the observation of a friend in your heart as well as your eyes. The mysterium
coniunctionis of the alchemists, that mysterious marriage of the Sun and the Moon, is a
conjunction of the most extraordinary scope, because it is a conjunction of physical fact with
metaphysical reality.

This unique vision is not the result of a tersely factual pouring of acetic acid onto calcined
stibium. nor is it the result of a mere figurative allusion that one given substance is the Sun and
another, the Moon. Just as with physical facts, the quality of the ingredients has an important
influence on the result, so in mental terms, the quality of the thought put into the work has a
bearing on its ultimate success or failure. Dorn confirms this by saying:

In this truth lies the whole art of freeing the spirit from its fetters, in the same way that, as we
have said, the mind can be freed from the body.

This last phrase-"the mind can be freed from the body"-is, as we see it, a direct reference to the
meditative technique of the alchemist. But perhaps our word "technique" is not quite the correct
one, for it seems to imply a formula of sorts, a preconceived set of ideas, whereas in truth,
spontaneity is of the essence in meditation as it is in alchemy. Meditation is, after all, a kind of
fishing into the subconscious for the wellspring of a truth. The conscious mind, selecting its
subject or question (the 'bait') dips like a fishhook into the water. But the bait does not seek the
fish. The fish seeks the bait. And this is one of the most commonly misunderstood principles in
all of metaphysics. We do not meditate. We are 'meditated.' To achieve this, we must be
receptive.

Who among us is receptive?

Even in the privacy of our laboratory, don't we often tend to adjust flasks, measure substances,
think in the jargon of the alchemical work as though we were really performing it? After all, 'I
have studied for years; I have read the texts. I direct the course of this work.'

Only God directs the work. And not one among us has access to the wellsprings of that wisdom
unless we are receptive. That is why alchemy is an art as well as a science. It is not only the art
of directing the work as we understand it after being instructed by a book or a teacher. it is also
the art of receiving the work, i.e., being receptive to it in our hearts, and letting the work refine
us, even as we refine our work. That is the confluence of two worlds that the true alchemist
experiences. We can, and must, strive for that through years of intellectual, physical and
emotional effort, but in the end, we do not make it happen-we let it happen. And only through
meditation is this "letting go possible. To quote Dorn once again:

Thou wilt never make the One which thou seekest, except first there be made one thing of thyself.

This "one thing" is the one-pointed concentration and subsequent meditation of the devoted
student. It involves and utilizes every level of his being. It brings those levels to a pitch of
alertness previously unknown, and then, once attained, it lets go of them. The technique is
familiar to readers acquainted with Zen, with Yoga, with Taoism, and with many other religious
disciplines. But it has not been consciously identified with alchemy for the simple reason that
alchemy is so widely misunderstood or even ignored, its terminology and methods being so
notoriously obscure and complex. Martin Ruland's Lexicon of Alchemy defines meditatio as
follows:

The word MEDITATIO is used when a man has an inner dialogue with someone unseen. It may
be with God, when He is invoked, or with himself, or with his good angel.

Clearly, then, the meditative aspect of the alchemical work is not merely cogitation, or simply
sitting down and thinking about the work. To be sure, preliminary organization of the theory of a
given procedure is essential; master the theory before the praxis. But meditation goes deeper than
this, and involves a much more complex process. The point to be emphasized is that meditation
is an inner dialogue. We must select our terms for it with care, in attempting to describe it. The
occultist will see it as a profound revelation from the Higher Self. the ceremonial magician, as
the Knowledge and Conversation of the Holy Guardian Angel. the religionist as a form of prayer;
the skeptic as an hypnotic trance; and the psychologist as a means of coming to terms with the
contents of the unconscious. '

Little wonder that the alchemist is said to begin his work with a massa confusa! Both in his mind
and in his physIcal labors, he must sort out of the primal chaos a goodly order. If his thoughts are
not in order, his substances will not be properly handled. And even at best, if both are in order,
he must have the courage to dive deeper into his inner resources to understand the relationship
between his own soul and that "soul" of matter with which he works. He can still expect to be
attacked on the one hand by skeptical occultists for being too "literal" in using laboratory
methods; and on the other by scientifically learned friends for being a religious sentimentalist
over a few flasks and retorts.

So the alchemist, even today, has his own razor's edge to walk. But the challenge of the work
goes beyond trite dismissals and defies the easy categories of those who try to explain it away.
The man or woman who enters it with a prayerful and meditative heart can only benefit by its
pursuit. Not one writer in this century or in those past can tell us the path is an easy one. Yet as
Michael Maler has said:

There is in our chemistry a certain noble substance over whose beginning, affliction rules with
vinegar, but over whose end, joy rules with mirth.

Finally, we draw from the wisdom of Morienus in instructing Khalid:

This thing for which you have sought so long is not to be acquired or accomplished by force or
passion. It is only to be won by patience and humility and by a determined and most perfect love.
For God bestows this divine and immaculate science on his faithful servants, namely those on
whom he resolved to bestow it from the original nature of things.... Nor were they able to hold
anything back save through the strength granted to them by God, and they themselves could no
longer direct their minds save toward the goal appointed for them by God. For God charges
those of his servants whom he has purposely chosen that they seek this divine science which is
hidden from men, and that they keep it to themselves. This is the science that draws its master
away from the suffering of this world and leads to the knowledge of future good.
p.65

The Magistery
By W.B.
The following short poem was dated December, 1633, and signed only with the initials W.B. It
later appeared (in 1651) in a collection of alchemical works compiled by Elias Ashmole titled
THEATRUM CHEMICUM BRITANNICUM, Still considered one of the finest collections of
alchemical works in English. This short poem exemplifies the efforts of early writers not only to
summarize their work but to meditate on it-a point dealt with in another article in this issue-and
to direct the reader to meditate as well on the alchemical message implicit in the ancient myths.
The fifth stanza urges the student to a careful consideration of the myths of Cadmus and Jason,
advice both given and followed three hundred years later by Fulcanelli in his famous work, LE
MYSTERE DES CATHEDRALES. We have modernized the poet's spelling.
-Editor

Through want of skill and reason's light

Men stumble at noon day;
Whilst busily our Stone they seek,
That lieth in the way.

Who thus do seek they know not what

Is it likely they should find?
Or hit the mark whereat they aim
Better than can the blind?

No, Hermes' sons for Wisdom ask,

Your footsteps she'll direct:
She'll Nature's way and secret cave
And Tree of Life detect.

Son and Moon in Hermes' vessel

Learn how the colors show;
The nature of the elements,
And how the daisies grow.

Great Python how Apollo slew,

Cadmus his hollow oak:
His new raised army, and Jason how
The fiery steers did yoke.

The eagle which aloft doth fly

See that thou bring to ground,
And give unto the snake some wings,
Which in the earth is found.

Then in one room sure bind them both,

To fight till they be dead,
And that a Prince of Kingdoms three
Of both them shall be bred.

Which from the cradle to his crown

Is fed with his own blood;
And though to some it seems strange,
He hath no other food.

Into his virgin mother's womb

Again he enter must;
So shall the King by his new birth,
Be ten times stronger just.

And able is his foes to foil,

The dead he will revive:
Oh, happy man that understands
This medicine to achieve!

p.67

Concerning ...

SULPHUR
By
Michael Sendivogius

Translated from the Latin edition, Frankfurt, 1677

[Through generations and translations, misinformation abounds regarding one Michal Seziwoju
whose name has been Latinized to Michael Sendivogius (variously placed chronologically from
1556 to 1636 or 1646). Historians have presented vastly detailed biographies combining useful
fact with much mis leading fiction, and in the course of an unquestionably eventful life,
Sendivogius has been credited with powers and performances beyond his worth. It was only after
his dramatic rescue of the famed Scottish alchemist, Alexander Seton, from imprisonment and
torture by the Elector of Saxony, that he gained prominence in the history of alchemy. In
gratitude, Seton shared with Sendivogius his precious powder of transmutation, and shortly after
Seton's death, Sendivogius married his widow, thus acquiring the secret notes and unpublished
writings of the Scottish adept. These he edited and published, sometimes under the name
COSMOPOLITA, a title by which Seton had been known, someti . mes under his own anagram of
DIVI LESCHI GENUS AMO. The following is taken from NOVUM LUMEN CHYMICUM. -
Editor]

Among the three principles the Sages have justly assigned the first place to Sulphur, as the whole
Art is concerned with the manner of its preparation. Sulphur is of three chief kinds: that which
tinges or colours; that which congeals mercury; and essential sulphur, which matures it. The
properties and preparation of this Sulphur we propose to describe, not in a set treatise, but in a
dialogue. . . . We will only say, by way of preface, that Sulphur is more mature than the other
principles, and that Mercury cannot be coagulated without it. The aim and object of our Art is to
elicit from metals that Sulphur by means of which the Mercury of the Sages is, in the veins of the
earth, congealed into silver and gold. in this operation the Sulphur acts the part of the male, and
our Mercury that of the female. Of the composition and action of these two are engendered the
Mercuries of the Philosophers.

In a former dialogue we gave an account of the meeting of Alchemists, which a sudden tempest
brought to so abrupt a close. Among those who took a prominent part of the proceedings, was a
good friend of the first Alchemist; he was not a bad man, or an impostor, but, as they say,
nobody's enemy except his own. yet he was foolish withal, and though really very ignorant, had
no small opinion of his own wisdom and learning. He had at the meeting been the foremost
champion of the claims of Sulphur to be regarded as the first substance of the Stone, and was
satisfied that he would have been able to make good that claim, if the meeting had not been
prematurely broken up. So when he got home he resumed his operations on Sulphur in a very
confident spirit. He subjected it to distillation, sublimation, calcination, fixation, and to countless
other chemical processes, in which he spent much time and money, without arriving at any result
whatsoever. His failures at length began to prey on his health and spirits, and in order to recruit
the former, and raise the latter, he fell into the habit of taking long walks in the neighborhood of
the town where he lived. But wherever he went he could think of nothing but Sulphur. One day,
with his mind full of this besetting idea, and being wrought almost to an ecstacy, he entered a
certain verdant grove, in which there was abundance not only of trees, herbs, and fruits, but also
of animals, birds, minerals, and metals. Of water there was indeed a great scarcity. it was carried
to the place by means of aqueducts, and among these was a conduit flowing with water extracted
from the rays of the moon-but this water was reserved for the use of the Nymph of the grove. In
the grove there were two young men tending oxen and rams, and from them he learned that the
grove belonged to the Nymph Venus. The Alchemist was gratified enough, but all his thoughts
were absorbed by the subject of Sulphur, and when he remembered the words of the Sages, who
say that the substance is vile and common, and its treatment easy, when he recollected the vast
amount of time, labour, and money which he had vainly spent upon it, he lifted up his voice, and
in the bitterness of his heart, cursed Sulphur. Now Sulphur was in that grove, though the
Alchemist did not know it. But suddenly he heard a voice which said: "My friend, why do you
curse Sulphur?" He looked up in bewilderment: nobody was to be seen. "My friend, why are you
so sad?" continued the voice.

Alchemist: Master, I seek the Philosopher's Stone as one that hungers after bread.

Voice: And why thus do you curse Sulphur?

Alchemist: My Lord, the Sages call it the substance of the Stone; yet I have spent all my time
and labour in vain upon it, and am well nigh reduced to despair.

Voice: It is true that Sulphur is the true and chief substance of the Stone. Yet you curse it
unjustly. For it lies heavily chained in a dark prison and cannot do as it would. Its hands and feet
have been bound, and the doors of the dungeon closed upon it, at the bidding of its mother,
Nature, who was angry with it for too readily obeying the summons of every Alchemist. It is
now confined in such a perfect labyrinth of a prison, that it can be set free only by those Sages to
whom Nature herself has entrusted the secret.

Alchemist: Ah! miserable that I am, this is why he was unable to come to me! How very hard
and unkind of the mother! When is he to be set at large again?

Voice: That can only be by means of hard and perservering labour.

Alchemist: Who are his gaolers?

Voice: They are of his own kindred, but grievous tyrants.

Alchemist: And who are you?

Voice: I am the judge and the chief gaoler, and my name is Saturn.

Alchemist: Then Sulphur is detained in your prison?

Voice: Yes, but I am not his keeper.

Alchemist: What does he do in prison?

Voice: Whatever his gaolers command.

Alchemist: And what can he do,?

Voice: He can perform a thousand things, and is the heart of all. He can perfect metals and
minerals, impart understanding to animals, produce flowers in herbs and trees, corrupt and
perfect air. in short, he produces all the odours and paints all the colours in the world.

Alchemist: Of what substance does he make the flowers?

Voice: His guards furnish him with vessels and matter; Sulphur digests it; and according to the
diversity of the digestion, and the weight of the matter, he produces choice flowers, having their
special odours.

Alchemist: Master, is he old?

Voice: Know, friend, that Sulphur is the virtue of the world, and though Nature's second-born-
yet the oldest of all things. To those who know him, however, he is as obedient as a little child.
He is most easily recognized by the vital spirit in animals, the colour in metals, the odour in
plants. Without his help his mother can do nothing.

Alchemist: Is he the sole heir, or has he any brothers?

Voice: He has some brothers who are quite unworthy of him; and a sister that he loves, and who
is to him as a mother.

Alchemist: Is he always the same?

Voice: As to his nature, it is always the same. But in person his heart only is pure: his garments
are spotted.

Alchemist: Master, was he ever quite free?

Voice: Yes, in the days of the great Masters and Sages, whom Nature loved, and to whom she
gave the keys of the prison.

Alchemist: Who were these wise adepts?

Voice: There have been very many, and among them Hermes, who was one and the same with
the mother of Sulphur. After him there were kings, princes, a long line of Sages, including
Aristotle and Avicenna. All these delivered Sulphur from his bonds.

Alchemist: What does he give to them for delivering him?

Voice: When he is set free, he binds his gaolers, and gives their three kingdoms to his deliverer.
He also gives to him a magic mirror, in which the three parts of the wisdom of the whole world
may be seen and known at a glance: and this mirror clearly exhibits the creation of the world, the
influences of the celestial virtues on earthly things, and the way in which Nature composes
substances by the regulation of heat. With its aid, men may at once understand the motion of the
Sun and Moon, and that universal movement by which Nature herself is governed-also the
various degrees of heat, cold, moisture, and dryness, and the virtues of herbs and of all other
things. By its means the physician may at once, without consulting an herbarium, tell the exact
composition of any given plant or medicinal herb. But now-a-days men are content to trust to the
authority of great writers, and no longer attempt to use their own eyes. They quote Aristotle and
Galen, as if there was not much more to be learned from the great Book of Nature which is
spread open before them. Know that all things on the earth and under the earth are engendered
and produced by the three principles, but sometimes by two, unto which the third, nevertheless,
adheres. He who knows these three principles, and their proportions as conjoined by Nature, can
tell easily by their greater or less coction, the degrees of heat in each subject, and whether they
have been well, badly, or passably cooked. For those who know the three principles know also
all vegetables sight, taste, and odour, for these senses determine the three principles, and the
degree of their decoction.

Alchemist: Master, they say that Sulphur is a Medicine.

Voice: Nay, you might rather call him a physician, and to him who delivers him out of prison, he
gives his blood as a Medicine.

Alchemist: How long can a man ward off death by means of this universal Medicine?

Voice: Until the time originally appointed. But many Sages who did not take it with proper
caution, have died before that time.

Alchemist: Do you call it a poison then?

Voice: Have you not observed that a great flame swallows up a small one? Men, who had
received the Art by the teachings of others, thought that the more powerful the dose they took of
our Medicine, the more beneficial would be the effect. They did not consider that one grain of it
has strength to penetrate many thousand pounds of metals.

Alchemist: How then should they have used it?

Voice: They ought to have taken only so much as would have strengthened and nourished,
without overwhelming, their natural heat.

Alchemist: Master, I know how to make that Medicine.

Voice: Blessed are you if you do! For the blood of Sulphur is that inward virtue and dryness
which congeals quicksilver into gold and imparts health and perfection to all bodies. But the
blood of Sulphur is obtained only by those who can deliver him from prison; and therefore he is
so closely imprisoned that he can hardly breathe, lest he should come to the Palace of the King.

Alchemist: Is he so closely imprisoned in all metals?

Voice: In some his imprisonment is less strict than in others.

Alchemist: Why, Lord, is he imprisoned in the metals so tyrrannously?

Voice: Because if he once came unto his royal palace, he would no longer fear his guards. He
could look from the windows with freedom, and appear before the whole world, for he would be
in his own kingdom, though not in that state of highest power whereto he desires to arrive.

Alchemist: What is his food?

Voice: His food is air, in a digested state, when he is free; but in prison he is compelled to
consume it in acrude state.

Alchemist: Master, cannot those quarrels between him and his gaolers be composed?

Voice: Yes, by a wise and cunning craftsman.

Alchemist: Why does he not offer them terms of peace?

Voice: He cannot do so by himself: his indignation gets the better of his discretion.

Alchemist: Why does he not do so through some commissary?

Voice: He who could put an end to their strife would be a wise man, and worthy of undying
honour. For if they were friends, they would help, instead of hindering each other, and bring
forth immortal things.

Alchemist: I will gladly undertake the duty of reconciling them. For am a very learned man, and
they could not resist my practical skill. I am a great Sage, and my Alchemistic treatment would
quickly bring about the desired end. But tell me, is this the true Sulphur of the Sages?

Voice: He is Sulphur; you ought to know whether he is the Sulphur of the Sages.

Alchemist: If I find his prison, shall 1 be able to deliver him?

Voice: Yes, if you are wise enough to do so. It is easier to deliver him than to find his prison.

Alchemist: When I do find him, shall I be able to make him into the Philosopher's Stone?

Voice: I am no prophet. But if you follow his mother's advice, and dissolve the Sulphur, you will
have the Stone.

Alchemist: In what substance is this Sulphur to be found?

Voice: In all substances. All things in the world-metals, herbs, trees, animals, stones, are its ore.

Alchemist: But out of what substances do the Sages procure it?

Voice: My friend, you press me somewhat too closely. But I may say that though it is
everywhere, yet it has certain palaces where the Sages can most conveniently find it; and they
worship it when it swims in its sea and sports with Vulcan (god of fire), though there it is
disguised in a most poor garb. Now is it in a dark prison, hidden from sight. But it is one only
subject, and if you cannot find it at home you will scarcely do so in the forest. Yet, to give you
some heart in your research, I will solemnly assure you that it is most perfect in gold and silver-
most easily obtained in quicksilver.

With these words Saturn departed, and the Alchemist, being weary with walking, fell into a deep
sleep, in which he saw the following vision: He beheld in that grove a spring, of water, near
which Salt and Sulphur were walking and quarrelling, until at last they began to fight. Salt dealt
Sulphur a grievous wound, out of which there flowed, instead of blood, pure, milk white water,
that swelled into a great river. In this river the virgin goddess, Diana, came to bathe. and a certain
bold prince, who was passing by, was inflamed with great love towards her. which she,
perceiving and returning pretended to be sinking under water. The prince bade his attendants
assist her. but they excused themselves, saying that the river, though it looked small and all but
dried up, was most dangerous. "And," said they, "many of those who have passed here before
have perished in it." Then that prince threw off his thick cloak, plunged into the river, and
stretched out his arm to save the beautiful Diana; but she grasped it so convulsively that they
both sank under water together. Soon afterwards their souls were seen rising upward above the
water, and they said, "We have done well, for in no other way could we be delivered from our
stained and spotted bodies."

Alchemist: Will you ever return into those bodies? Souls: Not while they are so polluted-but
when they are cleansed, and the river is dried up by the heat of the sun.

Alchemist: What do you do in the meantime?

Souls: We soar above the water till the storm and the mists cease.

Then the Alchemist thought that he saw a great number of his fellows come to the spot where the
body of the Sulphur lay slain by the Salt. and they divided it among themselves, and gave a piece
to him also. Then they went home, and began to operate on their (dead) Sulphur, and are at it to
this day.

Presently Saturn returned, and the Alchemist said: Master, come quickly, I have found Sulphur-
help me to make the Stone.

Saturn: Gladly, my friend. Prepare the quicksilver, and the sulphur, and give me the vessel.

Alchemist: Oh, I do not want Mercury. It is a delusion and a snare, as my friend the other
Alchemist discovered to his smart.

Saturn: I can do nothing without quicksilver.

Alchemist: Oh no, we will make it of Sulphur only.

So they set to work on that piece of dead sulphur, and sublimed, calcined, and subjected it to all
manner of chemical operations. But they produced nothing save little bits of sulphurous tow,
such as they use for lighting fires. Then the Alchemist confessed the fruitlessness of his
endeavours, and bade Saturn set about the work in his own way.

Then Saturn took two kinds of quicksilver, of different substance but one root, washed them with
his urine, and called them the sulphurs of sulphurs; then he mixed the fixed with the volatile,
after which he placed them in a proper vessel, and set a watch to prevent the sulphur from
escaping; afterwards he placed them in a bath of very gentle heat-and thus they made the
Philosopher's Stone, which must always follow as the outcome of the right substance. Then the
Alchemist took it in his hand, admired its beautiful purple colour, and danced about with it,
shouting aloud with joy and delight. Suddenly the glass slipped out of his hand and broke into a
thousand pieces; the stone vanished; and the Alchemist awoke with nothing in his hand but some
pieces of sulphurous tow.

There are a good many Alchemists who, having an extremely favourable opinion of themselves,
and fancying that they can hear the grass grow, rail against this Art, because they think that if the
Stone were not a mere delusion, they could not have failed to find it. We, for our part, are not
over anxious to rob these people of their comfortable conviction. But to men who were worthy
(men both of high and low degree) we have repeatedly proved the reality of our Art by
incontestable ocular evidence. Let me warn those who wish to follow the true method in studying
our Art, always to read with constant reference to natural facts, and never, under any
circumstances, to do anything contrary to Nature. If the Sages say that fire does not burn, they
must not believe it; for Nature is greater than the Sages; but if they say that it is the property of
fire to dry and heat things, they will accept this statement, because it is in accordance with the
truth of Nature-and the facts of Nature are always simple and plain. If any one came and taught
you to make this Stone, as though he were giving you a recipe for making cheese out of milk, he
might speak more plainly than I have done; but I am compelled to veil and conceal my meaning,
because of the vow which my Master exacted of me.

My last words shall be addressed to you who have already made some progress in this Art. Have
you been where the bridegroom has been married to the bride, and the nuptials were celebrated
in the house of Nature? Have you heard how the vulgar have seen this Sulphur, as much as have
you who have taken such pains to seek it? If you wish that even old women should practice your
philosophy, show the dealbation of these sulphurs, and say openly to the common people:
Behold, the water is divided, and the Sulphur has gone forth; when it returns it will be whiter
than snow, and will congeal the water. Burn the sulphur with imcombustible Sulphur, wash it,
and make it white and purple until the Sulphur becomes Mercury, and the Mercury Sulphur, and
you can proceed to quicken it with the soul of gold. Our Mercury must be corrected by means of
Sulphur otherwise it is unprofitable. A prince without a people is a wretched sight and so is an
Alchemist without Sulphur and Mercury. If you understand me, I have spoken.

The Alchemist went home, bewailed the broken Stone, and his folly in not asking Saturn about
the Salt of the Sages, and the way of distinguishing between it and ordinary salt. The rest he
related to his wife.
CONCLUSION

Every student of this Art should first carefully read what is said in this and other Treatises-about
the creation, operation, properties, and effects of the four elements; otherwise he cannot
apprehend the nature of the three principles, or find the substance of the Stone, or understand its
development. God has created the elements out of chaos; Nature has evolved the three principles
out of the elements; and out of these principles she makes all things, and gives power to her
beloved disciples to produce marvelous preparations. If Nature produces metals out of the
principles, Art must follow her example. It is one of the rules of Nature to act through
intermediate substances. and this book should enable the student to judge what substances are
intermediate between the elements and metals, and between metals and the Stone. The difference
between gold and water is great, that between water and mercury not so great, and that between
gold and mercury very small, for mercury is the habitation of gold, water the habitation of
mercury, and sulphur is that which coagulates mercury. The whole arcanum lies hidden in the
Sulphur of the Sages, which is also contained in the inmost part of their Mercury, which has to
be prepared in a certain way that shall be described on another occasion.

I have not written this Treatise with the object of refuting the ancient Sages, but only for the
purpose of correcting, explaining, and supplementing their statements. After all, they were only
men, and they sometimes did make assertions which can now no longer be maintained. For
instance, when Albertus Magnus says that gold was once found to have developed in the teeth of
a dead man, he is out of harmony with the possibilities of Nature; for an animal substance can
never develop into a mineral. It is true that animals and vegetables contain sulphur and mercury,
as well as minerals; but these principles are animal and vegetable, not mineral. If there were no
animal sulphur in man, the mercury of his blood could not be congealed into flesh and bones;
and if plants contained no vegetable sulphur, their mercury or water (sap) would not be
congealed into leaves and flowers. The three kinds of sulphur are essentially the same, but, like
the three mercuries, they are differentiated according to the three kingdoms, and cannot act
outside their own kingdoms. Each kind of mercury can be coagulated by none but its own
sulphur, and if gold was found in the teeth of a dead man, it must have been introduced in an
artificial manner-either as gold, or in the shape of some other metal which by the gradual action
of its own metallic sulphur on its metallic mercury, was afterwards transmuted into gold. It is
mistaken impressions and superstitious notions, like this one of Albertus Magnus, that we have
set ourselves to correct in this Treatise, by stating once for all the true facts of animal, vegetable,
and mineral development.

Let the painstaking student be satisfied to have received a true account of the origin of the Three
Principles. There is no greater help towards a successful end than a good beginning. I have in
this Treatise started the student on the right road, and given clear and practical directions. With
God's blessing, and by dint of diligent and perservering study, one may now fairly hope to reach
the glorious goal. But I, having told out all that is lawful for me to utter, now commit myself to
the mercy of a loving Creator, who will receive me to Himself; and I commend the gentle and
pious Reader to the same great Father of All, to whom be praise and glory, through the endless
succession of the ages.
 Parachemy
Volume I: Number 4 Autumn 1973

V.I.T.R.I.O.L.U.M.

Contents

Alchemy Throughout The Ages p.80

Questions and Answers p.90

p. 80

Alchemy Throughout The Ages*

By Heinz Fischer-Lichtental

Munich, Germany
Fundamental Considerations

An alchemist is a peculiar man, a lone wolf, possibly with a pointed medieval magician's hat. He
vegetates in an attic where it smells like sulphur. Surrounded by an agglomeration of laboratory
utensils, he maintains a continuous fire on which different unsavory mixtures are brewed. And
all of this to make gold!

So much for the surprisingly still existing stereotype of an alchemist. It has been transmitted to a
large extent by the tradition which is based on the medieval Dr. Faustus and his contemporaries.
Furthermore, this view seems to be confirmed by the enlightenment that took place since the
beginning of modern chemistry and in the charmingly-tender to contemplative-romantic casts in
the paintings by Karl Spitzweg.

The rather meager education and information of past centuries did not enable most people to
differentiate between charlatanry and serious alchemistical activity. Also, the powers of the
former absolute rulers endangered the freedom of the genuine adept by the attempts to force him
to live in complete dependence of and to perform undesirable services for a ruling potentate or to
be subjected to much persecution. This explains the fact that the majority of the handed-down
alchemistical writings were published either anonymously or under a pseudonym. Furthermore,
the trend had already been established by the Arabs and Alexandrians to express themselves in
allegories and to embellish their subjects of discussion. The abundance of traditions makes it
impossible to penetrate the thicket. All we can hope to do is to establish a historical leitmotiv at
the surface of events.

The prevalent contemporary view of alchemy and its essential features has been derived from
that of the sciences of the 18th and 19th centuries. It was then that the separation of alchemy and
chemistry took place which has been perpetuated to the present. The common point of view is
that alchemy can be nothing else but a remnant of medieval superstition and mental obscureness
when contrasted to the exact science of chemistry. Such a belief is of course understandable.

For centuries the charlatanries of defrauding speculators dominated the public scenes in Europe.
The seriously and also scientifically working alchemists operated almost exclusively outside of
the public view. As the belief in alchemy finally became obscure, the attacks upon it became less
strong and specific achievements by certain alchemists in the science of chemistry found
recognition and their belief in alchemy was tolerated. However, the chasm of misunderstanding
which had been formed seemed to remain irreconcilable.

The genuine alchemists not only held on to the theory that all manifestations are based on a
primary substance but also that the transmutation of matter from one form into another one is in
principle possible. As far as application is concerned the pointed question remains to the present
day: "Is it or is it not possible to transmute common metals into gold or silver?" Alchemists have
continued to answer this question resolutely with YES. Chemists, on the other hand, had to
continuously modify their position in the light of expanding chemical-physical knowledge that
gold can be produced synthetically. Also, the newer insights that the single atom does not
represent the ultimate indivisible building block of matter fully endorse the correctness of the
alchemistical hypothesis but not its processes of application. It is herein where to the present day
and age the differences are to be found.

During the Middle Ages the concepts of alchemy and chemistry were inseparable. The basic
literal meaning of both words is the same. Only the addition or omittance of the syllable al
differentiates their style of writing.** It is a fact that the science of alchemy contained the field
of theoretical and applied chemistry. This included the production of metal alloys, the making of
glass, pearls, and of artificial gems, the coloring of textiles, and the preparations of medications
and cosmetics as well as the distillation of aromatic and alcoholic liquids. This development
once started with the simple process of mixing and smelting, However, because alchemy was
resting on scientific theories it went beyond the purely practical and in a certain sense
mechanical manufacture based upon handed-down practical knowledge. But even in the light of
this discussion alchemy has not been done full justice. In Its more profound sense it represents a
practical natural philosophy. It represents not only a longing for the understanding of what
essentially holds the world together but also an orientation of one's life according to recognized
principles.

This attitude, in turn, resulted in a close connection to religion. According to the moral maturity
of the individual personalities involved, one encounters of course all imaginable variations, from
the desire of harmony with the will of God to the purely egotistical point of view, from the pure
desire for knowledge to greed and the most brutal exercise of power.

To inquire about the origins of alchemy implies to go back to the beginning of creation.
Anchored in the latter it represents a functional law of nature and eventually penetrated the
consciousness of thinking, observing, and also lonely men. In the course of eternal evolution the
insight evolved not only to a laboratory practice but also to a Weltanschauung which we call in
its narrow sense alchemy.

We are tied to historical standards which lie outside our daily lives. According to contemporary
science our earth is about five billion years old. But only a very minute part of this unimaginable
long time span has exhibited human life. Still, men have existed since a million years ago. About
30,000 - 40,000 years ago, man has already lived in Europe, i.e., before the last great ice age,
These people-friends of alchemy take note of this-were versed in a smelting process of enamel.
Maybe they were more interested in it per se, as a leisurely preoccupation, or liked the colorful
gloss. Also, the forerunners of our present coins, the so-called rainbow dishes, which were only
recently thought of as being of celtic origin and therefore of an earlier vintage, date from them.
These dishes are small leaves of pure gold, indented at the center and resembling a tiny dish,
engraved with figures reminding one of animal heads and bodies or which have to be viewed as
other symbolic depictions. It therefore follows that the metal must have already been known
which later was to play a crucial and also fateful role in the history of alchemy.

(to be continued next issue)

*Translated from "Der Weg der Alchemic durch die Jhrtausende" by Siegfried G. Karsten. **In
German.
p.90

Questions and Answers

ALCHEMY

Q. In an experiment with iron powder, I got a good tincture, but the color did not remain in
solution, and finally, after a day or so, the solution became clear. Why. wouldn't the red color
remain in solution?

A. PARACHEMY stands ready to answer freely and as best it can the questions of sincere
students engaged in the pursuit of the alchemical work. But we have selected the above question
as typical of many we receive that are framed in such vague terms, that no answer is possible. In
what sort of experiment was the writer engaged? What was its purpose? Of what substances did
his solution consist? Unfortunately, the questioner supplies none of the pertinent facts. He just
wants to know what happened to the red color! We hope that this questioner-and all our readers-
will please take note that specific details of one's work must be supplied before specific answers
can be given. That is the only safe and sure way by which we, or our readers, can proceed.

Q. How does one get the sulphuric acid out of the Sb2S3 with distilled rain water?

A. Calcine the Sb2S3. This will rid it of the sulphur, and no sulphuric acid will show.

Q. Please clarify the difference between an alchemist and a chemist. Given the laws and
formulae, why wouldn't a chemist come up with the same end product as the alchemist?

A. A chemist would do so only if he worked alchemistically. Perhaps it could also be phrased

this way: A chemist analyzes by decomposing while an alchemist reconstructs what has been
decomposed, according to the given laws.

Q. A friend gave me the lees (argol?) of red wine. Should I save it?

A. Yes. It will prove useful.

Q. Has an alchemical Sb2O3 powder been treated with an acid? If so, is it then a fixed powder
and would the results be a fixed tincture or a fixed oil?

A. It depends. When acetic acid is used it will get us a fixed tincture or residue. When sulphuric
acid is used, for instance it will yield an antimony sulphide, which, of course, is not fixed. This
goes for phosphoric acid, nitric acids and its like.

Q. How do we separate acetic acid from the vinegar of antimony?

A. Hardly possible.
Q. We received information earlier that oil of turpentine (instead of spirits of turpentine) is the
commercially available volatile sulphur of pine. Experience indicates this commercial oil
requires purification prior to cohobation. What technique can be used to purify volatile sulphur?
We experimented with adding absolute alcohol to the sulphur (equal volume) and leaving in a
sand bath for a week (colorless mixture). After a week, the color changed to yellow. This mixture
was then distilled-the distillate was clear, but smelled of turpentine. The oily residue was brown.
Would the distillate be a mixture of volatile sulphur and mercury to use in preparing the
vegetable stone?

A. Yes. However, it does not contain enough of the sulphur you would need. The oily residue
needs further rectification.

Q. If alcohol is used in the vegetable and mineral (K.M.) kingdoms, please explain why ether is
also used as a menstruum.

A. Because it is alcohol oxidized (ethyl oxide).

Q. Is it safe to mix ether and alcohol?

A. Yes, but only if there is no flame or spark nearby. Eliminate the presence of anything that
could ignite either the alcohol or the ether.

Q. Would you enlighten us as to what was meant by the early alchemists when they made use of
such terms as the Black Dragon, the Red Dragon, the Red Lion, the Green Blood of the Red
Dragon?

A. When alchemists spoke of their Black Dragon, they referred thereby to the black dregs that
remain in the work on antimony. From this they extracted the Dragon's Blood or the Blood of the
Red Lion. The green color they referred to as their Green Gum or the Green Lion, from which is
extracted, again, its essence. However, one must make due allowance when it comes to
interpreting alchemistical terminology, as not every alchemist gave the same meaning to each
allegorical expression. The Philosopher's Stone, for example, has also been named by some as
the Red Lion, etc.

Q. What is the relation of the P, V, and K factors to the herbs? How nay we use them?

A. The answer is too lengthy to give here. Details may be found in the "Tridosha."

Q. You have mentioned, in one of the P.R.S. BULLFTINS, the Schuessler Tissue Salts, which I
have used. You stated that the tissue salts were dead, the minerals used, that is. Will you
comment on their use and potency?

A. Actually, there are more than twelve tissue salts. In Dr. Schuessler's system, only six are
given as basic substances. You will notice that Kali (Potassium) and Sodium (Natrium) are
among others which are given in three different forms, once as sulphate, then as muriate and
phosphate. In the case of iron (ferrum.), common iron wire is dissolved in phosphoric acid. The
remainilrig residue (ferrum. phosphate) is washed and taken as such.

To get the full value of iron would require all three essentials found therein, namely its sulphur
and mercury as well as its salt. Such mineral preparations are presently not to be had in
pharmacies.

Q. What can be put in alcohol to absorb the water that may be in it?

A. Dehydrated lime or potassium carbonate anhydrous.

MISCELLANEOUS

Q. What do you mean by "a conscious worker"? Wherein does he differ from an attentive, hard-
working, conscientious worker?

A. A "conscious worker" is one who knows what he is doing and why. An individual may have
all the characteristics you describe attentive, hard-working, conscientious-and still not know
what his work is all about in the end. We could liken such a person to those who do work on top
secret government projects. They may meet all the qualifications you cite and yet have no idea of
the ultimate end product for which they are supplying certain parts. Therefore, they are not
"conscious workers."

Q. In making contact with someone on the other side, is it necessary for them to lower their
consciousness and us to raise ours?

A. This is like asking, 'If you have a telephone and I have a telephone, is it necessary for me to
call you or for you to call me?" Either situation may prevail.

Q. You have said that the intangible, or non-matter, is what scientists call anti-matter. Yet, if we
do not err, science has been of the opinion that matter and anti-matter, if they came into contact,
would cancel each other out in an explosion.

A. Correct. An explosion, however, does not mean annihilation. Assuming such an explosion of
matter and anti-matter took place, it would only mean a state of superior refinement of substance
into a state of extreme subtlety unknown to us. Inasmuch as no substance can be annihilated but
only changed in its atomic structure, the result would be a structure not presently known to men.
+
 Parachemy
Volume II: Number 1-2 Winter/Spring
1974

Contents

Alchemy Throughout The Ages p.117

Questions and Answers p.128
The Positive Alchemist - Cockren - back cover

p. 117

Alchemy Throughout The Ages*

By Heinz Fischer-Lichtental

Munich, Germany
(continued from page 80)

Eastern Alchemy

When did the grand cycle of the present age start? Contemporary historical and archaeological
research tends to go definitely beyond the classicists to recognize in the Persian area the real
origin of our present civilization. Persopolis, which was plundered and destroyed by Alexander
during the 4th Century B.C., represents the familiar climax of that particular historical epoch.
Long before that time, large settlements existed in the north-eastern part of Iran "in which art and
science had found a safe haven. We may assume with certainty that the foundation of our culture
is to be found in ancient Iran!

From there the impulses radiated not only to Ur in Chaldea but also to the Assyrians,
Phoenicians, Babylonians, and to all other ancient peoples found at the periphery of Eastern
historical traditions. The Iranian era was oriented toward the cosmos and in its beginnings it was
universally unlimited in its spiritual breadth and freedom.

The Egyptian epoch which only unfolded later was referenced to the Sun and is to be considered
as the remnant of a much older grand culture which is historically not verifiable. However, it is
evident that Egypt, as a former colony of an ancient and lost race, took over the heritage of its
matrix and was able to lead it to new creative heights.

The Occident was impregnated and enriched by the remnants of preserved wisdom. Even though
the ancient Egyptians were versed in crude metallurgy and the melting of glass, the existence of
alchemy in its narrow sense cannot be substantiated with the exception of the Tabula
Smaragdina, which will be dealt with later.

Out of the historical obscurity of the Iranian times of over eight thousand years ago, a mythical
figure stands out, namely Zoroaster,** the wise teacher of mankind, His name, which has been
modified by several languages, is in its latest version more familiarly known as Zarathustra. Was
he perhaps already an alchemist? He is credited with the growing of important cultivated plants
such as wheat and grape vine. These two also touch at the origin of Holy Communion which was
later to become indigenous with 'Christianity and which in the meantime has embraced the globe
as a sacramental act of civilization.

The achievements of this ancient sage as a cultivator were more significant than what is
commonly known under this classification. He was not only concerned with variations of that
which existed, which can be obtained through selection and hybridizing. It was the ability to
permanently mold those forces which had previously produced acridity, denatured juices, and
excessive sprouting into sweetness and aroma. generous germination and fruit bearing in a plant.
To ennoble a genus of plants, to raise it up to the usefulness and joy of mankind, this was his
essential accomplishment.

In order to create something entirely new in the biological sphere it is insufficient to deal only
with the selection of seeds and seedlings and the preparation and fertilizing of the soil by adding
the ashes (salts) of certain selected plants. To prevent being stuck with immature results, one has
to utilize the vibrations in resonance of the activating individuality whose consciousness reaches
into the ranae of subtle matter. This is the key to the secret why in our contemporary times those
uninitiated in the great work have been unable to reach ultimate mastery or, if propitious
circumstances prevailed, negative result, still manifested. Forces of a chemical nature can he
applied according to prescribed formulas. However, to be a successful alchemist it is not enough
also to he a worshipper. Man must have learned to stand in humility before his creator and to go
through life in an even-tempered calm and not to lose his inner balance through daily iniquities.
Whoever meets such prerequisites is able to obtain, like the adepts of former times, prudent
guidance and the blessing of the highest universal consciousness for truly creative
accomplishments. It is credible that the ancient Iranian sage was such a blessed personality. We
are justified in counting him among the fathers of alchemy.

Already prior to Alexander's conquest, Iranian knowledge and wisdom were flowing in a western
direction. For example, the Greek mind subsequently became impregnated by Oriental
consciousness. Out of the blending of the Iranian, Babylonian. and Egyptian genii emerged the
integrated culture of later Hellenism. This in turn created important preconditions for
theevolution of occidental alchemy.

As proof of the antiquity of the tradition of alchemistical knowledge, the Tabula Smaragdina***
is often quoted with the authorship credited to Hermes Trismegistus. Encyclopedias report that
this name was assigned by the ancient Greeks to an Egyptian god who is also known by the name
of Thoth (our knowledge of the pronunciation of ancient names of this kind rests upon a weak
foundation). More definite knowledge is not readily available. Perhaps the threefold wise
Hermes really lived as a human being among the Greeks and considered himself to be the
reincarnation of the ibis-headed Egyptian god from whom all original wisdom is supposedly
derived.

The term hermetic is part of contemporary linguistic usage; Hermes has thus left his mark upon
common language. The concept hermetically sealed signifies the completion of a line of thought.
Hermetic art, as alchemy is referred to since ancient times. consists in large part of bringing
about processes of development and transmutation within tightly sealed vessels, comparable to
evolving life within the uterus of a mother.

Identical texts of the Tabula. as transmitted by the Greeks, have been found in more recent times
during the opening of Egyptian burial grounds in Thebes which proves its pre-Grecian origin.
The relevant papyri are preserved in Stockholm and Leyden. The text and its meaning cannot he
dealt with in this paper.

However, old alchemistical writings not only refer to Hermes, but also to Isis, Horus,
Agathodaimon, Moses, and other gods and men cited. One may tend to include also Solomon,
the wise king, in this list. But this places us well at the limit of our possibilities to lift the
darkness of the historic and prehistoric past.

It remains to point out that the invention of the distillation apparatus and the discovery of the
chemical properties of sulphur, especially the reaction of suphur vapors on metals, fall into the
1st Century of our chronology. For the old practitioners it must have been a great experience to
recognize how out of the blending of mercury and sulphur something completely different,
namely a red mercury sulphide, manifested, which presented itself as totally different in its
properties and color.

At the end of the classical period it came to that mental strangulation which in its biased earthly
orientation is known as the Ptolernaic System. Only Copernicus, whose 500th birthday was
celebrated in 1973, was able to break these mental chains.

It is with the 2nd Century that the essential alchemy comes forward in more precise terms. Its
practice goes back to artisans and physicians and its theory is formulated by gnostic -neoplatonic
philosophers. It seems that the alchemistical tradition has found its way now out of the Greek
area via Egypt where probably only the Greek-formed Coptic circles were comprehended.
Important and revealing historical evidence has been lost with the destruction of the library at
Alexandria.

The ancient cultural heritage reached in the ensuing centuries the Arabic conquerors who,
kindled by Islam, prepared themselves to assume cultural leadership for a considerable time. And
once more the world of that time was enriched with mental goods by Iran. Since the middle of
the 8th Century, astrologers, astronomers, alchemists, and physicians migrated from the large
cities of northeast Persia, which were located on the old overland route to India, to the new
cultural centers. Texts in the Arabic language contain evidence of Iranian heritage. Philosophy
now experienced through the Islam a mystical recast.

Two personalities stand out primarily around the 9th Century in the field of alchemy: the
physician al Razi and the scholar Dschabir ibn Hajjan. In Razi we find a practitioner who left
objective and thorough records. Dschabir had mastered numerous areas of learning, including the
physics of that time. His writings became known in the Occident under the pseudonym of Geber.
Comparisons with Indian translations of the writings of both of these Arabs have led in recent
times to the realization that Geber was not a specific alchemist. It is probable that a great part of
the literary legacy of Razi has been published under the name of Geber. What took place outside
the periphery of our old world? Were alchemists also in existence in the Far East?

Indians, Tibetans, and the Chinese were supposed to have practised alchemy for millenia. In
Delhi a rust-free iron column of 6,000 kg has existed for 2,300 years. about its size and rust-free
property only unsuccessful conjectures have been made.

All of this still lies outside of the evolving mental horizon. However, it is to be expected that a
more extensive interchange of ideas with the help of modern publications will present quite a
few surprises.

Alchemy of the Occident

Due to the influence of Rome the peoples of the Occident were bound together by unifying
structural traits which enabled them to transcend numerous differences, especially with regard to
law, Roman-Christian religion, and Latin. The Occident had matured to assume the cultural
leadership. There is no need to point out that Arabic science was superior to the Christian at that
time. It is understandable that the Arabs guarded their secrets within confined groups as much as
possible. It was not until the Moors were defeated by the Germanic tribes and the great centers of
learning of the Spanish Islam fell into Christian hands that their mental wealth became available
to the Christian Occident. The most important base was harboured at Toledo which was
conquered in the year 1085. Gerhard von Cremona founded there the famous school of
translators, through which, among other things, the until then unknowm works of Aristotle were
made available in Latin to the West.

However, the oldest handed-down alchemistical recipe of the Occident did not originate through
this source but out of contacts with the Byzantine (East-Roman) Empire. It is found in the
Schedula Diversarium Artium, one of the most valuable technical writings, now about 1,000;
years old, of the entire Middle Ages. It was not until the middle of the 12th, Century that the
alchemy of the Middle Ages began to flourish. About 100 years later, i.e., around 1250 A.D., it
was already established in the whole Occident. Popes and kings came under its spell. Not only
scientists and personalities of all educated ranks but also scoundrels and jugglers of fortune
became devoted to alchemy although neither sceptics nor adversaries were short in supply.

The ethos which emanated from alchemy was adhered to by only a few. Speculation for material
gain became predominant. All efforts were oriented toward that mysterious and secret universal
tincture with which presumably all diseases were curable and with which all common metals
could be transmuted into gold. The latter seemed to be of greatest interest. One learned to
differentiate between the so-called gold bugs and the gold birds. The former were descriptive of
the pseudoalchemists who were either unable to make gold or who had gotten hold of a little of
the tincture and were thus able to put on a show until they ran short of it. The latter were
representative of the genuine alchemists who were in possession of the formula for the gold
tincture and worked accordingly. The former were only gold-glittering; what mattered to them
most was to cunningly catch the others so that they may lay the golden eggs in a gilded cage as
long as desired.

But even the few genuine alchemists became numerous in the course of time. One can assert that
an impressive number of distinguished names of famous alchemists of the Middle Ages are
historically provable. To deal with their individual destinies would go too far. We therefore have
to confine ourselves to pointing out a few facts.

The Dominican Bishop Albert von Bollstedt emerged during the 13th Century as a representative
of universal knowledge. Under the name of Albertus Magnus he became the mental focal point
among the scientists of his century. On the basis of his own experiments, he verified the
feasibility of the transmutation of metals.

Around the year 1480 a man was born who made public appearances as an alchemist and who
finally faced a dreadful end, namely Dr. Faustus, whose life induced Goethe to write in poetic
freedom the world famous drama Faust.

The 15th Century was subsequently enriched by a new mysterious personality: Basilius
Valentinus. Under his authorship the most important work of alchemy was published, The
Triumphal Chariot of Antimony. The alleged author is said to have lived in a Benedictine
monastery at Erfurt, Germany. However, one looks in vain for a monk by that name. Original
handwritten manuscripts have never been found. None of his congenial contemporaries had
heard of him. His writings were not published until the year 1602, about one and a half centuries
later; they exhibit such startling insights as to shed doubt about their backdated origin. Much that
is contained in his book is also to be found in the earlier writings of Paracelsus (1493-1541) who
has been accused of plagiarism. It took several centuries to recognize the genius of this
constantly persecuted individuality.

If one sufficiently ascertains the totality of this event, one arrives ultimately at an inner
assurance. With a probability approaching certainty one can state today that behind Basilius
Valentinus stands Theophrastvon Hohenheim, known as Paracelsus! His abundant mental legacy
has still not been sufficiently evaluated. The reforms in medicine which were initiated by him
will cause discussions and actions in the ensuing decades and centuries. He belongs to us and we
belong to him. He has shown the way out of mystical speculations to practical and systematic
applications as well as to new research and rewarding tasks.

In the time span from 1600 - 1750. the final stage of the old alchemy, conditions became critical.
The genuine alchemists, in the face of massive attacks by the natural sciences, further withdrew
into the underground. But at the same time they also emphatically demonstrated their
alchemistical mastery to the public.

The occurrences of these times of the gold makers provide enough material for a series of
detective stories. But it is also evident that the transpiring of these events took place
systematically. The existence of secret orders is evident. None of the truly knowledgeable
disclose their secrets; they rather endure torture or agonizing death. Never does an adept
personally perform the various tasks at public demonstrations. All of the work such as the
procurement of essential utensils. components, and ingredients is left to outsiders in order to
remove from the very beginning any suspicions of secret manipulations. Often times. the tincture
with instructions is played into the hands of seemingly suitable laymen. In all instances the gold
tincture referred to is actually a powder or a solid substance the color of which varies from a
light yellow to a deep red depending upon its method of preparation whereas for the tinging of
silver a white powder is used.

The technical terms for the conversion of metal are to tinge or to transmute. Sometimes these
powders were dissolved in oil. In a few instances they were enclosed in wax prior to their
application. Generally, only minute quantites of the tincture are required, the magnitude of which
is in a proportion of 1: 50 to 1: 20,000 depending upon the quantity of metal to be tinged. They
preferred to transmute mercury and lead, sometimes also tin, copper, iron, sulphur of antimony.
and silver. The diverse applicability of most tinctures does not in any way limit their
efficaciousness. The application administered was determined by then prevailing circumstances.
In all cases, the substances to he transmuted had to be heated, made red hot, or even had to be
liquified sometimes. As soon as the tincture is then adaed, the transmutation takes places from an
instant to a quarter of an hour, usually under a roaring and sizzling noise, accompanied by an
inflating and bubbles, until it comes to rest.
Prominent and exalted persons were often present. The repertoire ranges from the German
Emperor Rudolph II in Prague to the King of Prussia, Frederick the Great, in Berlin. from the
Brantian physician van Helmont to the officials of the court of Vienna. Protocols, having attested
signatures with references to Year, day and hour of occurrence testify to this. Indeed. the Scottish
nobleman Alexander Seton has performed transmutations in at least eight major German cities
and repeated them in numerous other localities within a two-year period. He was arrested in 1604
in Dresden. was tortured and finally succumbed to his sufferings a few months later.

Even today textbooks contain references that Johann Friedrich Boettger discovered porcelain by
chance during useless alchemistical experiments, which saved him from the gallows. The fact
that prior to this he had in his possession the genuine tincture. that he demonstrated
transmutations in Berlin and Dresden, and that he was incarcerated when it became evident that
he was unable to produce the tincture, is discreetly suppressed. The mysterious stranger from
whom he had obtained the tincture, was wise enough to keep himself in the background and only
briefly to appear on the scene under the name of Laskares, as an alleged Greek monk. For up to
twenty years later he is suspected to have stood behind similar occurrences without a clear trace
of him being evident.

The attitudes of the educated people in the natural sciences can be depicted with a short
quotation. The following sentence is to be found in Mayer's Konversationslexikon of 1894: ". . .
The question if ever gold has been made has to be answered in the negative despite attested to
testimony to the contrary."

A commentary is unnecessary.

The red thread going through the history of alchemy has not been torn till today. The hermetic art
has not lost its fascination to those people who are uninhibited and awakened. We are reminded
by Frater Albertus of references to the Ingaleses, a married couple who lived in the United
States.****

As another example, according to a newspaper report of the year 1927, we took note that a
transmutation from lead into gold took place in the apartment of a Dr. Jaegerloh in Breslau,
Germany, on the 17th of May, 1923, between 11 and 12 o'clock in the morning. It is also known
among congenial individuals that Demeter Georgiewitz Weitzer (1873-1949) of Salzburg,
Austria, known under the pen name of G.W. Surya, a researcher of the occult, had produced the
gold tincture on several occasions. During the second World War, deeply depressed over the then
existing conditions in the world and of his own fate, he tossed the alchemistically produced gold
from a bridge into the river. His confidante at that time, the sole witness of that occurrence is
probably still alive today. Attention has to be called to another individual who was able to
transmute matter in a sovereign manner on his own accord through inner knowledge. As an
alchemist he was known under the name of Volpierre. He passed through transition in 1952 and
was put to rest in a village cemetery in the vicinity of Mainz, Germany.

We can be assured that men are living in the present who have mastered the great mystery. They
are not necessarily dependent upon the advances of our civilization. The old masters have proved
that much can he achieved with very simple means, as long as the right guidance is at hand.
* Translated by Siegfried G. Karsten from "Der Weg der Alchemie durch die Jahrtausende."

** About 600 B.C.

*** It was first conveyed in the Christian Occident in the 11th Century in the Latin text by the
British alchemist Hortulanus.

**** Richard and Isabella Ingalese were engaged in alchemistical research since 1911. In the
year 1917 they were able to produce a white stone, the tincture stone in 1920. After a devoted
laboratory practice of fifteen years, involving many sacrifices, the stone had been perfected for
medicinal purposes and was used with results that surpassed expectations. See Frater Albertus,
Praktische Alchemie im Zwanzigsten Jahrhundert (Salt Lake City: Paracelsus Research Society,
1970).

None ever truly attained to the fruits of this philosophy as the wise declare, without rectitude of
intention and the blessing of God on a well tried experience: and it is the reiterated assertion of
this grateful truth that has encouraged us, by a natural faith, to pursue the inquiry and
recommend it to others who are desirous of instruction. To say that the pursuit is without danger
to the illinformed would be presuming too much... But there are many degrees of success in the
legitimate path, and every step is progressive where the Rule of Reason is pursued.

-Mary Anne Atwood

p. 125

Questions and Answers

ALCHEMY
Q. Basil Valentine, on page 168 of "THE TRIUMPHAL CHARIOT OF ANTIMONY," deals with
the preparation of an oil of antimony. Please explain the portion which says, ". . . and dissolve
the sublimed substance in a moist place. Sweeten by removing the salt added to it . . . "

A. This refers to the solution by humidity. To sweeten simply means to wash out all acrid matter
(alkaline substance) so that a neutral mineral remains, free from its former salts (which helped to
sublimate the substance in question).

Q. What is the best temperature to macerate with ether?

A. Below its boiling point in a cool place. Ether distills at approximately 35o Centigrade, the
exact degree varying slightly depending on the altitude.
Q. Please elaborate on the Spirit of Sulphur.

A. The Spirit of Sulphur (not to be confused with the Oil of Sulphur) is a clear, light, sour-tasting
liquid of a viscous nature. It shows a high addity reading of pH1 and below, yet strangely it is
not corrosive to the system as is ordinary sulphuric acid. The Spirit of Sulphur is not mere
suphuric acid.

ASTROLOGY
Q. According to Bode's law, alternating negative and positive areas occur in a planet's ray at
varying distances. Is it possible that the earth at times may be in a minus area and at other times
in a plus area of a ray? For example, in the Moon's movement between its apogee and perigee
the earth's location might change from a minus to a plus area of the Moon's ray. If this
supposition is correct, would it not be quite important to know when the polarity of the earth's
location changes?

A. The Moon's polarity in itself is negative (magnetic) and the Sun's positive (as are Jupiter,
Venus, etc.). It is the alternation between the two that produces the electromagnetic field of
energy. Their interplay can be at times more negative and/or positive as terrestrial influences
show.

Q. What importance should be attached to the influence of the fixed stars?

A. The fixed stars are suns and as such they must certainly influence earth in some measure.
Their influence is said to he especially noticeable when an exact degree relationship (trine,
square, etc.) can be established in relation to planetary positions found in a personal chart.

Q. If the Sun revolves around the star Alcyone, does the Sun receive rays that it absorbs and
steps down for us, or do we receive only rays from the Sun?

A. The Sun not only receives rays from its central source, Alcyone, but from all the suns (stars)
making up the zodiacal signs. They are stepped down by the Sun as we face these signs and
come under their direct influence (modified by the Sun) at such times.

Back cover

The
Positive
Alchemist ...
Man's work is not merely to exist on this earth, to scratch ignorantly at its surface, to mutilate
Nature in every possible way, to fight and rob his neighbour, but to develop the powers
surrounding him, to manipulate those forces that he may truly and deservedly claim his right to
inherit the earth. A garden which has been neglected for years and is overgrown with weeds,
when taken over by an intelligent human being who will work hand in hand with Nature, may
once again become a thing of beauty and joy. Thus the earth, which is man's garden, must be
sown and cultivated by him, perfected by his art.

-Archibald Cockren
 Parachemy
Volume II: Number 3 Summer 1974

Contents

Easter Egg Experiment p.147

Questions and Answers p.148
The Positive Alchemist - Norton - back cover

Follow up of the Easter Egg Experiment

By Siegfried 0. Hansch

The purpose of the experiment in question was to test whether eggs selected on a certain day and
under specific sidereal influences will remain fresh and intact if kept beyond their normal time of
freshness of up to three months duration. The experiment is based on the original article in the
ALCHEMICAL LABORATORY BULLETINS, Vol. II, No. 2, 1970 and a further report in Vol.
II, No. 10, 1970.

Three eggs laid on each of the respective dates by hens which were kept under natural conditions
were selected before, during, and after Easter of 1973, as indicated below. The eggs were then
stored on top of a cupboard in my basement laboratory which at that level has an average
temperature of 65oF. Even during the summer or winter months did the temperature seldom rise
above or fall below 65oF. However, the humidity decreased to between 10% and 15% during the
long heating period in the winter. This in turn caused a considerable dehydration in all of the
eggs tested.

After 360 days they were open on Easter Monday, April 15, 1974. The conditions of the eggs
selected on the respective days indicated below were as follows: [Full moon: 17th April, 27o
Libra]

1. Wednesday before Easter, April 18, 1973: One egg putrefied, one egg half putrefied, one egg
in good condition.
2. Good Friday, April 20, 1973: All three eggs were found in AI condition except for the
dehydration noted above.
3. Saturday before Easter, April 21, 1973: All three eggs were found in AI condition.
4. Easter Sunday, April 22, 1973:
All three eggs were found in AI condition, no black spots, etc.
5. Easter Monday, April 23, 1973: Two eggs were found in AI condition. One egg is absolutely
putrefied with the accompanying smell. Here a mix-up could have occurred on the part of the
farmer on whom I had to rely for accurate dating.
6. Wednesday after Easter, April 25, 1973: Two eggs were found in A1 condition. One egg was
putrefied.

Unfortunately I was unable to obtain eggs for every day of the preceding and the following
weeks of Easter of 1973. Consequently a full evaluation and comparison is therefore not
possible. However, the fact remains that after 360 days at an ideal decaying temperature, out of
the 18 eggs tested, 14 eggs were found to be in AI condition except for a dehydration of the
albumen of approximately 35 percent. One egg was half putrefied. In all eggs the yolk had
naturally settled to the bottom. No bad smell was noticed in these 14 eggs and they seemed to be
fit for human consumption. In order to substantiate past findings, a new test was started again
this year with eggs selected at each day of the week just prior and following Easter of 1974.

p.148

Questions and Answers

ALCHEMY
Q. Since the mercury is the same throughout the mineral kingdom, could this mercury of sulphur
then be used to extract directly from any other of the minerals with the exception of antlmony
where the mercury is fixed?

A. The mercury of sulphur needs to be rectified many times to become useable for other mineral
extractions. It is very hard to come by. It is questionable that you had the mercury of sulphur as
you state.

Q. To explain the quintessence, could we think of it as a name or symbol? It would seem that
different ones of the three essentials can be referred to as the quintessence, and yet it is referred
to as the fifth element, or that of vibration?

A. The quintessence is one of the three and refers to mercury.

Q. When you put acetic acid on the glass, or the calcined ore of antimony, - you get a red
tincture. When you distill off the acetic acid, and neutralize the red powder obtained, you can get
a fixed oil from it.
You can follow the same procedure on the metals.
From copper you get a green tincture which, when the acetic acid is distilled off, yields a
brownish powder.
From Iron Oxide a red tincture, and then a brown powder.
From Tin Oxide a blue tincture and then a brown powder.
From Silver Oxide a light golden tincture and then a brown powder.
From all of these you can extract a fixed oil. My point is this. Is the sedirnent which remains,
that has been covered with acetic acid, also fixed?

A. Yes. it is the fixed powder from which the fixed tincture is obtained.

Q. Certain esotenc traditions speak of a spiritual hierarchy which guides the destiny of this
planet and all who are evolving on it. Some have compared it to a board of directors, only with
far vaster responsibilities, of course, than any worldly corporate board. The various departments
of activity in the world. are said to be divided into seven sections or rays. each under the
direction of a Master Guide or "Cohan". Is alchemical activity of the present (such as that at
P.R.S.) the special of one of these seven rays?

A. No.

Q. How were the old alchemists able to filter successfully without the use of filter papers, such as
we have today?

A. By using wool threads immersed in the liquid and hanging over the container from which the
liquid is filtered.

Q. We know that Alchemy offers the most beneficial medications available for the physical
ailments of man-because these medications are the only ones containing the three essentials.
However, is there also an alchemical therapy for the equally serious emotional and mental
disturbances that hinder the well-being of mankind?

A. A separation of clean thoughts from impure thoughts followed by similar actions. This brings
peace of mind.

Q. We have been told that a steam distillation is necessary for extracting the volatile oils from a
substance. Can you discuss a little further on volatile oils and our need for them?

A. It is one of the three essentials necessary for the completion of a herbal product such as the
herbal stone. This oil of sulphur is pure.

Q. If our, supposedly, goal was to prove Paracelsus correct by proving that cancer can be cured
by the use of Antimony, why has this been dropped and Antimony is being pursued as a
preventive medicine?

A. It has not been dropped. Investigation is still going on.

Q. The Antimony Chloride turned white when hot water was added. Does the hot water release
the energy that purified it to white?

A. No.

Q. You gave us a more simple method of purifying our salt than by prolonged calcination. You
mentioned that there was a more simple method than calcination to obtain the purified sulphur,
but did not explain this method.

A. It is done by leaching with water the gray calcined salt. The filtered water is evaporated and
the salt remains behind.

Q. The handbook describes a test for alchemical preparations. We took two of our cherished
powders and heated them to a glowing red on a copper penny. The wax like consistency did not
develop. The penny oxidized which in cooling chipped and flaked all the powders to the winds.
Does this indicate a basic failure in the preparation of the herb or will more patience, imbibing
and calcination bring the co-mingled three substances to the desired result.

A. You should have results as indicated in the handbook.

back cover
The
Positive
Alchemist ...
A perfect Master ye may call him true,

Which knoweth his heats high and low.

Nothing may let more your desires,

Than ignorance of heats of your fires.

Of many authors written ye may see,

Totum consistit in ignis regimine:

(Everything consists in the regimen of the fire)

Wherefore in all chapters you must so proceed,

That heat work not more nor less than it need;

Wherein many of Geber's cooks

Deceived were, though they be wise in books.

Thomas Norton:
Ordinal of Alchemy
 Parachemy
Volume II: Number 4 Autumn 1974

East - The Initiation of Truth by Rick Grimes

Content

The Alchemical Work - Armand Barbault p.154

Questions and Answers p.170
East 'The Initation of Truth' - back cover
 The Alchemical Work
By Armand Barbault

It is astonishing, writes Jacques Sadoul in his book, Alchemists and Gold, to find a
contemporary alchemist - Armand Barbault - working in the second half of the second half of the
twentieth century, who strictly applies mediaeval instructions to his Hermetic work. But this is
not the least astonishing of the facts to be learned about this devoted alchemist whose memory is
celebrated by Frater Albertus in this issue of Parachemy. Armand Barbault not only followed the
mediaeval alchemists in his work, but unlike them, described in plain language both his PRIMA
MATERIA, or prime substance, and hs methods of operation. His early work was devoted to the
discovery of a tincture comparable to the potable gold of Paracelsus, rather than to the
confection of the Philosopher's Stone, which occupied his later years. For this reason, he did not
use any of the minerals often referred to by traditional Hermetic writers, but as he says, "quite
simply ... a clod of earth." His choice of menstruum was inspired by an illustration in the
MUTUS LIBER depicting two alchemists wringing out cloths that had been stretched between
poles overnight to gather the dew. Similarly, Barbault arose early each morning to drag sheets
across the grass in order to collect the precious dew. He also made use of the sap of plants as
well as dew in maturing his prime substance. The substance itself, described in the following
article, was no more than 1800 grams of earth (less than four pounds). His work in this
experiment alone spanned more than two decades, and the substance he eventually obtained was
tested in modern German pharmaceutical laboratories. There it was found to be efficacious in
treating certain maladies and the laboratories began to search for a quicker method of
producing a synthetic substance with similar properties, but in vain. As Raymond Abellio writes
in his preface to Barbault's book, THE GOLD Of THE THOUSANDTH "Not only did the liquid
prove impossible to analyse, but nothing even vaguely resembling it could be discovered. Yet
Armand Barbault concealed nothing."

We are indebted to Professor Joscelyn Godwin for the translation from the German of the article
that follows.
-Editor

The Preparation of the Alkahest and the Tinctures of the First Matter

For nearly twenty-five years, my wife and I have been on the path of investigating the alchemical
elixirs or tinctures. The trials passed and the results obtained make it possible to give a review
and a judgment of the work, partially explained in my book, which appeared in 1969 (The Gold
of the Thousandth Morning). After the successful preparation of the first Tincture of Potable
Gold, and after the practical experience of ten years, I can now approach closer to the heart of the
matter, with regard to the knowledge acquired and in the sense of the ancient philosophic
tradition.

The Revelation and the First Endeavors

If we pass over in silence that which led us to this search, we can say that everything began quite
simply with a clod of earth, taken in winter from beneath a lawn. It was carefully freed from all
foreign bodies and impurities, and placed in a retort. From springtime onwards, it was enriched
with plants and dew, so as to make a turf. This turf was dried, moistened again, and enriched
with further additions of plants and dew-this done repeatedly, and in a very simple way which is
described in my book. But not everything was so easy as that, for this first operation was the fruit
of long reflection and meditation. After long preparation. it was begun only when a revelation
was granted to my wife. This revelation or inspiration assured her that we were entrusted with a
kind of mission. You know that all the old authors state that one must be "chosen" in order to
have real success, with the Alchemical Work, and that even that is not always sufficient to
guarantee attainment of the goal. Is it not also said that many are called, but few are chosen? This
call, reaching us from the highest spiritual powers, showed us the way we had to follow. As the
first trial. we were compelled to renounce the life to which we were accustomed, and move to the
place where we could find the Materia Cruda and all the necessary materials for the first
preparation. All this took place, needless to say, in the greatest secrecy with regard to the outside
world.
Then came the day when we took possession of this Materia Cruda, our raw material; and this
was a terrible trial, above all for my wife, for she had to join battle with the Dragon who guards
the etheric forces of the Earth, in order that the earth we had obtained should not be simply
"dead" earth. It had to be living earth, containing the seeds or the sparks of life, so that the so-
called "Turf of the Philosophers" could be produced out of it.

This first trial, which can also be regarded as one of the first aspects of the Labors of Hercules,
was successfully passed, for the Dragon at bay turned into a Lion. I leave the interpretation of
this metaphysical event to initiates: one finds it traditionally in all works of Alchemy. And so it
happened that in the depths of winter, on a moonless day and at midnight, my wife and I took
possession of our Materia Cruda. This occurred in the year 1948, on the 15th of February,
somewhat after midnight.

The Labors of Hercules and Nature

Nothing is given in the old authors on the Labors of Hercules. These represent a part of the
mystery, and it is left to the neophyte to fathom their meaning on the basis of his own initiation.
Must one be silent about these secrets?
Certainly one must, if they have been imparted to me by a Master who enjoins one to silence.
But in the case of those who believe that they have discovered them themselves, the
responsibility is their own.
For my part, I believe that this deep knowledge is not transferable; and although I have
mentioned the battle with the Dragon, which is part of the secret, it is certain that if the neophyte
does not prove worthy he will relinquish this battle and thus not attain victory over the Dragon.
Something similar occurs from the moment when the Materia Cruda is in our possession; a
material which, as you know, contains as a result of that battle the Spark of Life, the influence of
the etheric and spiritual powers, or the Philosophic Seed necessary to the realization of the work.
The Adept is then in a position where he must, under the same conditions, gather plants out of
doors, early in the morning, place them in a round glass vessel containing dew, and then mix
them with the "new earth" (Materia Cruda). It is imperative to capture the life-forces of the
chosen plants, so that this does not simply fall back into the earth, as is the normal case when
unprepared people gather the plants. This is the continuity that exists between Nature and Man as
a perfect union and which allows Nature to render all that she possesses for the realization of the
Work-which cannot be performed without the permission of the spiritual powers.
Knowledge of the Laws of Nature is then necessary. One must know that at night the young
plants take up through their roots the sources of life which contribute to their growth. Growth
occurs principally as soon as the Sun rises, and while it draws its circle in the sky, activating the
marvelous "green retort" in the plants (photosynthesis). We have to collect plants that have the
maximum of vitality, or rising forces, with which we nourish the turf drop by drop so that it may
achieve its fullest power. A further part of the Work is to nourish the turf with these plants and
bathe it all in dew. We use the sap and the dew which appears in pearls on the tips of leaves and
grasses, and which rises to Heaven; for neither plants, nor dew, nor sap obeys the laws of
gravity. This is a long accumulation of rising forces, which in time makes possible what
Hercules did, when he bore the Earth on his shoulders without feeling its weight.
I think I can say no more to show you the importance of those first labors outside, with Nature, at
the moment of sunrise. You will understand, too, why Saint-Germain says in one of his books
that it takes a good dozen years to collect the necessary forces, so that the turf becomes the yeast
or spore of which I have spoken in my book. This is also the reason my book has the title, The
Gold of the Thousandth Morning.

From the Materia Cruda to the Materia Prima

And the Work of Art and Nature

When secrecies are present. we may think that they refer to the work of the Adept, to the way in
which he proceeds, his art and his observations, and that they bring him into dangers which
concern only himself, In earlier days one observed silence, and that is understandable; today
experimenters patent their findings . . . but in our work one cannot speak thus.
Certainly the most ungrateful and difficult time for the pair who are treading the path is the
period of preparation, enrichment, enlivening and development of the turf, until it becomes the
true yeast or spore. Each year, after the repeated wettings, additions of new plants (maceration),
tending, and drying, one observes an alteration in the composition of the turf: it becomes blacker
and blacker, and also heavier and heavier. But nothing can give you an idea of the length of time
before the first work is finally completed.
Who can describe the joy when one day, after pouring over the material another measure of
fresh, clear dew, the worker sees this dew become altogether black?-A blackening which
becomes more intense until the point where it turns to a viscous, cream-like liquid. He pours this
off and keeps it in another vessel. Then the material, remaining in its container, is dried, and
another fresh measure of dew is added; and this is repeated sufficiently to complete successfully
the first stage of the work.
In fact, it does not take long for the dew. now black and viscous, to precipitate a "new earth" on
the bottom of its vessel, resembling more a tartaric substance than an earthy one. In this way. the
"old earth" (the Materia Cruda)is changed bit by bit into a tartaric substance, which becomes our
Materia Prima, now to be calcined.

What has taken place?

Few adepts know, for it is again a great secret when one says, "Water will become transformed
into Earth . . ." - and this is another aspect of the Labors of Hercules. But it is quite simple: The
material has become enriched with time, with work, with the long assimilation of anti-
gravitational or rising forces, and it now obeys this rising law. Under the influence of the dew,
which swims upwards, it has felt itself gravitating from below to above, and thus obeys the same
laws. It has now reached the necessary saturation. The enriched earth rises up, transmutes itself,
and is from now onwards in a position to work on materials which are applied to it; it has
become an ennobled species of Higher Yeast, or Spore, which is spoken of in the alchemical
works without an explanation being given. I do not mention a few singularities of the
preparation, for there are some knacks which the experimenter must find out for himself, if he
has the patience to go so far. But I can assure you that no substance will have the powers you
expect- unless it has been through this state. +

p.170
 Questions and Answers

ALCHEMY

Q. In antimony and other minerals, as well as with metals, there results an unfixed and a fixed
product. Could you say something about the fixed vegetable product?

A. Vinegar instead of alcohol will produce a fixed tincture.

Q. In this preparation process for what was hinted at in Lab A-in gathering plants and herbs for
use-will the so-called pollution of the ecology affect the plants-or can this be effectively purified
out-or-the thought is that possibly the plant will not be able to grow with the former efficacy?

A. The pollution of plants can be caused by animal droppings, decaying carcasses, poisonous
gases, or other industrial contamination, cleansing will be necessary. Should a common washing
not remove the visible impurity it is best to leave them alone. Should a plant show healthy
growth, even in polluted areas, it would indicate a healthy strain able to transmute seemingly
contrary substances by inner inertia.

Q. Could you please explain what thickness of filter paper and thimbles is best to use in the
different aspects of the herbal and universal work?

A. No one filter paper will do the work for use in the different aspects of the herbal and universal
work. We have found for general purposes, please note, regular coffee filter paper used with
plastic cups filters very satisfactory.

Q. How could it be possible for man to partake of a universal solvent (philosophical mercury)
without doing irreparable harm to himself?

A. By way of analogy and just as an analogy, consider the use of alcohol in beverages or
concentrated form.

Q. Frater, would you explain if you will, why a snowflake crystallizes with only 60o angles. Do
the aspects have the effect? The influences as you pointed out come from the 8th house and
because a physical manifestation follows law and order, how does this happen? What part does
the ruler play? Also, in the laboratory, yesterday you mentioned the ethereal volatile oils that
come over with the distillate. Would you care to say more about these at this time?

A. Like so many things in nature we have to consider that everything takes place according to
law. Interpretation of such laws is another thing. Various reasons can be given in this case but
whether a final valid one, is presently to be had is doubtful. When distilling substances
containing volatile oils, some of such are carried up and over with the steam. In alcohol or ether
extractions more can come over by distillation. Controlled steam distillation where ethereal oils
are collected is the best way to obtain ethereal plant oils.
Q. Is a thrice distilled menstruum of alcohol, acetone K.M., etc. satisfactory to use a second time
on an entirely different substance? For example, if it is used in producing a tincture from Sb2S3
is it all right to use it again on Sb2O3 or on eggs--or could its being charged by the first
substance make this undesirable?

A. We recommend an extraction media (menstruum) to be used a second or subsequent times

only on the same or closely related substances as you state with antimony. We would not use the
same to extract ovum vitelli.

Q. When washing with water to sweeten, would distilling off the water instead of letting it
evaporate make any significant difference in the result?

A. When distilling the water off mostly water comes over, while during open evaporation acids
are evaporating with the water, which repeated washings will show. In a mechanical evaporator
it can be done quicker and very efficiently. Either process can be used in edulcoration
(sweetening).

Q. How is phlegm properly removed-by skimming it off?

A. Yes, also by fractional distillation.

Q. Would it be possible to make a Kerckring Menstruum by first extracting the oil from sal
ammoniac with ether and then to circulate the oil with alcohol. Would this be a faster method of
making the menstruum?

A. If the ether has been removed, yes.

Q. An herb is separated into its three parts and purified. It is then recombined and subjected to
more heat. Are the resulting crystals the "Seed of the Herb".

A. The resulting crystals are not the seed of the herb. These can only be found in the living plant.
The process you have described is the redemption of the plant. It has been saved from further
propagation in its own realm by a higher intelligence, man, and will serve now in an exalted state
in the animal realm .

Q. First use Mercury for distillation and then water for a second distillation. Is it good?

A. Yes. Alcohol will extract substances that are soluble in alcohol, and water will distill. what is
water soluble. It has been found useful where applicable.

Q. When a substance is fixed by acetic acid, is the spirit as well as the sulphur and salt contained
within the substance that has been fixed.

A. The spirit and sulphur, Yes, but not all of the salt in most cases. Consider the fixed salts of
antimony that are left from the bulk of glass of antimony salts.
Q. What is the difference between the so-called dry and wet process in alchemy?

A. One uses a menstruum (extraction rnedia) in a moist form, while the dry process uses no
menstruum at all but relies on the inherent moisture concealed in the substance.

Q. Please, with your special tact, can you go over with us the necessity of learning to coax
results gently with the fire? As a group, we will not be able to come up with unified and happy
results in the lab if one of us is forever turning up the flame under things. as we have it lowered.
We do all feel an urgency, but it is because we do not See that a tiny Day in Eternity is so tiny.
Thank you.

A. Observation and diligence are the best handmaidens. Co-operation in a joint venture is not
only necessary but essential.

Q. Can an immature glass of antimony be ground and reheated and become GOOD glass, or has
it lost some of its virtue by, having been heated? Experience has shown it is almost impossible to
get good glass from the second heating.

A. It has been done with good results. The controlling of temperatures seems to be the crux to the
whole operation.

back cover

East
'THE INITIATION OF TRUTH'
"From the east shall come the Son of man. He shall walk forth out of these mountains, and in his
right hand he shall bear the Book of Life and in his left shall he have his commencement." In this
painting you will see what you can see if only you will look. This represents the initiate as he
comes forth from the high places and the low places to reside in all men.

(24) Twenty-four square feet, containing (3,456) three thousand four hundred fifty-six square
inches. Thus, these digits combined equal the sacred number nine (9). Within this nine are all
things manifest in the earth and yet have their completion in man (10). Though their origin be
ever with the father.

Look and you shall find the matrix of life in four laws and three principals, and see also our
glorious mother that hides her seven daughters beneath her veil. Also, the eye of conscience is
concealed not by the storm, nor the seven virtues of the Pleiades by darkness. Be still our
brother. Herein lies a second key; take these twenty-four about this Son. Render them into six-
add them unto nine and find the one quintessence; which, when combined in one figure is the
sun.
Within these twenty-four are sixteen which form, across the heart, across from which men are
born, born to discover the seven seals of their being and the knowledge of their soul.

From the east the young sun, Apollo rises, -held in the grasp of the mystery ...

In the west sits the master with the mystery in the grasp of his hand,-the eagle and the dove at
peace in his being.
 Parachemy
Volume III: Number 1 Winter 1975

West - The Revelation of Masters by Rick Grimes

Medicine & Alchemy in Indian Culture

Snow
Your Spa At Home

p.190

Medicine And Alchemy In Indian Culture

By S. Mahdihassan, Ph.D.

In ancient times the Aryans excommunicated the aged to solitary existence in a forest. The
ascetic prayed for freedom from diseases and for longevity, the prayers being called
Bhaisbajyani and Ayushyani respectively. Though aged, the exile needed robust health, which in
effect meant his rejuvenation. Giving practical expressions to Ayushyani prayers, he discovered
Rasayana medicaments to which he assigned priority over those curing ailments. This feature is
unique and compared itself only with the aim of alchemy in China. The Indian ascetic developed
herbal drugs of rejuvenation, the Chinese ascetics mercurials. When Chinese alchemy was
introduced into India, mercurials superseded herbal medicines; but, since they also promised
rejuvenation. Rasayana today signifies, as meddicaments-mercurial, and as art-alchemy.

I. - The importance of social history many an author has rightly affirmed that the history of
medicine is as old as the history of mankind. Moreover, Virchow, one of the makers of modern
medical science, has further pointed out "medicine is a social science in its very bone and
marrow." Hence, to know the past of medicine is to know the past social history upon which it
depends. In ancient times. life's struggles were most severe. To reduce the number of feeders in a
family. infanticide of girls was practiced, since women were poor bread earners. Then, every
male member had to partake in hunting. cut do-om forest trees, and engage in feudal attacks. The
aged, being ill-suited for such strenuous duties, were felt as a burden and ex-communicated to
live like a solitary deer of a forest. Thus, asceticism arose from an unavoidable social evil.

To be able to exist, he had to collect foodstuffs as forest produce. Vishnu Purana [1], a sacred
scripture of the Hindus, informs us that "the anchorites live upon leaves, roots, and (wild) fruits."
As a recent observer, Dr. Rock [21 noted that "the religious recluses of Radja Monastry (in
Tibet). at an elevation of 10,700 feet, subsist on barley flour in winter, (but) on boiled nettles in
summer." Above all, Heraclitus had lived like a typical ascetic. About him we read in Enfield [3]
that "he made a choice of a mountainous retreat and lived upon the natural products of the earth.
His diet and manner of life brought him dropsy." We can now realize that to be able to roam all
over the forest, in search of food plants, the ascetic had to depend upon his bodily strength. A
day's rest would be fasting and a long sick leave premature ~leath from starvation. The aged
exile needed robust health and could not but pine for the good old days when he was young.
Thus, we can pinpoint the ascetic as the one who conceived of rejuvenation, for it was he who
needed it most.

II. - The two kinds of prayers of the ascetics: The history of medicine reveals that man's earliest
treatment depended upon prayers. These served like "invisible drugs." The prayers of the Aryan
ascetic have been recorded in Atharva Veda as pertaining to two categories. Sir P. C. Ray [4] ..
Vol. 1, p. VIII) points out "one is called Bhaishajyani for curing diseases and driving away
demons (which in those days were supposed to cause ailments). The other had for its object the
securing of long life and health (and) is known as Avuslivani. a term which later gave place to
Rasayana, the Sanskrit equivalent of Alchemy," The word Ayushyani has been translated by
Monier-Williams [5] as "giving long life." But one pining for youth, in the first instance. would
pray for long life as retaining the vigour of youth. In fact, the ascetic would rather live a shorter
life enjoying health than a long lingering one with the infirmities of old age. Thus, his Avushyani
prayers implied prayers for a long "rejuvenated life," which virtually meant "eternal Youth." It is
obvious that if one can recall youth one can also retain it forever. Thus developed the idea of
immortality as eternal youth. It is therefore more comprehensive and also complimentary, to
speak of immortality rather than of eternal youth. We can than paraphrase Avushyani prayers as
pertaining not merely to long life but to immortality, which fully incorporates rejuvenation.
III. - Energizing drugs: The ascetic's demands were urgent. While he would pray for longevity,
he had also to do everything possible to overcome depression, due to his exile. and infirmity, due
to his superannuation. What he needed was a real energizer, making him overwork, exhaustion
proof, and yet happy. Any intoxicant, hallucinogen, or narcotic would not put him on his legs to
be able to serve as his own grocer and his own cook. He had to collect his daily ration in the
form of food-plants as forest produce. There are at least three such herbs as real energizers. One
is the ephedra plant of which the freshly extracted juice was Soma, the famous drink of
immortality among the Aryans. Strange enough, even those who were convinced that Soma, as
plant, is ephedra never went deeper to inquire into its active principle or into the properties of
ephedrine. Like a typical energizer, it produces insomnia and is a habit former. This has been
duly established by Panse[6] and Klages. Ephedra is not found in the mainland of India and the
Hindu ascetic later took to Cannabis indica instead. Hence, we can interpret Soma best in the
light of other energizers which are in use today.

Lloyd [ 7 ] refers to laborers recruited from the Incas tribe of Red Indians, engaged in the mines
of Peru and Bolivia. They work the wholle day, practically without food, chewing the leaves of
Erythroxylon Coca, which "yields abundance of vital strength," so much so that it not only
makes them exhaustion-proof, but also keeps them amiable. Finding it to be a boon, they have
made coca "the Divine Plant.

The third energizer is Catha edulis, the Khat of Yemeni Arabs. Moser[8] reports that chewing
fresh leaves the laborer "performs prodigies of strength and energy. (The drug) exalts the spirits
and supports bodily strength (making) the gloomiest man cheerful." For such benefits,
theYemeni, as a Moslem, though he could not deify the plant, nevertheless calls it the Flower of
Paradise. The Aryan ascetic also lived a most miserable existence and prayed, as in a hymn in
Atharva Veda, translated by Griffith[g] that "the many plants that Soma rules deliver (us), the
suppliants, from grief and woe." We know that the Coca herb and the Khat phant can make their
users feel happy and energetic; and ephedra, the Soma plant, obviously did the same. Max
Muller has shown that the ordinary kitchen fire was so useful to the Aryan nomads that it finally
became the god, Agni, an important member of the Hindu pantheon. We can now understand that
if Khat became the Flower of Paradise to Yemeni Muslims and Coca the Divine Plant to Incas
Indians Ephedra became god Soma to the Aryan ascetics.

IV. - Rejuvenation of primary interest to the asetic: By now, we are in position to realize that the
actual need of the ascetic was robust health. He therefore felt that if he could rejuvenate himself
it would be a permanent cure of his "grief and woe." Hence. it waQ; most natural on his part to
dream of rejuvenation as well as to crive practical expressions to his dream. Since there have
been two kinds of prayers on his, part. Bliaishajyani and Ayushyani. interpreted as curing
diseases and as conferring rejuvenation-cum-immortality. we wish to turn to the materialized
resultants of the same. Out looking for food plants, he could not miss herbs likely to cure
ailments. but more than that. those which he believed could rejuvenate him. The discovery of
ephedra belongs to this latter class. Searching for the impossible., the ascetic came to learn the
therapeutic properties of so many plants that he is virtually the founder of herbalism. not only in
India but also in China. Later on, such knowledge was codified and the earliest Codex is the
compilation by Charaka, who figures in Indian Medicine like Hippocrates in that of Greek.
Charaka is supposed to have been the court physician of the Scythian King, Kanislika. and lived
about 200 A.D. Sir. P. C. Ray[41; 32), however, assigns him an earlier date. Ray quotes Charaka
statin., that "Medicines are also of two kinds. the one promotes strength and vitalitv. the other
cures diseases. Whatever promotes longevity and virility is called Rasayana." Corresponding to
Avushyani prayers. we now have Rasavana medicine. The unique feature that faces us here is
that drugs of rejuvenation are given priority over rugs curing diseases. Thus, Rasayana. having
no counterpart in Greek medicine. cannot be translated in that language. nor is there an identical
word of Latin origin. Rasayana, the art of rejuvenation, considered as a branch of Indian
Medicine, had the same objective as Alchemy in China. Even in China, there were ascetics and
they founded alchemy primarily to rejuvenate themselves.

V. - The stamp of the ascetic on Indian Medicine: Charaka's works [10] have been translated and
annotated in six sumptuous volumes. In Vol. V a whole chapter (on p. 473) begins admitting
only "two kinds of medicine, one as promotive of vigour in the healthy, the other as destructive of
disease in the ailing." The former division is called Rasavana, which is not to be mistaken for
aphrodisiacs which are known as xajikarana. Rasayanas are specifically meant for the aged.
Charaka mentions the preparation "Cyavana Prasa," as conceived and tried upon himself, by the
sage Cyavana. "It is celebrated as the highest Rasayana. By its use Cyavana, though grown very
old, became young once again. By recourse to this vitalization, the great sages. such as Cyavana
and others, regained their youth, became most attractive to women, and acquired the capacity to
bear all hardships," the last virtue being quite indispensable to the lonely ascetic. Charaka gives
several recipes of such medicaments. These are mixtures of herbal ingredients and also calcined
metals. Calcination was invariably done by means of plants, According to its makeup, a calcined
metal has a herbo-metallic preparation. This is so important as to require due confirmation. The
Maharaja of Gonda [11], academically qualified as a graduate of medicine from the Edinburgh
University, writes that the ancient Hindus "have described the method of transferring the
properties of vegetable cures to certain metals, which intensify their efficacy and retain it a long
time." It is beyond common sense to conceive herbs passing their therapeutic properties to
metals. This is really an unsuccessful attempt to rationalize ideas demanding specialized
reasoning.

VI. - The significance of calcined metals: When herbalism arose, it was part of herbal-magic. It
was the days of Animism. Even a plant and a metal was endowed with soul. This was the real
active principle which passed from a herb to its consumer, like a vitamin from food into the body
of man. Some herbs carried a larger quantum of soul and ephedra was one of them. Taking its
juice daily, life would be prolonged on every potion consumed. Later on came Dualism, when
everything became dual-natured. including the soul. We can call one sub-soul. Yang-soul, or
male-soul, or Spirit; and the other Yin-soul, or male-soul. or the Soul, or Soul-specific. Plants
were rich in Spirit for they grow fast enough, but poor in Soul-specific as they are delicate and
easily scorched by heat. Reverse is the case with a metal. It is solid, hard, and heat-resistant. As
such, its Soul-specific is greater in ratio than its Spirit; a metal hardly shows any power of
growth. If we calcine a metal with a herb at a certain temperature, the metal is killed. or merely
deprived its Spirit, leaving its body intact as a corpse. The same heat would totally destroy the
herb and set its Spirit hovering. The impact of herbal Spirit on the body of the dead metal would
resurrect the latter ld the calcined metal would revive as a Resurrected Body, or Soul-
incorporate., where body and soul constitute two-as-one. Gold is a fossil metal; but, if we calcine
it with a herb, it will become a herbo-auric entity, with body already everlasting, now owning a
soul which is evergrowing, like a plant. For such reasons, calcined gold must have been amongst
the first preparations, as I [12] ventured to explain. It must be mentioned that Charaka does refer
to calcined gold amongst the Rasavanas.

VII - Mercurials as alchemical preparations: Indian Rasayana was an off-shoot of herbalism, or

of herbal-magic. The Chinese developed mineral-magic. They started with the archaic idea if
Blood = Soul, then Redness = Soul; and, since nothing approaches blood in its coloration better
than cinnabar, Cinnabar = Soul. Dualism expected two sub-souls of cinnabar., and these proved
to be sulphur and mercury, which alchemy recognized as the fundamental elements of all metals.
Only when we understand cinnabar as soul of minerals can we appreciate how sulphur and
mercury become important as sub-souls. Cinnabar was not everlasting; its sub-souls constituted a
loose mixture. To recondition cinnabar, or so unite sulphur and mercury that these remain in
perfect balance, as also in a nascent or activated condition, would yield an entity which confers
immortality, or makes everything grow forever. This would be Elixir, a mercurial preparation,
first conceived in China. There is no cinnabar in India. Hence, there was no mercurial Rasavana
until alchemy was introduced there from China. But theoretically. calcined metals, as
herbometallic preparations, were equal to sulpho-mercurials,. and, when the latter were
introduced, the ideal Rasayana became a preparation of vermilion or synthetic cinnabar called
Makara-Dhwaja, which is still sold in India. Thus, drugs of rejuvenation in India were always
called Rasavanas. First they were herbal, next herbo-metallic, and lastly sulpho-mercurial.
Inasmuch as alchemy in China recognized rejuvenation-cumimmortality as its primary aim,
mercurial alchemy was easily assimilated by the corresponding branch of Indian medicine or
Rasayana. It is to this later stage that Sir. P. C. Ray's remark applies, stating that Ayushyani
(prayers for longevity) later gave place to Rasayana (which finally became) the Sanskrit
equivalent of alchemy." Briefly stated, Rasayana medicaments were first herbal, next herbo-
mineral, finally mercurial.

REFERENCES

[11 BALLANTYNE, J. C. (1898), Quotes Vishnu Purana in his Vedanta Sara, p. 6 Pub. Christ.
Lit. Soc. for India, Madras.
[31] ENFIELD, W. (1819), History of Philosophy. Vol. 1, p. 443. London.<BR.
[41 RAY, PROPHULLA CHANDRA (1903), A History of Hindu Chemistry, Vol. I. Calcutta.
[51] MONIER-WILLIAMS, SIR. M. (1899), A Sanskrit - English Dictionary.
[61] PANSE. F. and W. KLAGES (1964), Becbachtungen bei chronischen, Missbranch von
Ephedrin. Arch. Psycht. U. Neurologic; 206: 69. [71] LlOYD, J. U. (1921), History of Vegetable
drugs. Vol. I, p. 85-88.
[81 MOSES, C. (1917). The Flower of Paradise, Nat. Geog. Mag.; Aug. 1917, p. 173.
[9] GRIFFITH. R. T. H. (1897), Atharva Veda, abridged edition, Vol. 1, p. 252, Pub. Christ Lit.
Soc. for India, Madras.
[10] CHARAKA SAMHITA, Edited by Gulabkunverba Ayurvedic Society. Janinager, India,
1949, Vol. V.
[111 BHAGAVAT SINHJEE, His Highness (1937), A short history of Aryan Medical Science,
Gondal, p. 137.
[12] MAHDIHASSAN, S. (1972), Colloidal gold as an alchemical preparation, Janus, 58: 112.
p. 198

Snow

By
Alec Gathercole

One of nature's products looked at with mixed feelings is snow. Some have pleasant thoughts
when witnessing the flakes floating down, covering the countryside with a pure white blanket on
a Christmas morning. For a skier it can cause exciting and pleasurable thoughts of anticipation,
as he pictures himself swishing down the slopes. A researcher may see beauty in the shape of a
magnified and photographed snowflake. Others may feel disdain when inconvenienced by the
build-up of snow on the pathways and roads, which delays or restricts their movements and
interferes with their daily activities and comforts. Such are but some of the effects caused by the
physical appearance of snow. But what of the inner concept-the virtue found within the
manifestation of POWDER SNOW and the effects of this gift from the heavens.

There are those who are working with snow in a most unusual way, seeking to find and to use the
beneficial energy that is to be found within it. Several beneficial uses for snow have been found.
The application does not require an extensive education nor special equipment but does involve
an awareness, a knowledge, of the natural laws and their use. One such fundamental or natural
law is "Wherever an affliction occurs, thereabouts may be found a cure."

This principle was applied while on a family vacation at a ski resort at Mount Bulla in Victoria,
Australia, during school term holidays, which commenced August 25th of 1972. Mount Bulla is
situated some one-hundred miles from any industrial area, so the air was crisp and pure, which is
significant to those who are using the fundamental laws. The first day, there was much activity,
as there was a clear, blue sky and the sun shone brightly upon the freshly fallen snow. There
were skiers about who were inexperienced and many of these newcomers were not protected
from the snow's glare. They suffered inflamed eyes, burnt faces, and cracked lips. Aid, in the
way of pharmaceutical products and protective equipment, was available for the prevention of
this type of injury. However, there was no evidence of snow itself being used as an aid, even by
the experienced exponent of the slopes, simple as the application is.

For the prevention or the cure of snow blindness, several drops of water thawed from snow at
body temperature and used as an eyewash at regular intervals will give protection against snow
blindness or relieve the inflammation caused by it. An eyedropper may be used to insert the
fluid. If the water has not been denatured before using, there will be a reaction; and this should
be anticipated. For, as soon as the fluid comes in contact with the eye, there will be experienced
a stinging sensation, similar to when an eyelash has been displaced, causing the closing of the
eyelid firmly. Within seconds, however, this disappears and the soothing sensation of the eye
having been oiled will be experienced; along with relief, should this be used for the suffering of
inflammation. This application may be repeated as often as required. When the smarting
sensation no longer occurs, it is a sign that sufficient has been used for the present, either as a
preventative or as a cure.

The effects of burning during outdoor activities may be avoided without the use of cosmetics,
which prevent the skin from becoming naturally accustomed to exposure, by simply scooping up
some snow in the hand and rubbing it onto the unprotected areas, including the eyes. This will
give the complexion that wonderful tanned glow, so much sought after by lovers of the outdoors.

There is one important detail to be noted by those attempting to verify these facts. Only the
powdered snow, thawed at about body temperature, will have this therapeutic effect.

First falls of snow that are in contact with the ground soon loose the virtuous quality contained
within. The use of such snow as this may cause some to discard the thesis without further
investigation. The dedicated seeker will find that snow, having the virtue described. may be
found at any time in the snow fields. To find it, one may have to leave the paths and ski runs,
which are packed or iced, and seek for it where a subsequent snowfall occured. This new snow
may be sealed by a frozen crust. BY breaking through this crust to the powdered snow beneath it,
a virtuous water may be had from it. Frozen snow or ice is of no avail. Some falls of snow will
contain more virtue than others, but within all powdered snow there is found the beneficial virtue
described. This may be tested by application to the normal healthy eye, as the reaction previously
described will occur if the water from the powdered snow retains its virtue.

It has proven worth the effort to collect and store a quart (litre) for the home apothecary as an
eye wash, which can be used for all discomforts of the eye throughout all seasons. It stores well
in a stoppered glass bottle.

It is demonstrable that the crippling effects of frostbite, causing on occasions the removal of
limbs, can in most cases be completely avoided. All practitioners involved in treating this injury
should be instructed in snowpacking the afflicted parts, and thereby restore the limb back to
normal healthy circulation. This is not an ice pack procedure. It involves encasing the injured
area and beyond in a cocoon of this powdered snow until the circulation recommences to flow
through the affected area. The rest of the body needs to be properly clothed to keep the body
temperature within the normal range. Judge not in haste, for through experience new portals will
open. Those who may have suffered injury through exposure and become aware of this
application will shudder at their ignorance in time of need.

For the hardy one or those who wish to be, the therapeutic value of the snow walk should be
tested. The body should be clothed so as not to become chilled, while the feet are to be bare.
Walk barefoot in the fresh snow until the feet are chilled. Without drying or rubbing the feet,
only brush off the loose snow before pulling on dry woollen socks and shoes. Then, gently
exercise, (indoors if preferred) until the feet regain their normal temperature. This takes some
will power the first time it is tried. but, after only several outings, one will be surprised at the
length of time it is possible to walk in the snow barefoot. This should be done on consecutive
days. One will be pleased at the feeling of exhilaration. obtained.
The beneficial effects of the snow walk give an improved functioning of the circulation and the
metabolism as well as the ability to easily adapt to changes in temperature during ordinary daily
activities-yet another joy to be had by such an effort. One or two weeks will acclimatize a normal
healthy body. Chillblains and other circulatory disorders have been corrected by the above
applications.

p. 200

Your Spa At Home

By
Frater Albertus

People of means who could afford to travel to famous European Spas did so because of the
health-giving effects of the waters, Some such mineral waters, as they are called, have very tonic
effects on the skin which in turn relates this exhilarating effect through the capillaries. When
such tonic waters are drunk, the effect from inside the body with the outer stimulus are most
beneficial for the entire circulatory system. Specific organs, low on minerals for their proper
functions, may thus be helped with such mineral waters.

There is much pro and con about the effect of these mineral waters due to the many substances
found in them. It has been proven for thousands of years as the records left us indicate, that
bathing in waters rich in minerals is helfful to the body as a whole, and some organs or parts of
the body especially. It needs only a verification by those who have made such test. Better still.
by, testing it personally.

As everyone cannot afford to travel to those places which are endowed by nature with mineral
waters, the next best thing is to find out what these waters contain and then to reproduce their
mineral consistency as closely as possible. One such factor observed is that most of these waters
come very warm. even hot, out of the ground. Some of the minerals that otherwise would not be
soluble in cold water are brought to the surface and become in this way useful to the body.
Thermal (hot) spring effects can now be produced at home with whirlbaths. whereby the water is
agitated and minerals added to the water are circulated in the bathtub and actually massage the
skin. This does not mean so-called bubble baths or scented waters, or bath salts, which have
practically no other purpose than to soften hard water.

Prepared minerals used in such a manner are of a therapeutic nature, as they have a similarity to
minerals contained in natural spring waters, and are of an additional benefit to the user as he has
the choice of several mineral mixtures that relate to different physical conditions. Flabby tissues,
poor circulation under the skin, which causes dermatological disorders' or rheumatic conditions,
which are not always relieved by warm water alone, do respond to the penetrating effects of
minerals in solution, even to those insoluble in water but which do come in contact with the skin
causing physical reactions.
Research and observations have brought to light that mineral combinations, when added to the
water, do bring about effects similar to those of natural origin. This does not mean that such
effects are producing the same results under any conditions, just as not everyone taking the baths
in natural springs is in every case relieved from their former symptoms. Those seeking additional
help in physical therapy with minerals added to the water in which they bathe-which should not
be confused with a strict cleansing procedure of personal hygiene-may add mineral baths to other
means of therapy employed.

No claim is made that such mineral additions are a cure-all for physical discomforts, but the
beneficial effects observed by those who have used them are sufficient to encourage their use
where applicable and so desired.

A refreshing and exhilarating mineral bath is well worth its first try to establish whether or not
personal effects on the body are noticed. It is very unlikely that immediate results will be
observed in all cases, especially in those cases where a prolonged and perhaps even a systematic
bathing with minerals may be required. In such cases, your doctor is the best source for
professional information.

Where there is no whirlbath mechanism available, minerals are added to the water while the
bathtub is filled. Vigorous agitation of the water, with the hands or other available means is
recommended to dissolve the minerals.

Usual duration of immersion in water is about 10-15 minutes. Care should be exercised to avoid
all drafts while taking the bath. Vigorous rubbing with a good towel should follow before
dressing. Where applicable, a good rub down or massage with either a beneficial liniment or
lotion will enhance the effect of mineral baths.
 Parachemy
Volume III: Number 2 Spring 1975

The Resurrection of Christ - Rick Grimes

Contents

Frater Albertus' Mineral Salts p.207

That Elusive Planet Vulcan p.211
Theriac - back cover

p.207

Frater Albertus' Mineral Salts

Mineral Salts In Solution
In a small brochure published recently by Paralab, it was announced hat Mineral Salts, different
from those known as Dr. Schuessler's Mineral Salts or Tissue Remedies, will soon be available.
The difference between presently used mineral salts and those under the Paralab label is that the
former do not contain the essential substance referred to as the vital or living essence, and the
latter do contain such in solution.

Dr. Schuessler lists twelve mineral salts which are actually derived from only six basic minerals
in the form of precipitation as sulfates, muriates, and phosphates. By contrast, each one of Frater
Albertus' Mineral Salts in solution consist of a different mineral, i.e. aluminum, calcium, copper,
iron, magnesium, potassium, sodium, zinc, etc. Human blood contains many more minerals than
listed here, but the ones indicated are important building blocks in the formation of tissues.

Chemically speaking, there is no difference if iron is derived from a plant or metal-that is, to the
chemist there is no difference in pure iron, no matter if derived from organic or inorganic
substance. However, this is still a matter of dispute with those following a non-orthodox
procedure based upon observation on living organisms. One should not lose sight of the fact that
chemistry can reveal what a substance contains, but it is beyond the realm of chemistry to
determine what curative or beneficial effects such analysis has upon living organisms. This
belongs to biology, pharmacy, and medicine. Only clinical evaluation can give us the proof. So,
too, can simple tests at home, as long as non-toxic substances are used to experiment with.

After careful extraction and reunification, mineral salts in solution are attenuated, including their
essential substances. Mineral salts in solution are nontoxic in their greatly diluted form. In fact, a
chemical analysis will show hardly any substantial traces of minerals and practically none of the
other essentials mentioned previously. Inevitably the question will be asked: How can such an
extremely weak solution be of any benefit? The answer is: Such mineral salt attenuations work in
a dynamic manner upon the tissues. Only personal tests and observations can either substantiate
this or refute it entirely.

The following tabulation of mineral salts is only a very elementary listing of symptoms that may
show beneficial reactions from the use of such mineral salt solutions. One is reminded of the
mineral contents found in the waters of natural health spas in Europe and elsewhere. Results
from drinking these mineral waters can only be attributed to what such waters contain in
minerals in solution and which the body can tolerate and make use of in a beneficial and
dynamic manner for the pathological symptoms prevailing.

Calcium could show its dynamic effects upon bone structures where calcium plays an important
part. It could also show effects on the spleen.

Copper could show a dynamic affinity towards the reproductive organs, the kidneys, and
probably the thyroid gland.

Iron could relate to further oxygenation of the blood and in the replacement of blood corpuscles.
In case of inflammation, due to lack of sufficient oxygen, it could show relief from such
symptoms. The gall bladder could be influenced thereby beneficially.
Magnesium and Aluminum could be related to the nervous system and could prove valuable in
the relief of tension with magnesium in the spinal nervous system and aluminum in the
sympathetic nervous system.

Potassium could indicate an important media for the dissolution of coagulations leading to the
formation of kidney stones or similar substances causing obstructions in various organs.

Sodium could reveal itself as an excellent flushing agent when mixed with body fluids, helpful in
cleansing tissues and removing waste matter by opening the pores. It could also function as an
essential mineral in the further assimilation of food after the regular metabolism of food has
occurred.

Zinc could help produce additional energy, showing especially in the brain cells and tissues. It
may be compared-this is given here only as an analogy-to the immersion of zinc plates which,
when immersed in weak acid, produce a stimulating electric current.

Further research could bring to light other mineral and metallic salts and their essential
constituents that are benefically effective pathologically. In regard to Dr. Schuessler's twelve
tissue remedies that should also contain the essentials found in mineral salts in solution, some of
these minerals are difficult to work with because of their lack of essentials, which have to be
freed from sources other than the basically lifeless mineral salts of which they consist,

In the meantime those who have used mineral or tissue salts will find that mineral salts in
solution are presenting additional possibilities not previously available in dry form.

NOTE: It may be of interest to those who lay claim to planetary influences upon minerals and
metals that such are said to correspond as follows:
Aluminium to the Moon
Magnesium to Mercury
Copper to Venus
Iron to Mars
Sodium to Jupiter
Calcium to Saturn
Potassium to Uranus
Zinc to Neptune

Minerals, it is said, differ from metals in the above interpretation. For instance. the metal
Antimony is also related to Uranus as is the mineral Potassium. Likewise, the metal Lead is
associated with Calcium to Saturn. Magnesium and Quicksilver share the same planetary ray
influence of Mercury, while Sodium and Tin are supposed to come under Jupiterian influence. +

p.211

That Elusive Planet Vulcan Again

By Carl W. Stahl

In the May 1974 issue of Horoscope, Charles A. Jayne, a well known astrologer, has an article
titled, "How Serious Is The Energy Crisis?" We are not concerned here with the article as such,
but what does concern us is that he mentions the planet Vulcan as a contributor to the effects of
that crisis. Naturally we are always interested when anyone mentions Vulcan, pro or con,.
derogatory or not. The reason we say derogatory is that Jayne says: "The period used by both the
late Weston and Carl Stahl is probably wrong." He then goes on to state that every 115 years
there is an inferior conjunction of Vulcan to the Sun with a deviation of only 0.067 per day. To
further quote Jayne: "Now if we add 115 years to March 26, 1859, we reach March 26, 1974!"

We go along with Jayne's inferior conjunction of Vulcan and the Sun March 26, 1859 and, using
Greenwich Mean Time at noon we come up with both the Sun and Vulcan at 5 degrees 18
minutes 36 seconds of tropical Aries. We must, however, point out that if you look in our Vulcan
Ephemeris for March 1974 you will come up with an inferior conjunction of Vulcan and the Sun
on March 23, 1974 at 8 hours 35 minutes Universal Time at Greenwich, in 2 degrees 20 minutes
of the sign Aries. Not bad for tables that were never intended to be more than approximate.

Those of you who have been using the position of Vulcan in your natal and transit charts are
already aware that Vulcan does have some influence on events, emotions, and thought itself. In
astrology we have found that those who have Vulcan closely aspected with the other planets,
particularly if those planets or Vulcan are in the foreground, i.e., within ten degrees of the rising
degree, the midheaven, the descending degree, or the anti-midheaven (1st, 10th, 7th, and 4th),
are natural leaders in what ever field planets and angle indicate.

We could go on and list numerous other effects and influences of Vulcan but we are aware that
to do so would not add to the practical knowledge and understanding of the majority of you. The
reason we say is that we must be versed in the basic principles of astrology before we can
understand how to use such a speculative force as that indicated by Vulcan I am also aware from
letters I have received that many of you would like to correct this lack of knowledge and
understanding about astrology's use in your daily life but are confused about where to get this
information. In order to help you gain this knowledge, such information will 'be presented in a
series of articles (which will give you these basic principles and more.)

Today, February 20, 1975, while working on this article, we received a letter we feel must be
shared with you. This woman, a self-taught astrologer and a good one, has been using Vulcan in
her charts and has had results. Perhaps the best thing to do would be to give you some extracts
from her letter. Remember, when reading the following, that she has never studied at P.R.S.

"I have been using Vulcan in all of my Sidereal Solar Returns and Sidereal Lunar Returns for the
past year and a half. In EVERY chart where the Return Vulcan has been placed close to an angle,
I have found that during that chart period I will experience some very major and sweeping shift
or change which relates directly to the angle that Vulcan is placed on. For an example: Vulcan
conjunction I.C. (I.C. equals home and family)-during this configuration, combined with various
transits, such things as deaths effecting the whole family have occurred. A recent Sidereal Lunar
Return with Sun, Vulcan, I.C., conjunct pulled the place I was living right out underneath me and
I found myself with 21 days to find a new apartment and move. This Return aspect was
compounded when the transiting Sun moved to an exact conjunction with the Sidereal Lunar
Return Vulcan, which was conjunct (1 degree orb) the Sidereal Lunar Return LC, angle.

"I have also found that in the charts of catastrophic events it will usually be found to contain a
group, such as Vulcan and Sun combined with some other planet such as Mars." (Here the writer
shows a combination chart of a natal and three novians which is quite impressive. We will go
into more detail on this when we have contacted the writer for more clarification).

"I think I can confidently say that Vulcan definitely has an effect, and a very drastic one. I rather
feel that it doesn't have a real definite personality of its own, but that it takes on the personality
of the planets it aspects. In the legend of Vulcan it is said that Vulcan loved Venus and hated her
lover Ares. Take Ares to be Mars and contemplate it for awhile. I can only conclude that Vulcan
is not only the cause of combustion, but is behind most really devastating or sweeping changes in
our lives. There aren't many times in each life when such events/changes occur, but the chances
of a return Vulcan falling on an angle is rare in itself. Uranian influences don't really fit to what
some people try to push them to. I believe that many instances of change have been pushed onto
Uranus that truly belong to the realm of Vulcan."

The enthusiasm of this woman over her discoveries is quite contagious. She is a self-taught
astrologer and I can assure you that, from this letter alone, one is made aware that she knows
about what she is writing. If we could only infect a few of you with this contagion, we would
consider the time used in writing this article well spent.

As more information, some of it from you readers we hope, comes in we will keep you informed.
We shall also make an attempt to correlate this information into a form that you can use.

Two men looked out from behind prison bars.

One saw mud, the other saw stars.

back cover

Theriac
At one time Theriac was used rather extensively. Andromachus, who was the personal physician
of Nero, is supposedly to have originated in Rome the formula for Theriac as an antidote against
poisons, such as snake bites for instance. Theriac contained 64 different ingredients, some of
them very costly. In 1529 in Nuremberg, Germany, the city fathers made it mandatory that
Theriac could be produced only with the express permission and supervision by the city council.
In other words, it had to have the official sanction so that no substitutes or inferior ingredients
could be used. The last recorded public preparation took place in 1754 at the Nuremberg
Apotheke "To the Golden Orb' under solemn ceremonies, as was the case when Theriac was
made up either at the Marcus Square in Venice, Italy, or for that matter anywhere else. It was
"official" in the various pharmacopoeias but-has been taken out because of the costly ingredients
and the cumbersome mode of production. The solemn rites attached to it, during its preparation,
may have been another reason for its being left out of subsequent editions of the official
pharmacopoeias, as not being scientific. Nevertheless, Theriac was known as "The" medicine.
 Parachemy
Volume III: Number 3 Summer 1975

Jacob Boehme

Contents

That's What It Is! p.230

Colloidal Gold as an Alchemical preparation p.234
Astrology for the Neophyte p.241
Questions and Answers p.247
Jacob Boehme - back cover

p.230

That's What It Is!

(What's Going On In The Minds Of People)
In the last issue of PARACHEMY there was disclosed the psychic condition of the average
citizen of West Germany, according to reports from psychiatrists and psychologists. Dr. Gunter
Ammon, head of the Psychoanalysis Academy (DAP), on opening the Dusseldorf
Psychoanalysis Teaching and Research Institute stated that one West German in ten is already
mentally "dead" and that approximately six million persons require psychiatric treatment, though
there are only one thousand fully trained therapists in the whole of the Federal Republic. At least
sixty thousand psychotherapists are required to guarantee adequate psychiatric care throughout
the Federal Republic. Central and Federal state governments were sharply criticized for not
having recognized the seriousness of the situation. The Academy claims that one patient in two
consulting a doctor at present is already suffering from psychosomatic complaints involving a
physical reaction to mental processes. The aim is to remedy what is described as a disastrous
state of affairs by encouraging further development of and full information about
psychoanalytical research in both theory and practice.

This psychic condition is alarming when one considers the magnitude of the number of people
involved. For, such a condition does not exist only in West Germany but is found nearly all over
the world, with perhaps the exception of those fortunate countries where haste and pressure have
not, as yet, made such inroads. And it is a terrifying condition when one considers that an
increase is very likely because of the ever-increasing pressure brought upon individuals as a
result of the accelerated tempo of life.

Within the announcement, a statement was made that people who take tranquilizers, drugs, go to
church, practice yoga, join in metaphysical societies, or esoterical and philosophical groups, etc.
are ending up in only too many cases as nervous wrecks, dissatisfied or disillusioned. Some,
when reading such a statement as this, may have taken offense at the inclusion of the church, the
practice of yoga, and the metaphysical societies, or esoterical and philosophical groups being in
it. Yet, if the situation is considered without partiality, it is evident that many who do go to
church, who do practice yoga, and who do join metaphysical societies, or esoterical and
philosophical groups have not found peace of mind. Rather, a great number of these people find
instead a disillusionment and do become nervous wrecks. There are some, perhaps, who would
declare that, through one of such of these systems, peace of mind has been found, giving
happiness. But there is a question that needs to he carefully considered by all: Why, if peace of
mind is found, is there still a searching for it?

The answer that the PRS gives to the prevailing and alarming psychic condition and to all who
are seeking peace of mind is that the majority of the people are too much concerned with
external conditions and not enough, by far, with their own inner life. This will, in many cases, be
refuted immediately by such statements as the church does, the practice of Yoga does, and the
metaphysical societies, or esoterical and philosophical groups do stress this fact, through these
systems people are taught to accomplish just such an inner awareness. Yes, such a teaching does
take place through these systems, though rarely is accomplishment known and demonstrated. It
is important that we direct our attention to the word "system." For, it is here where the trouble
begins.

Many claim to have the sole and only answer and when such needs verification as to its merit,
only too often a so-called proof is attempted by citing former authorities and emphasizing the
transmission of such authority. Each has his or her own system and unfortunately these systems
do not always coincide. When they do not, differences are aired and before long accusations are
made. Instead of such systems easing the strain and calming the troubled waters, the opposite
takes place and the mental strain increases. Whereas, a tranquility is needed to help soothe the
rushing impulses of the every day strife for more and better material gains.

The basic answer to this would seem to be found in an unconventional approachto use the best
available information from any and all sources and to produce a universal outline (not system)
that is applicable to all concerned, regardless of religion, creed, philosophy, etc., an outline that
is universal in its application as is, by analogy, arithmetic, geography, and history.

What could such an outline contain? First of all, cyclic events that have occurred and can be
verified will have to be tabulated and evaluated. Events that have occurred in the past can not be
removed from history. for such are facts. When such global cyclic events have been established,
a reduction to smaller cyclic events will have to be found and verified. Such verification is the
heart of any and all further projection. Just as in mathematics a factor can be determined before it
takes place so will future events he calculated, based upon prevailing evidence. To accomplish
this, many systems within a valid outline may then he used. We know this can be accomplished
with the help of many such systems, just as in arithmetic many systems are employed, ranging
from the simple systems of addition and subtraction, multiplication and division to the more
advanced systems of algebra, geometry, trigonometry, calculus, etc. To go about systematically
means to follow according to chosen laws that which is to be employed. Each system serves a
specific function and may, in accordance with need, serve as a means but is not in itself the one
and only way by which a positive result may be obtained within a given outline. By use of such a
valid outline, man may come to see life as it is-the false as false, the true as truerather than,
according to his conditioned thinking, merely accept what it is he but believes or even desires to
be false and to be true. If an undivided attention were to be given to the understanding of life as
it is then "to search" may not be necessary . . . To seek what is desired is an endless search for
then man's mind is continuously projecting that which is to be sought and, in the conflict and
struggle to reach it, he does not see that which is before him, around him, and with him.

According to the law of polarity, any system can be made to work, as has been demonstrated at
the PRS curriculum. However, care should be taken that the difference between a supposition
and a fact be realized. It should not be supposed that when the two become merged identical
results will be produced. Nor should it be supposed-that a system based on supposition will
produce results identical to a system based on fact. It is here where the greatest danger is to be
found, as is only too evident in religions which are exclusively based upon belief and not
knowledge, as are most philosophical dissertations. It is extremely difficult to find even one
religious creed that does not begin with I (or we) believe . . . To the best of the availing
knowledge concerning religious or philosophic creeds, none is known that begins with I (or we)
know . . . Many illusions are retained within such religious or other concepts that will not stand
their ground when put to the test. As an example, one may have a belief and upon such a belief
build a system which may be stretched to the ridiculous.

Systems have been built upon such simple assertions as "two can live as cheaply as one" or "four
hands can accomplish more than two hands". Theoretically, the soundness of such postulations
can not be proven. Neither can theoretical religious theorems be proven. As an example, let us
take the following simple assertion of "figures don't lie". This is one of such an accepted and
popular quoted saying, used only too often by insurance companies, statisticians, and others. Are
figures always infallible? They are not. Usually, people do not care to investigate for themselves
and come up with proof to satisfy themselves. They expect others to do it for them, because in
most cases they are not even able to arrive at their own conclusion for lack of knowledge. On the
other hand, there are others who have knowledge but do not act upon it. There is no virtue in
knowledge without action. Such an assertion as "figures don't lie" can theoretically be proven to
be unsound and it can be shown that the basis upon which its system rests does not always
produce identical results. If one man were to build a boat in one year, twelve men could build it
in one month. Up to here this seems to be quite acceptable. But . . . if we continue this system
and find out if it is based upon fact, we will see that it is not workable, though one may believe it
as far as one is willing to believe it. If twelve men could build this boat in one month, then 360
men could build it in one day and 8,640 men could accomplish the same in one hour. In one
minute, 518,400 men would be able to build this boat and, lo and behold, 31,104,000 men could
build this whole thing in one second! If one were to go further, the entire 'boat could be built by
1,866,240,000 men in the twinkling of an eye. And all of this is possible ... because "figures don't
lie!"

If man would only find contentment in the fact that he lives in a natural world and would content
himself with natural things, he would not become so confused and mentally disturbed by
stressing the supernatural as common occurrences. There are many things that man does not
understand for the simple reason that he does not make sufficient efforts to stay with his feet on
the ground no matter how high his head is dwelling in the clouds. Only after man has found
himself as a dweller on this planet, as. he makes an effort to know life as it is, will he find out
more-but not before. Man's work is here on this earth and the most important of all known facts
is to find out first of all why he is who he is. This is possible with presently known and available
facts, which are based upon an outline which employs various systems whereby the end results
are identical. This is important because the facts emerging coincide irregardless of the system or
systems used. Therefore, many systems can be employed. It is not the system used that is of
prime importance but the outline upon which a system is based. Such an outline is of a natural
occurrence and can be substantiated by the available facts, and these we have to have first before
any further assumptions, beliefs, or such have any sound basis to rest upon. Any belief is valid
when projected from available laws at hand and the knowledge of how to use them.

As long as man prefers to speculate rather than use what is, available to him at a given time and
employ gainfully such, much time and effort is spent to hardly any avail, with resulting
confusion, worry, and increased uncertainty producing mental illness because of the stress
building up out of proportion to the capabilities of man to cope with it.

Without any claim to a special system, the PRS is in a position to assist those who ask to be
assisted and can inform them as to the fundamental laws, which enable man to find himself and
to prove the validity by practical demonstrative evidence. The PRS does not claim to be the only
one who can present such an outline but certainly has established sufficient results with
individuals who have put such an outline to the test and thereby enriched their lives both on the
physical and mental planes of awareness. Such evidence is undisputably to be had by those who
have attended PRS resident studies on subjective and demonstrable laboratory results.

All men who are instructed in fundamental truths speak the same language, for they are
inhabitants of the same country.
- Saint Germain

p.234

Colloidal Gold As An Alchemical Preparation

By S. Mahdihassan

In order to specify an alchemical preparation, it has to be distinguished from others which are
not. This becomes easy enough when we go into the theories supporting each of the two
categories of medicaments. Simples, or individual drugs, be it a herb, Soma, a mineral, like red-
ochre, or a metal, like gold, were assumed to contain a quantum of soul as their active principle.
When such a drug was taken, the strength of the medicine passed into the system of the
consumer, much as vitamins do to enrich our body. Soma, really Ephedra, was assumed to be so
rich in soul content that taking it regularly kept deferring death, making man practically
immortal.

The idea of each and every substance being endowed with soul was initiated by Animism. When
Dualism came later on, though the presence of soul in a herb and a metal was confirmed,
everything now became dualnatured with soul as a whole-a mixture of a male-soul and a female-
soul, their ratio differing from case to case. The male-soul was virtually growthsoul responsible
for life-span. The female-soul was corporeal-soul which imparted form and specificity.

Ephedra was rich in male-soul, which made it a perennial plant; but its femalesGul was poor,
revealing it as a delicate herb. On the contrary, a metal, like copper, was solid and heavy, due to
a powerful female-soul; but it was liable to rust and it was unable to repair itself, much less to
grow at all, for its male-soul was weak. But if a metal and a herb be calcined together, at a
critical temperature, differential heating would drive away their weaker souls, leaving only the
stronger ones behind. The resistant souls would then be the male-soul of the herb and the female-
soul of the metal.

At the same time, maintaining proper heat becomes a decisive factor. The powerful pair of souls
would then fuse as equals into unity, to constitute a hermaphrodite soul. Thus, the male and
female souls, being together, the system becomes self-productive.

When such a herbo-metallic complex, with a hermaphrodite soul, is taken as a drug, the
accepting system never lacks the presence of soul and is therefore bound to become everlasting;
thus, man can become immortal. When the same substance is seeded into mercury, the latter
becomes everlasting as metal which is gold. But the resultant gold is also the carrier of an ever-
growing soul so that the same transferred into a potful of mercury, in turn, changes the latter into
gold.

Thus, alchemical gold. like the original herbo-mineral substance, is a hermaphrodite by

constitution and a ferment by function. The alchemist by word and by illustration never failed to
convey such to be his belief. Thus, whereas ordinary gold used as a Simple, recommended by
Animism, would prolong life in the long run, alchemical gold could do that all at once, as a
single dose drug of immortality. The active principle in the former case was additive, in the latter
multiplicative, where even a homeopathic dose should suffice once for all. Since alchemical gold
was ferment-gold and, as such, live-gold, the alchemist was overcautious in melting it before he
parted with it definitely as dead-gold. This of course was good as bullion-gold but no longer an
ideal drug for immortality.

We have learnt of the genesis of alchemical gold. Virtually it was the growthsoul of a plant that
transplanted itself into a base metal, be it copper or mercury. In other words, it is a case of
reincarnation, when the vehicle itself is changed say from copper into gold, Then it seems far
easier to take dead-gold, as such, and revive it as live-gold, which alchemical gold really is. And
the reviving agency would again be the growth-soul of some herb. This would be a case of
resurrection, for the vehicle remains unchanged in form, only dead-gold is being enlivened to
become live-gold. That the special technique of alchemy consisted in bringing about a herbo-
metallic complex, with a herbal soul transferred to a metallic body, can be supported by
documentary evidence. In this connection His Highness the MAHARADJA OF GONDAL,
writes that the ancient Hindus "have described the method of transferring the properties of
vegetable cures to certain metals which intensify their efficacy and retain it a long time." The
Maharadja was the only Indian Prince who had been academically qualified as a graduate in
medicine from a British University, and as such was selfconscious of his scientific training. He
therefore tried to give his statement a rationalistic form. He has thereby attempted the
impossible, for no one can conceive how vegetable cures can migrate into metals. On the
contrary, in the light of Animism-cum-Dualism it is easy to see how the growth-soul of a plant
can occupy a metallic body. Moreover, controlled heating means repeated heating to produce the
best end product. In the case of Mica preparation, I know it has to be calcined sometimes as often
as 1000 times. On account of it, the Burmese name for alchemy is Aggya, with the root Ag
meaning Fire, while Aggya itself signifies " a pursuit implying work with fire." In confirmation
we have enough pictures of medieval European alchemists each seated before a furnace and his
laboratory full of crucibles and tongs. By now it must be clear that the first preparation the
alchemist succeeded in making was a herbo-metallic complex and that every alchemical
preparation must contain an ever-increasing soul as the active principle.

The next preparation was alchemical gold. Now this can be made by mixing a herbo-metallic
complex with a metal or mercury, but it can also be made by taking ordinary gold and treating it
with a plant juice so that the revived gold becomes ferment-gold. It is the latter preparation that
is being discussed here. Its procedure can be further endorsed by mysticism.

PHILO maintains that impacts of a soul on matter makes it soul-like. Applying it to our case, the
growth-soul of a plant incorporated in gold would make it grow as a ferment. Only in this light,
can we appreciate how calcining a metal, or powdering it, to destroy its physical or material
nature, and at the same time infusing growth-soul con-ling from a herb, ultimately changes the
inert material as bullion-gold into an active soul-like gold. We are now fully prepared to face
alchemical preparations of gold coming dut of copper. That alchemy consisted in imitating
creation was clearly recognized by DANTE during whose times alchemy was a favorite hobby.
Even his recognition seems to have been ignored by modern authorities on the history of
alchemy. Now the reciprocal of creation is resurrection. Here the body fully exists as such,
needing only soul to enliven it. In imitating creation, a base metal was first given the form of
gold and this became livegold or ferment-gold. But we can start with the fossil-gold already
existing and see if it can be enlivened by a soul, which comes from a vegetable and transmigrates
into the body of a "metal," to give rise to a vegetable-metal complex, or better spoken of as a
herbo-metallic one. We have seen that heating, or calcining, is an important condition.
Overheating would drive away the herbal soul far too soon and the metal would not be
resusitated. To revive dead-gold into live-gold would be imitating resurrection rather than
creation. The final product would again be endowed with an ever increasing soul, and thus
identical with the herbo-metallic complex considered before. Dead-gold, however, can only be
revived if a herb can donate its soul. For this we can take a powerful soul of a special herb, or
subject dead-gold to the integrated impacts of weaker souls coming from less powerful donors.
This would be more practical though time-consuming. The above theory in essence is supported
by mysticism when PHIL0 maintains that the impacts of soul on matter can make it soul-like. A
herbal soul produces impacts on dead-gold and finally revives it. It is tested on fire where it dies.
It is revived again with fresh juice rich in soul. This killing and reviving is repeated until the
material vehicle becomes soul-like. We started with metallic gold and herbal extract, we ended
by realizing that the metal became soul-like and a female-soul, which then accepted the growth-
inducing soul, or the male-soul of the herb. The two become equal and fuse into unity. We are
now fully informed to appreciate an important technique of practical alchemy.

For some years, I had the honor of being the Private Secretary of Maharaja SIR KISHEN
PERSHAD, G.C.L.E., a former Prime Minister of Hyderabad State, India. Being an old
gentleman at the time, he encouraged an expectation of making a gold preparation against
general debility. For this purpose, one Tola (11. 6 Grams) of gold leaves were taken and
triturated with herbal extracts in a mortar and pestle of hard black granite. The yellow powder
gradually became greyish and finally brick-red. When the color did not improve further, the
preparation was declared as perfect. One can see that the reddish-gold powder was really
colloidal gold. If I remember right, it took some three months to prepare, working about five
hours a day.

That it is a time-consuming and labor-involving process is obvious but the technique is as

simpleas one can wish.

Another method is obviously the older-that of calcining gold with herbal juices. Here gold filings
are preferred and placed as a core within a ball of freshly pounded herbs. The "vegetable ball" is
wrapped up in a cloth and further covered with a thick layer of fine clay. This ball is allowed to
dry and then calcined at a definite heat. Cow dung cakes are used as fuel, never charcoal, since
the former gives relatively low heat. I had the temperature indirectly measured and estimated it
as being about 400oC, although the external heat was much higher. Heating is continued' for
about four hours, adding fresh dung-cakes as required. Finally, it is left overnight. The next day
the gold filings are roughly ground in a hard mortar and pestle and again placed in a fresh ball of
pounded herbs, and then the calcining is repeated as before. This process is carried on some forty
times. Here grinding is reduced to the minimum but firing is increased correspondingly.

Sir R. N. CHOPRA2 mentions three synonyms for the gold preparation: Swarna 11hasma (a
Sanskrit term), Gold Kushta (the latter being a Persian word), and Reduced Gold. He gives the
chemical analysis of one such preparation with 96.7% gold. But as expected, there are other
minerals coming from the ashes of plants used in calcining. I well remember reading that Prof.
STOCKLASA, the famous Agricultural Chemist of Prague, found gold in the ash of some plants.
Ele ultimately traced it to their habitat in Bohemia where the soil contained traces of gold. What
is worthwhile knowing is the form in which gold was present. Any ionizable salt of gold would
have killed the herb long before it could grow to have been collected. Presumably, it must have
existed there as colloidal gold, resulting from Vitamin C of the plant acting on any absorbed gold
salt. Likewise, any alchemical preparation of gold is valuable, not only on account of its gold
content but also on account of its colloidal nature. I miss such emphasis in the literature on gold
preparations sold even today in India and Pakistan. I have to report on three of them here.

The first preparation was sold by the SULAIMANI DAWAKHANA, Jhangia, Multan District,
West Pakistan. It was a brick-red powder. Fig. 1 shows it magnified 7.500 times under an
electron microscope. The second was made by Dr. PURSHOTHAN DEV MULTANI, Head of
the Ayurvedic Section of the Unani Hospital, Hyderabad, India, and was kindly presented to me
when I visited him. This again was identical in color with sample No. 1. Fig. 2 gives its picture
as magnified also 7.500 times. The third preparation was undertaken by the late KAKIM NOOR
MOHAMMAD KNAN at Karachi. He came from Ajmir and had almost ruined himself as an
enthusiastic alchemist. He was therefore fully qualified to make Such a preparation. He
undertook this work at my request so that I could learn the method of its preparation. It looked
brick-red as well but the particles were larger when magnified.

Knowing that the real quality of a gold preparation depends upon the fineness of its particles, I
was on the lookout for a process which could atomize metallic gold by proper physical means.
This happened to be mentioned by E. A. SMITH3 in his interesting article "Fine Grinding of
Pharmaceuticals." He writes that it is generally believed that "some materials can change their
properties as they become finer. Graphite, for example, which the text book describes as
chemically inert, becomes reaclive A when reduced to very fine sizes; and I well remembered by
unloading a mill, in which I was attempting to grind this mineral as fine as possible, to discover
that when it was brought into air it tended to burn spontaneously at fineness beyond about 400
M2/g. One does not associate spontaneous activity of this kind with pure carbon in crystalline
form." It may be added that there exists on the market an alchemical preparation of diamond,
which is also carbon, reduced to a powder as smooth to the touch as though it was butter. It is,
however, made to order, which is undertaken by an Ayurvedic drug house at Gondal, India, at a
fabulously high price. Of the Karachi gold preparation I had enough to send to Mr. SMITH for
further atomization. This was kindly returned as a much finer powder, shown in Fig. 3B, to be
compared with the original in Fig. 3A. I felt that the magnification of 7.500 times needed further
enlargement. Some of the Karachi powder was sent to Prof. Dr. G. W. RATHENAU, Director of
Philips Research Laboratories, Eindhoven, Holland, who kindly had it magnified 37.500 times.
This is shown in Fig. 4. 1 take this opportunity of thanking him again. The pictures reproduced
here as Figs. 1 to 3 were prepared by Dr. S. N. RUDHLESDEN, Principal Scientific Officer of
the British Ceramic Research Association, Stoke-on-Trent, and to him, as to the Director, Dr. N.
F. ASTBURY, my thanks are due. Last but not least, my thanks to Mr. E. A. SMITH in London.
Humble as the contents of this article are, it has taken me some years to collect representative
samples and to contact foreign specialists since nowhere in Pakistan could I find an electron
microscope, without which more of the pictures could have been offered. There is another
method of measuring particle size, most recently described by Dr. PEARSON4. He uses a special
electronic device, "Coulter Counter," of Coulter Electronics Ltd., Dunstable, England, which is
worthwhile in trying to establish the particle size of such preparations as have been shown here
by an electron microscope. +

(Apologies for the quality, but the originals were not much better-RD)
REFERENCES

1. RHAGVAT SINWEE, A Short History of Aryan Medical Science, Gondal, 1937, p. 137.
2. CHOPRA, R. N. Indigeneous Drugs of India, 1958, Calcutta.
3. SMITH, E A. Fine Grinding of Pharmaceuticals, Manfg. Chemist., May 1966, p. 42.
4. PEARSON, J. T. and W. N. PITKETHLY, The Pharmacist in Industry, Chemistry in Britain,
Aug. 1969, p. 360.

p.241

Astrology For The Neophyte

By Carl W. Stahl

When beginning any undertaking, whether your role is that of teacher or student, it is proper
procedure to pause for a time in the invocation of the God of your heart. So before beginning to
study let us pause in the silence. You as a student, to become a properly attuned recipient, and
we as your teacher being with you in spirit, praying that we are capable of performing this
instruction in a positive manner.

In the final analysis we can only give off that which we have. What follows will be astrology as
we see it. It cannot be otherwise. If it were, we would he denying our own individuality. We
would be a hollow shell, a sham, and a delusion.
Following invocation comes contemplation which reveals to us how separate the body of
astrology into its various parts and, in the process of putting these parts back together again, we
shall attain a transmutation of these essentials into a purified whole. Unless we thoroughly
understand all the basic parts of the body of astrology, we will be incapable of putting together a
coherent whole. The result of this contemplation is seen in the preparation which follows.

Through preparation we obtain knowledge which leads to understanding and eventually to

wisdom. So come, let us first lay bare the essentials of that symbolic knowledge which is called
astrology.

In the olden days no one would have been admitted to the study of alchemy who was not
experienced in the knowledge and use of astrology. For how could he learn anything of alchemy,
when alchemical books and papers are filled with astrological symbols, unless he knew
something of astrology? Of alchemy it has been said, "Know the theory first." The same -an be
said of astrology, "Know the theory first." This we shall attempt give you in the following
lessons. By the grace of God there shall be a meeting of minds and an interchange of ideas.

First we must understand that in astrology, being a symbolical science, all its knowledge is
revealed by the symbols that make up its whole. It matters not whether these be the symbols of
the planets, the constellations, the aspects, the elements, or the essentials. All together constitute
the body of knowledge known as astrology.

This being so, the ancients must have left some plans as to which sequence should be followed
when using this symbolical knoweldge. They did, designating the planets as the basic symbols.
From them could be deduced the basic meanings behind the science of the stars. Once the
student has these basic meanings fixed in his mind, he is then ready to take another step forward.

In the beginning of these instructions we shall use only the Sun, the Moon, and the five planets
of the ancients. We are doing this because it is vitally necessary that you understand the
influences of these planets before attempting to understand the influences of the more recently
discovered planets. This applies especially to their rulerships and exaltations. In the following
pages we give the seven planets of the ancients along with some hints as to their influences. We
must approach these influences in an objective manner. Unless we can use the knowledge we are
about to gain in everyday life, we are wasting our time. Make no mistake, the mundane leads to
the spiritual. Man crawls before he walks, and walks before be can run, and then he may run
when he should have remained motionless.

The Sun

The Sun signifies our mental creative ability and the strength of our life force. When close to an
angle it gives an irresistable urge to shine, to attain both fame and honor. Our vanity and
ambition can often be determined from the Sun's place in our birth chart. The Sun indicates our
pride in, as well as the results of, our creative thought and efforts. It shows our vital reserve and
how our mind affects our health. Success and honor bring energy in abundance. Failure and
dishonor often bring sickness and even death. The Sun signifies our search for fame, honor, sex,
and conquest. Close to an angle it causes pride, egotism, vanity, and self-centered esteem. It is
the Sun, not Mars, who is the true War Lord. The story of Hercules and his twelve labors
represents the Sun's passage through the twelve divisions of the zodiac. The ancients worshipped
the Sun as the physical representation, the body, of God. Both religion and sports come under the
Sun. Both seek identification with the supreme; one spiritually, the other physically. Sportsmen
and military commanders have the same goal. Both seek victory, honor, and decorations, along
with the parades and the pomp of the triumphal occasions that follow.

The Sun is said to signify the heart as the seat of the soul. As such it signifies the Self, the
positive half of the ego. It indicates what one is at heart, one's inner aims, desires, and vital
interests. It is the positive and the Moon the negative significator of sex. Whichever of the
luminaries is the most powerfully placed will indicate which characteristic predominates in the
individual. There are very few pure types since most of us are mixture of both the positive and
negative. We must not consider either the Solar or Lunar oriented person superior to the other.
Just as both male and female have their function in life, so do Solar and Lunar type personalities.
To summarize: The Sun is the significator of creative thought, ambition, success, honor, and
fame. Pure thought is Solar.

Tiphereth, the sixth Sephirah and the thirtieth Path on the Tree of Life, is identified with the Sun.
Its color is yellow, its metal gold, and its archangel is Raphael.

The Moon

The Moon signifies emotion. Man, proud of his reasoning ability, overlooks the fact that he and
the majority of mankind still react to their emotions and not to their thoughts. Can you rightly
claim, that even when you carefully reason something out, that you then follow reason in your
decision and not emotion? Our reactions to our daily life are shown by-the position of our natal
Moon, the constellation it is in, and the aspects it makes to the planets and the Sun. It shows our
moods, daily habits, manners, deportment, personal aversions, gestures, method of eating, way of
talking, gestures, facial expression and those things we crave. The Moon indicates the pride we
take in our personal appearance and what we do to enhance it. Ruling the emotions, it directly
reacts on our health. Frustration and despair can bring on a bout with the flu or even the common
cold. We must look to the Moon for answers to problems related to sex.

Basically the meaning of the Moon is sensation and response to it, Its position in the chart shows
where the person is too close and too tied up with his feelings to have clear insight on things.
This is where he reacts without forethought, on impulse. The Lunar position shows where the
native is brought into intimate involvement with every detail of his daily life. The Moon, as the
psychological center of desire, denotes the ego in its negative expression and as such is
concerned with the personal and intimate affairs and actions of one's private life. It has to do
with the erotic and family life of both sexes. The sexual urges, hidden in the subconsious,
express themselves in personal mannerisms. Laughter, tears, humor, anger, tenderness, all are
reactions of the Moon to inner or outer stimuli. The subconscious mind, the storehouse of
memory, comes under the Moon.

Yesod, the ninth Sephirah and the thirteenth Path on the Tree of Life, is given to the Moon. Its
color is violet, its metal is silver, and its Archangel is Gabriel.
Mercury

Mercury is the significator of acquisitiveness. It rules communication not thought. It concerns

itself with words and language which are used in communication but has no creativity of its own.
Writing, literature, and study come under Mercury. One form of communication is travel,
whether it be physical or by means of thought forms, and both come under Mercury. It rules a
person's mental attitude and the mechanics of thought. It has nothing to do with a person's
brilliance or stupidity because it has nothing to do with intelligence which comes under the Sun.
Mental activity comes under Mercury whether it is reading, learning, debating, writing,
advertising, persuasion, business affairs, mathematics, or mechanical abilities. It also rules our
ability to take in and give off knowledge. The Roman god, Mercury, was the patron of traders
and thieves. The merchant operates within the law, while the thief operates outside the law, but
they are both motivated by the desire for gain. From this we see that Mercury signifies the
acquisitive faculty, which in affliction becomes greed and dishonesty.

We can usually determine the nature of our natural business, profession or trade from Mercury's
position in the horoscope and from its aspects with the other planets. The desire to make money
(Mercury) and to be loved (Venus) arecravings that are closest to the heart of most people just as
these planets are closest to the Sun. Education, particularly that which seeks to train us to
become efficient professional and business men, so. we can earn a living, come under Mercury.
It is the bridge between the ego and the objective world and without it we would he at a constant
loss for words. Identification comes under Mercury and includes, among other things, your
Social Security Number, Driver's license, telephone number, address, nickname, everything
expressed in word and number as well as in documentary form. Mercury on an angle at birth
brings monetary success and every transit to it brings you to the attention of someone for either
good or bad.

Hod, the eighth Sephirah and the twelfth Path on the Tree of Life, is identified with Mercury. Its
color is orange, its metal is quicksilver, and its archangel is Michael.

Venus

Venus is the planet of love and brotherhood. Those having Venus on an angle at birth are
friendly, affectionate, soft-spoken, and mild. Venus recognizes no caste, color, creed, or race as
being different from the other. Sympathy comes under Venus, whether it ranges from social
compassion to feeling sorry for some one. It is our Venus which causes us to really care about
social injustice and the underprivileged. Venus is the mirror of the soul. Venus signifies the love
of a mother for her child, of one man for another in true buddy fashion, and of a father for his
son. Venus stands for true love, harmony, peace, and tenderness. Venus is our love for flowers,
natural beauty, scenes, artistic creations, children in general, pets, colors, or what have you. True
love gives, it never takes, and Venus is true love. Venus seeks to unify and those strongly under
Venus tend to herd together. Venus has to do with life and death, joy and sadness, pleasure and
pain, as in crying for joy. Flowers decorate both weddings and funerals. Venus is prominent at
the time of childbirth.
Netzach, the seventh Sephirah and the fourteenth Path, is identified with Venus. Its color is
green, its metal is copper, and its archangel is Haniel.

Mars

Mars is energy and near an angle gives it to excess. It also shows the person's strength and skill
in self defense as well as his mechanical ability. An angular Mars, especially if aspected by the
Moon, makes the native loud, coarse, vulgar, aggressive, and impatient. A background Mars may
be just as dangerous as it means a repressed personality which may compensate by violence.
Mars is the planet of competition and uses any means available to eliminate that competition if
necessary or possible. The true Martian is noisy. He grunts heavily, speaks with a deep voice,
and is a natural snorer. His best qualities are initiative, leadership, efficiency, and perseverance.
Mars is brave and courageous. He knows no fear. His worst quality is that he refuses to be
outdone. Mars feels that the only logical end of any contest is victory, hence they are bad losers.
Mars personifies pain, and in our charts shows where we get hurt. Mars reacts to trouble with
action. It strikes out, it slams doors, it breaks things, but it does something. Those responding to
the physical aspect of Mars lack both a sense of humor and an understanding of spiritual things.
Mars is passion.

Geburah, fifth Sephirah and twenty-fifth Path, is connected with Mars. Its color is red, its metal
is iron, and its archangel is Khamael.

Jupiter

Jupiter signifies expansion. In its simplest form this is a direct result of eating and Jupiter is
concerned with nutrition and growth. Jupiter's position and aspects indicate how we enjoy
ourselves. If with the benefics we will enjoy life to the utmost, if with the malefics there will be
no enjoyment. Religion, judgment, ritual, prayer, formal oaths, all divination come under Jupiter.
Jupiter rules the display of wealth and its spending, not its getting. Jupiter is a copycat not a
creator. It signifies esteem, the respect we receive from others. It is an aspect of keeping up with
the Joneses and with waste. To be socially worthy means not having to earn a living. It means
wearing a white collar, the creased trouser, and the latest style. For whatever is mod is Jupiterian.
An angular Jupiter indicates that one is a conformist, doing what is expected of him in his station
in life. Love to Jupiter is 'being loved, not loving. Being mothered and well fed is his idea of the
peak of love. Jupiter is the nice guy, the all American boy. He knows it is more important whom
you know than what you know. The planet of good fortune is the planetary example that wishful,
constructive thinking has a way of coming true. Jupiter rules medicine. This probably goes back
to when the only doctors were priests. If they were any good at all in healing, they became
exempted from all work and thus became the second profession, the first being religion.

Chesed, the fourth Sephirah and the twenty-first Path, is associated with Jupiter. Its color is blue,
its metal is tin, and its archangel is Tzadkiel.

Saturn
Saturn signifies that area where we have a lack. It is the planet of want, hunger, grasping, and
greed. It slows down and hinders the normal functions of any planet that it aspects. Saturn
restricts and hinders all growth. It corrupts every planet it aspects and the awareness of this
causes the native anguish and sorrow. Saturn signifies fear, cowardice, and the hatred which fear
brings. Fear and love cannot exist together. Fear brings resistance, dislike, and condemnation
which bars all understanding. To understand we must learn to love that which we seek to
understand. Saturn is the planet of self preservation, self denial, toil, worry, loneliness, and
burdens. Saturn is the planet of Law, rules, regulations, boundaries, limita tion, inferiority, the
status quo, and tradition. Saturn restricts in order to use. Saturn wishes to be self-sustaining and
has to put emotional distance between itself and other people. Saturn demands privacy. Saturn
refuses to go along blindly with the majority. To do so would involve him too closely with
others. Saturn rules both filth and cleanliness and most victims of compulsive neuroses are
constantly washing themselves. Saturn rules money and money is connected with filth. Since
Saturn wants to hang onto everything, even its own waste (constipation), it is the planet of
wealth. If you make every cent you can, and get rid of as little of it as possible, you will
eventually become rich. To Saturn love is possession. If the loved one desires to break away, he
is punished for his own good. A strong natal Saturn may mean fear of life, which results in the
native building fences and safeguards around himself to keep others out.

Binah, the third Sephirah and the thirty-second Path is equated to Saturn. Its color is black, its
metal is lead, and its archangel is Tzaphkiel.

Having given you some brief hints on the influences of the planets in the natal chart, we find that
the next step is to ascertain what planets rule what constellations. We give a table below which
list the ancient method. Meditate on it. In our next article we will show how to find out the
influences of the constellations. Study the planetary influences and make them a part of
yourselves.

Ancient Method of Planetary Rulership

+ Sun Leo
-Mercury Virgo
+ Venus Libra
-Mars Scorpio
+ Jupiter Sagittarius
-Saturn Capricorn
Cancer Moon -
Gemini Mercury +
Taurus Venus -
Aries Mars +
Pisces Jupiter -
Aquarius Saturn +

p.247
 Questions and Answers
ALCHEMY

Q. I understand that the PRS is engaged primarily in alchemical research. This I understand to
be actual laboratory work. Is this the case or is there also spiritual alchemy involved in the PRS
teachings?

A. The PRS emphasizes demonstrable alchemical laboratory alchemy. The reason is that too
much emphasis is placed by others over a too greater length of time on what some call spiritual
alchemy, what we say is a misnomer and should be referred to as mental alchemy.

Q. Was it by chance that each of us was drawn to the work at PRS was there a definite, even
karmic, reason in each case?

A. This question has been asked many times. Those involved are inclined towards the latter.

Q. Metals and minerals come dead or alive. A sure source of live minerals and metals is their
ore. Last year we started with the ore of antimony. Yet when we calcined the black powder, to
obtain the white powder, Sb203 did not we kill it?
1) In other words, did not we drive off the mercury of antimony by excessive heat? If the answer
is affirmative, then seems that we might as well have started with Sb203 obtained through any
chernical supply house.
2) Can excessive heat also drive off the sulphur from Sb203. In that case, we must ask the factory
under what heat the white powder has been produced. This, however, is mostly a question of
theoretical interest, since we may assurne that the factory, in order to save energy.. produced the
white Powder at a reasonably low heat.
3) It appears, therefore, that when we come to the point where we desire to produce the fixed
alkahest from the antimony, we had better use a white powder which has been produced under a
sufficiently low heat, in order to still preserve some of the alkahest in the metal. In fact, it seems
that we had better start directly with the ore in this case so that we, ourselves, can take the
necessary precautions to prevent the alkahest from escaping.
4) Or perhaps, the above arguments are (relatively) invalid, due to the fact that the alkahest in
antimony is (relatively) fixed in antimony and therefore will not be driven off by any heat within
reasonable limits.
5) Will any alkahest serve as a Universal Menstruum within the mineral kingdom?

A. 1) Antimony oxide can be derived by various ways and means. The alchemistical approach is
slow and prolonged calcination. Chemical firms use different processes. The unusual thing about
the mercury of antimony, alchemists tell us, is that it is fixed. That is what makes antimony so
highly unusual to the alchemists.
2) Antimony trioxide does not contain any more sulphur. It has been driven off by calcination.
Very little, if any, will be left if the process is carefully conducted.
3) When the source of your antimonial product is uncertain, starting with the ore is to be
preferred.
4) You are on the right track to answer your own previous questions and then some.
5) No. There are many alkahests in the mineral kingdom but only one philosophical mercury.

Q. Into how many parts can water be separated or divided different one from the other?

A. We have presently been able to come up with twelve separate such parts.

Q. How would the four elements be separated in the antimony work? How would we identify the
four elements?

A. Air in its spirit, earth in its mineral salt, fire in its sulphur, and water in its radical moisture
which separates from the spirit or mercury by distillation.

Q. Could you elaborate on the uses of the tartaric alkahest?

A. It is very useful for the extraction of essential extracts from minerals. Gold will yield its
essence to it.

Q. What are the V, P, and K factors in the herbal kingdom?

A. According to the Tridosha, the V-Vat is air, P-Pit is fire, and K-Kaph is water. These factors
apply to all three kingdoms.

Q. Where vitriol is mentioned in alchemical operations, could ferrous suphate crystals be used
(FeS047H20)?

A. It usually refers to ferrous sulphate and not to ferric. When the turquoise-colored crystals
change to brown, the ferrous state has changed to the ferric.

Q. Can sulphuric acid be removed from antimony vinegar? Following Basil's instructions in
making antimony vinegar, I seem to get menstruums that are contaminated with sulphur. Can
this be done without picking up the crude sulphur that creates sulphuric acid when coming in
contact with water?

A. If the vinegar of antimony is made from crude ore, it is very difficult to remove the suphuric
acid thus formed. It is different when calcined ore is used, as the sulphur is driven off. This
should he done under vacuum to exclude all additional entry of moisture. As long as there is
some sulphur left in the antimony, when water is added some sulphuric acid will form. A
sulphurous acid can be had from antimony but this has to be accomplished without the addition
of any water or moisture from the air. This would be a dry distillation.

Q. Will there be a future class which will research gem stones or crystals? I feel sure there is
special correspondence within them or qualities hidden in them of value to man-spiritually and
materially. Will you comment?

A. Yes. This subject is included in the PRS curriculum.

Q. What three substances are joined, "Alchemy Rediscovered and Restored," besides the salt? Is
it the philosophical mercury and the potable gold or the philosophic gold (page 126), or the red
and white mercurys extracted from the golden water?

A. The philosophical gold is used. In rare cases the oil of gold is used. Since the philosophical
gold yields both mercury and sulphur, it is the natural thing to use in most cases. "Praxis
Spagyrica Philosophica" shows how the entire process may be accomplished with the metal
gold. Even then, the philosophical mercury is derived from another metal, as gold, as it is to be
had, has no more mercury in it but has to 'be revived or quickened with the mercury to be
transformed into a stone.

Q. Does The Alkahest actually look like a clear and golden-colored water when it first comes
over and, if so, does it have to be distilled after it comes over as per Cockren in "Alchemy
Rediscovered and Restored," page 120.

A. Yes. The first that comes over is the water or the flood, as the old ones called it. Then comes
the golden water. This has to be distilled again, as our experiments have proven.

Q. On page 196 of "The Triumphal Chariot of Antimony," there is a description of how to

compose the fire stone. There is a part of this on which I have been working and find difficult to
understand and work with. Namely, "Pour to it red oil of vitriol, made over iron, and highly
rectified. Please discuss.

A. This refers to the oil derived from vitriol of iron. Common iron pyrite or fools gold is an
excellent source to obtain it from.

Q. In making an herbal stone, can we talk of a completed stone that is unfixed and one that is
fixed?

A. Yes.

Q. Can we talk of a tartaric acid salt extracted from other plants than just grape? As, for
example, from apples. 1 would assume their vibrations would not be so high.

A. Yes.

back cover

Jacob Boehme
The Cobbler of Goerlitz in Silesia, as he was referred to by those who scorned his simple ways
because he was a shoemaker by trade, has become an honorary title by now,. as it denotes the
Teutonic Mystic or the Teutonic Giant. Jacob Boehme was a contemporary of Paracelsus. He
accomplished in mental alchemy what Paracelsus proved in his laboratory and as a physician.
Boehme was the physician of the soul while Paracelsus healed the bodies of men.

Seldom has one penetrated the depths of the soul of men as Boehme did with his simple and yet
profound explanations of the mysteries that enshroud theosophical concepts. His books were
sought after in all countries where people looked for enlightenment. When King Charles the First
of England finished reading one of his works, it is said that he exclaimed, "God be praised that
men still exist that can give testimony about God and his works from personal experience."

Theologists, politicians, even revolutionaries came under the influence of the profound thoughts
of Boehme. Karl Marx and Engels wrote about him saying, 'We is a dark (hard to fathom) soul
but of an immense depth." In one of his works, Boehme said, "You will find no book that will
reveal more to you of the Divine Wisdom than a green and blooming meadow. There you can
see, smell, and taste of the Power of God." His work AURORA is truly a golden dawn of an
upcoming expansion of consciousness, which became unmistakably evident by the upheaval it
created among the clergy. He was maligned, even condemned, by the Pastor. of Goerlitz as a
heretic and forbidden to write anymore. For six years, Boehme did not write, and he had to leave
the city and do something else for a living. He traveled to Prague and Dresden where he found
entry into circles of nobility, Medical doctors and alchemists eagerly listened to his teachings,
which were so profound that his fame spread from country to country.

To this very day, Boehme's books are reprinted, and he is as well known today as he was four
hundred years ago. As he entered into the great beyond on the fateful night of the 16th to the
17th of November 1624, his last words were "Now I shall enter into Paradise."
 Parachemy
Volume III: Number 4 Autumn 1975

Paracelsus

Astrology For The Neophyte - The Influence of the Constellations p.258

Hen Eggs - The Elements and Their Influence p.274
Informative Interchange - p.278 Vinegar of Antimony; Sandbath ,
Question and Answers p.281
Paracelsus - back cover

p. 258

Astrology for the Neophyte

Influence of the Constellations

By Carl W. Stahl
In the first part of this series we gave you a somewhat condensed version of the planetary
influences. If it has been some time since you read it, we suggest that you reread it before
continuing to read the instructions which follow. At any rate it would be a good idea to have it
handy so you can refer to it as we go along. It is important that you understand the method we
are using, for it is only through understanding that we can attain wisdom.

The Table of Planetary Rulerships, with which we ended the previous lesson, gives us our first
hints as to how to determine the influence of the constellations. The ancients held that the
astrological influences of the constellations were the same as, or at least similar to, one or others
of the planets in diurnal (day) and nocturnal (night) houses. The table we have given lists the day
houses as positive and the night houses as negative.

Since the planetary rulers are merely similar to the constellations in influence and not exactly the
same, the ancients gave us another Table to help us determine the influence of the constellations.
They called it, TABLE OF EXALTATIONS. Below we give a version of it.

EXALTATION DEGREES OF THE CONSTELLATIONS

Planet Constellation Degree

Sun Aries 19
Moon Taurus 3
Mercury Virgo 15
Venus Pisces 27
Mars Capricorn 28
Jupiter Cancer 15
Saturn Libra 21

When a planet is in the opposite house to that of its exaltation, it is said to be in its fall, a position
of great weakness. A planet in the house opposite to its rulership is said to be in its detriment,
also a position of weakness.

Besides the preceding we have two more tables to consider if we are to give an accurate reading
of the influences of the constellations. These are the Elements and the Quadruplicities. The
elements are Air, Fire, Water, and Earth, three of each as shown in the following table.

THE ELEMENTS

AIR Libra, Aquarius, Gemini

FIRE Sagittarius, Aries, Leo
WATER Scorpio, Pisces, Cancer
EARTH Capricorn, Taurus, Virgo

AIR. Spiritual, abstract thought and ideas, artistic. FIRE. Idealistic, energizing and mentally
creative. WATER. Emotional and receptive, and imaginative. EARTH. Practical and material,
commercial and physical.
Then we have the quadruplicities. Here the zodiac is divided into three groups of four
constellations.

THE QUADRUPLICITIES

CARDINAL Libra, Capricorn, Aries, Cancer

FIXED Scorpio, Aquarius, Taurus, Leo

MUTABLE Sagittarius, Pisces, Gemini, Virgo

The Cardinal constellations are the busy bees of the zodiac. Always busy, seldom thinking, they
accept society as it is and work hard to succeed in the framework that society demands of them.
They are expediters who drive the remainder of society before them in a desire for wealth and
power.

The Mutable constellations are those who are caught between the drive of the Cardinal and the
inertia of the Fixed. They are in a constant state of indecision not knowing which way to turn.
They are quite intellectual but thought, in and of itself, is actionless. Thought only leads to action
when activated by desire.

The Fixed constellations are seldom influenced by tradition, the opinions of others, conventions,
nor the status quo. Only the truth influences them and they are the ones who influence the
world's thoughts and ideas toward change.

Now let us use this information in determining how we should find out what the influences of the
constellations are. The ancients held that the influence of the Sun was similar to the constellation
Leo so they called the Sun its ruler. If you recall what we have been saying, you understand that
this was not to be taken literally but as an indication of how to determine Leo's influence. No
planet is exalted here. Saturn, as ruler of Aquarius, is in its detriment (Uranus if you use the
modern rulerships). It is Fire and Fixed.

LEO. Natives of Leo have strong mental creative abilities along with a strong life force and an
irresistable urge to shine. Being Fire they have much energy, are idealistic and creative. Being
Fixed they have the ability 259 to think for themselves and. are not swayed by the opinions of
others. As natural born leaders they have superb confidence in themselves, believing that they
are infallible in whatever task they set for themselves. They are ambitious, egotistical, filled with
self love, and seek identification with the supreme. Religious leaders and military commanders
have the same goal. Both seek victory, ho'nor, decorations and the padeants that follow. The man
of God spiritually, the other, physically. Leo is the 19th Path on the Tree of Life.

The influence of the, Moon was held'to be similar to that of the contellation Cancer so it was said
to be its ruler, Jupiter is exalted in Cancer and Saturn, a ruler of the opposite constellation
Capricorn, is in ,it detriment here. It is Cardinal and Water.
CANCER. Natives of Cancer are extremely emotional, sensitive, and highly imaginative. So
imagnative, in fact, that they have great difficulty at times in distinguishing the real from the
unreal. They are constantly in a state of craving and their greatest craving is the approval of
others. Be cause of Jupiter's exaltation here and because Cancer is a Cardinal con stellation, they
tend to success in trade, business, and the professions. They are moody, extremely sensitive to
their environment and to their personal appearance. They are concerned with the intimate,
personal and private affairs being extremely egocentric and have a tendency to take everything in
a personal way. The sexual urges are strong. They easily reach into the subconscious, coming up
with answers to solve their problems from this storehouse of the memory. Cancer is the 18th
Path on the Tree of Life. The constellations Gemini and Virgo were considered to have an
influence similar to that of Mercury. Gemini being its positive, or day house, and Virgo its
negative, or night house. None of the original seven planets has its exaltation in either of these
constellations while Jupiter is in its fall in Virgo, and its detriment in Gemini. Gemini is Air end
Mutable. Virgo is Earth and Mutable.

GEMINI.

They are talkative, dexterous, high-strung, easily startled, restless, and intellectual. They are
given to writing, literature and study. Being Air they are not inclined to dig into the practical
aspects requiring too deep or prolonged thought, but like their symbol (two boys of school age)
they are apt to jump to conclusions without real thought. They are interested in business,
mathematics, and mechanical things. Being prone to abstract thought they are not too good in
daily affairs. If afflicted they could as easily become thieves as legitimate business men or
women. Being Mutable they are not overly ambitious and can be quite easily manipulated.
Gemini is the 17th Path on the Tree of Life.

VIRGO.

Since Virgo is of the element of Earth, they are more practical and less given to flights of fancy
as are those under Gemini. They are great planners and can go into such detail that they split the
proverbial hair. They are good speakers and teachers, and because of their ability to go into great
detail are able to impart to others the truth behind the outward appearance. Being Mutable they
are not inclined to be overly ambitious and usually are more successful in working for others
than in being their own boss. They are inclined to be shy and retiring but in spite of this quite
brave and courageous. Virgo is the 20th Path on the Tree of Life.

Venus, the significator of love, was thought to have the same influence as the constellations of
Taurus and Libra. Through observation the ancients found that those of these constellations were
amorous, sociable, meek, gentle, and peace loying. They were courteous and disinclined to hard
work but quite skilled in the arts. Taurus is Fixed and Earthy. The Moon is exalted here. Libra is
Cardinal and Airy. Saturn is exalted here.

TAURUS.

They have a warm, affectionate nature and an intense interest in philosophy and psychology.
They are patient and understanding. They have great endurance and a. love for the truth. They
are preoccupied with sex which is the one thing that can really goad them to action. They are
mild and inoffensive otherwise, being the meekest children of the zcdiac. They love large
families and have love to spare for all mankind. Being Fixed their ideas are original and they
change their mind for no one. Only the truth can inove them. Being Earth they are quite practical
and material. Taurus is the 16th Path on the Tree of Life.

LIBRA.

Saturn being exalted here they are not as outgoing nor as apparently loving as their Taurus
counterparts. They do, however, have a love for all mankind. Saturn makes them forgetful, apt to
appear sullen and taciturn with a desire for secrecy. They excel in the arts having great joy in
painting, drawing, sculpture, and decorating. They love the social life and take a great delight in
the theater, ballrooms, music halls, and the social world in general. Being Cardinal they are great
expediters of the rules of the establishment. They lead by example. Being Air they incline to
abstract thought and have great difficulty in being practical. Libra is the 22nd Path on the Tree of
Life.

The ancients considered Mars as the ruler of Aries and Scorpio because the natives of these
constellations were aggressive, having a great desire to lead and to conquer. The Sun is exalted
in Aries. The Moon falls in Scorpio. Aries is Fire and Cardinal. Scorpio is Water and Fixed.

ARIES.

Because the Sun is exalted here Aries has an urge to lead. They are mentally aggressive,
imperious and positive. They like to, induce others to do the actual physical leading, especially in
battle, remaining in the background directing and controlling others. They love to compete, in
fact life is a contest to them which they must win. The competition must be eliminated at all
costs. In spite of his penchant for the rear in combat Aries is very courageous. He prefers the rear
because it enables him to better direct the course of events. Aries is the 15th Path on the Tree of
Life.

SCORPIO.

They express more closely the negative expression of Mars. They fight for the sheer love of
combat. If they cannot fight physically they will attack verbally, through writing, or any other
way they can, because fight they must. Life would be boredom indeed if there were nothing to
fight about. Being Fixed they are slow to change their attitude about anything and, although quite
physical in approach, they make up their own minds and stick to it. Both Aries and Scorpio are
quite accident prone and are quick to anger. Scorpio is the 24th Path on the Tree of Life.

Jupiter was considered as the ruler of Sagittarius and Pisces because it was found that they, like
Jupiter, aspired to the best of all things. Sagittarlus is Fire and Mutable. Mercury is in its
detriment here. Pisces is Water and Mutable. Venus is exalted and Mercury is in its fall here.

SAGITTARIUS.
They are idealists, upholders of law and order, and aspire to the best in all fields of human
endeavor. They have great reverence for that which is dignified, noble, respectable, honorable,
distinguished, and academic. Hence they are often found in the professions, churches, and
diplomatic fields. Being Fiery they prefer to work in mental fields rather than in those requiring
physical effort. Being Mutable they lack ambition and if they cannot succeed themselves like to,
be seen in the company of those who do. Sagittarius is the 25th Path on the Tree of Life.

PISCES.

They express the more negative side of Jupiter and the best that they aspire to is more sensual
and artistic. They aspire to luxury, food, wines, and soft easy living. They are inclined to gamble,
hate work, and are experts in the art of make believe and flattery. Venus being exalted here gives
them a social bent and a desire to be with others at social events and large gatherings. Since
Mercury is in its fall they abhor mathematics, business, and feel that if they can only find the
right ritual or contact the right people they will have it made. Being Water they are quite,
emotional and receptive. Being Mutable they lack ambition and are easily led. Pisces is the 29th
Path on the Tree of Life.

Saturn, the planet of restriction, was given as the ruler of Capricorn and Aquarius because they
were known to be solitary, frugal with money and food, and kept themselves aloof from others.
They had an interest in studying the unusual and occult. Mars is exalted in Capricorn and the
Moon is in its detriment there. It is Earth and Cardinal. Under some methods Mercury is exalted
in Aquarius but in most it is Virgo. The Sun has its detriment here. It is Air and Fixed.

CAPRICORN.

They are frugal with their money, their food, and their choice of words as well as all things in
general. Being Earth they are highly practical and are attracted by science, astrology, the occult,
and magic and may be prominent in masonic and other secret societies, Most have some musical
ability. Since Mars is exalted here, they are quite forceful and energetic and being, Cardinal have
leadership ability, in fact Saturn is usually identified with the establishment and things as they
are, being reluctant to change. Moon. in detriment here freezes the emotions and they are not
very demonstrative. It is the 26th Path on the Tree.

AQUARIUS.

The positive constellation of Saturn is noted for its inventive genius along with its astronomical
and mathematical ability. They have unusual interests and a sympathetic understanding of human
nature being always ready to lend a willing ear to the troubles of others. Since the Sun is in its
detriment they have none of the false pride, ambition, and desire for prestige that goes with Leo.
If we allow that Mercury is exalted here we see that, being Air, it obtains knowledge without
effort. Being Mutable ties in with its lack of ambition and desire for fame and honor. It is the
28th Path on the Tree of Life.

We hope that the foregoing brief paragraphs will enable you to go on and write up quite sizeable
explanations on the influence of the constellations.
p. 274

Hen Eggs
The Elements and Their Influence
By Siegfried 0. Hansch

In further experimentation with hen eggs a second Easter Egg Experiment was conducted,
similar to the one described in the original report of such an experiment and which appeared in
the ALCHEMISTICAL LABORATORY BULLETINS Vol. II, No. 2, 1970 and Vol. 11, No. 10,
1972 as well as my own report in PARACHEMY Vol. II, No. 3, 1974. The conditions were
again minutely observed. Two fresh laid eggs from each day, before and after Easter 1974, were
selected in that MARS year.

From April 9th, the Tuesday before Good Friday, through the Easter week and through April 20,
1974, two fresh laid eggs from each day were selected. On April 9, 1975, after 359 days of
storage, the eggs were opened before two witnesses. The eggs during this period were again
stored on top of a high cupboard in the basement laboratory. The temperature was 65o to 70o F.
(18o- 20o C.).

All eggs, with the exception of one, were in AI condition. Some dehydration occurred in all eggs.
The one egg from Wednesday before Easter, April 10th, was putrified.

Those eggs from April 16th, the Tuesday before Easter, through April 20th were absolutely
dehydrated and hardened - no liquid! All other eggs had some liquid in them.

Another experiment involved a selection of fresh eggs laid during the influence of a water sign,
Scorpio, from October 27, 1974 through November 11, 1974. After a period of 165 days of
storage, under the same conditions as in the above experiment, these eggs were opened, April 9,
1975.

All eggs were in excellent condition. Very little dehydration occurred and all eggs had an
ordinary, fresh smell. Here there is a good indication that the influence of the water element
combined with the fire element in this Mars year produced this extraordinary pure state.

Conclusion:

Despite ideal putrefaction temperatures of 65o-70oF., all eggs used and stored for 359 days in the
Easter Egg Experiment, with the one exception and the dehydration that occurred, and all eggs
used and stored for 165 days in the other experiment, with no exceptions and only slight
dehydration, were in excellent condition,

The influence of the FIRE element during the Cardinal sign of Aries and the WATER element
during the fixed sign of Scorpio and the influence of MARS as ruler of this particular year, being
the influences under which these eggs were selected, is noteworthy and merits our attention.
Such is indicative of the importance of the influence of the elements and the signs of the Zodiac.
Their influence should at all times be considered in our alchemistical laboratory work.

In comparison, I should like to point out that the Canadian EGG Marketing Board in June 1974
had to destroy over 20 million eggs after 6 months of ideal storage in cool houses, which made
life for the Minister of Agriculture most difficult.

(left)Eggs laid and placed in storage (359 days) during influence of fire element.

(right)Eggs laid and placed in storage (165 days) during influence of water element.

p.278

Informative Interchange
No Sulphuric Acid in Vinegar of Antimony

I would like to make a comment about the Vinegar of Sb2S3 The experiment procedure that was
chosen is found on page 171 of Waite's translation of The Triumphal Chariot of Antimony.

After the tincture was poured off and filtered several times, it was distilled to dryness, returned to
the gummy residue, and again distilled. A clear vinegar of Ph 2.5 was obtained each time. Both
the tincture and the vinegar were subjected to the following tests to determine if any sulfuric acid
(H2SO4) were present.

First, a quantitative test for H2SO4 is made by adding 1 ml. of tincture of Sb2S3 to 1 ml. of a
saturated solution of Barium acetate, This is a positive test if the reaction takes place and Barium
sulphate precipitates. No precipitate formed, and so the test was considered negative in both the
tincture and the vinegar.

Secondly, it may be added that H2SO4 does not easily evaporate nor distill and, because the
residue could be taken to dryness, no H2SO4 was formed in this experiment.
Thirdly, each were heated in the presence of mercury and did not dissolve the mercury. Vinegar
of Antimony (flash evaporated) was heated (boiled) with a drop of mercury. It did not dissolve
the mercury.

Fourthly*, an extract of vinegar (tincture) before distillation, when heated, did not dissolve
mercury added to it to see if sulphuric acid is present-in this case the mercury would dissolve.
The mercury had not dissolved so the tincture does not contain sulphuric acid.

These experimental tests show that the tincture and the vinegar of Antimony distilled out of the
tincture do not contain any H2SO4 (sulphuric acid) and in this case the Ph 2.5 of the tincture and
the vinegar of Antimony are NOT CORROSIVE.

An important fact has emerged in the above mentioned experiment. The test has shown no
sulphuric acid to be present. In the last issue of Parachemy mention was made that sulphuric acid
could form. This would apply when the container is left unstoppered and the water and air could
act as oxidizing agents upon the antimony trisulphide in due time to form some sulphuric acid.
We are indeed very happy to bring this announcement as given above that tests have shown no
sulphuric acid to be contained in the antimonial acid or vinegar of Antimony.
-Dale Halverstadt, U.S.A.

*These tests were made at the PRS Laboratories.

P.279

SANDBATH
Construction of an energy-saving, alchemistical-working sandbath

After completion of my first soxhlet extractions-circulations and macerations, I noticed,

particularly with my seven basic tinctures, that the niacerations seemed to be considerably, more
potent. From the ancient Arabs we learn where to find our missing link. They used almost
exclusively the heat of the sun, which matures the menstruum gradually. Our physicists and
chemists also tell us that heat per se is an energy of motion, which moves the molecules and
atoms. The higher the temperature the quicker and faster these molecules and atoms move and
integrate. Pauling states:
"Each 10o Celsius raise in temperature brings about a DOPPELING of the chemical reaction." (!)
Consequently, a raise of temperature of 20oC. (70oF.) brings a reaction which is 22 = 4 times, at
100oC. (212o F.) a reaction of 2<SUP10< sup> = 1024 times.

Since in all alchemistical processes time is taken and the work proceeds gradually, this
distinguishes the alchemistical approach and may explain some of the difference in results
obtained by an alchemistical procedure as opposed to the procedure of the chemist of today.
When laboratory work is planned ahead of time, 80% to 85% of the work can be carried out with
a slow, gentle heat, even in the metallic kingdom. Further, magnetization is, under such
circumstances, much easier cared out, especially when we are still a little "green" on this subject.

After operating two Fast-fryers for two months, I was somewhat astonished to see my electric
bill! For some time, I also observed that most of the heat escapes to the top and that the flasks are
still cool on the upper part, even at a relatively high setting. Too, there was the problem of not
having enough room for all the different flasks and bottles.

In consequence of all of this, I constructed a very simple and most efficient sandbath from
aluminum tin and 2" Styrofoam. Styrofoam is used as an insulator on all sides including the
bottom and top. An old icebox or refrigerator could also be used but it must have a metal interior.
The overall size of the sandbath is 40" long by 2o" wide and 22" deep. First, it is filled with 2"
and. Then, a heating cable as is used to protect waterpipes from freezing or that which is used on
roofs to prevent ice from building up is placed on the 2" layer of fine sand. The new plastic
shielded type of heating cable is only 1/4 the price of a lead shielded one. When the heating
cable is placed on top of the 2" fine sand in neat rows, care needs to be taken to ensure that the
cables do not touch, as this would increase the heat too much and it is possible that this would
cause them to burn out. Another 2" of fine sand is used to cover the heating cables.

The 4" of sand maintain and retain the heat and there remains 16" of clearance inside the
sandbath, which is sufficient room for most gallon and other bottles. The top piece of Styrofoam
is loose and serves as a lid. This can be punctured to allow a bottle or flask neck to be outside the
sandbath, giving better circulation. When these punctured areas are not in use, the areas need to
be carefully sealed, otherwise a great loss of heat will occur.

The heating cable is plugged into a simple and inexpensive timer. The timer can be set for any
time and cuts out after as many hours as it is set for, repeating the cycle on a 24 hour basis. The
cable uses only 240 watts per hour, which works out in a seven hour period to 1680 watts at
approximately 2.5 cents per kilowatt, not even 5 cents for the 24 hour period.

The old axiom is followed: "LET THE KING WORK IN THE DAY AND REST AT NIGHT.
The cycle begins with sunrise and ends seven hours later. The temperature in the sandbath varies
from a low of 32oC. (90oF.) to a high of 60o-65o C. (140o-150o F). If the lid is left open for any
length of time, the temperature naturally stays lower.
The advantage of this sandbath over most other inexpensive arrangements is that over 20 times
as much can be placed into it and it is possible with such a sandbath as this to have a genuine
rising and falling of the menstruum within a 24 hour period. The latter in itself is of great
importance, being of special significance in work that proceeds alchemistically.

-Siegfried 0. Hansch, Canada

"The word "discipline" means "to learn". A "disciple" is one who learns, not who conforms, not
who obeys; he is one who is constantly learning. And when learning ceases and becomes merely
accumulation of knowledge then disorder begins."
-Krishnamurti

p.281

Questions and Answers

Q. You mentioned to us that Sulphur was related to the planet Vulcan. Your first attribution was
Platinum. Also, my notes show nothing for Pluto, Adonis, and Chronos. Would you comment on
this please.

A. Planetary influences are attributed to all three kingdoms-vegetable, mineral, and metal. In the
case of Vulcan, the mineral referred to is Sulphur and the metal is Platinum. Pluto is associated
with Uranium, Adonis with Aluminum, and Chronos with Silicon.

Q. When two planets are in opposition to each other, what is the difference in the aspect's effect
if one of the planets is the overtone of the other?

A. The different polarity.

Q. Is there a difference between Borate 99.5 and Borax 99.5?

A. Both refer to sodium Borate.

Q. How long should it take to extract vinegar from raw antimony ore with distilled rain water
using a soxhlet extractor?

A. It varies. Some have extracted it within weeks. Others found it to take months.

Q. What is the difference between the alkahest, prima materia, and first matter?

A. The last two are the same and have been explained or interpreted in various ways, meaning
the substance out of which originated sulphur, salt, and mercury. Again, the mercury is referred
to by some as the prima materia without which nothing may be accomplished in the laboratory.
The word alkahest is also used in different ways. There are many alkahests but only one
Philosophical Mercury. An alkahest is a solvent and may be derived from vegetable, mineral,
and metallic sources. The alkahest, the Philosophical Mercury, is derived from metals.

Q. Is the color of a flower any indication as to the ray it is influenced by? How would you
determine this. Also, some flowers change color.

A. Not necessarily. The ray absorbed by a flower is not one but many. Its excess is given up and
may or may not be the opaqueness of the color we see in a flower.

Q. An acetate produces a fixed spirit but does it necessarily produce a fixed oil?

A. No.

Back cover

Paracelsus
CONCERNING THE DEATH OF NATURAL THINGS

The death of all natural things is nothing else but an alteration and removal of their powers and
virtues, an overthrow of their potencies for evil or for good, an overwhelming and blotting out of
their former nature, and the generation of a new and different nature.* For it should be known
that many things which in life were good, and had their own virtues, retain little or none of that
virtue when they are dead, but appear altogether fatuous and powerless. So, on the other hand,
many things in their life are evil, but in death, or after they have been mortified, they display a
manifold power and efficacy, and do much good.

We could recount many examples of this, but that is altogether foreign to our purpose. Yet, in
order that you may see that I do not write from my mere opinion, however plausible, but from
my experience, it is well that I should adduce one example with which I will quiet and silence
the sophists who say that nothing can be gained from dead things, nor anything ought to be
sought or found in them. The cause of this assertion is that they value at nothing the preparations
of the alchemists, by which many great secrets of this kind are discovered.

For look at Mercury, live and crude sulphur, and crude antimony; as they are brought from the
mines, that is, while they are still living, how small is their virtue, how lightly and tardily do they
exercise their influence. Indeed, they bring more evil than good, and are rather a poison than a
medicine. But if, by the industry of a skilled alchemist, they are corrupted into their first
substance and prudently prepared (that is, if the Mercury be coagulated, precipitated, sublimated,
resolved, and turned into oil; the sulphur be sublimated, calcined, reverberated and turned into
oil; and, in like manner, Venus be sublimated, calcined, reverberated, and turned into oil), you
see what usefulness, what power and virtue, and what rapid efficiency they afford and display, so
that none can fully speak or write of it. For their manifold virtues are not to be investigated, nor
can anyone search them out. Every alchemist, therefore, and every faithful physician, ought to
seek into these three things during his whole life, and even up to his death should play with them
and find his pastime in them. Most assuredly they will nobly compensate him for all his labour,
study, and expense.

*Death is the mother of tinctures, for tinctures proceed from the mortification of the body, in
which the colours are contained, even as in a seed there are green, yellow, black, blue, and purple
colours, which are, nevertheless, invisible until the seed has perished in the earth, and till the sun
has prepared and produced them, so that what was first hidden from the senses is now revealed to
them-De Icteritiis.

From THE HERMETIC AND ALCHEMICAL WRITINGS OF PARACELSUS, Vol. I, pgs.

138-139.
 Parachemy
Volume IV: Number 1 Winter 1976

Frater Albertus by Rick Grimes

Contents

Astrology For The Neophyte p.292

Biography of McGregor Mathers p.305
Informative Interchange - Mother's Birthday Chart Erection System p.306
Questions and Answers p.308

p.292

Astrology For The Neophyte

By Carl W. Stahl
The Moon In The Constellations

Ancient astrology was a Moon based astrology. By this we mean that the Moon, in the; affairs of
man, held the dominant position of importance and was considered of more practical use in
forecasting influences than the Sun. True, the Sun gave life and indicated the spiritual impulses
of a man's soul but the Moon, the significator of the physical and, emotional side of man's nature,
was the most easily seen and its influence on the daily life was quite apparent. Hence they
designated a person as being under Aries when the Moon was in Aries (not the Sun) since these
people are given to outbursts of anger, irritation, and other violent emotional methods of
expressing themselves, especially if the Moon is angular (i.e., close to the ascendant, midheaven,
descendant, or anti-midheaven, the latter being also designated as the nadir).

Keeping in mind that the Moon, on the Tree of Life, is the ninth Sephira which has rule over the
sex organs and is assigned the color violet and that it is also the 13th Path which signifies the
subconscious mind and is assigned the color blue, we have a basis for determining the esoteric as
well as the exoteric meaning of the Moon in the constellations. We must of course blend this
with what we have so far learned about the Moon's influence.

Keywords are probably the easiest way for the beginner to blend the influence of the Moon, Sun,
and planets in the constellations. Keep in mind here that it is the Moon that influences the
constellation. Put another way, we might say that this is as well as the Moon can give off the
influence of the constellation. The planets, and also humanity, can only give off, or reflect, what
they have to the degree in which they have it. In other words, Moon in Aries, is interpreted as
Moon conjunction Mars. The following keywords should help you in this: emotions, moods,
feelings, disposition, sexual cravings, mind, subconscious mind, and imagination.

LIBRA.

Here love is expressed through feeling and emotion. The normally aloof and somewhat
standoffish native now enjoys physical contact and the physical expression of the love nature.
They mix freely and indulge the physical expression of love as well as the more general love for
all and, the brotherhood of man. They have a love for stylish attire, somewhat garish but always
in good taste. They move gracefully and have a charming manner which endears them to others.
The Moon here does not give too much energy nor the urge to indulge in physical effort. Because
Saturn is exalted here, these natives swing from exalted love to depression, despondency, and a
feeling of loneliness. They make good diplomats but not being overly ambitious they may be
taken advantage of by those more ruthless than themselves.

SCORPIO.

Here the feelings, emotions, and actions take on the fiery qualities of Mars. The native is quick to
anger, easily irritated, and his sexual instincts are easily aroused. Their sexual encounters are apt
to be turbulent, heated, and passionate. Because the Moon is in its fall here, he native may have a
malicious and jealous streak, being envious and sarcastic. The imaginative Moon makes them
wonderful story tellers, especialIv of adventure and mystery. Women with the Moon here are
more daring than their sisters and, because of their freedom from taboos and generally loose
morals, are very popular with men.

SAGITTARIUS.

Here emotion and joy express themselves easily and the native expresses his joy of living by
being popular and prosperous. They are addicted to religion, churchianity, and morality. They
tend to live moral and respected lives. Sex has a spiritual connotation and they demand more
than mere physical satisfaction. They have a tendency to preach their particular brand of morals
and to insist that others conform to their way of thinking. Desiring the good things of life, they
tend to become health faddists and may be non-smokers, non-drinkers, and may even become
vegetarians.

CAPRICORN.

The Moon, being debilitated here, is not able to inflict its fluctuating brand of emotionalism and
moods on the native. It makes for a steady diet of depression, melancholy, and indolence. The
feelings, being slowed down by the leaden Saturn, are depressed and the native hesitates to
express his feelings or emotions, having a fear of rejection and embarrassment. Most of the
restriction the native experiences is the result of his own failure or inability to express himself
constructively. The native accepts life at face value believing that only toil and effort can bring
him to the goal he is seeking. They are sexually active and quite sensual.

AQUARIUS.

The Aquarian expresses the positive aspect of Saturn and the feeling and emotions, while
restrained and somewhat cool, still never give way to the deep feelings of depression and
melancholy that are exhibited by the Moon in Capricorn native. The Aquarian, along with its
more modern ruler Uranus, is ever seeking freedom. The Moon here indicates the desire for
freedom of sexual expression. Since the Aquarian has a unique ability for meditation, this
position gives them a strongly developed intuition and the ability to plumb the depths of the
subconscious mind and come up with the right answers.

PISCES.

Remembering that the Moon signifies craving, we find that here, in the house of Jupiter's
negative expression, the native craves the best but finds it hard to distinguish between the
negative good and the positive good. They swing, from spiritual ecstacy to degradation. They
may make excellent healers and can use their hands to restore others to health. In sexual matters
they demand a spiritual response from their mates that is hard to produce. Being capable of great
spirituality, they are also capable of great self deception.

ARIES.

As in Scorpio, the Moon in Aries, makes the native erotical easily and quickly aroused. Being
cardinal, this is of short duration. They are quick to anger and, once they have acted on the cause
of the irritation, as quick to forget. They are brusque, loud, and lack shyness. They are quick to
act and find it difficult to sit still. They squirm, when restrained, and rebel against the slightest
restriction. Imagination and worry go hand in hand and they have a tendency to go off half-
cocked, without thinking, to do something about their worries.

TAURUS.

Natives of this constellation tend to lead quiet and simple lives. The Moon here increases their
desire for sexual gratification and the domestic life. They are gentle, humorous, easy-going, with
a tendency to be lazy, seeking comfort before all else. Love and companionship is ever
uppermost in their minds and they have great sex appeal, making friends easily with the opposite
sex. They seldom stray from the home fires and love large families. They have a craving for
knowledge and study is their second great love.

GEMINI.

These natives have a tendency to go overboard for the tall tale. Imagination loves to embellish
what may be a simple fact. They may be writers of fiction where the truth is not an essential
ingredient. Unless emotionally carried away, sex may be more a matter of words or thought
rather than action. Emotion, as opposed to reason, makes facts a hinderance and an abomination.
They make good orators, lawyers, story tellers, and actors and they like to speak from the lecture
platform. They have no difficulty in making their feelmigs and emotions known.

CANCER.

The native is soft, tender, sensitive, gentle, yielding, dependent, effeminate, and graceful. Every
shade of emotion appears instantly on their faces. They are sympathetic and will patiently listen
to any tale of woe. Women find the men of this constellation very attractive. They are extremely
sex oriented. They are constantly on the move and tend to take many journeys and have many
affairs, They are appearance oriented and quite clothes conscious. Jupiter, exalted on the 15th
degree of Cancer, gives them emotions and feelings of a high moral character.

LEO.

The Moon here has reached the home of the Sun. They are constantly demanding to be the center
of attention and they become it. They speak with authority and others listen. Being impulsive,
they tend to judge prematurely. They condemn, exaggerate, and are inclined to be prejudiced.
They are ardent, forthright, impulsive, and passionate in the sex act. The creative thought is
overcome by feelings and emotion. They are very conscious of their appearance. Women with
the Moon here act and usually look like a queen. They are impetuous, hot tempered, but seldom
violent. They love their children and will sacrifice everything for their material success.

VIRGO.

Emotions and feeling interfere with the thought processes. The analytical Virgo swings from one
extreme to another, never seeming to be able to decide which method to use. However, once the
mind is quiet, they are capable of picking up extra sensory impressions. Being strongly
imaginative, they live in inner worlds of their own. Being clairvoyant and clairaudient, they have
a knowledge of what others are thinking about. They are gentle, patient, discerning, and
intelligent. Their sex life may be more imaginary than real.

If you take the foregoing brief paragraphs as given and use them in chart interpretation, you will
lose most of their value. The information given in this series of articles should be a start in
learning the true astrology.

p.305

Review Of A Biography Of McGregor Mathers

SWORD OF WISDOM, By Ithell Colquhoun. (London, Neville Spearman, 1975. 307 pp. $4.95
net) American edition to be published by Putnam. Temporarily made available in the U.S.A. by
Samuel Weiser.

McGregor Mathers was one of the prime movers of the celebrated Hermetic Order of the Golden
Dawn. Though it had a brief stormy life, its effects on the world through its membership, which
was never very large, have been extensive beyond belief.

For the first time ever, we are given insights into the history and character of McGregor Mathers.
Miss Colquhoun, who was a cousin of the chief of a G.D. Temple long after Mathers died, has
marshalled the basic elements of Mathers' biography. There is a great deal missing, though this is
no reflection on Miss Colquhoun who has done a yeoman's job. One of the most commendable
features that intrigued me is her profound dispassion and objectivity while expressing her
empathy and even devotion to Mathers himself.

Mathers' marriage with Moina Bergson was childless and apparently sexless. But between them,
they produced the extraordinary mass of esoteric material comprising the magical work of the
R.R. et A.C., an Inner Order of which the G.D. was the outer garment.

Two things stand out clearly-that he was always flat broke, which was common knowledge, and
that he was prone to celibacy, which I had never suspected previously. This is curious because
his horoscope shows Scorpio rising; Mars, the ruler of the ascendant, is found in Virgo in the
10th House. Despite having a fine analytical mind, he must have been a bit prissy because of
this. Since, however, Mars is the uppermost figure in his chart, the old rumors that he was a
martinet, autocratic, and dictatorial may have had some validity. The author has reproduced
Mathers' natal horoscope, which is most useful in helping to evaluate much of the biographical
data.

There is a great amount of surprising material in the book altogether apart from the biography of
Mathers. The author's comments about A. E. Walte and William B. Yeats, amongst others, are
positively revealing. She is highly critical, rightly so, on the one hand, but on the other
contributes some vital insights on the topics of magic, alchemy, Enochiana, and of all, things
Tantra. Her suggestions that there may have been an inner orally transmitted teaching concerning
Tantra within the upper echelons of the G.D. came as a complete surprise. However, her ideas
are not lightly to be put aside; they pack too much authority.

In a word, this is a book of the utmost significance to anyone interested :ii practical occultism or
magic. I have been screaming, as it were, for years for a biography of Mathers. My wish has
finally been granted, and I am grateful. Many other students will find much in here to be equally
grateful the author for what is manifestly her labor of love.
- Dr. Israel Regardie

p.306

Informative Interchange
The Mother's Birthday System Of Chart Erection

In the practice of astrology a fairly exact chart is a necessity. What is needed is a simple method
that gives results. Paul G. Clancy, the originator of just such a method, called it the Mother's
Birthday System. This method is accurate in about 70% of the births it is used on. However, if
birth time is unknown, we have found that this method gives a chart that seems to work even
though it may not be the exact time of birth. We give this method and in addition to it three basic
rules, for if you would all use this method on your own charts, especially those of you who have
accurate birth times, we might be able to work out a method that worked almost all the time.
Only the mother's birthday is the date considered.

To the Moon's position at noon G.M.T., add 13 degrees of longitude for each year from the
mother's, birth date and the date of the child's birth using proportion to obtain the number of
degrees for part of a year. Add the number of degrees so obtained to the mother's moon position
after having first reduced the noon position into degrees of a circle starting with Aries zero
degrees. If more than 360 degrees subtract 360 degrees before using the new Moon position as
the midheaven in a man's chart and the Nadir in a women's chart. Look up Ascendant and other
house cusps in a Tables of Houses for the Latitude of birth.

When checked with known birth times this usually gave a time within 30 minutes or less of the
accepted birth time, but this did not always give the M.C. in a man's chart nor the Nadir in a
wornan's. When the person knows whether they were born from noon to midnight, or from
midnight to noon, this posed no problem. For others we give the following three rules.

Rule 1. When a person folds his hands in his lap naturally, the thumb that will overlap in a birth
from noon to midnight will be the right thumb. In a midnight to noon birth it will be the left
thumb that overlaps.
Rule 2. When gripping a pestle and grinding something in a mortar, the one who naturally uses a
counter-clockwise motion was born in the period from noon to midrnight. The person who does
this in a clockwise motion was born in the period from midnight to noon.

Rule 3. When folding the arms, it will be found that in those born from Noon. to midnight the
right hand rests outside and over the left biceps while the left hand is tucked under the right arm.
In those born from midnight to noon the reverse is the case.

Problem: Given the mother's birthdate as June 14, 1888 and the child's as March 13, 1914 find
the midheaven and ascendant of the child's chart for a Latitude of 43 degrees North Latitude. The
Moon at G.M.T. Noon was 19o12' Leo. Midheaven of birthchart, rectified by other methods, is
23.4 degrees Cancer, Ascendant 19o33' Libra.

To change Leo 19o12' degrees to part of circle we proceed as follows.

Child's birthdate 13 days 3 months 1914 year

minus Mother 14 days 6 months 1888 year
equals 0 days 9 months 25 years

1 month 1.1o 25 years

2 month 2.2 X 13o
3 month 3.3 325.0 degrees
4 month 4.3 + 9.8 degrees for 9 months
5 month 5.4 334.8 degrees Mean motion of Moon
6 month 6.5 +139.2 degrees Moon at noon Mother's Birthdate
7 month 7.6 474.0
8 month 8.7 -360.0 one circle
9 month 9.8 114.0 degrees or 24 degrees sign Cancer. Midheaven in a male birth.
10 month 10.8 11 month 11.9

M.C. 24o Cancer

Asc. 20o03' Libra, for 43 degrees N. Lat.

Having proceeded this far the actual finding of the time of birth is a mere matter of adding and
subtracting. A reversal of the figures usually used. Let us see how this works. Looking in a table
of houses we find that an M.C. 24o Cancer gives a local sidereal time of 7h 43m 33s.

(1) 7h 43m 33s L.S.T.

+ 5 35 36 Correction to place
+ 13 19 09 RAMC Greenwich
+24 00 00
37 19 09
-23 21 06 ST 3-13-14
13h 58m 03s Approx. GMT
(2)
13h 58m 03s G.M.T. Birth
+23 21 06 S.T. 3-13-14
37 19 09
-24 00 00
13 19 09
- 5 35 36 Correction to place
7h 43m 33s L.S.T.

(3) 7h 55m 45s C.S.T. p.m.

+ 6 00 00 Corr. to GMT
13 55 45 G.M.T. A.T.
+ 2m 18s Acceleration
+23 21 06 S.T. 3-13-14
37 19 49
-24 00 00
13 19 09 RAMC Grn.
- 5 35 36 Corr. to place
7h 43m 33s RAMC place
Longitude used was 83o54' West.
15) 83 (5h
75
8 X 4 equals 32 minutes

15) 54 (3 min.
45
9 X 4 equals 36 seconds

5h 32m + 3m 36s
5h 35m 36s Correction to place.

-Carl W. Stahl

p.308

Questions and Answers

Q. Will you comment on Mary Baker Eddy's concept of healing through Mind. As I understand
her Doctrine, the Scientific Man, our higher self, is a perfect emanation of Divinity. Through a
proper understanding of this fact and through exercise of will the body, a reflection of the Divine
Ray of Divinity is brought to perfection.

Walter Russel makes a similar assertion in a more scientific way. I understand him to say that at
the center of our physical being there is what he calls the zero point where matter meets anti-
matter. It is at this point of absolute stillness that God's Will and man's will become as one.
When the individual Realizes this and enters into the absolute stillness of anti-matter, he
discovers who he is, that he is not his body. He discovers that his body is but a material
reflection of his true self. When he discovers this, he has gained control of his body and can heal
himself "mentally" and has access to all knowledge.

Will you comment on this in reference to our studies?

A. What needs healing? The physical being, the body. What brings about sickness? The absence
of sufficient Spirit (Life) in the blood which is the carrier of the spirit of life, the same spirit that
was breathed into the nostrils of man during his formation. When the soul (consciousnessmind)
becomes aware of such a shortage it will set about replenishing and restoring the missing vitality
of the blood. This can be done by the use of available spirit as found in food or medication or
directly by appealing to the source of the Universial Spirit which permeates all substance. When
the first attempts fail and man has tried all his available knowledge then and only then may he
make a direct appeal to the Supreme Consciousness (God) for the blessing of the Spirit from on
High wherein the fullness is to be found. This is the last highest recourse to which man should
appeal, only after he himself has made all possible effort to live a life which will let him retain a
healthy body.

Q. If soul evolves through the mineral and plant and animal world, and even though it is under a
herd consciousness, when we kill a mouse or step on ants, etc., and if this is intentional, are we
building negative karma?

A. There is a difference between killing for food to sustain life in us and wanton killing for sport
(?). A vegetable destroyed before it can propagate its own species cannot fulfill its measure of
creation and produces want of its kind. If consumed for food and sufficient seed is left to
procreate, it is different. It is the mind of the operator that determines what the outcome (karma)
will be as he shows his reverence for life in all things.

Q. What would be the best furnace to purchase for home use for advanced Alchemy experiments?

A. Pottery kilns have proven very effective and usually cost less than laboratory furnaces.

Q. What is Menstruum Metallorum?

A. The mercury of the metals.

Q. At what point does the vinegar of antimony become the pure fixed spiit of antimony?

A. After putrefaction and redistillation.

Q. How do you make Aqua Fortis using 1/2 Nitre and 1/2 Vitriol? What vitriol in this sense-iron
or copper sulphate?

A. The old ones used native copper sulphate and distilled from that their "water". Nitre was
potassium nitrate not sodium nitrate.
Q. What is the best method to distill off the angel water from tartar or potassium carbonate
without having the flask or retort break almost every time?

A. A gentle distillation under vacuum in a water bath works very well.

Q. Which method would be better to extract the white and red mercuries PbS (Galena): 1) Dry
Method, No Menstrum 2) Rain Water 3) Glacial Acetic Acid 4) Fixed Vinegar of Antimony?

A. We found the dry method very successful.

Q. On page 126 when the three principles were conjoined, did Cockren have his Mercury and
Sulphur separate or were they together in the form of Philosophic Gold and then added to the
salt of Galena?

A. Separate.

Q. How did you purify the salt of Galena to prepare it for the conjunction?

A. By calcination.

Q. If the salt remaining in an extraction of Antimony after precipitation is always poisonous and
should be discarded, would this also apply when you atlempt to make the stone with Galena-
would the body, the salt also be poisonous?

A. No. During the process of the making of a stone, the salt undergoes a change or literally a
transmutation.
 Parachemy
Volume IV: Number 2 Spring 1976

The Stone of Shalom

Essence of Copper p.314

Astrology For The Neophyte - The Sun p.323
Information Interchange - A Medicine Out Of Commom Sulphyr; Oil of Egg p.327
Questions and Answers p.330

Essence of Copper
(The Alchemical Sulphur or Oil)

By Frater Albertus

There are two basic ways to extract the essence from copper. The first deals with the metal or its
salts and the second with its natural state as an ore. The first is found to be more pure, since it
has the other extraneous substances removed by way of smelting or otherwise. Reagents are the
purest form of the substance in question, as the analysis on the labels will indicate. Salts of
copper, such as nitrates, sulphates, chlorides etc., need to be freed from it when an extraction of
its essence is attempted. This can be done by calcination, repeated washings, and crystallization.
Tests for acid contents should be made with litmus and must show neutral. The metal has to be
as free as possible from all foreign substances to assure a true end product. When native metals
(ores) are used, it should be remembered that they, are not pure. Gangue and other metals are
usually combined with them. Azurite. malachite, etc., are copper ores but they show at least trace
elements of other metals that need to be and should be removed before an extraction is made as
the now copper substances will likewise yield their essence when extracted.

When using native metals, calcination, to drive off their sulphurous and other volatile impurities,
should precede any extraction. All ores should be ground as fine as possible by manual or
mechanical means and then be subjected to repeated washings until the ore remains on the
bottom of the container. When followed by the calcination as described above. the remaining
impurities, such as arsenic volatile particles, will be removed.

After the ore becomes more subtle, it will then yield easier to extraction of its essence. However,
depending on the condition of the ore. it will usually turn to a dark, blackish color during the
state of oxidation. In the end, it will show a copper tint to the dark oxide, for this is what it will
be. This native oxide differs from the cupric oxide in our work. The basic difference to be found
is that one has gone to the metallic state by way of fusion while the other still retains its natural,
not fused (smelted) character.

As far as the extract in form of its oil is concerned, it will not show too much difference in
appearance, smell, or medicinal potency. There is with the latter this exception: a certain amount
of the alchemical mercurial substance will be carried into it, when judiciously extracted. Since in
the end several washings and evaporations are taking place, there is little likelihood that this
mercurial substance will be retained. The reason for this is its high volatility. Those who are able
to retain this mercury substance in a separate container will have a coveted vehicle for future
extractions.

The essence of copper in form of an oil (alchemical sulphur) is the object of this treatise. Its
quality is noticeably oily. So is its taste. At one time it will mix with ethyl and on another
occasion it will separate and sink to the bottom. This is due to the medium used to extract the
essence. When carefully extracted, it will form a homogeneous tincture with alcohol. It would
have to be absolute or rectified anhydrous alcohol in order to bring the proper extraction about.
When ethyl oxide (ether) is used, it will yield the oil when all the ether has been distilled out or
evaporated. The residue is the oil of copper.

The remarkable fact is that the oil can be extracted even from the metallic copper. It should be
remembered that the extreme heat during the smelting process would normally let any oily
substance evaporate. In hermetic language it reads: "That which is essential cannot be destroyed
by fire. It can only be purified." Indicating that an essential part of any substance goes through a
process of purification and not destruction. What is being dissolved or evaporated is, in this case,
only nonessential.
Various degrees of fire make possible various stages of manifestation. This all important fact
cannot be overemphasized. Especially during the calcination is the regulation of heat of great
concern. Some metals yield to a state of flux sooner than others. Various melting points give
proof to this end. Some metallic ores, flux easier than others. For this reason, great care should
be used while calcining ores. However, if the objective is only the extraction of the essential oil
then it is not of any importance. Still, it should be remembered that, at one time or another, the
mercurial substance also needs to be extracted. This information is inserted here to show how
important it will be at such a time. And certainly, he who goes through the time consuming
procedure to calcine an ore would not use all this time to get only an essential oil from it when a
similar result can be gotten by using an already prepared Reagent or other commercially
prepared oxide, from which can be extracted the alchemical sulphur only.

The oil of copper represents the essential quality of the metal. The body wherein it is contained -
the salts - are not of any use for us presently. They represent still poisonous salts. The virtue of
copper, and for that matter, any metal or mineral, is to be found in its essence and not in the body
thereof. No matter how poisonous a substance may be, its inherent virtue, when properly
extracted and purified, is nonpoisonous. Arsenic and antimony, for instance, certainly need to be
listed as poisonous. Yet, they will yield an extract which does not show any venomous qualities,
as has been proven by those who have been taking this very oil of antimony and have not
experienced any ill effects. On the contrary, beneficial results became manifest. The essential oil
of antimony, although taken from a very poisonous body (metal or ore), is proof of the results to
be obtained. In like manner will other metals yield their essence.

p. 323

Astrology For The Neophyte

By Carl W. Stahl
The Sun In The Constellations

The Sun is what one is at heart, indicating the nature of one's inner goals, aspirations, and
interests. It signifies the life, vitality, and the inner character. In the foreground it causes self-
centeredness, pride, vanity, the desire for fame, honor and renown. It also gives a love of display
and a yearning for personal recognition. The Sun symbolizes the "God of our Hearts" and it
appears that this God wants to be worshipped and so it tries to excel in mentally creative and
sportive ways.

KEYWORDS. Glory, fame, honor, mental creation, life, superiority, vitality, self centeredness,
pride, honesty, candor, integrity.

Sidereal

ARIES (April 14th-May 15th) LIBRA (Oct. 18th-Nov. 17th) TAURUS (May 15th-June 15th)
SCORPIO (Nov. 17th-Dec., 16th) GEMINI (June 15th-July 17th) SAGITTARIUS (Dec, 16th-
Jan. 14th) CANCER (July 17th-Aug. 17th) CAPRICORN (Jan. 14th-Feb. 13th) LEO (Aug. 17th-
Sept. 17th) AQUARIUS (Feb. 13th-Mar. 15th) VIRGO (Sept. 17th-Oct. 18th) PISCES (Mar.
15th-April 14th)

LIBRA.

They excel at painting, sculpturing, sketching, decorating, fashion designers, florists, and
entertainers. This portion of the zodiac includes some of the most beautiful and peace loving of
humans. They have the herd instinct highly developed and enjoy the company of others, being
usually found at fashionable social events where they enjoy themselves. Since Saturn is exalted
here, they have a tendency to appear sullen and taciturn. This also makes them absent minded
and forgetful. With the Sun in its fall here, the native is not overly ambitious nor egotistical.
Mediation is their strong point. They have the ability to tie up loose ends and bring about
agreement and peace when all others have failed.

SCORPIO.

The night house of Mars has the fighting instincts, rashness, and outspokenness of its ruler. The
fixed star Antares, the heart of the Scorpion, lies at 15 degrees and is known as "the rival of
Mars." The native fights for the sheer love of fighting, whether it be physical, verbal, or , written.
The more primitive types will make their own trouble when they can find none handy. They are
adventurous and foolhardy in their search for danger.

SAGITTARIUS.

Under Jupiter are born some of the most moral and law abiding of people. They fear public
opinion, are socially ambitious, and try to associate with the best people. They seek the company
of church dignitaries, government officials, and other successful people. They join church
societies, vigilante committees, and other organizations where they can impose their own type of
morality on others. Being fire, he is quite idealistic and in all his messing around in others lives
is ever searching for the goal of spiritual perfection. They excel as philosophers, scholars,
physicians, and professional men in general.

CAPRICORN.

The native approaches life negatively and with pessimism. He avoids publicity and may have a
hard childhood. They are stingy and usually live a frugal, economical life. They bring economy
to bear in all their phases of existence and hate waste. They prefer the status quo, hate change,
and seldom entertain or accept entertainment from others, for this would make them beholden to
others. They keep others at a distance. They like serious literature and are fond of good music
and may even compose it. The native limits his whole existence by a belief in things as they
apparently are. Once he sees the devil as he really is great occult progress is possible.

AQUARIUS.

Aquarius appears to be more intimately related to Uranus than to Saturn whose night house it is.
They love to travel off the beaten path. Being serious minded, sensitive and sympathetic, they
take an interest in the daily affairs of life and are always ready to help by word or deed those
who seek aid. They are soft spoken, intelligent, humorous and knowledgeable. They feel the
same about a president or king as they do about the poorest and most wretched of mankind. Both
are God's children and must be treated as equals. They have a feeling about the fitness of things
and seem able to see the inside of machinery and determine what makes it tick. All knowledge is
his province and he can go into the silence and come back with the answer.

PISCES.

As the negative, or night house, of Jupiter these natives are easy-going, calm, unruffled, and
placid. They love pleasure, avoid responsibility, and have an attraction for mystery. They have
the neptunian quality of being able to play a part to the utmost. They greet strangers as old
friends, royally make a big fuss over them, and only the gleam that occasionally escapes from
their eyes betrays the game they are playing. They are great at make-believe, deceit, and flattery.
They enjoy good food and entertainment. They love to make money with as little physical effort
as possible and may love to gamble. Knowledge is absorbed rather than learned and mysticism
and occultism have a strong fascination for them.

ARIES.

Being the day house of Mars, with the Sun exalted here, these natives are the most aggressive
and domineering of all people. Mars gives a desire for power, violence, and force, while the Sun
gives ambition with a* craving for fame, supremacy, leadership, and a desire to occupy the
highest posts of authority. They are uncomfortable taking orders from others, They must rule.
They are egocentric, proud, intolerant, and seldom admit to a mistake. They are critical of others
but resent criticism of themselves. Being fiery, they are proud as the Devil himself and on the
lower stages put themselves first, trampling on others to reach the heights of success. Aries
directs others, Scorpio leads in person.

TAURUS.

The Moon is exalted here and the peaceful Venus rules so it is no surprise that these natives
incline to the peaceful enjoyment of life. They seek to know and can attain knowledge through
contemplation, study, and patient and prolonged effort at their favorite occupation and hobbies.
Through contemplation they are able to tear away the veil of the apparent and reveal the truth in
all its simplicity. Taureans seldom read fiction 'as truth is their eternal quest. They speak the
truth and expect it from others. They manage to control their tempers regardless of how much
turmoil they are exposed to. They can hear the still voice in the silence. They love the human
form and prefer the company of any type of human to the grandeur of nature. Only the call of
love can tear them away from their philosophical pursuits.

GEMINI.

They are versatile, excelling at gymnastics, traveling, craftsmanship, manual dexterity, writing,
dancing, singing, mathematics, and in all means of communication. Mercury, the ruler, being the
god of thieves and merchants, the ancients held that falsehood and theft were also attributes of
Gemini. They are not religiously inclined. Their symbol, the Twins, indicates their desire in
having an alter ego to share their time with them. They live mostly in their minds and are at the
whim of the changing winds of thought, changing their plans and opinions from day to day, and
even from minute to minute. They love to sway the minds of others by their thought or as
vocalists. They constantly seek variety, usually by travel. Discrimination is the lesson they must
learn.

CANCER.

The Moon is the significator of the imagination and those born with her in the foreground, as
well as with the Sun in Cancer, have imaginations so strong that they sometimes mistake their
own mental thought forms for reality and may suffer from illusion. They make good writers,
actors, painters, poets, and reporters of the imaginative type. Since the Moon is a dead body,
Cancerians often have a feeling of emptiness. They have a tendency to play a part, trying to
inflate their egos. Cancer signifies the mother principle and it is always HIS or HER home, HIS
children, HIS relatives, etc. The Moon signifies the etheric as against the strictly physical which
is indicated by the ascendant.

LEO.

Since the Sun rules Leo, the children of this constellation take it for granted that they were born
to rule hence honor is their just reward. They feel that they are the chosen of the Lord and have a
mission to perform. The "Little King," or Regulus, at 5 degrees Leo is the principal fixed star.
Both Alexander The Great and Napoleon I were born with the Sun in conjunction with this star.
Although generous to a fault, Leo's prime interest is in themselves or in their creations. What
they say may be brief but it carries an air of authority that defies contradiction. Danger has great
fascination for them and they love to play with fire. Whenever they enter an assemblage of
people, one can almost hear the blare of trumpets announcing them.

VIRGO.

Mercury is exalted in this, its night house, making the native pure in heart and deed. They are
conscientious in all things and firm believers that honesty is the best policy. They are intelligent,
quick learners, possessing great knowledge and the ability to use it. They are skilled with their
hands, possessing mechanical ability, lacking only ambition. They succeed better when working
for others and make good engineers, draftsmen, mechanics, factory workers, clerks, school
teachers, orators, professors, and others who work with the mind. They are excellent strategists
and can plan schemes down to the smallest details. They shun society and parties being more at
home in study or workshop. They are highly nervous and some part of their body must be
moving at all times. Service is their key to progress. +

Informative Interchange
"The Preparation of a Medicine out of Common Sulphyr"*
"Take common Sulphyr, and grind it small. Then grind it with three parts of calcined Vitriol, put
it together into a high Cucurbite, and Sublime it in sand till nothing will Sublime more. Take
then these Flowers, put them into a glass and pour on them a common Aqua Vitae Tartari, which
hath been dissolved in a Cellar, so that it swim on top of it a hands breadth. Place it in a
convenient heat, and the sulphyr will open itself in a few hours, and become transparent red like
a Ruby. This being done, pour off the extraction into another glass, and put to it very good
distilled Vinegar, and the Sulphyr falls to the bottom with a great stink. Pour off the Aqua Vitae,
and edulcorate well the sulphyr, and dry gently. Put this Sulphyr again into another Glass
Cucurbite, and pour upon it Spirit of Wine, which is prepared with Philosophical Tartar. Set it to
heat for three days, the Spirit of Wine imbibeth again that excellent Tincture of the Sulphyr. Then
pour off the Extraction and draw off the Spirit of Wine with a pretty strong fire in sand, and here
will come over with it a pleasant sweet smelling Aqua Vitae. Having done so, rectify the Oil in
Balneo Mariae, and draw off the Spirit of Wine gently, and the Aqua Vitae Sulphuris remaineth
in the bottom.

The Use of this Medicine: "Six or eight drops of this Oil being taken in a Spoonful of Wine, are
good for those that are in a Consumption. It is good likewise for Coughs, openeth the Breast, and
Ulcers of the Breast, and also imposthumes: it relieveth against whatsoever may occasion any
putrefaction in a man's body, if the use of it be continued for some time."

In several of the old alchemical treaties, Collectanea Chemica, to name one, all suggest that the
best way to extract the spirit and oil of sulphur is by setting the sulphur on fire under a campana
or bell. The smoke and fumes are trapped and recitfied. Some suggest other ways: The Last Will
and Testament of Basil Valentine, p. 442, where he extracts the oil of sulphur with "spirit of wine
prepared with Philosophical Tartar in three days." If one does not have all of the proper
equipment nor knowledge of preparing such a menstruum, one might obtain a fine spirit and oil
of sulphur by this process:

Finely powder good sulphur vive, put into flask 9/10 empty, and cover with about one inch of
spirit of wine. Allow it to macerate in a warm place for a long while, then in a cool place for a
long while. The moon may help you if you will let her.

Don't watch for a tincture so much, rather for crystals to grow. When you see them, warm the
flask, pour off the menstruum, filter, cool, and watch the crystals regrow.

If you are lucky, the crystals and oil will be ice crystal clear. The menstruum will be no longer
soluble in S. W. and all will be a great solution.

George Starkey or Basil Valentine can tell you about all of its virtues and doses. If it doesn't
work, macerate the S W (spirit of wine) and sulphur again for awhile. It took me two years to do
it the first time, and is a problem for all with little patience. The value is that it requires no more
equipment than a couple of jars and a funnel to filter.

If you make your sulphur preparation as I have described and choose to take it as a medication
then watch the kidney area of the iris to make sure you are not accumulating sulphur in the body.
The spirit and oil of sulphur will not harm the body. Crude sulphur will be stored in the body and
is harmful.

Oil of Egg

Paracelsus (Paracelsus, Franz Hartmann) talks about extracting the Ens of Herbs (spirit and soul)
by placing an herb in saturated solution of undistilled angel water, then gently pouring over this
the Spirit of Wine, allowing it to macerate until the Ens rise into the Spirit of Wine and gently
separating the two.

The same can be used on the yolks of hard boiled eggs to extract the oil of egg. If done carefully
and with a dozen or so eggs, one may find the oil not only mixing with the alcohol and the angel
water, but also droplets of pure oil floating between the two which means that it is only a matter
of separation of the oil to obtain it. Rather than bothering with removing the oil tincting the angel
water and the S W, just add more egg yolks for the extraction of more oil.

- Dale Halverstadt, U.S.A.

*The Last Will and Testament of Basil Valentine, 'Manual Operations" p. 442 by Basil
Valentine, Pub. by London 1671.

For further information regarding the Ens, see Paracelsus: Life and Prophecies, Franz
Hartmann, M.D., Rudolf Steiner Publications, 1973, pages 208 212, The Elixir of Life, Appendix
section of THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF PARACELSUS. Here information is given
concerning the Primum Ens, which Paracelsus has said is the source of all life. Paracelsus
maintained that the human body could be rejuvenated to a certain extent by a fresh supply of
vitality and his aim was to find a means by which such a supply could be obtained and used to
protect and prolong the process of life. Nature provides us with remedies for such purposes and
the Primum Ens, Paracelsus said, is such a remedy. He speaks of the fabulous halcyon and its
rejuvenation - how its own substance is renewed by drawing its nutriment from the Primum Ens.
So, he says, may man rejuvenate his constitution by purifying it so that it may be able to receive
without any interruption the life-giving influence of the divine spirit. The medium through which
life acts consists of elementary substances that are found in Nature and which form the
quintessence of all things and, according to Paracelsus, there are some substances in which this
quintessence is contained in greater quantities than in others, and from which it may more easily
be extracted. Two such substances are the herb called melissa and the human blood. The
preparation for the Primum Ens Melissae and the Primum Ens Sanquinis are given. - Ed. +

p.330

Questions and Answers

Q. Has the index been completed yet for THE TRIUMPHAL CHARIOT OF ANTIMONY?
A. Yes, but not published as yet.

Q. Which is better, burial or cremation? Why?

A. "Better" depends upon prevailing circumstances.

Q. Please pronounce the ineffable name of the God of the Hebrews. Is this the lost word or is it
AUM?

A. The ineffable name is associated with Jod-He-Vau-He.

Q. What does it mean to calcine under a muffle? What would the equivalent be today of a
muffle?

A. It refers to a muffle furnace where the heat is enclosed in a muffle and is not an open fire or
source of heat.

Q. Is a vacuum necessary or desirable to extract the white and red mercury?

A. Not necessary but highly recommended as less heat is required.

Q. Can we distill sulfur in a closed flask (retort) to get the spirit and oil of sulfur in greater
quantity?

A. Yes.

Q. Can a good glass of Sb be made using fume Sb and Sb2S3 as a fluxing agent?

A. Yes.

Q. Can one use the radical vegetable menstruum to fix and to corporify the spirit of wine in a
one step process after the salt of tartar has been purified?

A. Not very well. To fix the spirit of wine is a different process, as you will know by now.

Q. Why not purify the calcined tartar with ethanol and water rather than having to calcine so
many times?

A. Prolonged calcination opens up the pores of the tartar more so than a purification. It is a
matter of calcination.

Q. On page 70 of THE TRIUMPHAL CHARIOT OF ANTIMONY: "If the spirit of wine be added
to aqua fortis there will be a strong effervessence, and these two substances will not agree; but if
they be properly united by means of philosophical distillation, they will form a highly useful
compound." I have put them together and they explode. First, what is he making and must they
be put together without allowing them to explode?
A. This has to be handled very carefully. Both are very much alive and of contrary nature. A
drop by drop method is usually best.

Q. In our ordinary daily use of the metallic tinctures, is it preferable that we use them in the
fixed form?

A. Fixed medications work on fixed diseases, unfixed ones on the contrary diseases. Great
judgment shonld be used here.

Q. Please give us a simple way to hermetically seal a flask, and still be able to open it when
needed, such as for adding to contents, and then resealing again.

A. When using a gentle heat of digestion place a cork stopper on a longnecked flask, then
immerse the top of the neck in molten wax. It will solidify at once after removal. Where greater
heat is required, the glass needs to be fused and broken when adding more to the contents, and
then resealed. This depends of course on the substance used. An inflammable one cannot be
brought near a flame or sparking equipment. Some glues like epoxies work very well in some
instances.

Q. About how many degrees of heat are there in the Ist degree, 2nd degree, 3rd degree and 4th
degree?

A. The first degree is associated with the water bath temperature, the second with the sandbath,
the third formerly with the heat of ashes and the fourth with open fire.

Q. How is the vegetable stone used to extract the quintessence of the plant world? Will the stone
extract the quintessence from only the herb from which it was made?

A. It is used by immersion in a macerating herb. It will extract from any herb and does not need
to be the one the stone is made from.

Q. Both distilled water and absolute alcohol seem to have a "magnetic" affinity for substance
macerated in them. Does distilled water and absolute alcohol have the same "magnetic" affinity
for thoughts and feelings? In other words, if there is noise and confusion around the preparation
of an alchemical experiment, will this be communicated to these two substances and conversely
can these two substances be "sharpened" alchemically by prayer?

A. It has been found repeatedly that noise by way of its sound waves did interfere with some lab
procedures. A prayerful attitude of the laborant certainly reveals composure and thoughtfulness,
a tremendous help to "sharpen" one's undertaking.

Q. Do we know why Iron is the only metal which can be attracted by a Magnet?

A. We do know "how" iron is attracted to the magnet. As to "why" we do not know. Sorry.
Q. Will you please elaborate on what you said about giving and thl "Living Philosopher's
Stone"?

A. To give means more than just to distribute. The Philosopher's Stone is said to replenish itself,
like an enzyme. So does enlightened man not lose by giving of what is his, but regenerates
himself.

ASTROLOGY

Q. How does one reconcile the difference in the Tropical and Sidereal Zodiacs? The planets are
in different houses and some are even different degrees?

A. Read the article by Carl Stahl on this subject in the next issue of Parachemy.

Q. In regard to a planet's cycle in one's personal life and using Saturn's 30 year cycle, does this
cycle start at birth and is the first 15 years positive and the next 15 years negative?

A. Since you use the word cycle, yes, the first one half of a cycle is positive.

Q. What are the Cardinal Sins and Virtues for overtones of planets?

A. Such belong to the same category, only more pronounced and yet more subtle. For example,
Mercury - envious, benevolent; Uranus treacherous, generous.

Q. Could we have a more thorough explanation of the cycles - spiritual and material? The seven
and the twelve.

A. Spiritual as you say indicates a seven-phase mental cycle. The twelve-phase cycle is of a
material manifestation. See also "Men and the Cycles of the Universe" by Frater Albertus,
published by P.R.S.

Q. Which has the greater effect upon one, the one or the overtone?

A. Should you refer by one as one of the seven planets, then it would be the one. However, the
planetary intelligence prevailing, either one of the seven or overtone is the correct one and gives
more in-depth information. See also. the previous question.

QABALAH

Q. It would seem that the King and Queen Scales represent differing levels of reality,
consciousness, spheres of being. Is this correct? On one level the Moon is Blue and rules
Sagittarius, on the other the Moon is Violet and rules Cancer. Would you please comment.

A. The importance of color as it affects us has been neglected to a great degree. It is the
intelligence of the moon (clear and pure) upon the influence of Sagittarius (inspirational) by way
of the Jupiter (blue) influence that forms a different awareness than the moon (clear and pure)
upon Cancer (tenacious) by way of its own placement in Cancer.

Q. The Alchemist's Handbook page 42: "Vital Life Force or quintessence can only be separated
through alchemy." Does it follow that there are 7 (or 4) types or variations of V.L.F.
(quintessence)? Isn't this what page 44 says: "Out of the Cosmic retort rises the V.L.F. to let the
qabalistic Tree of Life grow"? Then does:
1) The V.L.F. in Air contain mostly the Saturn-Mercury type? Air
2) The V.L.F. in Earth contain mostly the Venus-Moon type? Earth
3) The V.L.F. in Heat contain mostly the Jupiter-Sun type? Fire
4) The V.L.F. in Water contain mostly the Mars type? Water

Then V.L.F. actually comes in each color and all variations thereof? But do not all these
variations of V.L.F. emanate from ONE, PRIME force? Alchemist's Handbook, page 12: "Life
Force ... is an EMANATION of Nous."

My understanding is that Nous primarily comes from the sun, or is reflected by it, to the earth -
but that nolthing pervades ALL. So what is the relation between Nous and Nolthing? Please
comment on this and the preceeding.

A. There is only one universal spirit or life throughout. In our solar system this life force is
adjusted by way of our sun to maintain life upon our earth, or for this matter, upon all planets.

Life can present itself in manifold manifestations. When we speak of life force, we are referring
to energy meeting resistance thereby creating a field of force, such as in our sun, also known as
Nous, emanating from our sun as part of the universal life or spirit.

As far as the four elements are concerned, this emanation permeates all of them.

PURE SWEET OIL OF ANTIMONY

By Frater Albertus

Take Sb2S3, finely pulverized, and put into thimble of soxhlet extractor. Add vinegar of
Antimony into bottom flask. Extract until vinegar turns red and all vinegar has been extracted out
of the Sb2S3. Filter. Place filtrate in sandbath for 40 days. When it has turned black as ink, it has
gone into solution. Take this and distill vinegar out over moderate heat. It will come over clear
while at the bottom remains a dirty substance. Pulverize this and wash with distilled rain water.
Dry gently and place in circulatory vessel. Add spirits of wine (absolute alcohol) to cover
substance 2-3 inches. Close vessel and put in sandbath for two months. When the alcohol turns
red, pour out extract, filter. Sediment is of no further use. Distill filtrate gently - the alcohol will
distill and carry the antimonial tincture with it. The distillation flask looks like gold but will lose
the gold color again. Take the distillate and circulate for 10 days. During this circulation the oil
separates and sinks to the bottom. Place in separatory funnel and you have the pure sweet oil of
Antimony - free from all corrosion.
 Parachemy
Volume IV: Number 3 Autumn 1976

The Fool

Contents

Astrology For The Neophyte - The Mercury p.344

Informative Interchange - Sidereal v Tropical Astrology p.356
Questions and Answers p.358
The Fool - back cover

p.344

Astrology For The Neophyte

By Carl W. Stahl
Mercury In The Constellations

In astrology the planet Mercury is known as the messenger of the gods. The gods of course being
the other planets of this Solar System. In a somewhat similar manner the Sephirah on the Tree of
Life are referred to as the gods on the Tree. A simple way in which you can practice what is
usually called Esoteric Astrology is to get an understanding of the Sephirah for planetary
meanings and the Paths for both the planets that are equated with them and the constellations and
use these in your Esoteric interpretations of the elements of your birth chart. You will be
surprised how simple and easy this becomes with a little practice. Once you have obtained the
basic understanding of astrology, which we hope to furnish you. then we shall attempt to help
you master this further step toward the spiritual use of astrology. But we stray and must get back
to Mercury. It is the position of our Mercury in our chart which indicates how our intellectual
imagination functions. Whenever Mercury appears on one of the four angles of our charts it
brings us to the attention of others. When we pay attention to our environment, we are able
through the use of concentration to change our environment into one that more closely serves our
purpose, whatever that may be. Mercury also rules our acquisitive nature. The desire for money,
land, knowledge, titles or whatever are Mercury in nature. Truth and falsehood are two sides of
the Mlercurial coin. It is concerned with all forms of communication from simple sign language
to the spoken word and the written word. Being the planet of acquisitiveness, which is a form of
greediness, it rules both the thief and the businessman whose only difference is their mode of
operation. The thief operates outside the law, the businessman inside it.

LIBRA.

Mercury here enables the native to express himself more easily and to bring to the attention of
others his inner feelings and thoughts about brotherhood and the unity of love. This enables the
native to express beauty in all its forms. This may range from art, sculpture, poetry and written
works about the beauty that love brings into the life to raising flowers, interior decorating or any
other avenue in which love and beauty can be expressed and brought into the life. Mercury also
makes this lover of peace into a seeker after gain. He seeks to turn his art into the commercial
field attempting to serve both his god-given talent and mammon.

SCORPIO.

Mercury, in whatever constellation it is in, serves as a ready channel for the forces emanating
from that constellation. Mercury, as the messenger of the gods, is neutral and serves only as a
carrier of whatever planet it may be aspecting or whatever constellation it may be passing
through. Here it carries the impulsive, energetic, fiery and passionate Martian energy. The basic
nature of Mars is to attack and with Mercury here he attacks by all means of communication.
Sarcasm, irritation, anger and brutalare used in the native's struggle to overcome the competition.
Fighting in ring for money is one of the indications of this Mercury position. It also gives
physical and mechanical ability. If afflicted it gives the usually outspoken Mars slyness and
cunning.

SAGITTARIUS.
The vision, idealism and expansive wish fulfillment of his native finds ready means and ability to
bring his wishes down to earth through the channel furnished by Mercury. Idealism and dreams
are abstract things being difficult to bring into practical completion in the objective world. The
idealistic goal of Sagittarius is here broken into its basic essentials and then they are recombined,
a step at a time, into something useful and practical. The result being positive if Mercury is not
afflicted, negative if it is afflicted. The truth that was intended to help and guide mankind can,
under affliction, become something distorted and harmful. Native could succeed in philosophy,
religion, medicine or business.

CAPRICORN.

The native of Capricorn is taciturn, silent and even sullen Mercury furnishes a channel so he can
express these attitudes to others. His is a philosophy of toil and labor. Only that which is
obtained the "hard way" has real value. The saying, "A penny saved is a penny earned," is pure
Saturn born in a Capricornian's mind. Mercury here enables them to spread this philosophy of
hard work and denial to a world which largely ignores them. In this constellation the two planets
of acquisition, Saturn and Mercury, could very well lead to success in amassing wealth. If you
always take in and never give out you are certain to accumulate a bundle. You will also become
constipated.

AQUARIUS.

Mercury is as one in the home of a friend here. Because furnishes a ready channel for the native's
inspirational and intuitive ideas, Mercury makes it possible for these otherwise abstract
imaginings to see the light of day in an objective setting and being put to practical use. Without
Mercury the native would be unable to bring them to the attention of others. It also enables the
native to gain monetarily as well as in the understanding of nature's laws. The true Aquarian
attempts to follow Bacon's advice and "Make all knowledge his province." He is acutely aware
that knowledge leads understanding and understanding to wisdom.

PISCES.

Mercury, being in the contellation opposite its exaltation, is much weakened here. Feeling,
imagination and disorder rather than common sense manifest through the Mercurian channel to
the outside world. It is by focusing through attention and concentration, the imagination and
expansive influence of Jupiter and the feeling of brotherhood and the unity of love (Venus is
exalted here), that natives of this constellation will achieve success and happiness. And, who
knows, they may even gain a fair share of worldly goods if such be their Karma. These natives
have the ability to make their wishes come true. They are convincing talkers and can project to
others whatever image of themselves they wish to assume for the moment.

ARIES.

The Sun being exalted here the native's Mercurial attitude would be one of leadership. Being
ruled by Mars they would brook no interference with their plans and actions. They are very
competitive and 'will attempt to eliminate those who present obstacles to them. Mercury
furnishes a ready channel for the native's ideas, his creative effort and his drive for fame and
power. He has the ability to bring about, on the physical plane, his imaginings and mental
creations. This position of Mercury, especially if it Is on an angle of the chart, brings the native
to the attention of others and they (Aries) are quick to use this interest to further their own ends.
They have mechanical ability, are inclined to be irritable and quarrelsome. They use their zest
and energy to advance themselves into leadership positions.

TAURUS.

The native tends toward the study of philosophy and the teaching of it. His philosophy of love
and unity is communicated to others by every means available to him. Not being content with
this some Taurus natives will found schools of thought to spread their philosophy and to gain
material wealth and power in the process. The Moon is exalted here and this, combined with
Mercury, may give the native a busy mouth although a pleasant one. Words and compliments
come easily from their tongues and social affairs and parties find him much in demand. The
words they speak are, for the most part, gentle and inoffensive.

GEMINI.

Mercury rules this constellation which means it can best distribute its influence without any
distortion. They are quick to speak, can conjure up wonderful arguments pro and con, and then
they can as quickly drop the whole thing and do nothing about it, Thinking, debating, comparing
and sifting meanings keel) them busy and happy. Because of their fast reactions, they excel in
gymnastics, dancing, athletics, writing, and mathematics. Since their creative thoughts (Sun) and
their thought processes (Mercury) are so similar, to think is to do. Being an Airy constellation the
native has a tendency to skim mentally whatever he is considering rather than give it real, in
depth, thought. They also like to gild the lily and embellish events.

CANCER.

Because they are so imaginative Mercury here gives them a tendency to tell tall tales and change
fact to enhance their own egos. They make good fiction writers. actors, poets, painters and
reporters. With both Moon and Mercury, on the angles these can be the busiest people on earth,
rushing about without necessarily accomplishing anything of a practical nature, The Moon. being
a dead body. constantly seeks to be like the Sun and with the aid of Mercury and their own
imagination they often build a make believe life that is more real to them than their actual daily
life . Good at trading in both domestic and foreign goods. They make good merchants, travelers
and may gain success in writing, especially fiction.

LEO.

Mercury here blends with the Sun to produce an instantaneous "thought result chain." The
advanced Leo type has a unique ability to bring the creative life force down to earth to produce
practical results in his environment and that of otbers. The Biblical phrase, "Let your light
shine," applies in a particular way to Leo, for they most clearly reflect that great orb in the
heavens. Mercury here gives them great facility to provide leadership and attain fame and
fortune. The Sun, as ruler of Leo, wishes to shed his light, his philosophy, so that it reaches as
many others as possible. They make good heads of business, politicians, religious leaders and in
other fields that attract their attention.

VIRGO.

Mercury rules and is exalted here so naturally Virgo is the epitomy of Mercurian talents,
attitudes and efficiency. Unless Mercury is afflicted here these natives are honest and just in all
things, even business. Being a constellation of Earth they are more practical and less impatient
than their Gemini brothers and sisters. They are excellent planners going into step by step detail
when they start a project. They make excellent clerks, professors, teachers, engineers, mechanics,
draftsmen and those occupations requiring skill with the hands. Being Mutable they are without
ambition and in spite of all this attention to detail rarely become leaders of others in either
business or government. +

p.356

Informative Interchange
Sidereal Versus Tropical Astrology

We have been asked to explain briefly the difference between Sidereal and Tropical astrology.
Briefly put, the difference is the starting point on the Great Circle of the Ecliptic which is the
apparent path of the Sun. The Tropical Zodiac starts at the point where the Sun crosses the
equator, moving from south to north, on the first day of Spring. In tropical astrology this point is
called zero degrees of the sign Aries. Each year the Sun crosses the equator at a point about 50
seconds of arc further to the west. This is why the tropical zodiac is called the moving zodiac.
The sidereal zodiac, on the other hand, is eternally fixed in space and is measured from what the
ancients called the marking or "Peg" stars which are the Pleaides in 5 degrees of Taurus,
Aldebaran in 15 degrees of Taurus, Regulus in 5 degrees of Leo, Spica in 29 degrees of Virgo,
and Antares in 15 degrees of Scorpio.

Donald Bradley, the great research astrologer, has demonstrated through the use of mundane
charts, that the true position of Spica for the Epoch of 1950 is 29o06'05" of the constellation
Virgo, This means that the true mean Synetic Vernal Point for the Epoch of 1950 is Pisces
5o57'28.64". This indicates that the difference between the two zodiacs was 24o 02'31.26" at the
Epoch of 1950. The sidereal zodiac at this time was lagging behind the tropical, or moving
zodiac, by slightly more than 24 degrees.

In May 1949, Cyril Fagan, the father of sidereal astrology, rediscovered the true meaning of the
Exaltation degrees and the original Hypsomata (Exaltations) zodiac. During the lunar year
commencing April 4, B.C. 786 (1st Nisan) and ending March 23rd, B.C. 785, for the latitude of
Babylon, all the planets of the ancients appeared in the degrees of their exaltations, either in the
New Moon chart of the beginning of the lunar year or at the time of their heliacal rising or
setting. The heliacal risings and settings of the planets were so called because they happened
only immediately after sunset or immediately before sunrise. They were named after Helios, the
Sun. More information can be obtained on this from, Zodiacs Old and New, by Cyril Fagan, or
from his more recent book, Astrological Origins, both published by Llewellyn Publications.

We must remember that the ancients used a naked-eye or visual astronomy, and that their day
began at sunset. At this time of day the stars began to appear on the eastern horizon as the Sun
sank from view on the western horizon. Because the stars and planets were invisible during the
daylight, ancient astronomy and astrology were lunar. Unless they could see it they did not
include it in their records. The New Moon of the ancients referred to the first appearance of the
lunar crescent as it appeared in the west after sunset. They never referred to the exact
conjunction of the Sun and Moon, known to astronomers as the syzgy. Since at this time the
Moon was hidden by the Sun's light and was invisible this, the last day of the lunar month, was
considered a period of great evil because at this time eclipses of the Sun can occur.

Let us once more briefly state the rationale of sidereal astrology. The stars and planets can only
be seen at night. When the ancients talked about any particular constellation. they did so because
at that time the Moon, particularly the Full Moon, was in it. They could never tell where the Sun
was because its light hid the stars. but by knowing where the Moon was, in relationship to the
Sun, and especially when the Moon was full and rose in the Past when the Sun sank in the west,
they could determine the exact lime of the Full Moon and thus would also know the position of
the Sun in the constellations. It is for these reasons that Egyptian astronomy was aptly called Full
Moon astrology.

I trust that this explains somewhat the type of astrology that we are bringing to your attention
and that this explains the different days of the Sun's entry into the constellations as opposed to its
entry into the signs.

- Carl W. Stahl, U.S.A. +

p.358

Questions and Answers

ALCHEMY

Q. In going through the past egg materials we found a bottle labeled "the seed of 12 eggs." What
is the seed of an egg? Another label reads "the semen of egg." Will you comment on this?

A. It is the sperm.

Q. In reference to the change of acetic acid to acetone when brought in contact with limestone,
could one make an alchemical axiom to the effect that though a fixed substance cannot be
unfixed it can be transmuted?
A. In your way of thinking yes.
Q. Pages 78-79 of The Triumphal Chariot of Antimony is a mineral, made of a terrestrial vapor
changed into water which sidereal change is the true Star of Antimony. This water has been
extracted from elementary earth by the Stars and the fire which is contained in the air. This
tangible essence encloses a large quantity of predominating sulfur after it comes mercury, and of
salt there is least of all, yet it has enough salt to make it hard and immalleable. Please explain.

A. It refers to the three essentials and their proportions wherein all minerals and metals differ.

Q. You mentioned brackish water. Is brackish water beginning to ferment it? Is there a way to
get the Spirit from water without the addition sugar in some form? In other words, is it possible
to ferment water in natural state?

A. Yes.

Q. Is there an inner counterpart to vinegar as a fixing agent? In other words, is there an

objective way of fixing a state of consciousness in a way that is analogous to fixing of an oil?

A. Introversion - withdrawing to within - could be used as analogy.

Q. On page 196 of The Triumphal Chariot of Antimony, instructions are given to obtain the red
oil of vitriol of Iron. What menstruum is used to obtain this oil? Is it the fixed oil of iron we are
after?

A. It is not the fixed oil referred to but the alchemistical sulphur of Iron. KM and any of the
alkahests will do.

Q. What is the difference between the leached out salt of an herb and the fused herb (whole herb)
that is obtained at high (approx. 1200oF. to 1500oF.) temperatures.

A. The whole herb contains the sulphur which shows when subjected to extraction with alcohol
in form of a tincture. An extracted and then leached herb does not.

ASTR0L0GY

Q. When the planet Mercury starts its apparent backward (retrograde) motion, what is the
significance in terms of Alchemy, particularly in starting experiments at this time?

A. It is said to be somewhat retarding, mental activity requiring additional concentration.

Q. Can you tell us anything in regard to the Comet Rohouter, thespiritual implications now and
in the future? What are the alchemical implicalions? How will it affect a child being born at thi's
time?

A. Comets have been interpreted as harbingers of difficulties because their path is interfering
with gravitational forces of planets.
Q. What i's the relationship between the four fixed signs and the four Gospels?

A. Their fixed duration of the influences. Taurus, decisive (Matthew); Leo, organizing (Mark) -
Scorpio, solidifying (Luke); and Aquarius. concentrative (John).

Q. At one time you stated, "At the time we are born it is predestined the time we shall die - unless
by accident. Why should not an accident be predestined? Is no one supposed to die by accident?

A. Man's free choice may interfere with celestial mechanics, just like he interferes with terrestrial
mechanics.

Q. Will you please explain the influences of planets when retrograde?

A. Their intelligence is in a motion of retrospect.

Q. On the 1/7 of Grand Cycle the blue cycle goes inlo the black cycle instead of the green cycle.
Can you explain this.

A. Check the dates when one begins and the other ends and you have the answer.

Q. Do the cycles start in Sagittarius because of Atlantis being destroyed at that time?

A. No, it just so happened that such could have taken place. Cycles do not happen because of
events but events take place during cycles.

Q. What is hidden in the bowels of Aries?

A. Energy.

Q. Since there is always a definite cycle for everything and since the PRS is always aware of this,
could you explain the cycle for the beginning of the Cultural Research Centers in the United
States so we will have an idea as to when the actual physical structure with faculty should he
functioning?

A. Two things are requisite for the beginning: a) Those conscious about the work involved and
b) Their own dates of births and prevailing cyclic influences in harmony with the five basic laws
given.

QABALAH

Q. Will you explain what you mean when you say that the consciousness of DAATH can only
function through resistance? What does this particular kind of resislance meaan psychologically
in terms of our limited consciousness? Does this mean that God, also can only function through
resistance? How is this particular kind of resistance consciously controlled?

A. By the free agency of choice of an individual possessing the will to resist or to concede.
Q. Is there a QBL of the English Alphabet? There are several possible arrangements which have
suggested thernselves. Is there a correct and lawfully sound interpretation of the ABC alphabet?

A. Out of the many attempted arrangements, the sound interpretation is the QBL. If one uses the
Chinese system, then it would be based on theirs. Intermixing usually causes confusion.

Q. Is 1he placement of elements altered in the Queen Scale, fire being found in Aries through
Cancer (as suggested by the arrangements of colors.

A. Only the mother letter Shin refers to the element fire. Double and single letters refer
respectively to planets and signs and their intelligences and influences.

Q. Are the planetary rulerships altered in the Queen Scale - Uranus ruling Aries and Taurus,
Sun ruling Gemini and Cancer (as suggested by the arrangement of colors)?

A. No. The intelligence manifests as a subray in such cases and takes the place similar to a decan
in the twelve cycle chart.

Q. There is a simple logic in the emergence of the Sephiroth's colors on the Tree of Life. But the
logic ceases when the order of the Hebrew alphabet is altered and seems to be lacking in the
emergence of color on the Tree of Life. Why, for instance, do not the elemental colors flow down
first, then the planetary colors, then the colors symbolizing the signs?

A. The Queen Scale does make this difference by its three categories of letters to supplement the
King Scale's emergence of colors which are one of the three types of symbols known.

Q. On the keyboard the gray planet Vulcan is positive and Saturn is half note. Will you explain
how to determine our note.)

A. Find your planetary ruler in your sun sign. See the four zodiacal systems in Men and the
Cycles of the Universe, published by PRS.

Q. If the numbers according to Sephiroth and Metzlah were plotted according to day, starting
with the first day of the year (either calendar or personal year) would the cycles thus formed be
meaningful?

A. They would have a meaning to you, based upon the system one chooses. One can make any
system work for a time.

MISCELLANE0US

Q. You have talked about directing Spirit and you have related Spirit and Will. What i's the
physical center of Will or Spirit? How does one begin to learn to direct Will towards
consciousness or toward the body?
A. Spirit is centered in the blood of the body. Will is an extension of consciousness and the heart
has been suggested as the physical center of the mind (not brain),

Q. What do you mean by a conscious worker? Wherein does he differ from an attentive, hard-
workl'ng, conscientious worker?

A. A conscious worker knows what he is doing and why. A conscientious worker may work
diligently and may not know why he is doing what lie does conscientiously, like one working on
a secret government project not being conscious of what the items he works on is, for the end
product is unknown to him.

Q. When we lose ourselves in the state of rest and we are contemplation, why is it we do not
bring back to the objective what we were contemplating? What is wrong here?

A. What one loses one may find again. Why should it not be possible during contemplation to
remain conscious? We may not be conscious of outer disturbances and still have an awareness of
our contemplation.

Q. You have said previously that the Heart is the center of Consciousness. How does one become
conscious of this? Will you comment further on heart consciousness and brain consciousness?
What can one do to increase heart consciousness?

A. Brain consciousness is related to limited objective knowledge. Heart consciousness is related

to that not known previously but becomes revealed to the inner of man but NOT by book
learning or hearing it on the outside from others. Learn to be still and listen to the still small
voice and try not to let the brain argue with the superior consciousness you do not know about.
as it is trying to reveal itself within you.

Q. Is laboratory work a form of Yoga and what part, if any, does Yoga play in Alchemy?

A. Uniting the mental and physical with sufficient energy is a uniting of what we attempt.

Q. May we have some information about anti-matter?

A. The process involved to transmute any of the four states of matter into one beyond the thermal
stage stated erroneously as its annihilation, which is not possible as no matter can be destroyed
but only changed, in this case anti-opposed to the four known states of matter at present.

Q. Should we pursue the study, interpretation, etc. of dreams?

A. If it serves a specific purpose, as for instance Carl Jung pursued.

Back cover

The Fool
The meaning attributed to the word Fool varies considerably. Sayings that have become almost
proverbs, beginning with "anyone's fool," "fooling around won't help any, "don't be foolish," and
many more, indicate that a state of mind is referred to as absurd. To do a foolish thing may he an
outcome of both an ignorant or thoroughly contemplated decision. Since both the known and
unknown are contemplated, any decision made deals with an anticipation of the fulfillment or
accomplishment of an objective the mind is obsessed with. Consequences are generally not taken
into consideration. Only the final result of an anticipation is predominant.

When the result does not coincide with the anticipation, one speaks of a foolish thing. Therefore,
to have been fooled means to have been betrayed. This can be a self betrayal or may be the result
of an outward coercion.

If one is told something that is not as presented, such can be of a twofold nature. It is either a
misrepresentation to deceive or meant to mislead one's thought in a different direction. The first
would be usually based upon selfish desires while the second is meant to be a corrective measure
when the irrational approach is corrected. April fool jokes belong to the latter.

The question "Are you easily being fooled?" is a very profound one, especially when it comes to
promises made that are not fulfilled. To what category do you belong? Are you a fool or are you
easily being fooled?
 Parachemy
Volume IV: Number 4 Fall 1976

'The Mysterious Prophecy' Figure 26 from the Prophecies of Paracelsus

An Interview With Eugene Canseliet p.366

Vegetable Radical Menstruum p.372
Astrology For The Neophyte - Venus p.376
Questions and Answers p.386
The Mysterious Prophecy - back cover

p. 366

An Interview With Eugene Canseliet

By Frater Albertus
It may be of interest to you to know that I have just now returned from Europe where Fulcanelli's
only pupil, Eugene Canseliet, and I have met at his home to clarify some topics that have caused
misunderstandings among those who have read his books and explanations he previously gave
about some of his personal alchemistical concepts.

On August 17th of this year Signore Augusto Pancaldi of Ascona and I took the Orient Express
from Domodossella, Italy, to Paris. It had been arranged by Sign. Villa-Santa of Lugano that I
should meet Fulcanelli's only student, Eugene Canseliet, in his home near Beauvair, an hour's
train ride from the Gare de Lyon in Paris. Since Canseliet spoke no English, Sign. Pancaldi who
speaks four languages fluently and who is himself active in laboratory alchemy, was to act as
interpreter and to help with the difficult alchemistical language barrier.

When we arrived at the previously arranged time, Madame Canseliet informed us that she knew
nothing of our coming and we were told Monsieur, Canseliet was not at home. This appeared to
be a ruse to prevent him from being disturbed. However, she agreed that we could return later,
since she did know how to reach him. We returned later and were received by him as he
unlocked the chain from the gate and ushered us into his house and the not-too-large living room.
Canseliet is small of stature, bald in front with the sparse hair left on the sides and back of his
head hanging down in long strands to his neck.

The three of us were sitting at the round table, and after the formalities were concluded and the
conversation became animated, Canseliet consented to answer the questions I had prepared on
the train from Paris to Beauvais. Sign. Pancaldi began to read the questions and wrote down
precisely the answers Canseliet gave to avoid any misunderstandings later. When some of the
original French words of Canseliet's are placed in my notes in parentheses it is only to compare
meanings and show that the translation from the French has the same meaning.

I began by asking: "Monsieur Canseliet, you have become famous in Europe through your
alchemistical literary efforts, especially by publishing Fulcanelli's two books. Since only one has
been translated into English, your name is not as well known in the U.S.A. as in your native
France. I will give only an authentic version of our personal meeting here in your house. May I
ask you for additional information?"

A. Yes, because alchemy does not change in itself (immutable Alchemy is the great harmony. In
a sense it is also the art of music as well as the priestly art that requires a constant purification
because the alchemist has to be in constant unison (soit au diapason) with his matter and the
Cosmic. All this has to be in absolute purity exactly as Rulandus said in his Lexicon: alchemia
est impuri separatio. . .

Alchemy consists of three parts:

1.) To be in harmony with the matter to be worked with.
2.) This harmony has to be also within the alchemist.
3.) To be in harmony with the Cosmic.

All of these three have to be in harmony as one.

This harmony can be considerably intruded upon by waves which disturb the weather (meteora)
as can be noticed by the constantly clouded sky and the presently continued drought.

We do the same in the laboratory that the old ones did, except that we have the advantage of
better technical equipment but lack what the old one's had, a closer relationship with nature.
They also had the advantage of the four seasons that were not so disturbed as we experience
now. When the sky is covered, the Universal Spirit can't descend.

Q. Your name, Canseliet, has become almost synonymous with that of Fulcanelli. Is this because
you are the only person who, can be named as his pupil?

A. I have been the only (le seul) pupil of Fulcanelli.

Q. Did you work theoretically with Fulcanelli or were you only his helper in practical
alchemistical laboratory work, or both?

A. We, Fulcanelli and myself, were engaged only in speculative alchemy. I have seen quite a few
things while I was with Fulcanelli. I did him many favors that made it possible for me to watch
him often while he worked. I did not work with him. I only observed. It was in 1915 when I got
to know Fulcanelli. I was then 16 years old and it happened through a servant of his who said to
me: "I am going to introduce you to a very interesting person," and that was Fulcanelli.

Q. When did you see Fulcanelli last?

A. I was around Fulcanelli for 15 years. Fulcanelli left in 1930, the year when "Demeuvres
Philosophales" (Dwellings of the Philosophers) was published. Do you know "Le Mystere des
Cathedrales?" It has been translated into English but I am not convinced that it is a good
translation, especially since I don't speak English. In 1932 Jules Champagne died, whose portrait
you see hanging there on the wall. He was the one who made all the drawings in the book.

Q. Do you know where Fulcanelli originated? Where he came from?

A. No. I only know that he had a large circle of friends, among them Ferdinand Lesseps (builder
of the Suez Canal) and Pierre Curie to mention only a few well-known names.

Q. Do you know where Fulcanelli is now, or do you have any clues?

A. In 1922 he visited me several times in Sarcelles. When he left in 1930, he was an old man (un
vieillard) but when I saw him again in 1952 he looked hardly 50 years old.

Q. Whom do you consider the best informed alchemist alive in Europe or generally?

A. I don't know any (Je ne connais pas).

Q. Are you in contact with other alchemists here on earth? If yes, with whom?
A. I don't know any. There was Barbault and Savaret, but otherwise I know only students of
alchemy, and I am an older student, one of the oldest who works with the younger students
because alchemy is above all the art of fire.

Q. What do you think of Armand Barbault and his spagyric method of production since we both,
you and I knew him personally?

A. This is spagyric chemistry. I know personally from him that he wanted to work in such a way.
His "Turba" is not the prima materia of the philosophers. One cannot take it seriously (ce n'est
pas serieux). One cannot make out of plant leftovers (dachets vegeteux) something useful, but
there are fields where personal conviction plays a part and everyone works according to his
beliefs.

Q. What do you see in the future concerning the practical laboratory alchemy?

A. I believe youth (les Jeunes) will enter into it (s'y mettre). For more than 20 years I have
observed that the future of alchemy belongs to youth. The philosopher with his stone is always in
the presence and this presence contains both past and future.

Q. Would you be willing that we, you and I, perform jointly some practical laboratory
experiments in your laboratory, or whatever place you would choose?

A. I can see no difficulty as soon as the laboratory is ready, but not at this time of the year.

Mr. Pancaldi then said to Canseliet: "I can take care of the preliminaries for this joint project. It
is up to you to suggest which way you would like to prepare the philosophical mercury either by
the dry or the wet method, since both can be used. The time is depending on our presence next
year from the beginning of June until August."

A. I prefer the dry way. Do you know that the philosophical mercury can only be produced at the
proper time? This time is considered within traditional alchemy as spring because only the
philosophical mercury that is produced during this time is the philosophical mercury. Therefore,
to know the correct time is of importance.

Q. Are you acquainted with the product of the philosophical mercury both the wet and dry way
and are you prepared to prove it?

A. No. In my opinion most traditional texts speak of the wet and dry way, only to use it as a trick
to conceal the dry way from obtaining the philosophical mercury. The philosophical mercury can
only be made the dry way.

Mr. Pancaldi interrupted and pointing to me said: "He can use a glass container for either the dry
or wet way, to which, Canseliet answered only with, "No."

Q. What do, you understand under philosophical mercury?

A. The soul (l'ame), this is the minute part (la partie minuscule) that can be obtained from the
mass during the sublimation in the dry way. This also called the little fish (le petit poisson=la
remore) that becomes a stone.

Q. Did Fulcanelli prove in the laboratory how to produce the philosophical mercury, and did
you personally handle the same? If Yes, would recognize at once the philosophical mercury if I
were to show it to you?

A. Yes, I have watched. Yes, I have handled the philosophical mercury. Yes, I would recognize
the philosophical mercury if one would show some.

Q. Were you an eyewitness while Fulcanelli made the gold transmutation?

A. Yes. I was present with Gaston Sauvage and Jules Champagne. The transmutation was made
in the Usine a Gaz de Sarcelles where I was employed. The transmutation was performed by
myself under the direction of Fulcanelli. I received three small pieces of the transmuting stone
(pierre transmutatoire). This transmuting stone consisted of one part gold and one part
philosophical stone.

Q. Did Fulcanelli make any other transmutation with only you present?

A. No. He did not make any transmutation with only myself present. I know only of the one at
Sarcelles.

Q. Do you continue to teach your pupils what Fulcanelli has taught you?

A. I am the headmaster (chef d'ecole) similar to Andre Breton. My contact with the pupils is
through books and considerable correspondence. I am also visited by many people and if I would
not from time to time act that I am not available at home, I would not be able to do very much
(sinon je ne ferais plus rien). I have also considerable correspondence with Italians.

Q. Have you had any personal alchemical success in the laboratory after Fulcanelli left you,
which others can testify to?

A. Yes. Formerly, when I was more engaged in experimenting than at present, I have caused an
Aurora Borealis. The last coction I have not as yet accomplished except for the sequence of color
and that of the planets which can't be followed in an earthenware vessel. One can, however, by
the harmonious noises and whistling sounds make a comparison without a chromatic scale. One
may say chromatic because of its color relationship to the musical scale. This last coction I have
not been able to complete because the time which the old ones called "the week of the weeks" (la
semaine de la semaine) has not been favored by the weather, because of the distortion of the air
by the various waves. This is the reason why my last coction simply will not take place or can
take place.
You know that for such a week the following traditional requirements have to exist during
spring: beautiful weather so the sky is clear (ciel decouvert) and also, the second quarter of the
moon going towards the full moon is not always so easy to bring together with the first.

Q. Do you still teach practical laboratory alchemy?

A. I teach through books and personal contact. Science and the university are my territory and
not so-called occult circles.

Q. Do your students teach?

A. L'association culturelle de l'universite de Paris gave me recognition with the title 'savant' and I
am proud of it.

Q. Would you allow me to photograph your alchemistical laboratory so posterity would have a
picture of it?

A. Just now I am moving my laboratory. I can't very well manage the stairs to the top anymore.
You can see the new fireplace at the end of the garden. As you know, the chimney is an
important part of the laboratory.

Q. Are you presently using any of your own alchemical preparations for your personal health?

A. Yes. Thanks to this alchemical preparation I am still here. In 1974 I had a heart attack. Thanks
to the 'niter' which I produce as a pink salt out of the dew in spring could I recover.

Since Mr. Pancaldi and myself had another appointment the same evening in Paris, we left, after
spending the afternoon with Canseliet in his home, to meet with Prof. Dr. Monod-Herzen, the
eminent French physicist, who showed considerable interest in laboratory alchemy. It was not
only a pleasant meeting but a highly stimulating and interesting one, since the professor has
spent his entire life to discover the origin of light from the physicists' point of view while not
ignoring what alchemy could reveal as possible additional information.

Soon after, we were invited to make the personal acquaintance of Signore Julio Villa-Santa of
Lugano, who also had an interview with Canseliet some years ago, to compare his interview with
ours. It showed no marked difference. The former was used in a Round Table discussion over the
Swiss Radio Network. Both Sign. Villa-Santa and his wife, the former Countess Sophia Tekeli
de Scel, are keen students of alchemy and are looking forward to next year and the joint
experiments of Canseliet and myself near Beauvais, France. +

p.372

Vegetable Radical Menstruum

By Dale Halverstadt
"Process II is that of preparing the vegetable radical menstruum. - Of the vegetable or herb used,
one takes the best kind. This is placed in weak acetic acid and rectified spirits of wine. Equal
parts of both liquids are used. This mixture is placed in an alembic and distilled. It is digested
again and the complete process of mixture and distillation repeated two more times, making a
total of three. Finally, as a result of these constant firings, a penitent spirit will come over. There
should remain behind, in the alembic, a small amount of dead earth and nitrum, (saltpeter). It will
then be necessary to make two or three cohobations - i.e., combining the dead earth with the
spirit or essence. In this manner, the vegetable radical menstruum is prepared. By placing other
herbs in this menstruum, their essential oils can easily be obtained and, thereby, invaluable
elixirs and medications prepared."1

In this paragraph taken from the second edition of Frater Albertus' Alchemist's Handbook, the
Vegetable Radical Menstruum (V.R.M.) preparation is described. The following are the efforts,
results, and insights of that menstruum preparation by the author.

Of the best kind of vegetable or herb to be used in this work, in all probability the vegetable
referred to would be that which is equivalent to man in the animal kingdom and to gold in the
mineral kingdom. Basil Valentine would say that such an herb is the grape.2

The V.R.M might be looked at somewhat like the alcohols extracted from various herbs or
grains, i.e., some work better than others to use as a menstruum.

Chemically speaking, the union of ethyl alcohol and acetic acid produces an ester called ethyl
acetate (also called acetic ether or vinegar naphtha) having the chemical form CH3COOCH205. It
has a characteristically fruity odor. Its vapors may be irritating to mucous membranes, while
prolonged inhalation may cause renal, hepatic damage.3 Ethyl acetate can be bought from any
organic chemical stockroom. I found it to be almost totally useless to extract the essentials of
various herbs.

A 95% grain alcohol (500 ml) was added to a good apple vinegar (500 ml) plus 10 mI of H2SO4
(sulfuric acid). (The old alchemists used vitriol, CuSO4 - copper sulfate.) The sulfuric acid
should push the reaction and give a much higher yield (the vitriol also has a spirit within it that
will give some added power to the menstruum). The vitriol would be alive and thus, if the
menstruum were strong enough, would extract this spirit as well and work like NH4Cl
(ammonium chloride) in the K.M. From a chemical point of view, the release of the SO4 ions
present in this tend to work as a catalyst. They do not enter into the reaction but in the end more
of the ester formed. H2S04 (sulfuric acid) will provide this increase. CuSO4 (vitriol) should also
provide this. (The author has never had access to CUSO4 ore and could not research it.)

Marriage is important for the vinegar and alcohol. One will want to digest the vinegar and
alcohol together for some period of time to complete the equilibrium of all the products. The
above was allowed to stand for a month and then the spirit was distilled out at about 60 degrees
C. To distill out the V.R.M. spirit will cause the remaining products to become out of alance.
Redigest and they will again seek their balance. We also want to work with the vinegar and
alcohol until they will not separate. The H2SO4 sulfuric acid) is hydroscopic (that is, it attracts
water) and helps also to push for the marriage.
After all the V.R.M. spirit has been distilled out, there will remain behind some alcohol, acetic
acid, and watery phlegm. This we do not want. However, they will distill out. Also left behind
are fixed salts, oils, and dead earth - this we do want the spirit to be several times exposed to
(just as Dr. Kerckringius makes his K.M.) to give the V.R.M. the spirit of the oil and Once you
distill out the V.R.M spirit, this will also contain some water and alcohol (unless you have
extremely high quality distillation equipment) that needs to be removed, just as when you take
wine and want the alcohol from that. You first distill out the spirit and then rectify (re-distill)
several times.

In the fall 1975 Sexta Class, it was demonstrated that this V.R.M. had the extracting power to
draw a tincture from a fermenting herband did not have the power to draw a tincture from a
freshly macerating herb. A fermenting herb is one that is releasing its own spirit (making
alcohol), such as when wine is being made from grapes and water, while a macerating herb is
one that is soaking in water, such as when tea is being made. The disadvantage of this
menstruum is that though it is still an ether it is water soluble and tends to mix with the water of
the macerating herb. This can be circumvented by using angel water rather than water in which
to maceraie the herb or to, add this spirit directly over a dried herb.

One should be able to prepare a yet higher form of V.R.M. by using a highly rectified grape wine
alcohol and a grape vinegar. Also, much can be learned by making one's own wine and vinegar
in the process of making such a menstruum, if one wants to go to the effort. A vinegar may be
made from an unpasteurized wine or from a grape juice. Either will work for our V.R.M. The
best is the wine vinegar. Dr. Bronner's Red Wine Grape Vinegar, 100 grain concentration, is the
best commercial product I know of. Look to your health food stores. Those who choose to work
with apple vinegar may obtain a fine apple vinegar from most health foodstores, and a quart of
95% grain alcohol may be obtained from most liquor stores.

One needs to see what one is doing when making the V.R.M. from several standpoints so that
more is accomplished than )ust a project.

First, one is marrying the unfixed spirit of the vegetable kingdom to the fixed spirit of the
vegetable kingdom This spirit is yet more ethereal than either of the first two spirits.

Second, it will become a better tool as it is used more and more, as one puts it over more and
more herbs, for in the process it becomes more refined.

Third, it will itself manifest with more and more healing properties as it is used to extract the
virtues of various healing plants.

Fourth, how far one can take sucha menstruum is only to be answered by how far one will take
it. There is always more to be done to improve it. All that is required is the ability to distill in the
way of lab equipment. Such a menstruum can be a valuable teacher and guide. It is an easy
project to work with for if one makes a mistake with it it will be easy to re-distill or even start
over.
Fifth, one might use such a menstruum in the mineral kingdom, as Dr. Kerckringius described
and used the Kerckringius menstruum in the Triumphal Chariot of Antimony by a similar
process .4

Lastly, I might suggest that the nitrum, (saltpeter) seems to be any purified salt of an herb rather
than the ore itself. Using the salt of grape wine and grape vinegar is therefore K2CO3 (potassium
carbonate) not KNO3 (potassium nitrate). As to the quantity of vinegar and alcohol that one will
need to begin with, it must be remembered that it is a poor reaction even under good conditions.
Using my recipe, one may expect to start with ten times as much vinegar and twice as much
alcohol as you plan to finish with. There is much less fixed spirit in vinegar than the unfixed in
the alcohol. A liter of vinegar might give you about 100 ml in the end, if you do well.

These are the results, insights, and efforts on the V.R.M. of the author up to this time. Clearly,
more time and effort spent on this project will reveal even more. It is hoped that such beginnings
will enable others to use this tool and push beyond this point.

1. Frater Albertus, Alchemists' Handbook, Samuel Weiser, N.Y. 1974, p. 68.

2 Basil Valentine, His Last Will and Testament, IS.G. and II.G. 1671, p. 311.
3 The Merck Index, Eighth Edition, Pub. by Merck Co., Ralway, N.J., U.S.A. 1968, p. 430.
4 Basil Valentine's, The Triumphal Chariot of Antimony with quotations by Dr. Theodore
Kerckringius, Trans. by A. E. Waite, Vincent Publications Go., 1962, p. 97.

p.376

Astrology For The Neophyte

By Carl W. Stahl

Venus In The Constellations

Venus is the planet of love. It is those who express love during this particular Earth Cycle who
do, the most good for mankind and who reap the greatest rewards in spiritual progress. But what
do we mean by love? True love gives, it does not take. So a good test might be if someone said,
"I love you!" to determine if that person intends to give or to take. Love is never sex. Sex is a
physical and emotional response and comes under the Moon. It is true that one may have sex
with another because they love them but this does not mean that love is sex. The love is in the
giving. When Venus is in aspect with other planets it seeks to give itself according to the nature
of the planet it aspects. Venus with the Sun gives self love which could increase our creativity.
With the Moon the love seeks to express itself sexually. With Mercury love seeks to
communicate itself to others. With Mars it brings a touch of tenderness to what would otherwise
be, simple assault. With Jupiter we have an expansive and joyous outpouring of love. With
Saturn it brings a ray of trust and devotion into a dark and dreary existence. With Uranus love
seeks new horizons and freedom of expression. With Neptune love seeks the ideal that may
never be realized. With Pluto love expresses itself in the silence and solitude.
VENUS IN LIBRA.

Venus is at home here and the native having the goddess of love here is amongst the most
peaceful and gentle of human beings. They find it easy to make friends being themselves lovable
and loving. They enjoy the company of others and become quite despondent when not able to
enjoy the presence of their friends. They have no, desire to be alone and are only happy when
with others. Venus here makes the native charming, delightful and generous to the extreme. The
helping hand of friendship is extended to all.

VENUS IN SCORPIO.

Venus is not at home in the house of Mars. The best it can do here is to bring a measure of
consideration for others into what is otherwise sheer aggression. The passionate urges are strong,
especially if this constellation appears in the foreground of the chart. In the background these
passionate urges may lie concealed and dormant. This position may incline the brief periods of
generosity instead of always taking without regard for others. The native should seek to
understand and help others to get the most out of this position of Venus.

VENUS IN SAGITTARIUS.

The native finds joy and pleasure when in the company of his many friends. They attract others
who are gentle, peaceful, law abiding and generous. They have compassion and sympathy for all,
seeking ways in which they can extend their happiness and love to others. The sky is the limit
where their friends are concerned and even strangers are welcomed with open arms. Under this
influence the native gives on all levels of consciousness.

VENUS IN CAPRICORN.

The spirit of love finds it hard to, express its true nature when under the seal of Saturn. Fear and
timidity restrict the native's attempts to manifest love. The native's greatest fear is to be
embarrassed and to avoid this all expressions of love are hidden under a veil of unconcern. Yet
once these natives find their true love, or become married, their partnership is of long duration
and usually both parties are faithful to the end.

VENUS IN PISCES.

Venus is exalted in Pisces, the night house of Jupiter, and much of the Piscean desire to, be in the
company of others and to indulge themselves is due to this fact. This position causes them to
accept others at their face value with the result that they reap trouble, frustration, misery and
humiliation when their friends turn out to have feet of clay. They must be carfeful not to waste
their love on those who will repay it with contempt and dislike. To seek the impossible dream is
the fate of many with Venus here.

VENUS IN ARIES.
The native impulsively goes off in every direction where love is concerned. They aggressively
explore every contact in their efforts to pin down love as a material manifestation. Their
passionate nature is softened by the presence of the goddess of love but in the main it still
expresses as assault and ownership. This Mars rule constellation finds it extremely difficult to
give rather than take. Sun exalted here gives them the drive to excel in what they call love.

VENUS IN TAURUS.

The native is in love with love. Those more spiritually inclined seek to look behind the veil of
nature to uncover her laws. The always gentle, peace loving, friendly, meek and sociable native
of this constellation becomes even more so. They now have such an excess of love that they
become in love with themselves. It is almost impossible for them to pass a mirror without
stopping to admire themselves. However this does not mean that they love all humanity less.

VENUS IN GEMINI.

Love here is mostly semantics. The native of Gemini is loath to dig too deeply into anything and
certainly not into the emotions. The symbol of this constellation is that of twin boys of school
age.

We know the immature attitude of young boys toward the opposite sex. So love becomes a
matter of discussion, poetry and analysis. It is rather a matter of buddy, buddy than a great love
for all humanity. This native requires an alter ego, a constant companion and friend or he
becomes extremely lonely. The native is generous, honest and sympathetic toward others.

VENUS IN CANCER.

Venus here makes the native demonstrative, coy, flirtatious, betraying their amorous feelings by
smiles, gestures, tone of voice and an irresistable desire to fondle and caress the object of their
desires. Natives of this imaginative constellation can create an entire love affair from a word or a
gesture that the object of their desire has carelessly, without ulterior intent, made. They have a
strong desire to love and be loved. Reason has no foundation here. They are, however, generous,
sympathetic and kind to others.

VENUS IN LEO.

The love that Leo gives is usually to himself. Self love is the mainspring of his expression. That
and a desire to be loved. They always have to maintain friends, companions and lovers in their
immediate vicinity. They shine in the presence of those who admire and look up to them. They
seek to, surround themselves with beauty and perfection. In their own regal way they seek to
extend the hand of brotherhood and understanding to those who are able to survive in their circle
of influence. Venus softens the Sun's arrogance somewhat.

VENUS IN VIRGO.
The normally critical Virgo now tempers his criticism with love, understanding and sympathy.
Venus is not at home here and the Virgo native is shy and retiring in his expression of love.
Virgo, is more at home on the planes of communication and thought. In spite of this Virgo
always has a hand out to assist others and with Venus here he can become the world's baby sitter.
His normal curiosity now becomes a real search for those he can tell. His love is expressed in
words, poetry and love letters which are masterpieces of the literate art. His normal efficiency
suffers from a desire on the native's part to tarry on love's path.

p. 386

Questions And Answers

ALCHEMY

Q. Is Acetone obtained alchemically by pouring alcohol over glass of Antimony (fixed) by the
spirit of antimony which itself is fixed?

A. Yes. This is one way to get the acetone of the sages.

Q. Why should argol preparations never be taken with water? Is it the acidity of the stomach that
makes the difference? How about cell salts, Kali Phos., etc.?

A. Argol preparations are bases (alkalis). Any acid causes a reaction. When used as cell salts,
such are highly attenuated and do not act in the same manner when used per se.

Q. Why do foods which test acid in a natural state supposedly have an opposite or an alkaline
reaction on the body when eaten?

A. Hyperacidity can produce a counter-reaction in the metabolism at times.

Q. For heart diseases we use sulfur and salt combined. Correct? For arthritis we use the oil of
the shell calcium. Correct? For cancer is there any part of the egg that is of value?

A. A perfect or near perfect medication contains all three. It is the salts which differ.

Q. Do we understand this correctly in terms of Sb2O3 Antimony found in Nature has a volatile
and non-volatile (fixed) mercury. Commercial house Antimony has only the non-volatile (fixed)
mercury. Chemically pure antimony tri-oxide has only the non-volatile (fixed) mercury.

A. The mercury in antimony is fixed in the regulus and in the glass.

Q. You have mentioned that the human body produces its own alcohol. Will you comment on how
it is produced and on what its purpose is in the human body? Could it be considered
alchemically as Human Spirit? Would there be any value in attempting to make this human
alcohol in the laboratory for use as a menstruum?
A. Starches and sugars produce alcohol. It is the (carbon) fuel that keeps the body temperature
constant. It is spirit only in a different vehicle in the plant world than in the animal world where
the vehicle for the spirit is blood. The spirit itself is the same no matter what vehicle it is found
in.

Q. Can one use the red sulfur (Colcotar of Vitriol) of the Kermes to obtain the flowers of Sb?

A. Yes.

Q. Arbor Vitae means Tree of Life. Does this mean that the ornamental shrub has an herbal or
alchemical secret hidden within it? The same question might be asked concerning Waldmeister,
or Master of the Woods, and Queen of the Meadow?

A. The ancients attributed to the Juniper family a preservative similar to the oil of cedar
(sulphur) which resists corruption.

Q. Will you comment on the effect of vinegar on the human body? I am thinking about the apple
cider vinegar and honey combination recommended by health food people. I have read that wine
vinegar is not "good" for the body. Will you comment on this in relation to the fact that vinegar
is the fixed vegetable spirit?

A. Both vinegar and honey have function to perform. Vinegar fixes and is used in fixed (chronic)
illness or diseases. Vinegar can be good or not good depending on the pathology involved.

Q. To make the dead Sb alive you must impregnate it with live Sb. Will you comment on this
please?

A. A So-called dead substance can only be revived by the addition of spirit (life). This means its
own alkahest or that derived from other metals.

Q. Three oils occur and are accepted by orthodoxy - mineral, vegetable, and animal. Yet in
nature none of these will intermix. Is this fact easily explained alchemically?

A. Chemically they can be intermixed, yet nature produces them separate.

Q. In case of Arthritis, would you use a fixed or unfixed oil of Calcium and Antimony.

A. This depends on more than just one question. The history of the patient has to be taken into
consideration and his present status of acuteness.

Q. Can I distill Aqua Regia seven times over to form a workable metallic menstruum using
glassware apparatus without danger?

A. It may be used as a solvent but not as a menstruum in the alchemical sense.

Q. Am I right in assuming that Paligenesis, the Medieval technique of resurrecting a plant from
its ashes, is in reality nothing more than a symbolic representation of the lesser circulation?

A. It is more than a symbolic representation.

Q. Would an alchemicalization of the salt known as Zinc Oxide be successful for curing diseases
of the skins such as leprosy and, if so, how would the medication be prepared? What results
could be expected from an elixir made of chaulmoogra oil or DDS?

A. The ingredients mentioned have been used formerly and to an extent even today in allopathic
practice.

Q. The Orientals speak of using Ginseng as an Elixir of Life or Universal Panacea. Does this
imply submitting Ginseng to the process of the lesser circulation? How would such a vegetable
elixir compare with the results obtained from a successful metallic working?

A. A metallic elixir is more potent.

ASTROLOGY

Q. Will you give us more light on what will take place on May 7, 1986?

A. Cycle charts should be able to do that for you.

Q. Is the mineral, aluminum, governed principally by Jupiter or Mars?

A. By neither.

Q. Should work be started on a Saturn herb on a Saturday? (Neg.) or would starting on a

Thursday or Friday (Positive) give more assurance of success? Also, wouldn't any time in Libra
be a relatively poor tz . me to start on a Saturn herb (Saturn square Libra)?

A. The day indicated by name to the planet involved is the day the herbcomes under.

Q. Does the starting of a new project in a favorable period encourage the important subsequent
stages in reaching the objective to also come in good periods ... and visa versa?

A. Normally, yes.

Q. How may we be able to tell the difference of the soul personality of identical twins when a
horoscope does not show it?

A. Individuals may seem identicals. Personalities always show the difference in personal
behavior patterns.
Q. We were advised to take each herb on its proper time, during its natural period. If an herb
(say Melissa) were taken every day (and only on Thursday was it consumed during an "F"
period) would the effects be beneficial, static, or adverse?

A. Depending on the pathological condition, it could be both. Generally, when taken as

advocated in class, it could be beneficial.

QABALAH

Q. In trying to understand the Tree of Life on a personal level, I came up with the idea of placing
my Natal Planets in their corresponding Sephiroth. Would the Part of Fortune be placed in
Malkuth, the North Node of the Moon be placed in Chokmah, and the Natal Mid-Heaven be
placed in Kether? This personalizes the Mezlas, creating 22 new planetary aspects or
relationships. Will you comment on this?

A. It would be interesting to see your own setup in this case before future comments could be
forthcoming.

Q. Will you comment on the philosophic implications of the 1-2-4-8 16-32-64 numerical
progression as it relates to the 32 paths and to the 64 hexagrams of the I Ching? Will you
comment on the validity of making a correlation between the 1 Ching and the Tree of Life? Can
you suggest where I may receive a lawful interpretation of the I Ching?

A. One can mix and come up with a mix-up. A lawful interpretation can only be found by
becoming acquainted with the laws involved and that means careful study and application of the
laws to prove them to be valid.

MISCELLANEOUS

Q. You have used the expression "the other side" a number of times. Is "the other side" the same
thing as the Astral Plane?

A. There are various names given, the realm of the dead, paradise, etc. One usually chooses the
expression that is suitable individually.

Q. Are the rays, or emanations, given off by an object synonymous to its "aura" or the vibrations
of Nous, created by thought, to create the object? Is this a situation similar to that expressed by
the saying, "which came first, the chicken or the egg?"

A. Rays given off are the excess of prevailing inherent energies. Since energy is an extension of
life (spirit) upon matter, both are essential, It is not known which came first in essence.

Q. Would you say a few more words on enzymes please?

A. Enzymes are to be found in all three kingdoms, i.e., plant, animal, and mineral. Their outer
appearance may differ one from the other but all have the same alchemistical function to
perform.

Q. What are the 5 basic laws? Are they invocation, contemplation, preparation, use, and dose?

A. Can be applied or synonymous to the five basic laws of the astrocyclic pulsation that provide
the answer as to why I am who I am.

Q.It is many years now since we were first inspired by what was told us of Brother Amo and his
earlier years, and how he was specially prepared in a hidden school for the life of service which
he rendered, Could you tell us more of Brother Amo, also some of the work he performed?

A. Hopefully before long we can reveal the entire story in English.

Back cover

The Mysterious Prophecy

"The Sybil bath been mindful of thee when she placed the 'F,' and right well art thou now
standing in the rose; for thou art ripe and time bath brought thee. What the Sybil saith of thee
shall be accomplished and even more shall be said of thee. The summer that bringeth roses is that
contrary time wherein all things are divided; which is an indication that man was building on
sand. This must pass away, and thou shalt set it upon the rock that many will be astounded. For
when the time cometh, also therewith cometh that wherefore the time bath come."
 Parachemy
Volume V: Number 1 Winter 1977

Materia: by Leandro Della Piana

Contents

The Philosophical Mercury p.394

The Four Elements - Earth p.398
Astrology For The Neophyte - Mars p.402
A True Method to Obtain Oleum Vitelli from "Easter Eggs" Without Breaking the Shells p.411
Questions and Answers p.414
The Alchemical Transmutation of Substance - back cover

p.394
The Philosophical Mercury
By
Frater Albertus

The dream of all alchemistical aspirants begins with obtaining the philosophical mercury, the
elusive substance that is needed to make the philosopher's stone. Very few have been able to
bring this age old dream to a realization. Books tell us of the stories of those who have made
such attempts and their trials, disappointments, and heartbreaks. A few claimed to have reached
their coveted quest, at least of producing the philosophical mercury so that the actual or Great
Work could commence, for without the philosophical mercury it would be impossible to reach
their goal.

One will have to ask: Is there really such a substance to be had? If so, what is it like? Can it be
produced in our day and above all, is it known that someone has really produced it just recently?
If this cannot be answered in the affirmative, there is no need in going on, because so much has
been written and retold about all this that it becomes almost superfluous to write anymore about
it.

Fortunately, this question can be answered in the affirmative. Yes, the philosophical mercury can
be produced in our own day, and it can still be accomplished by those who have become initiated
into this alchemistical procedure.

Again, another question may arise. Why are there so few who have accomplished this and why
the secrecy about it? Looking back. it will he noticed that those in ages gone by have held this a
well guarded secret. If one takes into consideration prevailing circumstances where greed of
potentates and those in authority practically held sway over what was to be taught and what
people had to think, one can very easily form an image as to what would have happened if the
power attributed to the Philosopher's Stone had fallen into greedy hands.

It seems strange at first that thousands of volumes about this elusive philosophical mercury and
the philosopher's stone have been written mostly from hearsay and, by comparison, very little
evidence is available of those who have testified to their acomplishments. Again and again the
same individuals are cited and quoted, and these comprise an extremely small minority when
compared with those who write and embellish the results of successful laboratory alchemists.

My all this secrecy in our own times when freedom of thought and speech are inalienable rights
of individuals? Why not proclaim openly how to produce this philosophical mercury and make it
known to the scientific world for the benefit of all concerned? Such questions are valid. Well
then, what is the answer? The answer is: How to produce the philosophical mercury can be found
in chemical text books.

Immediately, this will be denied by those who say that they have looked in vain for such
information in chemical, physical, or pharmaceutical texts. And still the answer stands. I have
before me the text of the section on Chemistry in the Encyclopedia Britannica of 1771* where the
process is outlined, though even unknown to the author thereof that what he came up with is
indeed the philosophical mercury. Since the latter is a product produced in the chemist's
laboratory, it will have to stand up to an impartial chemical analysis, as any substance will have
to. The strangest of all things is that the chemist's work to analyze and even synthesize
substances seems to end there, as a physical or pharmaceutical evaluation exceeds the chemist's
normal procedures. A chemist can produce an analysis, but it is beyond his work to evaluate the
possibilities that perhaps only a physicist is able to come up with. Whereas any therapeutic
values only medical evaluation can produce.

It is this shifting from one to the other with each one not being conversant with what they are
dealing (that can lead to such final accomplishment as a Philosopher's Stone) that has caused the
furor among scientists and the outcoming denial that such substance known as philosophical
mercury can be produced. Yet, the very ones making such denials find the procedures to produce
it in their textbooks to this very day. The only thing such scientists lack is a training in natural
philosophy. Science as a whole has removed itself too much from the inherent love of wisdom
that nature reveals in all her products and substitutes its own opinions, based upon the knowledge
received primarily from the very natural phenomena it brushes aside as superstition.

Well then, what about the philosophical mercury that has been obtained by some, such as
students of the Paracelsus Research Society? Why don't they tell about it? For the very same
reason as anciently, because those ready to receive it do receive it and since it is a strictly
personal matter keep it strictly as such. Why should they give something to anyone who is not
ready to receive it? How do they know others are not ready to receive it? By a simple token, and
a very simple one at that. Such would have received it in the same direct way by revelation.
Some will exclaim, "Good grief! Now religious revelation enters into this thing." A revelation is
nothing else but making known what was not known before. All training and assistance in the
studies of students at the Paracelsus Research Laboratory is prelimary to receiving such self
revelation. It is of tremendous help to associate with those of like mind who can assist us to
receive such revelation in a direct way. In such a manner, it becomes a strictly personal affair
with a hi her intelligence, and there will be no misunderstanding among those who have :,one
independently, one not knowing of the other, through such identical revelation. And that is the
final proof.

Those who have received such do not keep silent among themselves but commune very openly,
freely, and sincerely with each other.

A strange thing has happened to some who, out of exuberance or whatever reason, prematurely
prided themselves on their accomplishment. After a while, they have had a lapse of memory, if
one would call it such, and have in vain tried to recover what they have lost. It becomes
unintelligible to them and to those unto whom they have told it. Strange indeed. But who can
explain all that goes on in the mind of man. Man should have control over all this but he does not
always exert it. And that is the reason why those who do produce the philosophical mercury keep
their mouths shut to those unto whom the same revelation has not as yet come. Gladly, they will
assist earnest seekers so they, too, will go through such personal experience, but one should keep
in mind that such is strictly a personal experience.
Granted, there are many alkahests of which the philosophical mercury is the highest, and many
of such alkahests may he known to laboratory alchemists and can be worked with. However,
there is but one philosophical mercury, and those who have obtained it for and by them elves are
entering into the realm of the alchemists that will make things possible that only the help of the
philosophical mercury can bring about.

As of this writing, there are about a good half a dozen PRS students that are living proof of what
has been set forth herein. Indeed, this is a small number out of the many hundreds of PRS
students all over the world. Still, it is a testimony that the philosophical mercury can he obtained
and worked with in our very own day. When one considers that the PRS only began to openly
teach laboratory alchemy in 1962, which was at the very time when the seven planets were all
conjunct in Aquarius, this averages with some students to be a length of time of only between
nine and twelve years.

The editor of "Light," a British Publication, wrote about Archibald Cockren, with whom he was
personally acquainted: "It was after forty years (so he told me) of labour, theoretical and
practical that he had at last discovered the ALKAHEST, the Universal Solvent."

I might add that some think that all they have to do is to read alchemical books, equip a
laboratory, and in space of a few months come up with the philosophical mercury. No wonder
that there are so few that are persevering and keep on working, even with ever-present failures
staring at them, and, as some of the younger generation call them, are being a kook.

*Edinburg, printed for A. Bell and C. Macfarquhar and sold by Colin Macfarquhar at his printing
office Nicelson Street. MDCCLXXI.

p. 398

The Four Elements

By
Frater K.H.

Earth
The tyro in pursuit of the vegetable stone will eventually come across the phrase, "the four
elements." In all the jargon as used by the old alchemists, the one subject that casts so much
confusion is the meaning of these elements, their interpretation in the light of practical work, and
the meaning of their existence.

What are these four elements? Why only four? Where do they come from? And most basic of all,
how do they relate to the work as performed in the laboratory? The ancients gave qualities or
characteristics to these four so-called elements. Later science addressed itself to the subject and a
host of elements, numbering well over 100, were identified and catalogued.
Those who have been fortunate to have been exposed to this work are already aware of the fact
that these 100 and some odd elements can actually be reduced to four in number. Essentially, we
are speaking of solids, liquids, gases, and thermal energy. This much, many students of the PRS
are already aware of. Our dear editor requested that a comparison be made with the four seasons.
This opens up a host of other comparisons that could make this article non-ending, so we will
have to stick to essentials for the sake of brevity.

At this time, we are entering into the winter season, the time of death, stillness, and
mortification. On page 267 of The Hermetic Museum, Philalethes speaks of the dissolution
whereby the subject becomes whitened through the medium of fire and water and to quote, "the
fire which I show you is water." We should keep in mind, having picked winter as a starting
point in the grand cycle of events, that winter is only the culmination of fall. For the sake of this
subject, we have arrested this progression. so as to establish a point of reference.

This author, by no means, is presented as having anything but an imperfect knowledge of this
subject and begs your patience and indulgence. We feel certain that there will be points of
contention, especially as regards arrangement of the elements relative to the four seasons. Yet,
this subject material, as presented, represents the culmination of roughly a year's intense
research, meditation, and prayerful supplication.

Of the four elements, there are four qualities: earth, dry; water, cold; fire, hot; and air, moist.
Some have given a dual aspect in writing of these elements and they have listed them in the
following manner: fire as hot and dry; air, warm and moist; water, cold and wet; earth, cold and
dry. Now, we get into it. Of these four subjects, it becomes manifestly apparent to the tyro that in
actuality there are only two elements of actual and real subject matter. Right, you guessed it -
earth and water. The other two are so ethereal that only specialized conditions or environments
will make them apparent to the worker in the fields where that which is sown must be reaped. A
very clear and concise example would be if we took a cube of ice as a starting point. Let us
imagine that by special refrigeration this cube of ice has been super cooled. The reason for
staying with this medium will become apparent as we examine this cube. In a cold room we are
able to handle it and weigh it. The surface may be inscribed with a sharp instrument. It is dense
and may be reduced to a fine powder by pounding and, for all practical purposes, fulfills the
requirements known as earth. If this cube of ice were touched with the bare finger, in view of its
super cooled condition we would be in for a startling surprise. There would be no sensation of
cold. Some of you have already guessed it - the sensation would be a sharp, burning pain. But
wait, something is wrong here. How could something that is cold burn? And here we are. We
have actually experienced, in a crude sort of way, the hidden fire that the old alchemists spoke of
when they referred to their earth. That this earth contained fire and water. That this earth was
actually and for all practical purposes fire and water.

Winter ideally corresponds to the condition previously described. Scientists, through the use of
the refracting electron microscope, have been able to verify that atomic motion lessens and
becomes still the colder the subject gets. In wintertime, all life that is exposed coagulates,
congeals, and mortifies. It is a time of death and resting. How many of us have stepped out on a
cold, clear night when the moon shone down on a frosty snow, the air absolutely still, not a
breath and have felt that all matter had been temporarily arrested? This earth of ours goes
through these cyclic seasons, which are four in number and which correspond to the four
elements, each season predominated by one particular elemental activity. Do we now begin to
see here a grand alchemical rotation upon this mysterious earth of the philosophers within the
retort of our atmosphere?

To return to the subject of the cube of ice, an interesting philosophical point of view arises as
related to chemistry and it goes like this:

What dried the water and where did the moisture go? From the hermetic point of view, we would
be correct in saying the subject contained hidden fire and that this fire, allowed to dominate,
dried all moisture, thereby coagulating into a solid form. Well, here comes the barrage of
questions. We are, of course, referring to the scientific fact that water is actually air, if you will,
two gases. This air is highly flammable, containing within it it's own secret fire. We call it
hydrogen. It is ethereal and escapes to heaven at every opportunity. If the proper conditions are
provided, this air, hydrogen, can in turn become water and earth. There are very few who are not
aware of liquid hydrogen.

The other air, oxygen, is life-giving and this, too, has a secret fire. This air, oxygen, can be
reduced to a liquid, water and a solid earth. These two airs, in combination with each other,
become water, H2O. In the hermetic philosophy, all subjects that are in common use have hidden
within them the greatest marvels of God's creation; and mankind blinded, the soul in darkness,
stumbles about little perceiving the possibility and the grandeur within the humble drop of water.

When Paracelsus spoke of earth or made references to earth, he also stated that the object of the
tyro was to separate the "scoria" (filth or dirt) from the earth. Unless this was done, the filth
would carry over and degrade the operation and the subject upon which the tyro worked. In our
work upon the vegetable stone, it quickly becomes evident that not any "earth" or "salt" will do
the job. The purer and the more refined earth became, the less scoria was present, the body
appeared salt-like, white, pure, and crystalline in nature. A true and proper receptacle for the
masculine sulphur.

This vegetable salt appears quite lifeless and has been shown to be devoid of cohesion. Earth
either has life within it or else it is dead. If lifeless, it can be resurrected from the dead by the
reuniting of three into one, spirit and soul reanimating the body. Of the four elements, earth is
always with us and is more or less homogenized with life-giving water. The desert is a fearful
place in summer. Yet, when the first of infrequent rains arrive, overnight a profusion of plant life
appears. Water gives life and contains the essential philosophic seed in which life may
germinate. It needs only a proper receptacle. Nature will do the rest. In the first chapters of the
book of Genesis, we read of the primordial water upon which the spirit of God moved. The
heavens separated and earth appeared out of the water. From the hermetic point of view, earth
and water are synonymous and inseparable. This is to he understood in the sense as just referred
to - that earth came out of water. Have we not read time and time again how the old alchemists
stated that earth was dry yet contained a hidden water? This earth upon which we live is alive
and experiences a continual rotation of the elements, both in its journey around the sun and
within the 24-hour rotation of the earth upon its axis.
Referring back to the cube of ice, it would be an interesting point of speculation to consider how
a man or woman would work, having never experienced heat of a sufficient degree to melt ice,
and have this individual peruse manuscripts stating that a mysterious water could be dissolved
from this frigid earth. Wouldn't this person, having never known water dissolved from ice, laugh
and say how preposterous a thing this is? Wouldn't others, who are more serious, seek to find
ways of releasing this hidden water locked within this earth (ice cube)? All this may, to some,
sound a bit exaggerated or even far-fetched. It nevertheless emphasizes the point that results are
determined by how we view things. As we all are aware, this cube of ice or earth, if heated, will
resolve into a liquid, water. Further heating causes air or a gas which if allowed to cool again
becomes water. Thus, by fire we have rotated our elements. Yet, we have worked upon one
subject only, in one vessel, with one fire.

Philalethes, in his treatise on page 234 of The Hermetic Museum, admonishes us to consider only
three elements in actuality. He goes on to state that crude fire, which is corrosive and destructive,
is not an element; but that the fire as related to alchemically is the result of action or activity by
two separate principles, one acting upon the other. The fire of fermentation when making wine is
not evident except by the thermal radiation. Yet, this fire is taking place within a nature which is
dynamically opposed to it, namely water, H2O, The fire of our celestial sun, working upon the
seemingly cold lifeless winter earth, causes a rotation of the moisture, which at springtime heats
the waters of winter in which the seeds of all things are nurtured, and begins a new life cycle.
The dry earth of the vegetable stone begins to absorb its own proper mercurial water of life and
by this internal hidden fire this water is dried up, fixed in such a way that it will never again
depart its proper earth. In the end, earth and water have again become one and thus begins a new
beginning.

The Four Elements - Water

"Most happy is the son of that man," says the author of the Golden Calf, "who, by his prayers,
obtains this art of arts, unto the glory of God. For it is most certain that this Mystery can be
known no other way, unless it be drawn and imbibed from God, the Fountain of Fountains ...
happy is he to whom the Royal Way in which he is to walk shall be shown by some expert in this
Arcanum. So also the New Light of Alchemy assures us that the "commendable art" is "the gift
of God, and truly it is not to be attained to but by the alone favour of God." The Hermetical
Triumph describes it as "a divine science" which is communicated from God, and that only "to
those who will make a good use of it." The mode in which it is imparted is like that of all
revelation, an "illumination of Mind," for "the knowledge of our Magistry," says the Key of the
Secret Philosophy, comes by "the inspiration of Heaven," and "this truth is acknowledged by all
Philosophers." Azoth or The Star in the East by A.E. Waite

p.402
Astrology For The Neophyte
By Carl W. Stahl Mars In The Constellations

Mars adds energy to the constellation which it is in. Since the energy is physical in nature the
presence of Mars tends to upset the equilibrium by speeding things up. Keeping in mind the
basic premise, that it is the planet which influences the constellation, we note that all
constellations will be read as though Mars were conjunct their ruler and the planets in exaltation,
if any. In the natal chart Mars shows where we feel pain and where we are most easily injured.
Its position also indicates how we give pain and injury to others. It pinpoints our aggressive or
attack mechanism. Saturn on the other hand, indicates where and how we attempt to protect
ourselves by withdrawal and caution. A setting up of fences and barriers instead of attack. Mars'
energy expresses itself strongest in Aries and Scorpio, where it rules, and in Capricorn, where it
is exalted. At this point we wish to emphasize that the true purpose of these articles is to teach
you to think for yourself where astrology is concerned. We are trying to show you how to take
the basic building blocks, namely the influences of the planets, constellations, exaltation,
elements and qualities, tying these together into a cohesive whole. In this article we take the
influence of Mars and try to determine its influence in the constellations. Unless you try to
determine for yourself why we give the influence we do, none of us will gain any 'understanding
of astrological influences. When Mars is in aspect with other planets it tends toward assault and
taking according to the nature of the planet aspected. Mars aspecting the Moon tends toward
sexual or bodily assault. With the Sun, physical rather than mental creation. With Mercury,
anger, aggression, and action are expressed by one or all means of communication available to
the native. With Venus love is expressed physically and through action. With Jupiter joy and
expansiveness are aggressively sought with a tendency to overdo and overspend. With Saturn
action and energy are controlled and directed to useful work. With Uranus there is an aggressive
search for freedom and new horizons to conquer. With Neptune imagination is aggressively
transmuted into reality. With Pluto an aggressive search for the voice in the silence. The
competitive instinct belongs to Mars who tries to outdo, overcome, or eliminate all rivals. The
best qualities of Mars are initiative, leadership, perserverance, efficiency, and action. Regardless
of what happens, Mars reacts with action. It strikes out at.whatever attempts to frustrate it.

MARS IN LIBRA.

Love responds to its lower physical aspect. The person has a tendency to take rather than give.
There will be a desire to indulge in the more outdoors type of living and the clothing may be
practical and sturdy rather than artistic and mode. Instead of the helping hand for others, force
will be used if necessary to extract a price for any favors granted. When the Martian energy is
sublimated and purified through love for others then the native can use the fire of Mars in
spreading the gospel of love and brotherhood throughout the earth. If this purification fails to
take place then everything the native touches is tainted with the desires and lust of the flesh.

MARS IN SCORPIO.

This position of Mars gives abundance of energy and unless the person puts it to use
constructively it will manifest destructively. It is the nature of Scorpio to attack to attain their
ends. Scorpio is the natural fighter of the zodiac. He would rather fight than eat or drink; and he
enjoys both these physical enjoyments. Unless the excessive energy can be channeled into
constructive ends; such as sports, requiring physical contact, and even vicarious release of pent
up energy through watching violence on television and the movies, the lid will blow with
resulting violence.

MARS IN SAGITTARIUS.

This position of Mars makes the native a free spender and a natural born athlete. The expansive
Jupiterian influence reacts to the impulsiveness of the Martian energy and they literally try to
burn each other up. The Jupiterian impulse to expand is fed by the fire of Mars and, unless
controlled, results in a day of reckoning when there are only ashes left. If used to expand
business or profession, the native will be successful in his chosen field. Gives a tendency toward
a philosophy of "might makes right," which could lead to all kinds of trouble and troublemaking
until channeled constructively.

MARS IN CAPRICORN.

Under the restrictive influence of Cap: icorn the Mars energy and drive can be brought under
control to produce constructive work. A typical example of energy under restriction is the
gasoline engine. Here the explosive power of gasoline is restricted and controlled to do useful
work. It is the same with our lives. If we can control and direct our energies we will produce an
enormous amount of useful or destructive work depending on the aspects in effect and our own
character. It is not to be thought that Mars energy is always negative because here, in the sheath
of Saturn, he makes this otherwise inert and cautious constellation brave, courageous, and an
energetic striver for success.

MARS IN AQUARIUS.

Energy can be used here to uncover the secrets of nature or to destroy what has already been
built up. To some, freedom means the absence of all restraint, while to others it means sane and
constructive research into that which will help others overcome the restriction of disease and
poverty. Uncontrolled, it could bring about a rampant tearing down of everything civilization has
built up. Properly directed it opens the far horizons of the mind. At any rate the native
approacbes his own search for freedom energetically and without restraint.

MARS IN PISCES.

You will have an expansive and/or imaginative approach to the use of this Martian energy. If
your response is to Jupiter, remembering that Pisces is the negative or night house of this planet,
then you will have to curb your tendency to give, give and to spend, spend. Under Neptune you
will pursue your dreams and imaginative tendencies with vigor aggression, and action. If
constructively used both planets, or aspects, of Pisces could bring success and attainment into
your life. If approached negatively failure and disillusionment will follow.

MARS IN ARIES.
This position of Mars bestows both energy and leadership qualities. The native is aggressive in
his pursuit of success and leadership in whatever field he may be interested in. The outcome of
his ventures is according to how the native channels and directs this excess energy and
aggressive force. Anger and irritation must be sublimed into constructive channels to bring about
useful and energetic beginnings.

MARS IN TAURUS.

The native's excess energies can be used eitheir to promote and spread the ideal of love and
brotherhood to all mankind or it can be deflected into the physical expression of love and lust.
The passions are strong and easily aroused and as easily satisfied on the physical plane. The
spiritual love of Venus is at a disadvantage here but since love gives, it will here give itself
physically rather than not manifest at all. Sculpture and. art could be ways to use this physical
force constructively.

MARS IN GEMINI.

The Mercury faculties of communication, criticism, travel, and mathematics are vigorously
stimulated with Mars here. There is a tendency for the native to react impulsively with anger,
irritation, and sarcasm when pushed too far. Properly directed it gives ability for an immense
amount of research, lecturing, writing, traveling and other means of communication for profit.
There is a tendency to impulsive and sarcastic remarks both orally and in writing. It makes the
mind sharp and aggressive in its pursuit of knowledge and communication.

MARS IN CANCER.

Mars is in his fall here which weakens his positive drive. Frustration and irritation go hand in
hand causing the native to vent his spleen on those around him. The excess of Martian energy
causes the native to feel that he is being pushed into bringing his imaginings and day dreams into
physical manifestation with the result that, when he fails to bring this into reality, anger and
irritation take over as a means of relieving the emotions. This done, the cycle usually starts over
until another head of steam is built up with the usual explosion.

MARS IN LEO.

Here the normally mentally directed creative powers are directed in a physical direction. The
physical fire of Mars and the spiritual fire of the Sun may be transmuted to produce results on the
soul level. However, this will more normally produce creations that manifest physically. There is
an aggressive drive to attain leadership in whatever sphere the native may he functioning on.
This excess of energy will cause the native to seek ways of releasing it and anger, irritation and a
lack of caution could be a means of doing this.

MARS IN VIRGO.

Properly used this extra energy gives the native a tremendous capacity for work, especially in the
area of communication, analyzing, criticism, planning, clerical and even research. Handicraft and
work where skill and detail are required are also good areas to release this energy which gives
mechanical aptitude. Negatively it manifests as destruc tive criticism, sarcasm, irritation, angry
outbursts and a general condenma tion of everyone and everything that gets in the way when
they are in this mood. +

P.411

Informative Interchange

A True Method to Obtain Oleum Vitelli from "Easter Eggs"

Without Breaking the Shells
Some things are apparently discovered by accident and so was this one. It concerns six chicken
eggs which were laid from Wednesday, the 18th of April, till Easter Monday, the 23rd of April,
1973, one on each day. [Full moon: 17th April; 27o Libra]
It was assumed that these six eggs had not turned bad as another six eggs of the same dates had
been opened by myself on Saturday, the 2nd of March, 1974, as was witnessed by Frater
Albertus and the 4th year students of PRS (Australia). All six eggs were found to be good. There
was no putrid smell and the taste of the partly dehydrated orange yolk was perfectly normal. It
was noticed, though, that there was no egg white. It seemed to have turned into gas.
The six unopened eggs were kept in the same cupboard in an egg carton without refrigeration
and, as before, went through another hot Australian summer.
These eggs were looked at only spasmodically. On one such occasion, during the winter of 1975,
about 21/2 years after they had been laid, it was noticed that tiny droplets of yellow liquid had
appeared on the WHOLE surface of the eggshell. This liquid proved to be oil of egg, oleum
vitelli, although impure.
The eggs were then placed on a test-tube stand and transferred to the lounge room, which
allowed daily observation. It looked as if the eggs were sweating, as the oil seemed to come
through "pores" of the shell. Within a week the droplets grew big enough to run down, forming
still bigger droplets as they joined with those lower down.
When a drop formed at the bottom of the eggs, it was collected in a small vial before it would
fall down. The eggs were "milked" this way for approximately 3 weeks when the sweating
stopped. Each egg yielded 5 to 6 drops of oil.
It was further observed that the eggs started sweating in reverse order as they were laid and that
sweating increased with a warmer room temperature.
When the eggs had ceased sweating they were put back in the carton and in the same cupboard
again to he left there until time to take them to the quinta class the end of February 1976.
I never looked at the eggs again until at that class. What a surprise it was for Frater Albertus and
all quinta students to see that the eggs had started sweating again. (Most likely because
Australian summers are warmer than room temperature.) This time the quantity of oil was so
small that it was not worthwhile collecting.
Last observation: As of October 1976, the eggs (eggshells?) have become as light as a chicken
feather. +
- Arthur G. Fehres, Australia

p.414

Questions and Answers

ALCHEMY

Q. In the preparation of the ore for dry distillation is there at any time a menstruum used?

A. Yes. It can be water, adds, alkaline waters, or any -of others to prepare such ores as you
mention.

Q. How is Mercury Sublimate prepared? Some say this is the secret fire.

A. Mercury Sublimate is what the name indicates, sublimated quicksilver, similar to sublimated
sulfur (flowers of sulfur).

Q. Which one of the following is the Alchemist's secret fire? IS it (1) White Mercury [Alkahest],
(2) Red Mercury, (3) White and Red Mercury after separation, purification, and cohobation, (5)
Mercury Sublimate, or (6) Balneum Mariae?

A. Usually your number 1.

Q. Is the green lion derived from galena?

A. Yes, it can also he derived from galena.

Q. How would you make glass of antimony and arsenic, using both. What proportion? How is
the arsenic later removed?

A. By mixing both in any suitable proportion. We advise against it as the arsenic fumes given off
can he fatal.

Q. What would be the best of Jacob Boehme's works on physical Alchemy?

A. Boehme does not go particularly into physical alchemy in his works, though if one has the
key it can be found in all of is works.

Q. On page 127, Cockren says, "ferment of Mercury is added." Does he mean the Red and White
together (Philosophic Gold), the Red separately, or the White separately?

A. He refers to the ferment of gold - gold dissolved in the philosophical mercury.

Q. Do the Old and New Testament have a great deal of physical alchemy contained therein?
A. Yes.

Q. Can one develop a tolerance or immunity to continued use of intermediate level doses of
preparations from herbal stones? From the antimonial preparations?

A. It is possible. After all, such substances are used to obtain a balance. When this has been
achieved, the purpose has been fulfilled.

Q. Is the Quintessence variable in quality according to the individual unit's state of inner
involvement?

A. No. It is strictly a matter of know how. The effect upon the inner does vary.

Q. Can the vinegar of antimony be taken as a medication without the addition of some other
ingredient?

A. Yes.

Q. Is it possible to obtain glass from a herb by subjecting it to intense heat after calcination?

A. Yes. Some inorganic minerals will fuse.

Q. Please describe the characteristics of substances included by alchemists in the mineral

kingdom. What distinguishes minerals alchemically from metals and plants and animals?

A. There is no difference. Iron in a plant is the same iron found in minerals because that is where
plants take it from.

Q. Do you have any comments on Soma (Hoama) Armanita Muscaria, the Sacred Mushroom?

A. Leave your hands off it.

Q. Is there an intelligent, semi-intelligent, or at least conscious entity inherent in the herb that
we are processing that is capable of affecting our consciousness positively or negatively? Does
the herb resist our purification of it ... or can the herb be strong enough to resist our work with
it?

A. Both are possible.

Q. In the purification process within ourselves: We can purify our body which is salt. We can
purify our thoughts - our sulphur. Please enlarge on how we purify our spirit or life force - our
Mercury.

A. By purifying the blood which is the carrier of spirit (Life).

Q. Since in the proposed extraction of Antimony ore with distilled rainwater the extract will have
a very low concentration, would not a maceration, where the powdered ore is in constant
suspension, be much more effective? The suspension could be kept up by automatic stirring or by
a vibrator.

A. Absolutely.

QABALAH

Q. How would the Qabalistic Tree of Life look if the planet Lucifer were still contained in our
solar system? Is is not true that right now we have to deal with a destruct and hence defunct
solar system? Will it ever be set into order again? When?

A. It would have a planet between Mars and Jupiter and not look like the present Tree of Life.
We are still suffering under this destruct influence to some extent. When it will be restored we
don't know.

backcover

The Alchemical Transmutation

of Substance
The entire process of nature is an alchemical one where Transmutation occurs. There is a change
from one thing into another as matter is broken down, separated, by degree purified, and then
reunited into a new form. The acorn becomes the oak, the caterpillar the butterfly. In the body
itself a natural alchemical transmutation takes place and the body is restored by the changes
which occur within it. That nature should err is impossible. That man does err is not only
possible but a fact. The process of alchemical transmutation that is demonstrated in the
laboratory causes us to know that man can assist nature and make restitution for that which he
has fouled up. Man, knowing the fundamental laws of the Alchemist of Nature, may not only
restore that which he has defiled but may, when he applies the laws with understanding by way
of art and science, accomplish in a short time that which takes nature a very long time.

Everything is continuously changing, however slowly. When the transition is complete from one
thing into another, there is the death of one thing and the birth of another. Birth is the child of
death. Life is eternal, having no beginning and no end, as it manifests through the ever-changing
and ever-evolving forms of substance, steadily unfolding cyclically the truth and beauty which is
in it. Life, by its activity, reveals the signature of a substance's essential nature. The signature is
not the essential nature no more than is a person's signature or name in itself the essence of the
person. The essential nature of any substance, that which is of value in it, lies concealed and only
partially revealed within the tangible and intangible signature of substance. Man, by the art and
science of Alchemy, may not only lawfully transmute any substance but, as well, assist to bring
about a much more highly evolved transmutation of substance, thereby enabling the potential of
the essential nature in substance to be realized tangibly and its virtue or value, where before
hidden or unknown or but partially realized, put to practical use for the benefit of all upon the
earth.

The seed of substance cannot be annihilated. It is eternally present but not always tangibly
manifest. Its seedling can be improved upon or it can be degraded, such as when grafting or
hybridization is undertaken and there results from the experiment that which is more superior or
inferior to the original, or as when the mind may be beneficially improved by means of
additional knowledge or detrimentally changed by instilling into it that which restricts it or
proves harmful.

The issue of death affects us greatly. Man in his ignorance may cause the birth of that which is
inferior or in his knowledge and understanding that which is superior to that which was before.
In death itself there is nothing to be feared. It is but part of the natural alchemical transmutation
of a substance. From it can come a new seedling which in a better way manifests the essential
nature of its seed. Within the seed itself is found the essential value and within the seedling the
seed.
 Parachemy
Volume V: Number 2 Spring 1977

Separation by Leandro Della Piana

Contents

The Four Elements - Water p.421

Astrology For the Neophyte - Jupiter p.426
The Water of Life p.429
The Hermetic Bookshelf: Hans W. Nintzel p.434
Questions and Answers p.438
Separation - back cover

p. 423
 The Four Elements
By
Frater K.H.

Water

The element water represents another mystery within the four phases which we are covering. All
hermetic philosophers have spoken with one accord when they stated that water is the seed of all
things. To he more definitive, common water saturated by any type of crystalline salt, ordinary
table salt for example, will manifest a crystalline growth. All manner of minerals that are water
soluble can be grown in this fashion. The water has become our nurturing menstruum, and
whatever is placed therein will grow. We do not limit this to the growth of mineral crystals
alone, seeds and even the animal embryo cannot grow and be nurtured without water. Thus,
simply put, water has become the repository for growth. If any of these various growing things
were exposed to crude air, they will, in the case of crystals, cease growth immediately, and with
the animal embryo, death ensues. In short, where there is no growth there is death or a cessation
of activity.

If we take a plant substance, any seed, and nurture it in a moist, damp earth, it will, if permitted,
reach a state of maturity where it can bear the crude air. This also applies to the animal embryo,
which only after birth can survive in the air.

As we work upon our subject within the retort, our water menstruum is periodically elevated and
becomes air, whereby through a subtle process celestial influences prevail and this that we now
call air is thereby strengthened. As this circulation completes its cycle, air again becomes water
and imparts to the waters below a new strength which was not there before. As a quick example,
we need only to refer to water that has evaporated from the oceans and received new strength
while in the air as vapor and clouds. A new substance is added at this time which we call niter
and is so absolutely necessary for the growth of the vegetable seed. Thus, fire is added to water
whereby coagulation is possible once a proper earth becomes available.

Thus, the waters of spring, the spring rains, prepare the seed in the ground, dormant and now
putrifying from winter just past. Water also has another very interesting property about which so
many of the hermetic philosophers spoke. They would state in different ways that water
contained within all the colors of the rainbow and that it was the action of light upon water which
revealed that which was already in the water.

Even in the Bible, we find reference to the tree of life, and how it was nourished by living water.
As we look at the tree as pictured in the Qabala, we see all the colors contained within this tree,
and that it too is nourished by our philosophic water. Centered in the heart of this tree, we find
that light which radiates in all directions and thereby reveals to us those colors we see at the
extremities. This light comes from the sun, Tiphareth, and its color is yellow. Water has been
assigned the color blue because it reveals itself in this spectrum. Our secret fire, the sun, at the
center of the tree circulates this water into air and we now have the color yellow. This mysterious
air by way of this fire is fixed into earth whose color is green. Thus, we find that the colors blue
and yellow make green, and this is why it is called the tree of life. We find here revealed those
things which constitute life.

What we are really seeking in the water is an enzyme, which for lack of proper definition we will
call life. This is the activity which conjoined to the other essentials will then produce whatever
nature intended. For example, in the human body we find that all foods including water become
water. This occurs by special inner-transmutation whereby water is no longer H<SUB2< water

This process is also followed within the vegetable kingdom whereby, through biological
transmutation, the water that has been drawn into the plant body is in turn coagulated into
cellulose and sap. This sap or water is the mercury (life's blood) of the particular vegetable
structure.

Water is constantly in the process of becoming something else. In other words, there is a
continuous change of form. Thus, water, as processed by nature's forces, will inevitably become
some form of matter or, if you prefer, earth. This fixing process is possible through the internal
hidden fire within earth. A point of interesting speculation that this author has entertained for
some time, based on the above observation, is that our earth is also in the process of growth. All
growth leads to a definite end or conclusion of its activity. One way of referring to this
conclusion would be to call it maturity. All growth strives, by the law of nature, to reach its goal.
However, impediments occur and growth is arrested. Thus, the subject has never reached its
maturity. By these interruptions, we are surrounded by various stages of maturity. This pertains
to all three kingdoms, animal, vegetable, and mineral. If we now assemble all the foregoing
thoughts, might we not have the justifiable conclusion that the earth is also in the state of
immaturity?

In springtime, the earth is warmed from the long, cold, arresting effects of winter. The solar sun
gently stirs the hidden philosophical fire into activity. Any substance that does not contain the
three essentials in proper proportions will not have the self-contained philosophic seed.
Consequently, the subject will not be properly stirred into life by the solar fire. We find an
excellent example of this activity here on earth where even the gentle fire of our solar sun only
succeeds in drying the earth. This, even though the earth has been watered by rain. For growth to
occur, a seed must be present in the earth. We all have had ample experience proving
conclusively that under proper conditions water will nurture seed if that seed is present. For this
reason, hermetic philosophy refers to water as the universal menstruum. Thus, the waters of
springtime have been fittingly called the dew of May, the water of spring, and even a popular
tune had these lines in it, "when April showers bring May flowers." It is our hope that the
foregoing has brought home to some the essential character of the waters of spring.

Is it any wonder then that in our work upon the vegetable stone we must follow the same process
or else lose all that we started with and start over? If the seed has not been planted in our earth,
how will our water of life bring forth what is not contained therein? Curiously enough, water as
the universal menstruum is also fit to be called the seed of all things, our chaos. What we are
presenting here must be considered from the viewpoint of hermetic philosophy as no other
approach will suffice.
Let us ask ourselves a searching question: If vegetable matter, by separation into the three
essentials and properly purified, can, by spagyric treatment, 'become the vegetable stone, why
does ingestion of the very same vegetable matter by an animal body become flesh, blood, and
bone?

In both cases, the three essentials were spagyrically separated and purified. Some incredibly
wonderful process has taken place in each instance, transforming our substances into something
they were not before. We must be more vigorous in our self-analysis and ask the question more
often. We were not meant to be machines performing mechanical operations and obtaining
mechanical results. Springtime has been called by some the rebirth. Yet, we are in danger of
certain misconceptions here. That which has matured or aged in fall, died in winter, is not reborn
in spring. The old must pass away to make room for the new. Only the seeds lain down in fall
will reappear in the springtime; they are the germ of the old. That which has died disintegrates
into the essentials of earth and will never again reappear in its previous form. Springtime is the
birth of that which is new and fresh. The waters of spring have been recharged through the
winter and in spring they again nurture new seed. This new seed consists of earth or more
precisely, salt, freshly prepared and coagulated from the essential water of the parent now
decayed.

The sulphur, too, has been prepared by way of water and earth from the old parent. Thus, the
seed is new, having been prepared by nature through the art of water.

The Four Elements - Air

There is a time in every man's education when he arrives at the conviction that envy is
ignorance; that imitation is suicide; that he must take himself, for better or for worse, as his
portion; that, though the wide universe is full of good, no kernel of nourishing corn can come to
him but through his toil bestowed upon that plot of ground which is given him to till.
- EMERSON

p.426

Astrology For The Neophyte

By Carl W. Stahl

Jupiter In The Constellations

Jupiter is the planet of expansion. It is called the Greater Benefic; the planet of good fortune and
luck. Those strongly under Jupiter have the ability to bringabout the fulfillment of their dreams
and wishes. This is because they are experts at prayer (wishing) and constructive thinldng. Ritual
and ceremonial magic come under Jupiter as do priests and religion peddlers. The 10th Key or
the llth card of the Tarot come under Jupiter. In fact it is called the Wheel of Fortune and has to
do with astrocyclic pulsations. In our birth charts it represents our ability to enjoy ourselves. If in
aspect to the Moon our joy is vocal and loud. If with Saturn we may display no sign of joy
depending on whether either planet is on an angle of the chart. Jupiter with the Sun and the
native aspires to success and honor. With Mercury it brings ease and facility in communicating
with others. With Venus we have love and happiness in our contacts with others. With Mars it
inclines to energetic expansion. With Saturn we have restrained optimism. Uranus brings
unexpected progress and gain. In aspect with Neptune the ability to make our dreams come true.
With Pluto secret joy, happinessand individual success. Those with Jupiter strong radiate an aura
of success and confidence in others as well. We have said that Jupiter signifies expansion and the
simplest form of this comes when we over eat. We get fat and then require the restriction of
Saturn to get back into shape again. We have said that Jupiter rules religion and prayer. I think
you will agree that there is more fervent praying in a crap game and other forms of gambling
than is found in most churches. Some key words that apply to Jupiter are: Humor, joy,
expansiveness, enthusiastic, optimistic, idealistic, honor, esteem, belonging. respect, conforming,
compliance, prayer, medicine, worship, wish fulfillment and ritual.

JUPITER IN LIBRA.

Happiness and love go hand in hand and the native shares his happiness and love with others.
Friendship and understanding are the two most important aspects of the life. Native mingles
socially with the cream of society and the beautiful in all walks of life. Success can come with
almost no effort as this position of Jupiter inclines others to bestow gifts and favors on the native.
Friendship, love and brotherhood are the rallying points and everyone is used for whatever he
can contribute to the success and honor of the native. The love given or received under this
influence is always upright conventional and moral. What others think about his action is very
important.

JUPITER IN SCORPIO.

Jupiter here gives the native a cloak of respectability. The usually untidy, vulgar, and uncouth
native gives the appearance of neatness, culture and morality. This combination of Jupiter and
Mars gives drive, energy and an aggressive nature, always neatly hidden behind the cloak of
civilization. Gives tremendous vitality and healing power. This is the iron fist in the velvet glove.
The native starts out all his ventures in a spirit of good fellowship and comradery. As obstacles
crop up, which cannot he removed by reasonableness, the native reverts more and more to force
and aggression to attain his ends. Always within the law, if possible, otherwise sheer naked force
is resorted to.

JUPITER IN SAGITTARIUS.

Jupiter here reflects the idealistic and noble nature of this constellation. The native is joyous and
radiates his good humor over all who come his way. They share in the joy and happiness that are
the lot of those with Jupiter unafflicted. All doors to honor and success are open to them. Others
go out of their way to assist them in accomplishing their desires. They have an optimism that no
amount of apparent failure can dim. Each day is another opportunity to enjoy the goodness that
only heaven can bestow. For are we not all God's children? Always in the back of the native's
mind is the knowledge that someday he will return, to his father's kingdom.

JUPITER IN CAPRICORN.

The expansive influence of Jupiter here loosens some o& the restrictions of Saturn and the native
becomes aware that the influence of those in authority, or who are placed above him I can make
life easier and success more likely of accomplishment. Every dollar earned and every step up the
ladder must still he earned but there will be an optim ism and ability to look ahead that is lacking
when Jupiter is placed elsewhere in the chart of the Capricornian. The native reaches out to
encompass the joy and success that Jupiter promises but being so strongly Saturnian he will still
tend to limit himself. Not because he is forced to but because this is his innate nature.

JUPITER IN AQUARIUS.

The native's horizons and understanding are expansive and wide. Joy and happiness come from
the search to unveil nature's secrets. Money comes easily and goes as quickly for the native
understands the true purpose of wealth, which is to expand man's physical and mental well being.
There is no hoarding here. He may achieve prominence and fame as a result of his search for the
underlying laws of the universe. Those seeking knowledge and understanding will come far
distances to study under the native. A tendency to take a chance could he misused here giving
too much reliance on gambling rather than earning.

JUPITER IN PISCES.

Jupiter here increases the native's already relaxed state of mind. Others seek your company and
you will always be popular because of your happy and joyous state of mind. If you respond to
the Neptunian side of this constellation you will find that you easily see through the apparent in
life to the real. This makes the mystic approach to life the natural one for you. Because day
dreams and other visions are so real to you there is no problem in bringing them to reality.
Remember, what man can envision he can do. Negatively this position could bring about utter
relaxation with no accomplishment.

JUPITER IN ARIES.

The aggressiveness of Mars is here veiled behind the expansive approach of Jupiter. Diplomacy
and a desire to belong enable the native to blend power and acceptability. The iron fist in the
velvet glove approach. There is good physical coordination and an immense amount of energy
that can be used to further the career and seeking out of those who may help advance the native's
fortunes. There is joy in victory and in leading others. Here judgment is blended with power
giving the native true leadership abilities.

JUPITER IN TAURUS.

The approach to life is one of continual joy and love for one's fellow man. The expansive and
idealistic search for spiritual knowledge is met with unusual success. Here the veil of Isis is
quickly penetrated by means of cyclic pulsations and the use of nature's laws. Pp-ace and
contentment quickly bring about that relaxed state of mind required to attain the stillness and to
hear the still voice of the soul. Physical as well as spiritual success come your way. Whether it is
one or both depends on how you concentrate your attention. Justice and love for others should
determine the goals you seek.

JUPITER IN GEMINI.

Jupiter here gives the native of Gemini the ability to slow down enough to really get at the truth
behind appearances. Both Mercury constellations are business and communications oriented.
This position gives selfconfidence and technical know-how. Native finds it easy to communicate
his ideas to others and to put the expansive influence of Jupiter to work in making both profits
and friends. Joy, under this position, is the acquisition of things and knowledge. If you choose
things, you get material success. If you choose knowledge, you will eventually attain
understanding and perhaps even wisdom.

JUPITER IN CANCER.

Jupiter in the constellation of its exaltation is now in its most powerful position. Success and
honor come as a matter of course. Others look up to you and you treat them with justice and
compassion. Laughter comes easily and life is joyous and filled with contentment. You have
natural leadership abilities, particularly in the field of trade and business. The professions hold
their doors open for you. Others see in you what they hope to be and extend a helping hand that
makes progress quick and sure. You have only to beware of over-expansion which physically
becomes obesity.

JUPITER IN LEO.

Every inch a king. Here the natural ruler is cloaked with the judgment and justice of true royalty.
Although pride and honor are important to the native he still puts the well being and needs of
others above his own. The spiritual life has a strong attraction but regardless of which the native
chooses success and honor will come his way. Religion holds a high place in the life as do high
ideals and goals. Spiritual gold, since you can take it with you, is preferable to material gold
which must stay here when you leave. These people are optimistic and self confident, having no
thought of failure. Capable of real creative thoughts and actions.

JUPITER IN VIRGO.

Virgo, the server of mankind, is here bathed in a sort of blue light of fame and success. This is all
very disconcerting to the natural critic of the zodiac. Now everything appears to be good and this
apparent good is an almost instant ladder to success. The native now finds it easy to
communicate to others his inmost ideas and plans. More amazing is the fact that they understand
what he is saying. Shyness must give place to confidence. The native sees the broader picture
and goes to work on bringing it into effect on the physical level. Learn to use those who
approach you for help. Charity is a two way street. It is equally good to receive as it is to give.
p.429

The Water Of Life

In the 1976 American Sexta Class, a theoretical study of water was undertaken, which was
followed by the application of a practical demonstration of those aspects of it that were possible
to work with within the limited class period. This article is a brief report which, through the
combined efforts of students in this class, sets forth simply, without elaboration or intensive
elucidation, an abbreviated form of the theory and, as it was demonstrated and known by this
class, the results of this theory applied. Primarily, attention is given to the results which show
that the water, as it is worked with and subjected to separation, purification, and cohobation,
undergoes changes and manifests interesting differences. All else in this report is given only to
provide an idea.and to present somewhat of a picture of that from which such results stem. The
changes and manifested differences in the water were observed and extended from the
commencement, in these particular experiments, of the water in a stage of putrefaction, as it
underwent separation and purification, and finally to the water in a stage of reunification or
cohobation.

Two experiments were conducted. The purpose of the first experiment was to obtain the True
Universal Gur. The purpose of the second experiment was to produce the Archaeus of Water.
Two important procedures that differed were used in the work with the water. The purpose of the
work determines which procedure is to be used and the procedure brings about those results that
are of use and of value in the specific work undertaken. The two procedures should not be
confused for they serve two different purposes.

The True Universal Gur

Within water is found the universal seed. Within water is found that which is called the
primamateria, the pre-adamic earth, the true universal gur, which contains all the seeds of the
mineral, plant, and animal kingdoms.

The time within the class period allowed only that work which resulted in obtaining a small
portion of substance, tannish in color, designated as the true universal gur. Further
experimentation is being conducted and will be conducted by students of this class to further
substantiate the results which manifested during the class instruction, to test such a substance by
subjecting it to clinical evaluation to find out if it will yield and demonstrate certain
manifestations when imbibed with waters according to prescribed procedures.

This work begins, according to the procedure given in Annulus Plotonis by Kirchweger, by
collecting the precipitation of dew, rain, snow, hail, or frost. The use of rainwater is highly
recommended. It is advisable that it be collected at a time when the atmosphere is clear and clean
and preferably during a lightning and thunder storm, as there is more nitrogen (niter) -429- found
in the precipitation at this time, which is of great importance in the work. Therefore, the kind of
water that is used will make a difference in the results; and it is important that the water be
caught before it comes in contact with the earth or any matter upon it. This water is to be filtered,
placed in a glass container covered lightly to permit air to enter and to keep contaminants out, set
m a warm (digestive), isolated place, and left to stand for one month. The implanted Archaeus
spirit (life) within the water causes the water to begin to get a little warmer, to undergo
putrefaction, which brings about a separation of the subtle from the coarse. The water turns
turpid, smelly, and slimy. There appears in the water that which is sponge-like, a brown sediment
which forms at the top and falls when sufficient has gathered. This appears to be like fine wool
and is slimy to the touch.

In the experiment conducted during the class period, 3000 ml. of putrefied snow water, that had
been first thoroughly shaken, was used. It showed .a pH reading of 5.0. By slow distillation, 750
ml. of water was separated and stored in a glass bottle. This water, the first one-fourth was
labeled "fire and air of water" and showed a pH reading of 5. 1. A further separation of 2106 ml.,
approximately three-fourths of the water, was distilled and stored in a glass bottle. This water
was labeled "water of water" and showed a pH reading of 4.0. The residue remaining, of a thin,
honey-like consistency, was decanted and gently dried. This substance was tannish in color and
showed a pH reading of 8.0. When dry, this substance or earth powder was placed in a glass
bottle and labeled the "true universal gur."

Thus the substance:

Putrefied Snow water pH 5.0

The one substance divided:

First One-Fourth pH 5.1

Approx. Three-Fourths pH 4.0
Residue Remaining pH 8.0

The Archaeus of Water

Water which is highly rectified, that is, by distillation undergoes separation, purification, and
cohobation by way of art and correct knowledge, can he used to great benefit as a menstruum for
all kingdoms and has in itself, when taken medicinally, curative virtues. The degree of
rectification (refinement) is of great importance, for its usefulness and success as a menstruum
for each of the three kingdoms is dependent upon the degree of its rectification.

The water to he worked with is again that which has been collected from atmospheric
precipitation and has undergone the stage of putrefication There is first a separation of the water
into four divisions, designated as fire of water, air of water, water of water, and earth of water. In
water we find all the elemental qualities in one. There is a further separation of each of the four
divisions into three divisions, designated as sulphur of fire of water, mercury of fire of water, and
salt of fire of water until there is obtained twelve divisions of the separated water. The three
essentials are found in everything that nature produces. As separation occurs, purification takes
place. Purification is an extension of separation. The cohobation of the waters is in reverse order.
In the experiment conducted during the class period, 2000 nil. of putrefied snow water, showing
a pH reading of 5.0 was used. By a gentle distillation, the first one-fourth (500 ml.) of water was
separated, stored in a glass bottle and labeled "fire of water" (pH 5.0). A second one-fourth (500
ml.) of water was separated, stored in a glass bottle and labeled "air of water" (pH 5.0). A third
one-fourth (500 ml.) of water was separated, stored in a glass bottle and labeled "water of water"
(pH 5.0). The last one-fourth (483 ml., somewhat less because of a slight evaporation and a
residue which remained in the distillation flask) of water was separated, stored in a glass bottle
and labeled "earth of water" (pH 5.0). A residue, having a thin, honey-like consistency, remained
in the distillation flask, which was decanted, gently dried, and labeled "true universal gur."

The above four divisions of water - fire, air, water, and earth of water, were each separated into
three divisions, designated first as "sulphur of fire of water," second that of "mercury of fire of
water," and third that of "salt of fire of water." The remaining three elements, air of water, water
of water, and earth of water, were separated into the three essentials, giving, when the separation
was complete, twelve divisions of water. The first onethird (1662/3 ml) was distilled from each
of the 500 nil., which represented the sulphur; the second onethird (166 2/3 ml.) was distilled,
which represented the mercury; and the final one-third (166 2/3 ml.) was distilled, which
represented the salt.

When the water was first divided into the four elements, there was observed a slight but
significant differentiation in the colorr and quality of the water. For example, the first one-fourth
(fire of water) appeared very clear and sparkling in contradistinction to the last one-fourth (earth
of water) which appeared slightly cloudy and was of a more viscous nature. At a later stage, as
the twelve separated divisions of water were poured during the process of cohobation, there was
observed a difference in the quality of these waters as well. There was a variation, a considerable
variation in some instances, in the rate of time of the distillation of the elements into their three
essentials. When tested with an electronic pH meter, the twelve separated divisions of water
showed different readings. An interesting point is the difference in the consciousness (sulphur)
readings in the earth, water, air, and fire elements. For example, the sulphur of earth of water
showed a pH reading of 3.6 while the sulphur of fire of water showed a pH reading of 6.5. Also,
such is noteworthy when one considers that the pH reading of the original water showed 5.0.
These and other results are presented for comparison and study in Tables I and II. In Table 1, the
results of the PH readings of the water after separation and division into twelve and during the
process of cohobation and finally after cohobation are given, along with the pH readings of the
separated divisions of water and the gur in the first experiment. Table II shows in a simpler and
less detailed form the pH readings, beginning with the original water, through the separation and
purification process, and ending with its cohobation which gives the Archaeus.
Because there was some doubt as to the cleanliness of the equipment used in the distillation of
the water of water into the sulphur, mercury, and salt, this fact is included. While it has no effect
on the results given in regard to the other three elements and their further separation, it is
possible that, should the equipment not have been clean, this would have some effect, especially
in the last stages of the cohobative process and in the result of the cohobation itself. Thus, it
cannot be stated with certainty that this water acually did attain .2 more acidity through the
distillation procedure. This calls to our attention the great importance of cleanliness in our work.,
in both the outer and inner laboratory.

With the above possible and unintentional exception, the changes that took place with the one
substance, water, transpired by way of the processes of separation, purification, and cohobation
with only the application of heat and with nothing foreign added to the substance itself. The
changes which manifested and the differences which are shown to exist within but this one
substance, water, are meaningful and significant - not only in what is revealed thereby and the
correspondences that may arise from this as pertains to further work with it and with self but in
the use of its virtues as they become known and understood and applied for the good of all. The
results, as given within this report, are important for such makes it possible for us to begin to see
the value, the virtues, that are within living water. It is this value, found in the water during its
stage of separation and purification as well as in its cohobative stage, which, when once it
becomes cognizable, may become, when utilized with understanding, useful and effect some
benefit for the good of all upon this earth. +

... when man has found God, his own Eternal and Infinite Self, and has thrown away his smaller
self, he has himself become the Truth, the Life, the Way, and no longer needs any other way to
God. - BHAGAVAN DAS
If that which thou seekest thou findest not within thee, thou wilt never find it without thee. -
Alipili

The truth which we seek must be the truth of direct experience, in which the distinction between
subject and object has ceased to exist. Only a disinterested search can result in Truth, for every
form of self-interest will lead onIr to a creation which will serve that self-interest.- N. Sri Ram

p. 434

The Hermetic Bookshelf

In Pursuit Of Gold by Lapidus
A Review by Hans W. Nintzel
With the relative scarcity of new books dealing with alchemy, it is pleasant to report that Weiser
is distributing "In Pursuit of Gold." The author preferring to remain anonymous assumes the
nom-de-plume of "Lapidus." The title page indicates that there are "additions and extractions by
Stephen Skinner." Mr. Skinner presided over Askin press in London and published Arch
Magazine. These two organizations produced a series of items dealing with Enochian Magick,
Qabala and Alchemy. The latter was a reproduction of "The Archidoxes of Paracelsus." With
that in mind, it is not a far step to conclude that Mr. Skinner might even be "Lapidus." While
some may feel it is unimportant who the author is, it is actually quite important. In this case
credentials have some bearing as to the factuality of the writings. However, the reader can
certainly draw some conclusions having read the book.

The table of contents list such chapter headings as: "Sophic Fire" "The Secret Book " The
Secrets of Antimony," "The Green Lion," "Consummation of the Hermetic Marriage," "The Use
of the Stone" and others. The dust jacket has words to the effect that this is a book by a
practicing alchemist and is the first such book to take a totally physical approach to the science
of alchemy. The book is indicated as being not mere conjectures or theories but "actual detailed
analysis of a number of texts which have been either quoted in full or systematically reduced in
length by the elimination of irrelevant and misleading material."

This last piece of information causes some immediate concern as an analysis, no matter how
detailed, of other writings is still in my opinioin, conjecture and theory. I would say further that
ALL alchemistical writings will remain that, conjecture and theory, until the reader puts the
theory to practice and proves that it is indeed fact. Until then, the laboratory work, it is only
interesting theorems. So, Lapidus runs the risk of analyzing spurious writings and digesting them
for the readers of his book. Naturally, it is implied that as a practicing alchemist he is able to
discern the chaff from the wheat. Perhaps.

This is not meant to denigrate this book. It has definite value as will be pointed out. It is merely
my desire to insert the necessary caveats to not swallow whole this book or any other dealing
with alchemy. The writings of the ancient alchemists were nor meant to be crystal clear. It was
not intended to put anything on a silver platter. True, the thread of veracity and the clues are to
be found, but they do not jump out and declare themselves. The reader can, at best, by poring
over many tomes of alchemical lore, pick out commonalities and tie together similar threads.
Happily, this is just what Lapidus does in his book. There is little original material except for
some analysis, as indicated, of the writings of others. For this alone, the book has great worth.

Lapidus presents to us the entire text of "The Secret Book" of Artephius. This is one alchernist
who seems to be respected by others. John Pontanus also praises Artephius and Lapidus includes
excerpts from Pontanus' writings. Since this material is rather rare, this is a service indeed to the
student. The book also includes many plates from Michael Maier's "Atalanta Fugiens" which are
of great interest also. Finally, in the same vein, Lapidus reproduces Ripley's poem "The Twelve
Gates," and has a great deal of material from the writings of Sigismond Bacstrom. The latter
published a slim volume called "Bacstrom's Alchemical Anthology." This book has been referred
to as being a "Rosetta Stone of Alchemy." And indeed it is. Since only 500 or less copies were
produced, the material in Lapidus book is most welcome. Lapidus uses the technique that the
good Doctor used. That is, Bacstrom took a subject, such as Mercury. Then, in that chapter, he
had 20-25 quotations from as many authors on the subject of Mercury. A sentence, a paragraph
or a page of explanation of the term "Mercury" as given by such authors as Lully, Vade Mecum,
Bloomfield, Paracelsus, Valentine etc. The reader could then synopsize all these writings under a
particular heading and get a very good notion or, as least a better understanding of what was
meant by that term. Lapidus aims to explain the terms "Sophic Fire" and "Secret Fire." He uses
Artephius and a Bacstrom like technique on Bacstrom's Anthology. Although he seems to get
things mixed up a bit, the reader should be able to figure out what these two terms mean. At least
as Lapidus understands them. The book concludes in the same vein by presenting a set of
questions and answers attributed to Paracelsus entitled "The Theory of Alchemy."

The book has a few other features such as a glossary and a listing of materials needed for
alchemical experiments. The glossary does not offer anything new and in some cases is not what
one might call "direct." For example, the definition of "Red Man" is: Iron, or occasionally gold
or copper. Another entry is "Earth" defined by: Metals are often referred to as "earth." The
"Alchemists Handbook" of Frater Albertus is by far the superior in these matters and can be
considered indispensable." Lapidus clearly means well with these insertions but just doesn't do
all that much for those who have read other alchemystical works. Of course, the tyro will find it
all new and exciting.

Aside from occasional lapses into the turgid and obfuscated writings Lapidus is trying to clear
up, such as in the chapter on "Sophic Fire," we find: "The Secret Fire which might be termed the
fiery water dissolves the metals: this latter is a salt nitrate, often termed vinegar, to be found
everywhere easily and never valued, yet never mentioned in any alchemical treatise by name,"
the book does a valuable service to the student and even to the "expert" If nothing else, the
material described, since it is so rare, is welcome indeed. Lapidus' conclusions on certain matters
(Green Lion, Secret Fire, etc.) may or may not be valid. Nonetheless, he leads the reader to
follow a certain technique in synthesizing the writings of others in a way that enables one to
draw definite conclusions. The final truth or proof of these conclusions, of course, can be only
revealed in the laboratory.
In summary, Lapidus whoever he or she is, does seem to have a grasp on the fundamentals of
alchemy. This background enables a reasonable analysis to be done on the writings presented in
the book and allows the reader a modicum of confidence that the conclusions DO seem
reasonable as well. For those who have never been exposed to Artephius' writings or those of
Bacstrom, the book is highly recommended. For those who have read material by these two
excellent writers, perhaps a different viewpoint can reveal new vistas. In other words, it is my
opinion that the book is valuable and I recommend reading it.

Questions and Answers

ALCHEMY

Q. When you mentioned 7 rectifications ... did you mean of the White Mercury only or rectify
both the Red and White Mercury before their conjunction?

A. The mercury primarily.

Q. How long do you keep the Red and White Mercury separate?

A. As you please.

Q. When using ethanol over angel water, can this be distilled angel water? Would you please
repeat the points on this process being a transmutation?

A. If you use distilled angel water, the salt is left behind and it will extract very little essence
with the help of ethanol. This is no transmutation, only a separation.

Q. What is the alchemistical, philosophical Acetone of the Ancients and how is it prepared?

A. It is a fixed spirit derived from inorganic substances. The preparation is taught to our students.

Q. According to the U.S. Dispensatory, 23rd Edition, 1943: Acetone is found in small amounts in
normal urine, in blood, etc. (1) What are the alchemical implications of this? (2) How is acetone
synthesized in the human body and what is its purpose? The U.S. Dispensatory also notes that
Acetone is mildly intoxicating, somewhat similar to alcohol in effect, but not toxic. (3) Why is it
not possible to use an acetone menstruum for a tincture in the same way one uses alcohol and
use this tincture medicinally?

A. (1) It is the product of an alchemical implication. (2) It is synthesized in the human body
through alcohol upon the fixed spirit (acetum) and forms a compound. (3) You may do so. Use
caution and good judgment.

Q. How does Paralab prepare Natrium Kalium and Ferrum tissue salts?
A. By separating the three essentials and recombining them. Thereafter, by dilution to the
required X.

Q. What is the Sodium-Potassium ratio for the body? Is it 4 to 1? If tissue salts containing these
two were taken, would the ratio be important? If Ferrum Phosphate were also taken, what
should that ratio be compared to the SodiumPotassium ratio?

A. This depends on the individual constituents required to balance the intake and to keep this
balance of all tissues.

Q. Is the true, correct way to make KM with tartar instead of ammonia and spirit of wine only?
The KM would then contain animal, vegetable, and mineral? Or does ammonia contain animal
vegetable, and mineral within itself? Refer to page 97, Triumphal Chariot of Antimony, 1894
edition.

A. The Kerkring Menstruum is made as he describes it. Any other menstruum would not be
Kerkring.

Q. Why do the crystals formed from the Acetone-soda wash not dry? If we get a tincture from
these crystals, would it be considered fixed?

A. These crystals are very hydroscopic. They are not fixed.

Q. Can we make a liquid stone of herbs?

A. A liquid is no stone but a stone may contain liquid.

Q. Is it correct to say that when Acetic Acid is added to the Sodium Hydroxide and Antimony
Solution and the Hydrogen Sulphite is released that all the Elemental Sulphur is released with
the Hydrogen Sulphite and therefore what is available is only the Oil of Antimony? In other
words, can we obtain both the Oil of Antimony and the Oil of Sulphur together from the
precipitate, or only the Oil of Antimony?

A. You will have both in combination if the Antimony has not been calcined.

Q. We believe Antimony to be a most potent medication. So far our knowledge of this is based on
accounts five hundred and more years old. How can we come up with something more definite?

A. By testing and clinical evaluation.

Q. What would be the result of using a Sal Ammoniac tincture to extract Antimony rather than
the KM menstruum? Is it only a matter of being able to identify the presence of Oil of Antimony?
What would be the combined effects of Oil of Antimony and Oil of Sal Ammoniac present in the
same tincture?

A. In some cases disastrous.

Q. If you have a substance of fixed nature, make an oxide and make it unfixed first, can you then
fix it by acetic acid?

A. If you can unfix it as you state, it can be fixed again with acetic acid.

Q. Why doesn't wine vinegar (mother) form a liver on it like is formed on apple vinegar?

A. It does form in wine vinegar. Without it there would be no vinegar.

Q. Why are all liquids obtained from Pharmacies that have used an herb and cold press it clear?

A. Not all cold pressed liquids are clear. Filtration will help do that.

Q. Regarding winestone in water, the tartar menstruum process, i.e., when 19% alcohol is
imbibed, distilled off, etc., flask broke. Dissolved a little of this in water and filtered in case of
glass bits. Tincture developed. Have been taking 7 drops on Sundays or when kidneys ached. No
more than once a week. Seems to be effective but your words in class have frightened me off.

A. Potassium carbonate in minute doses is not harmful when taken for relief of kidney pains,
provided no other complications are present. Your physician should be consulted first.

Q. In a natural cycle where water nourishes seed into grape (example), grape juice into wine-
alcohol, then wine-vinegar, on into acetic acid, what is the very next phase or transmutation of
acetic acid?

A. All changes take place through the interaction of other substances or compounds. Further
interactions on acetic acid can produce acetic anhydrate, ethyl acetate and many more.

Q. What is the maximum temperature which can be applied to an airtight flask which contains a
small portion of moisture? Example: One-tenth oil? (Without danger of explosion)

A. Moisture under heat will cause expansion and pressure. The small portion depends on the size
of the container. A quick pressure relief is the best remedy before an explosion.

Q. There has been much recent talk of using vitamin B 17 as an effective medication in the
treatment of cancer. Since the center of peach pits is a major source of B 17 would an Elixir
made from peach pits prove even more effective?

A. It needs more evaluation at present to establish its purported value.

Q. In the Winter 1976 Parachemy you wrote an article on extracting the oil of copper. I find the
article very unclear. Could you write explicitly again what it is you are trying to say in the
article?

A. Yes, we shall make another attempt and then give the results step by step of our own research
procedure here at PRS.
Q. Does the Philosopher's Stone remain in a liquid form from the citrine color onward, or does it
become a solid?

A. It is said to be a solid.

Q. What do the ancients mean by the Spirit of Salt?

A. Hydrochloric Add.

Q. How may Alchemy be proven to be a science that can mass produce medicines when it seems
that planetary influences affect the manufacture of the medicine. In our present medicines it does
not apparently have any effect - also other products. Alchemy seems to be an individual
approach for self purification. Is this true?

A. Everything is under planetary influences whether it is known, believed or what not. It is the
knowledge about these influences, when properly applied, that makes the difference. It does not
matter if this is applied alchemically or otherwise.

Q. In speaking of the two kinds of antimony, I understood you to say that the medicinal purpose
is to heal man and the alchemical purpose is to heal sick metals. Please explain this healing of
sick metals.

A. Elevation from inferior to superior similar to illness into health.

MISCELLANEOUS

Q. Will you say something about meditation? How does one concentrate the mind? How does
one still the mind? How does one direct the mind in contemplation? Mention has been made in
the Alchemical Laboratory Bulletins about yoga. Is there some kind of yogic meditation that
would be of benefit to us?

A. To concentrate does not mean that one meditates. One cannot still the mind. It is ever
becoming as part of the All Mind. Contemplation is a thorough consideration. Various kinds of
yoga claim to assist in the above. Please note that there are several kinds mentioned.

Q. Most schools teach that survival of the fittest is the determining factor in evolution. Schools
such as the PRS teach that progress is made through evolution and not revolution. Survival of
the fittest implies warfare. In nature destructive catastrophies such as earthquakes, cyclones,
etc., might be compared to revolution. Does revolution have a justified place in progress?

A. Absolutely. Revolution is but a reoccurrence of evolution. Re means again. If evolution is

diverted one way or another, then it has to undergo again (re) evolution in a different way.

Q. How should we understand truth? When does part truth become acceptable? At what cost
should we insert truth - at the risk of offending others?
A. You are confusing facts with truth. There is only one truth available to men according to the
law of polarity, as explained in the prima class.

Q. How does relativity enter in the PRS curriculum?Is it considered at all? How do you interpret
relativity? I am somewhat confused by the constant use of this word and its reference to Albert
Einstein.

A. Relativity is but an extension of the law of polarity. Just as Philosophy combines the
extension of science and reason into logic so it can be said that the relative value of philosophy is
logic as it becomes cognate on all planes of awareness expressed by the word. When taken at its
full value, it is the word which creates. Through the spoken word is created the image of that
which is comprehended only by its relative polarity. When extended into actuality, we create its
awareness on the tangible plane as a tool to be used, for which it was conceived, created and
made manifest.

Q. How does a person raise his "vibrations" - by prayer, by diet, by good deeds?

A. By living a clean life within and without.

Q. How may a rock or tree have a soul?

A. Every substance has a degree of consciousness within it and that is its soul.

Q. What will be the form of that which has everlasting life?

A. Any form has a segment of life everlasting within it. Q. Can something inanimate have
everlasting life? A. There is no inanimate substance. Life is found in any and all particles of
physical substance. + -

(Back cover)

Separation

Separation is the segregation of one thing from another. It is the dissolution of the one into the
many and again the many into the one. Separation Is like unto a mother from which all
generation proceeds. That which comes forth by way of separation shows itself as being different
than that from which it originates. Thus, from the no-thing comes something. From the formless
comes form, just as from milk comes cheese. Though different from the original, the something
which comes forth carries with It a germ of the original, becoming then a something having a
dual nature - that which is tangible and that which is intangible, that which is of form and that
which is of the formless. that which is terrestrial and that which is celestial. "Separation Is the
great divider, which gives to everything its form and its essence." Separation is the revealer of
the three principles, sulphur, mercury, and salt and the liberator of the pure from the impure, of
the noble life from the ignoble life.
From the chaos, the first matter, separation begins. There comes forth from the chaos four
distinct elements, fire, air, water, and earth. That which grows is of the element of fire; that
which nourishe's Is from the element of air; that which consumes is from the element of water;
and that which is fixed, which is as a terminus, is from the element of earth. It is when there is a
dying that separation begins. Dying Is a dissolving and disintegration which serves to cause to
appear that which is but was not until that which was disappears. The formless becomes- form.
The form becomes formless. Substance changes its form, Its body, becoming a different
receptacle wherein life burns.

This dying is a putrefaction which is the cause of all life, for it gives the Impetus to separation,
which begets the generation of all things, unfolding the essence of life in multifarious ways. Life
begets life. Life itself is as a burning, consuming fire that nourishes itself with itself, revealing
through its generation a diversity of nature which, in a final separation, will rest in that essence
wherein it originated. As with any fire, there is that Which is the cause of it and that which is as a
fuel for it. Life manifests because there is an interaction of the three essentials, mercury, sulphur,
and salt or spirit, soul, and body. That which is electrical and seeking, which is as a burning
power, is like unto Spirit, Life. That which is generative and moving, which generates power and
is as a light and sound, is like unto Soul, Mind. And that which is magnetic and attracting, which
is as a fuel which burns, is like unto Salt, Body.

Man may be The Separator of the lesser world, himself, and the greater world wherein he moves
and has his being. Man may come to know in himself and in the greater world what it is that
gives growth, what it is that nourishes, that which consumes, and that which is of a fixed nature.
He may know that which impels all life, the power of life, and the glory that is revealed in that
which burns. Death is an ending of something, though even that which is dead can again be
given life, be revitalized, caused to be vital once again. Whereas, dying is a giving up, an
offering up of that which is Inferior in demonstration so that there may be manifested that which
is superior to It - the more abundant life under the control of that which is noble. Through
separation, man may come to know the pure from the Impure, the noble from the ignoble; he
may begin to die to the mortal life, which limits, and awake to the Immortal life which is without
limit and eternal.
 Parachemy
Volume V: Number 3 Summer 1977

Purification - Leandro Della Piana

Contents

The Four Elements - Air p.451

Astrology For The Neophyte - Saturn p.464
Do Chemicals Have Memory? p.458
Questions and Answers p.459
Purification - back cover

p.451
 The Four Elements
By
Frater K.H.

Air

In our previous article on the elements, we pointed out how air, as described by some of the
philosophers, is moist and hot. It would also be correct to say that air is cold and dry, cold and
moist, or any combination of the four complexions found within the four elements. Air also may
be found to express itself as a singular complexion of hot, cold, wet, or dry. Of the four so-called
elements, air alone possesses this singular unique attribute by which the philosophic work is
made possible. For example, many of us have at one time or another, whether in chemistry or
demonstration film, witnessed a process called cryogenics. By this method air in a super cooled
state will instantly freeze any object placed within it by reducing the temperature to sub zero. It
is interesting that scientists term air a liquid when in this state, therefore calling it liquid air.

As another example, we will step to the opposite extreme and find air now in a super heated
state, as in atomic explosion where fusion takes place. Even at the lesser scale, super heated air
will cause liquefication of most metals. Thus, by demonstrating two extremes which the element
air is capable of, we can begin to grasp some significance of what the philosophers had in mind.
Our whole problem in this work is that we do not really understand or even comprehend what
this element really is.

In the philosophic work there are a number of "baths" which were and can he employed by the
hermetic student. The emersing and surrounding effect of air as a bath produces unique
properties and characteristics upon the subject. Is not this earth surrounded by an air bath and
does it not at different times display all the complexions singular and dual at one time or
another? Is not our earth, therefore, a fit subject to contemplate in this manner and to realize
what an incredible work of hermetic art our heavenly creator is producing?

Thus, our element of air becomes before our very eyes a chameleon, able to change its
complexion from moment to moment by whatever agency it is subject to.

In a previously discussed element we gave the example of the cube of ice and presented it to you
as an earth by way of analogy. This earth, when heated, is resolved into water because this earth
contained water. Raise the heat a little more and our water has now become air and by way of
inspection we would find that its complexion is dual, both hot and moist. However, we can and
do, under slightly altered conditions, find that our air which was previously hot and moist can
also be cold and moist. We need only remind ourselves of how penetrating the air becomes when
the day is cold and moist. Oh, how we shiver and there just never seems to be enough warm
clothing!

We must understand that philosophically our vegetable substance upon which we are working,
will only change its matter by way of the element air. More specifically, we should observe that
what we are working upon and separating by way of this element reveals itself to us in its
unfixed state. Thus, by the miracle of air, God has permitted us to separate spagyrically the
lighter from the heavier, the ethereal from the gross. Once again, we are faced with
understanding complexions or graduations of our substance. The heavier our subject is the more
weight it has and the more fixed it is and less subject to intervention by the element air. Thus,
before our eyes our vegetable work separates itself, the lighter from the heavier; and by God's
grace we are permitted to see that which needs yet to be fixed.

The great mystery, which so disturbs the mind of many a tyro, is how to fix the unfixed by way
of fire. When confronted by the book of Genesis from the Holy Bible, the subject is liable to be
even more bewildering. Does it not say in the first chapter that the spirit of God moved the
surface of the waters? When God's holy spirit, as it were, brooded upon his primordial waters,
the lighter was separated from the heavier. The heavens from the earth. By this primordial
distillation, we find the element of air first revealed.

Of the four seasons, summer is the one in which all growth reaches for its greatest maturity. All
growing things must have gained a certain degree of strength, thereby they can sustain growth
into the element air. All plants on the surface of our earth reach us through the air at this time to
whatever height has been predetermined by our creator for that particular seed. The animal
kingdom, as well at the plant, obey this law of growth. There is much that appears before our
eyes which really has little meaning to us. As an example, if we travel in the mountains and
observe the vegetation there, we will see that there is a definite limitation to growth. Vegetation
matter in these higher reaches is not able to sustain the growth which its cousins enjoy at the
lower levels. As we consider these thoughts from the hermetic point of view, there is a key here
which should have great meaning to us. Anyone who has traveled or climbed to the higher levels
of some mountains can tell us from personal experience that the element air is colder and dryer.
We would suggest a thought at this point for your contemplation: that it is the invisible fire
which has dried this element air and produces a similar effect on vegetation at these levels. The
wood of trees and shrubs bears the signature of intensive drying. Fire is hidden in the air element
and, philosophically speaking, justifies the expression of mountain climbers which they call
windburn. It is interesting that this burning effect of the wind or air can occur at either high or
low altitudes. Again from the philosophical point of view, it is the fire in the element air that
produces this drying effect (coagulation), no matter if the air is hot, dry, or cold. Haven't most of
us rummaged through the freezer compartment and found, at one time or another, some food that
was completely dried out by what we call freezer burn? Isn't it interesting that whoever coined
this expression should have chosen the word burn which denotes fire and heat?

Those who have successfully brought their vegetable stone to some degree of conclusion will be
able to appreciate that what they have was possible by way of the element air. Without the many
unique virtues which this element possesses, that peculiar calcination would not be possible. In
short, the vegetable stone owes its existence to the element air.

Do we not now see that this element will become whatever we want it to be? This incredible
virtuosity of our air is the very reason why so much confusion exists considering this subject. Of
the four elements, air is the most misunderstood. In our work upon the vegetable stone, it is the
air which slowly calcines our earth with its hidden fire. (We might use the word occult fire in
place of hidden fire, but we dislike using the word occult, as its meaning has become sloppy and
bears connotations which would make Webster cringe.)

Contained within the three elements water, air, and earth is our hidden fire not obvious to the
eye. We are now confronted with an immensity, as we apprehend that there is a mysterious
shifting back and forth of It. This It is God's great secret which He bestows by grace upon his
sons and daughters who earnestly love Him. Only by sincere supplication and daily practice in
the "School of the Holy Spirit" will this grand mystery he made known to the tyro. We would
ask you a question: What is your relationship to your work upon the vegetable stone? Do you
comprehend what the meaning of this effort is and, more to the point, why you are making this
effort? If your work at any point is mechanical, we would ask that you consider pausing and
propose this question to yourself: Why am I doing this?

Plants and animals grow by way of the air element. This also holds true for the vegetable stone.
Our earth is actually resuscitated and begins to breathe by way of inhalation and exhalation of
the air. As the process draws toward completion, the pulse rate of the stone increases and life
begins. So it is that in time the three essentials become evenly distributed and a new wonder
becomes manifest to our eyes. Our vegetable stone has become living and is able to bear the
elements on its own accord. It is born from the retort which was its womb. The little work is so
ignored and so greatly misunderstood. If we know That which is First, we would also know That
which is Last. Even in the Holy Bible, it is stated "That which is Last will become First." We
will have to travel by the roadway of hard experience and soul searching sacrifice, willing to
give all, on nothing more than the promise of the sages. This promise was given with the.
understanding that we should practice daily in the school of the Holy Spirit.

The Four Elements - Fire

p.464

Astrology For The Neophyte

By Carl W. Stahl

Saturn In The Constellations

Saturn is the planet of restriction. It slows down and hinders the free action of the planets it
aspects and the constellations it is in. Its basic purpose is to restrict, or contain, in order to use
other planetary energies constructively. In time there is over restriction, extreme crystalization
sets in, and all progress ceases. The reason Mars is exalted in Capricorn is that here the Martian
energy is restricted for useful work. The gasoline engine, the steam engine and the heating of
water for steam or water heating of homes are a few examples. In this respect Saturn performs a
useful purpose. Saturn strong people try to keep emotional distance between themselves and
others. The reason for this is that Saturn strong people cannot handle emotions of any kind.
Theirs is the stiff upper lip don't break down philosophy. When Saturn aspects the Moon it seems
to prevent the person from attaining emotional maturity. With the Sun it restricts the vitality and
the life force available to the native. With Mercury it restricts the ability to communicate with
others. With Venus there is a restriction on our ability to love mainly because love is a two way
street and the Saturn strong person is unable to hold up his end. Aspecting Mars we find that
aggression and leadership qualities are restricted, sometimes to the extent of bringing actual fear
and cowardice into the picture. With Jupiter it restricts our joy, pleasure and financial growth.
With Uranus it restricts freedom of expression and our mental growth. With Neptune we find it
difficult to bring our dreams and aspirations into practical expression. With Pluto it increases the
native's desire for seclusion and helps alienate him from the mainstream of life. Some keywords
of Saturn are: Want, greed, jealousy, inferiority complex, hunger, restriction, grasping, fear,
cowardice, corruption, burdens, worry, toil, loneliness and self denial. In our charts it indicates
that which we lack.

SATURN IN LIBRA.

Although Saturn is exalted in Libra this does not prevent it from restricting the love nature and
making the native timid in affairs of the heart and even prevents him or her from making lasting
relationships with others. There is always th e fear of giving too much and then in being
embarrassed when the other person rejects this offer of love. Th tragedy of this is that timidity
prevents the person from living a complete and normal life. These natives have a tendency to be
forgetful. They must always retain within themselves a certain secret place where they think
secret thoughts. A tendency to straddle the fence.

SATURN IN SCORPIO.

Saturn here dampens the aggressiveness of the native making the normally fearless person
cautious and fearful. Scorpio normally will go out of his way to pick a fight whether it be
physically or mentally. Now, however, the native restricts himself by picking only on those
weaker than himself. This repression of energy causes frustration and this pent up energy may be
released by outburst of anger or assault. By tht proper use of self-discipline, orderand method the
native must learn to control and direct the energy at his disposal into constructive work.
Construction rather than destruction must be the goal.

SATURN IN SAGITTARIUS.

The normally outgoing, enthusiastical native becomes staid and over cautious in his approach to
life. The confidence which enables him to be successful in life is now replaced by tinifdity. He
now restricts himself in the belief that "you get what you earn" philosophy. He shuns those who
could help him and believes in a do it yourself code of life. Too much energy is wasted in
preparing for a rainy day. The law and order attitude of Saturn should be put to work doing
things that require precision, accuracy, neatness and perfection. Expression of joy and happiness
are restrainedand at a minimum.

SATURN IN CAPRICORN.

Work, toil and struggle are the key words that this native uses to attain success. With or without
the presence of Saturn they use the work ethnic.. Unless it is done the hard way it scarcely merits
attention. Experience is the only teacher and the harder the lesson learned the more value it has.
The native has an abundance of patience and perserverance. Skimping and saving is a way of
life. Accuracy, cleanliness and simplicity are things the normal native of Capricorn understands.
Only underaffliction do dirt, disease and falsehood prevail.

SATURN IN AQUARIUS.

Under this influence the somewhat unstable and eccentric native is more sober and inclined to
take the hard road over the intuitive one. Long and persistent testing precedes any new
discoveries. What should be a joyand an opening of new horizons becomes drudgery and toil.
Gone is the inspiration and the pleasure of opening new horizons. Timidity and repetition
combine with secrecyand reserve to slow down any new laws that await discovery. Saturn does
not deny all results, in whatever field the native may search, it simply makes whatever the native
gains the result of long and painstaking work.

SATURN IN PISCES.

The usually relaxed and happy Piscian becomes frustrated and uptight under the influence of the
restrictive andconcentrative Saturn. No longer is he the generous, free spending, happy go lucky
person. Now he puts his nose to the grindstone. and, although he may do so reluctantly, saves his
money for a rainy day. There can be no gambling under this influence because the native is being
tested to see if he ran operate, orhow hecan operate, under the restrictive influence of Saturn.
Only a fife of earning will enable him to overcome this ban on his power to expand as far as he
would wish.

SATURN IN ARIES.

Everything that makes Aries the aggressive leader of men is here inhibited. The disinclination
which makes him slow in getting out of bed in the morning will be increased here to the point of
actual laziness. Where he would normally dash in where angels fear to tread now his approach
becomes one of cautious timidity. This position causes the native to make careful plans and totest
all eventualities before going ahead with his projects. Fear and cowardice could creep into the
fearless heart of the native. Energy and vitality are restricted.

SATURN IN TAURUS.

Saturn here restricts the native's normal love life. He hesitates to extend the hand of friendship
for fear it will be repulsed. His emotional life is juvenile and immature. If in one of the inactive
places it may even lead to perversion and cruelty. Sex and love, which are the Taurean's real
existence, are now secret, hidden things. No longer is it the joyous, uninhibited normal function
but something dirty which has to he hidden from the sight and sound of others. Shuns association
with members of the opposite sex.

SATURN IN GEMINI.
Communication, conversation, business and even the thought processes are slowed down by this
position of Saturn. The volative native is now bowed down by the leaden weight of Saturn's
inhibitions. Everything must be checked and counter checked before any action can be taken.
Gemin~ who normally hates the effort of digging for deeper meanings, now is slowed to a
dragging walk where he formerly flew. Because he is normally impatient the native makes
mistakes and may even be inclined to shade the truth if falsehood could advance his goals and
desires. Patience and accurate work still pay off if the native tries.

SATURN IN CANCER.

Saturn is in its detriment here. It restricts the emotional development causing the native to be
emotionally immature with the result thathe remains constantly at a juvenile level. His
imagination remains at the childhood level and he finds it impossible to cope with his own and
other people's emotions. Fear of the future replaces the wonderful day dreams and imaginative
experiences which are Cancer's normal mental fare. Sex becomes a thing to be hidden,
suppressed or done only behind locked doors. The normal processes of the subconscious mind
are perverted and bring out only warped and anemic results.

SATURN IN LEO.

The natural leadership ability of Leo is restricted as the native doubts his own abilities. Vitality is
at a low ebb and the light of the Sun finds difficulty both in reaching and in being reflected by
the native. Gloom replaces the natural exuberance of the native and he finds it frustrating to slow
down his naturally outgoing nature to comply with the lead of Saturn which replaces the gold of
the Sun. Happiness here depends on whether the native can transmute the lead of Saturn into the
true gold. As the alchemists are fond of saying: "Our gold and our Mercury."

SATURN IN VIRGO.

All plans must be checked and rechecked. The superb planner becomes a worry wart. Confidence
in his abilities is gone and the normally shy Virgo becomes even more of a recluse. Virgo is
normally brave and courageous but he now becomes tinfid and afraid. His ability to
communicate is warped and it is only by keeping things down to simple basics that he can
manage to function at all. Fle seeks to regulate his life by a rigid set of rules from which he is
afraid to stray. He seeks to find out what others have &-dd and done in similar circumstances and
the result is that what little is accomplished is old hat. Nothing new or inspirational can come
about under this influence.

p.458

Do Chemicals Have Memory?

Recently a friend who is in charge of manufacturing different chemicals in a large manufacturing

plant had discussed a problem he was encountering with one of their reactors. It seemed this
particular reactor had been used in the manufacturing of a particular chemical but for some
reason it started giving bad batches regardless of how careful the additives were metered in and
the running temperatures were adhered to. In between trying the different batches they would
give the reactor a quick flushing out with water. Yet, again when they tried, the chemical would
not behave as it had done for months before.

When considering the different possibilities of why this would be so, we asked ourselves if it is
possible for chemicals to learn an effect, in this case one that was undesirable, and then pass this
information on to those chemicals that come into contact with it. In this case, because the reactor
was only quickly flushed out with water, there would still he traces - if only parts per million - of
the chemical that had gone outlaw.

A course of action was embarked upon to try and destroy any trace of the old chemical that could
be clinging anywhere within the vessel. High temperature steam was injected for several hours
and the vessel was flushed with boiling water several times until there was no possibility of any
remaining chemical clinging within. The result was that when they put the vessel on line, they
had the reaction they wanted originally.

This idea of chemicals having memory is not new by any means. Many chemical reactions can
be speeded up, if a portion of the end result that is desired is added to the substance. For
centuries of time, anyone making vinegar has found that by adding "Mother of Vinegar," which
is a stringy curd-like substance that forms in old vinegar, to cider the oxidation process is
hastened, as it would appear as if the curd-like substance passes on this information of how to
react very quickly to the new cider. This is called "seeding the process." Anyone familiar with
baking bread does the same thing when they take dough that has already risen and add a portion
of it to the new batch that is being worked upon. Again, this bread will rise quicker than if one
were to start out without adding the old to it. The oxidation of linseed oil is another example of
memory in chemicals. It may take some time for the oxidation to take place the first time but, if
removed from the light regardless of how long, the next time it is exposed the process will have
quickened. Perhaps when working in your lab, you will be able to use this information to
advantage on some projects.

- Canada

People are like stained glass windows. They glow and sparkle when it is sunny and bright but
when the sun. goes down their true beauty is revealed only if there is a light from within.

p.459

Questions And Answers

ALCHEMY

Q. Can I separate the Sulphur from Mercury by placing them in a distillation flask just as I did to
separate them from the Salt but excluding the menstruum, and then subject them to moderate
heat until the Vapor travels to a closed flask leaving the Oil behind? Should this Oil then be
calcined in the same manner as Salt before re-uniting it with the other Principles? Is this process
essential to success in Animal and Metallic workings?

A. The oil is not calcined.

Q. Can I produce the Radical Metallic Menstruum by placing equal parts of Copper Sulphate
and Potassium Nitrate in a distillation flask and, subjecting this mixture to seven distillations at
decreasing temperatures, discard the residum after each distillation, or should the residue be
kept, purified by calcination, and returned to its original source? Should this be done at the end
of the project or throughout?

A. Your description above will not produce what you are after.

Q. In the past few months, I've heard a lot about dew, rainwater, potassium, vinegar and butter
of antimony, etc. Either I was asleep or in a fog, or they were not dealt with in Quinta two to
three years ago. Could you elaborate?

A. The report on water separation in the last issue should answer part of your question. As to
potassium, this refers to the work on tartar. Vinegar of antimony and the making of butter of
antimony are taught in the quinta and sexta. Some classes have been somewhat slower to absorb
what is taught and therefore are behind, but all are given in the end how to come up with them.
Q, Oil? Tincture? on top of Sb vinegar . . . could this be used medicinally? What about the KM
tincture also?

A. The vinegar of antimony is used to fix the antimony. It can also be used for gangrene, as Basil
Valentine mentions. besides other applications, provided it is the pure vinegar of antimony. The
froth or scum that may floating on top during the putrefaction, is not an oil or the tincture looked
for. The tincture of the KM or residue after the KM has been distilled off should not be used
medicinally a,, it contains some substances that can he very harmful. The resulting KM distillate
is to be used as an extraction media only.

Q. Regarding iron ore and the distillation of crystals as in the jar, I am rather confused as to
which is what in the three parts of the distillation. First part: Enzyme? Should it be kept so
airtight? What is trying to escape? I can see there is more water from the air in it than anything,
but to grow the enzyme I think it needs mercury, sulphur, and salt of the iron - as well as from
the air. Would it be the sulphur, mercury, and salt of the mercury of iron plus the fixed sulphur
and mercury from the water? Second part: This, from which much of the volatile part has
escaped as it is open is, I presume, the less volatile part of the water from the air (more earth of
water and some water of water)??? The oil has separated and seems the heavier part, which is
strange to me compared with the third part. Third part: What part of the water does this
contain? The water of water? Or mercury in which the oil can dissolve? Is this mercury of the
iron in here more than in the others? Some must be in the first one if it is an iron enzyme. It was
from crystals like these - without so much water from the air - that I obtained what I think was
the Philosophical Mercury. At a very low temperature under vacuum, after the water had gone
and before the dry crystals melted, puffs of vapor came over and condensed into a lemon liquid.
There was too little to collect and it evaporated quickly. Could this be so?
A. Such crystals were not distilled but grown. Enzymatic growth is to be taken in the sense of
reproducing its own kind. When exposed to air these crystals will go from the ferrous to the
ferric state. The three essentials are contained within such natural grown crystals. What escapes
is the H20. There is hardly any oil separation except by skillful extraction. It is possible, as you
explain, to free an alkahest from the pure iron. But it would have to be just such virgin iron.

Q. Archibald Cockren and alchemists before him mention potable gold. It states that only the
philosophical mercury can dissolve it and make it drinkable, and do no harm but good. Could
such be used in arthritic cases where salts of gold injections are given? Besides have those who
have been referred to in Parachemy as having the philosophical mercury been able to make such
potable gold?

A. Gold will dissolve in the philosophical mercury, especially when made previously into its salt.
We do not know of anyone having received potable gold for arthritic therapy, because it has not
been available for medical evaluation. We have one report where potable gold has been obtained
by a student. As to the PRS, yes, it is made here in small quantities for research purposes. Due to
the high cost of gold, it is very expensive; but, neverthless, can be made available to qualified
institutions willing to run such tests.

MISCELLANEOUS

Q. Frater in the Spring 1976 Parachemy you give a preparation for oil of Antimony which is
almost identical to Basil Valentine's preparation, page 144-146 Waite's Edition of The
Triumphal Chariot of Antimony. Why was he not given credit for his earlier work?

A. There was no intention to mislead or to take credit for this formula. It simply states again
what is known among alchemists. Prior to Basil Valentine, alchemists had the formula for this
procedure of how to make one of the various oils of antimony. So, Basil could have been
accused of plagiarism which was as far from his intention than is mine. These things are
common property of all alchemists and none would dare to claim to be the sole originator.

Q. In the Mass of the Catholic Church, the Priest during the Offertory, goes to the Epistle's side
of the altar, blesses the water by means of the sign of the cross and pours WINE and WATER
into the chalice, with the prayer, "Grant that, by THE MYSTERY of this WATER and WINE, we
may be made partakers of His Divinity Who vouchsafed to become partaker of our humanity . . ."
Aside from the rather simple and exoteric symbolism taught by the Catholic Church on this
regard, it is obvious that a deeper (ESOTERIC) symbolism is hidden in the letter of thi's ritual,
and specifically the Alchemical symbolism must have a great deal to do in "diving" into the
"MYSTERY" . . . Will you please give a comprehensive ALCHEMICAL interpretation of this
WINE and WATER symbolism, and if at all possible of the symbolism of The Mass as a whole?

A. You have this answer already.

Q. I can do away with this Duality in certain restricted fields, like mental, moral, and aesthetic;
but not practically. How do I do it practically?
A. It is much easier to be confronted on the practical side than anywhere else. Make comparisons
and you have the law of duality reveal itself.

Q. The work: How can we pursue it? Is there a method, i.e., meditation?

A. First one has to know what the work consists of before one can commence it. A contact with
those who do know certainly will help. This contact has to he found first.

Q. Use of words: The exciting = the manifested + unmanifested patterns (in contrast to
manifested patterns that can be sensed directly). These unmanifested patterns, I shall call
ABSTRACT PATTERNS. It these ABSTRACT are "true" (i.e., minimal - by minimal, I mean the
"smallest" abstract pattern that yields the given phenomena i.e. 1 have in mind the true laws of
nature and fulfilled in experience) then they must also exist. Thus they are not nonexisting. The
question is can all such patterns be sensed (experienced) in nonphysical states of consciousness?

A. A state of consciousness reveals itself always within and without by experience. There is no
other way.

back cover

Purification
Purification arises out of separation, out of the various processes that transpire during the work
with separation. To cleanse is purification, but the work of purification is more than a degree of
cleansing, however great. Dissolution, which is a separation, a decomposition, a breaking up is
an important process of purification. That which is not essential is. set apart from that which is
essential. That which is pure is freed from that which is not pure. There is a natural fire and a
hidden fire in man that brings about through calcination, putrefaction, distillation, and
sublimation a cleansing, subtilization, and rectification which reveals a sublime state of
substance. Only that which has stood the test of fire has been purified. Only that which meets the
test of love, which encompasses the greatest good for all concerned, is pure.

Unless there is first seen what it is that is to undergo purification, the work which leads to its
attainment cannot commence. The color black may represent that which is the beginning of the
work. It may stand for the body that is to be worked with, whether this be a specific body in the
vegetable, mineral, or animal kingdom or the body which is called man. What applies to one
body may, in a similar way, be applied to all other bodies. Just as a plant consists of components
which taken together manifests in a certain way a distinctive characteristic and essence so in a
corresponding way does man. Through the physical, emotional, and mental components of man,
there manifests characteristics and an essence which distinguishes each, which we call
personality. <P

The personality itself may be said to be a body. When the black which is to be seen in man is
changed to gray and then to white, there is seen the pure white salt, the personality, freed of all
its non-essentials, its impurities. By the help of Mercury the vision of the greater life, the will
and the power of the greater life - the lesser and ignoble way of life is dissolved, separated from,
prepared and cleansed for the greater and noble way of life. This white salt is a living stone. It is
the lesser work.

To begin the greater work, the philosophical mercury is needed. It cannot enter into the work
until the lesser work is undertaken. Until man has prepared himself through separation and
purification, he is not able to receive the philosophical mercury whereby he may with knowledge
and understanding transmute the lesser into the greater thereby revealing in all substance the
value which is in it. Before man can draw forth from other substance that which is of value and
lasting, he must first have within himself the stone which will not be dissolved, which ever
replenishes itself as it serves to transmute all that is base into the sublime. Man must realize the
greater life within first. This realization comes because there is a love for purification, for that
which is pure. Then, it Is possible for the greater life to reveal Its goodness outwardly.
 Parachemy
Volume V: Number 4 Fall 1977

Cohobation - Leandro Della Piana

Contents

Interviews With Frater Albertus p.466

Uranus In The Constellations p.474
Meditation And The Western Tradition p.477
The Four Elements - Fire p.488
Informative Interchange: Electro-Magnetism; Gur p.492
Cohobation - backcover

p.466
Interviews With Frater Albertus
Frater Albertus has been interviewed in various countries. He has given interviews over several
German Radio Networks and a live television interview was given at the Hotel Zeppelin in
Stuttgart. Germany. In other countries, India, Australia, etc., many questions have been asked
publicly about alchemy and related subjects. Frater Albertus' opinions and statements are based
upon knowledge and above all his personal experience. In a report to Ciba-Geigy, the
International Swiss Pharmaceutical Co., he has been referred to by a Swiss investigator as one
of the greatest living experts on alchemy. We are bringing in the following some excerpts from
various interviews and open forum questions.

Q. Why have you not given to the public like Scientology, Transcendental Meditation, or as
teachers from India and the likes? Look at all the followers such have and the money they have
made.

A. The PRS is in the open. However, we do no proselytise like the ones you have just mentioned.
Besides, we are not interested in having a large number of followers nor in making a lot of
money because of them.

Q. You have said on several occasions that the PRS will not be in the open much longer. Has the
height of the PRS work been reached by now?

A. I don't think so. We are heading for the climax in the near future. Before the PRS will
disappear again, relatively soon I might add, there are some very important things yet in store for
those who have worked on themselves within the framework of the PRS.

Q. I have been told that you can be rather outspoken and even tempestuous at time. How does
this compare to your generally rather easy-going nature?

A. It all depends on how one looks at things. Some have the idea that if one is easy to get along
with and is very patient this is a sign of weakness. When I stand my ground, and I have to make
this quite plain to some at times, they are surprised when I put my foot down. I have even been
told that I am not the same person any more and, as one did put it - believe it or not - evil spirits
get hold of me. Maybe they get the surprise of their lives. I can coo with the babies, cuddle the
young children, have fun with the younger people, and laugh with the adults; but when there is a
time to be tough, and this does not happen very often, well, it happens so seldom that those who
are involved don't expect it coming from me.

Q. Do you claim or have you hinted that you are an exalted master?

A. Good Heavens, no! How many times have I said in private and all over the world: "I am a
little nobody and my name is of no importance." There is work for me to do and this I try to do.

Q. At times you are very evasive to questions. Right now I have the feeling.
A. I know, I know! What would you do when people come to you with questions you have no
answer for. You see, some expect me to answer a question they have just because I said I would.
But what is meant by that is that any question deserves an answer and I have an answer to any
asked me, of which the most common answer perhaps is "I don't know." And there you have
your answer. It was not said that I have the answer that is expected, only that an attempt has been
made to give an answer. But I do admit that I have been avoiding some answers to questions and
will continue to do so simply because one can do more harm than good to answer things
prematurely, especially to those who may not grasp the asdwer correctly.

Q. What is this work you've mentioned? I mean specifically.

A. To teach and practice alchemy with an emphasis on laboratory alchemy.

Q. Who authorized you to do this, or by whom were you commissioned?

A. Let me say: By no mortal being.

Q. Are you saying a heavenly messenger told you?

A. I don't know what you mean by heavenly messenger. (Frater Albertus articulated you.)

Q. Well, if it was no mortal being that would leave only an immortal one! Right?

A. In your way of thinking you may call it that.

Q. Why only in my way of thinking?

A. Because what you envision by what you say may not be what someone else envisions.

Q. Frater Albertus, you were to have met with Mr. Canseliet of France for an alchemical
experiment. What became of that?

A. Canseliet wrote, after he gave me his personal promise, that he could not participate. He did
not write why or give me an explanation. One can draw his own conclusions.

Q. Do you think that Canseliet as Fulcanelli's only student could have revealed something
during such experiments that he was not allowed to reveal?

A. What I am going to say now you can draw your own conclusions from. This information I
have directly from France, namely, that there is doubt about Canseliet's claims about Fulcanelli
whose real name is Julien Hubert Champagne who was the master of J. Baucher. Besides the
foreword of the Mystere des Cathedrales was written by Fulcanelli and not Canseliet. I have
experienced personally the shroud of mystery French students of the occult cover themselves
with. At one time, a meeting had been arranged between Dr. Encause Jr. (Papus), the head of the
French qabalists, and myself in Paris during 1964. Upon my arrival, I found instead a note that
he had to leave the day before and that a meeting with someone else had been arranged instead.
The outcome was, a refusal to witness some demonstration to prove my claims if they were
willing to prove theirs with their own chosen observers.

Q. What about your travels to foreign countries. Do you teach only or are there other things
connected with them, like when you go to India? There is talk about an Ashram you were
supposed to have visited frequently.

A. My primary objective during my travels is to teach those who have asked me to come to them
and who have made all preparations for such teachings. This means providing facilities including
a laboratory for practical demonstrations. As to India, there is more than that to it, as some of the
ancient sanscrit writings need to be brought into the light of today's alchemistical concepts. Here,
too, I am again somewhat evasive as I have been accused of, and rightfully so, because it will be
a few years before more will be made known publicly and what will have to be written about.

Q. Talking about your writings, there are different opinions about your books. Take your last
one, The Alchemist of the Rocky Mountains. I have been told that this is strictly
autobiographical. Is this so?

A. Let me put it this way. The book was not written for those who have been students with the
PRS. It is fiction and was written for those who needed some more information on the
possibilities of practical laboratory alchemy and its prerequisites. There is a smattering of strictly
personal information woven in its contents, yes, I admit. But the general theme is fiction. That
should answer it in a way that is not evasive.

Q. Are you contemplating the writing of more books?

A. Yes, a publisher in Europe is waiting for one right now. My problem is time. There are
several books that need to be written and published about concrete alchemistical laboratory
results. Of these, there are many and very important ones on hand. But I need time and an
undisturbed place to get it done. This is my most important problem at present concerning books.

Q. There is some talk going around that you have hidden charges for your teachings.

A. I have not had nor have I now any charges direct or indirect whereby I am paid for my
teachings when instructing in classes given by the PRS. Only the last years, when going
overseas, have my traveling expenses including accommodations been provided for by those
who have asked us to come. Us means my wife and myself. Sometimes these expenses are paid
fully. At other times, I pay personally the travel expenses for my wife. In years gone by, all
expenses were paid by myself. But there has never been any payment for teaching students.
Some money has been collected at times after classes ended among students and such has been
donated the PRS or to the Student Fund as was specified. Furthermore, none of the officers of the
PRS are paid any wages or salaries. Even royalties I have received from publishers and of our
own publications I have turned over to the PRS. Only once did a one time officer of the PRS ask
for one half of the royalties of one book which he helped to translate into a foreign language.
That is the only case I know. At present, as in the past, officers have actually put some of their
own money into the PRS to keep it financially afloat.
Q. What will become of all the belongings of the PRS when the time comes, as you've stated, and
the PRS disappears again? I mean all your elaborate equipment or any royalties from your
books and such.

A. The articles of incorporation as a nonprofit educational institution state that in such a case
everything will go to the State of Utah to be given to schools, colleges, or universities as the case
may be.

Q. You are teaching how to prepare medications from plants, minerals, even metals, also from
animals if I am not mistaken. Isn't this dangerous? Could your students not use them or give
them to others with fatal results?

A. What you say is not correct. What is taught is that we are doing research. This means we are
trying to re-establish if what former alchemists have claimed that they have accomplished is
factual. In other words, can it be done again today. After this has been proven, only then can a
medicinal evaluation take place. And this can be done only by qualified medical or
pharmaceutical individuals or groups. No student is given permission to make such tests when he
is not legally qualified. In fact, students have to agree not to use any of the research results while
at the PRS studying in any way or manner on their own or any other person including animals.
The PRS does research only and makes such results available to all who qualify legally for
whatever use may he appropriate. Please note that the PRS does not manufacture, sell, prescribe,
or dispense any medications. We are doing alchemistical research only.

Q. Do you teach how to make gold?

A. No.

Q. But in a book, The Occult Explosion, by Nat Friedman it is stated explicitly that the PRS is
teaching in a two week course how to transmute lead into gold.

A. Anyone can make any claim but to substantiate it is another thing. We have not claimed at
any time that we will teach how to transmute lead into gold.

Q. But I have read some of your own statements saying that you can make potable gold and have
taught some of your students how to do that. Right?

A. Yes. I consent to that.

Q. Well, how will you explain this: I have been told that some of your students know how to
prepare the philosophical mercury. But in this particular case I know of, this man could not
make the gold dissolve so it would become potable gold. Shouldn't philosophical mercury
dissolve the gold?

A. Yes, it should have dissolved it.

Q. Well, why didn't it work with him?

A. It was too crude. It has to be refined, so it will dissolve the gold without vacuum below 30o
Centigrade, if it has been handled properly. It most assuredly will dissolve the gold as I have
personally experienced and those who were with me, when this was done, can testify to.

Q. Why is this not known to the medical profession who are still injecting salt of gold solutions to
patients when these are toxic and even prove fatal?

A. I do not know. Perhaps no one told them how it is prepared or no one has cared to accept such
a statement. Besides, more research needs to be done on this matter as far as the PRS is
concerned to make it available on a broader basis.

Q. Are students whom you teach sworn to secrecy or do they have to give an oath not to reveal
what you teach them of your alchemical secrets?

A. No one has to give an oath or anything of the sort you've just mentioned. Anyone attending
PRS classes can tell anyone what they hear or see.

Q. I have talked to some of your students but they too, are rather evasive at times.

A. I can't help that, as everyone is free to do and say as they please. Most likely they are cautious
to whom they talk. I really don't know. You will have to ask them yourself.

Q. In another book, PSI Resumee,* you are mentioned rather lengthily by the author who
interviewed you in Salt Lake City and rather favorably. Since he is connected with one of
Vienna's largest daily newspapers, why does he not bring your results in the open so the public
can be informed?

A. I don't know. But come to think of it, a newspaper brings daily news that is followed by more
news. One has read one thing today and recollects later that it was in the paper. In his book he
has a much more permanent record for the public who cares to read it, I think. Don't you think
so. too?

Q. That's possible. Would you please tell me if the people that come to you that includes also
those of course that you see in other countries - are required to have a certain education before
they are accepted by you?

A. No, there are no such requirements. Since what we teach is presentIy not taught in colleges
and universities, there are no set requirements. The closest was formerly taught as Natural
History which is practically non-existing nowadays at universities.

Q. Do you really believe that Alchemy is of any value today in our scientifically enlightened age?
Is alchemy not outdated and a speculative borderline pseudo science? Just look at the results of
our chemistry today and the clumsy things alchemists performed before chemistry came of age.

A. I don't agree with you when you think of alchemy only as the forerunner of our present
chemistry. Chemistry is only an outcome of alchemy. So is mineralogy, botany, pharmacy, in
fact all other branches of the arts and sciences. Alchemy comprises the natural process of
evolution and is not confined to chemistry only.

Q. But that is certainly not what the books say. Take any dictionary or encyclopedia, that will -

A. Excuse me, that is what the books say. But who says so in the books? Are those who write
and make such statements qualified to do so? Could it not be that they just take what others said
before them and just repeat what they, themselves, have not investigated?

Q. Do you believe that you could correct this?

A. Yes. To a certain extent, yes.

Q. Then why did you not do it?

A. Nobody asked me to.

Q. Well, this is a strange statement.

A. I don't think so. As long as those who write these things claim that they know about all this,
how can I expect that they will take my word for it?

Q. Why don't you give some public lectures and enlighten the public on these issues?

A. Do you think it would do much good? I have my doubts about it. You know why? Because
people going to public lectures expect at once some miracles or wonders to be performed when
the word alchemy is mentioned. They want or expect to see some transmutation or such things.
You know, like yogis that perform some physical feat or others with magical performances. You
see, the alchemy we teach has nothing to do with circus-like performances. It is strictly a
personal experience, and a very highly personal experience, and is not fit for public
demonstrations. So sorry to disappoint you again.

Q. Are you sponsored by other organizations direct or indirectly?

A. No. The PRS is not connected with any mundane organizations whatever.

Q. Are there any others besides mundane?

A. I do not know of any other such organizations.

Q. What about heavenly organizations then?

A. One could hardly envision any organizations as we understand here on earth to exist in
another sense somewhere else. At least I can't. It would then be of a mundane character.
Q. The Austrian poet and writer Hans Sterneder mentions that you made at one time the
acquaintance of a person on the street who told you various things about yourself and your
future that have come true. All this was to have taken place when you were still very young. Has
this got something to do with it?

A. There have been several occasions in my life where I have met people similar to the one you
mentioned now, but that has nothing to do with my doing the work I am engaged in.

Q. In your last book, The Alchemist of the Rocky Mountains, you relate a story about Nuristan. I
have looked all over to find such a country but I can't find it. This, too, was then all fictitious?

A. No. It is not fictitious. There actually exists such a part in Afghanistan not too far from Kabul
its capital city. Not too far means about 100 miles. Nuristan is a state or county within
Afghanistan. The Hindu Kush where it raises up towards the Western Himalayas to the
Karakoram Mountains will give you an idea where to find it. About 70,000 Nuristani live in the
very high valleys of the Hindu Kush who are mostly blonde. A very unusual occurrance that
gives much to think about. Any detailed map of Afghanistan will show you Nuristan. Such a
place as Nuristan exists to this very day, but it is very little known when you compare it to other
more widely known areas or places in Afghanistan, and can he found between 70o-72o longitude
and close to 36o latitude.

Q. I'll have to look this up when I get back.

A. You can do this right here. See this, I had this map out some days ago and haven't put it back
on file. There, right here is Nuristan, the province, and places like Kamdesh and Uama that do
exist like here, and here it is.

Q. I'll be darned. I give you an apology. Really, I thought this whole name was made up by you.

A. No. I did not make up this story about Nuristan in Afghanistan.

Q. Then tell me, why is there so much secrecy about all this?

A. I don't know what you mean by that.

Q. I mean, you know, things that are not told openly, that are kept secret like this place of the - I
don't recall the, names - something like Chagrims or the like, where all this transmutation
business went on.

A. What difference would it make where it takes place as long as it does take place. By the way,
Nuristan means: Land of the Light. That could speak for itself.

Q. Could you give me the exact location of this place you've mentioned in your book? A. No, I
can not. Some of these things just have to wait for a while.

Q. What about the place in India? Could you tell me about that?
A. Yes. The Ashram is at the Shastri Villa, Naihati W.B. India, where the Bhattacharya is
presently continuing the work of his illustrious father Benoytosh. The ancient Tridosha has a
very capable doctor as proponent there. I should mention also his devoted assistants. We are
presently preparing a tour in which we both will visit the U.S.A. and Europe and perhaps
Australia, if time permits.

Q. Will there be open public lectures?

A. Yes, in a sense, but not with the usual ballyhoo that some people from India use to arouse
attention.

Q. When will that be?

A. It has been scheduled for 1979.

*Paul Uccusic, "PSI-Resumee," Ariston Verlag, Geneva.

p.474

Uranus In The Constellations

By Carl W. Stahl

With Uranus we deal with the first planet beyond the seven planets of the ancients. Not that they
were unaware of Uranus, Nepune, Pluto and other planets still more distant from the Sun. It was
simply that they did not apply. Perhaps we should say mankind was not yet ready for their
particular rate of vibration. Even now very few are capable of responding to these outer planets
without in some way perverting the energy they receive. The position of Uranus, in our charts,
shows where and how we are different from others. Our originality and inventiveness are
indicated by Uranus. It shows the way in which our urge for freedom will manifest itself. Some
keywords of Uranus are: freedom, change, revolution, unexpected, original, drastic, different,
individual, inventive, truth and new birth. Uranus aspecting the Moon gives free and original
emotional expression. Aspecting the Sun it gives original creative thought. With Mercury it gives
new and original methods of communicating. With Venus original ideas on love and friendship.
With Mars original and new uses of aggression and action. With Jupiter original ways to joy and
expansion. With Saturn new and original methods of using restriction to produce results. With
Neptune original daydreams and methods of imaging. With Pluto origial methods of obtaining
insight and illumination. Since Uranus takes seven years to pass through one constellation it is
the first of the generation gaps. This is so because each constellation it enters will have an
entirely different idea of what is new, original and the truth. The search for freedom will be
shaded by the constellation Uranus is in.

LIBRA.
You will seek space from the monotony of everyday living by a search for love, friendship and
brotherhood throughout the circle of your environment. You will welcome to your heart all who
think, feel and are as you. Your approach to life will be a sharing of love yet there will always be
a part of you that stands aloof from the actual act, an impersonal you. Permanent ties with others
are the exception rather than the rule. You will have your own ideas about God and immortality.

SCORPIO.

Your temper is apt to be erratic and unexpected displays of the same may occur at any time. The
proper use of this energy is to put it to work helping yourself solve the problems of truth,
understanding and freedom of soul and body. Only those are truly free who think their own
thoughts, go their own way and find new uses for old processes and ideas. Because of a tendency
to want to impose our ways on others we can easily become tyrannical and overbearing.

SAGITTARIUS.

The intuitive and original methods of Uranus make it possible with this position to break the
bonds of convention and to bring about success in those areas which you consider desirable and
good. You may attain ideas that the average person scarcely dares dream about. Luck rides with
you on all that you attempt to do. Your approach to life and the professions is joyous, unusual,
changeable and eccentric. If you will reach out for truth and freedom you will find help in
unusual places.

CAPRICORN.

The normally reserved native reaches out for truth and understanding. Restriction becomes a tool
to be used in the search for freedom of expression and for progress in and through life. Practical
methods are found to use the knowledge and understanding that this position of Uranus brings.
Nothing can be used without some restriction being applied and it is the proper use and degree
that foreshadows success on an planes of manifestation. Freedom on all planes of consciousness
of which the native is capable of reaching.

AQUARIUS.

The planet of freedom here brings freedom from the restraint of tradition and the past. The native
seeks the truth without regard to what others in authority may have said or expounded about it.
The true reality behind the apparent is here sought. "My way" is what the native stresses and he
may be so blinded in defending his way that sometimes he loses his way in a jumble of words. A
wonderful opportunity to discover nature's laws and bring them to practical fruition. One who
may niake the truth visible to others.

PISCES.

Uranus here risks being used simply to bring about new and original ways of enjoying the
relaxing things in life. New methods of preparing food, new kinds of drink, new waysof enjoying
life. But beyond this the native has the ability to tune in on the cycles of life and by this means
bring joy and happiness in the lives of others. Nature's laws, properly used, always lead to
success in whatever form the director thereof wishes. A tendency to gamble and take chances
with unexpected results.

ARIES.

Leadership ability and initiative that involve more than the physical level of consciousness.
Because of your intuitive faculties you have the ability to sense the result of acions appplied and
this could make you a gifted and farsighted leader. Ability to foretell other's reactions to your
actions. This makes for a good tactician. You must watch your almost automatic reaction to all
problems with force, whether it is to people or things. Force must be diluted with understanding
that others also have rights as well as obligations.

TAURUS.

The normally placid and peace loving native may become eccentric and unpredictable in his
search for love and companionship. Love on a higher level could replace the more normal
expression on a physical level. Love, friendship and companions are sought for everywhere the
native may travel. Physical love, although still strong, takes a back seat to the search for an
impersonal love that exists only on the mental and soul levels. Only love that is expressed on all
levels of consciousness of which the native is capable is true love.

GEMINI.

Native finds it easy to understand the ideas that others are directing his way. He still finds it
difficult to look more deeply into any subject that comes to his :attention. Now, however, the
intuitive qualities of the planet Uranus gives him the ability to grasp at a glance what would
normally have been skipped over entirely. Because of your unique ability to communicate our
ideas to others you find it easy to use this knowledge for profit as well as increasing the world's
knowledge. Tendency to, seek to shock others with your knowledge rather than put it to practical
use.

CANCER.

You have original moods and. feelings that seem strange and eccentric to others. You seem to
feel that things are so and they are. The intuition of Uranus works emotionally instead of through
the thinking apparatus. Your imagination may take you to the far corners of the universe and
conversely only as far as your next emotional contact. You may have a tendency to, strange dress
and behavior which will get you talked about. The humdrum life is not for you and you will
wander far in your search for emotional contacts.

LEO.

Your leadership qualities are enhanced by your intuitive understanding of truth and freedom.
You realize that it is not enough to rule, you must be an enlightened ruler. Your approach to
ruling others is original as well as different. The Leo strong person finds it difficult not to
attempt to rule those he contacts. It is as natural as breathing but this position gives you
knowledge, understanding and possibly even wisdom which may make it possible for you to do
your thing without imposing your will on others.

VIRGO.

Natives ability to plan is here enhanced by an intuitive understanding of what the end result will
be. Shortcuts in doing the job are the natural result of this position of Uranus. Intuition
supersedes thought and surpasses the speed of light where problems or schemes are concerned.
The native must learn to enter the silence to obtain the most from this position, for only when all
is quiet does the soul consciousness respond to requests for knowledge and understanding.
Because of their quick response to all problems they make excellent businessmen if so inclined.

QUOTATIONS FROM THE PYMANDER

Listen within yourself and look into the infinitude of Space and Time. There can be heard the
songs of the Constellations, the voices of the Numbers, and the harmonies of the Spheres.

To know divine thought, 0 souls, you descend and painfully ascend the path of the seven planets
and of their seven heavens.

The sleep of the body is the sober watchfulness of the mind and the shutting of my eyes reveals
the true Light.

Holy is God, who is determined that He shall be known, and who is known by His own to whom
He reveals Himself.

p.477

Meditation And The Western Tradition

By Hans W. Nintzel

The Psalmist said: "My meditation on him will be sweet. I will be glad the Lord" (Ps. 104-34)
"Give ear to my words oh Lord, consider my meditations" (Ps. 5-1). We even find the idea of
meditation in the very first book of the Bible where we read: "And Isaac went out into the field to
meditate" (Gen. 24-63). In the New Testament Jesus gives advice along these lines as: "But thou,
when thou prayest enter into thy closet and when thou shut thy door, pray to the Father which is
in secret and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly" (Matt. 6 6). This
admonition was adumbrated centuries before in the Old Testament, Psalms 46-10, "Be still. And
know that I AM God." The ancient Hebrew canonical text, the Zohar, refers to two kinds of
prayer. Those that are words of the mouth and "the Prayer of Silence," those that are the secret
meditations of the heart. The Prayer of Silence is said to be a silent, unexpressed and
inexpressible type of Prayer which conceals the Mystery of Perfect Union in the Divine Essence.
Further, that the Prayer of Silence is actually spoken by the Divine Voice within us. (Zohar Pt. 1,
fol 169a) Meditation, or Dhyana Yoga, is spoken of extensively in both the Bhagavad Gita and
the, Upanishads. In the former (V1, 9-14) we find very precise instructions on how to meditate.
The idea should be clear now that meditation is a very old practice and once was, or still is,
espoused by the leading world religions.

This is all well and good but it would perhaps seem that such a subject is a little out of place in a
publication dealing with alchemy, qabalah and astro-cyclical pulsations. Not that the
alchemistical student is not a religious person per se, but meditation, well, it sounds so Eastern.
This is the western tradition we speak of in these pages. Can there be a connection between
meditation and the subjects listed foregoing? Can there be a place in the life of the alchemical
student for meditation? It is the purpose of this article to show that not only is there a connection
between all western tradition disciplines but that meditation should be a sine qua non in ANY
spiritual pursuit, Alchemy or otherwise.

There is certainly a wealth of evidence that there are benefits outside these recondite pursuits
through use of meditation. The quotes from the Sacred texts bear this out. The American prophet,
Edgar Cayce in his readings often talked of the importance of meditation. For example: "For ye
must learn to meditate just as ye have learned to walk, talk" (281-41). Again, "Through
meditation may the greater help be gained" (287-2). In the "Secret of the, Golden Flower,"
translated by Wilhelm we read: "Children take heed! If for a day you do not practice meditation,
the light streams out, who knows wither. If you only meditate for a quarter of an hour, by it you
can do away with ten thousand aeons and a thousand births. All methods end in quietness. This
marvelous magic cannot be fathomed." In his book Raja Yoga the great master of Yoga,
Vivekenanda said: "The meditative state is the highest state of existence."

One of the early German qabalists was Eleazar of Worms (1165-1238). He was the spiritual
leader of a group of qabalists that were ecstatics in nature. They heavily 'were into' meditation
and contemplation. Another well known qabalist was Abraham ben Samuel, better known as
Abulafia. Born in Spain in 1240, Abulafia wrote extensively on the qabalah. In his writings, he
laid down rules for body posture to be followed by the student as he meditated on the Sephiroth.
of the Tree of Life. He also prescribed a precise breathing discipline to be followed. Such
disciplines are, of course, also at the heart of every Yoga system and various others as well.
Interestingly, the Sephiroth, particularly those of the middle pillar, seem to correspond nicely
with the psychic centers known as cakras or chakras. The Sephira MaIkuth corresponds with the
Muladhara cakra and Kether with the Sahasrara. Kether, the receptable for downpouring light
and the Sahasrara cakra the end of the journey for the rising Kundalini whence enlightenment is
received. It might be argued that Yesod, being associated with the reproductive organs, is a better
correspondence for the Muladhara and that Malkuth might correspond with the Kundalini. It
could lead to some interesting discoveries to follow this out.

The Kundalini, of course, is that energy sleeping at the base of the spine. It is likened to a serpent
coiled three and one-half times. The idea of Yogic exercises is to awaken the slumbering
Kundalini and cause it to, ascend the spinal column or middle pillar. As it passes through the
various cakras, or Sephiroth, these psychic centers are awakened and add to the spiritual growth
of the practitioner.

Not too long ago, there lived a husband and wife, Richard and Isabella Ingalese who were
spiritual teachers. They were, in addition, alchemists and, according to a little booklet entitled
"They Made the Philosopher's Stone," they tell a marvelous account of how in fact they produced
that Opus Magnum, the Stone. The Ingalese' books were many and covered diverse topics
dealing with the occult arts, qabalah, alchemy and the like. In one of these, "The History and
Power of the Mind" Richard Ingalese had much to say about meditation. The right kind and the
wrong kind. Ordinary and "philosophical" meditation. Amongst other things he wrote "You go
into meditation for the purpose of receiving knowledge from the highest source of knowledge. "

There are few who, have not heard of Albertus Magnus. This noted alchemist wrote on minerals
and metals and in one of his tracts "De Adhaerendo Deo" we find a most insightful exposition of
what might be called the "mechanics" of what meditation is. He wrote:"When St. John says that
God is a Spirit and that he must be worshipped in Spirit", he means that the mind must be
cleared of all images. 'When thou prayest, shut thy doors.' That is, the doors of thy senses ... keep
them barred and bolted against all phantasms and images. Nothing pleases God more than a
mind free from all distractions and occupations. Such a mind is, in a manner, transformed into
God for it can think of nothing and understand nothing except God, other creatures and itself it
only sees in God. He who penetrates into himself, and so transcends himself, ascends truly to
God. He whom I love and desire is above all that is sensible and all that is intelligible sense and
imagination cannot bring us to Him, but only the desire of a pure heart. This brings us into the
darkness of the mind, whereby we can ascend to the contemplation of even the mysteries of the
Trinity. Do not think about the world or thy friends, nor about the past, present or future; but
consider thyself to be outside the world and alone with God, as if thy soul were already
separated from the body, and no longer have any interest in peace or war, or the state of the
world. Leave the body and fix thy gaze on the uncreated Light. Let nothing come between thee
and God."

What Albertus Magnus is saying, of course, is that God is not corporeal and therefore cannot be
communicated with via corporeal means. Yet, there IS a link to facilitate communication
between man and God. This link is Mind. Through mind, man and God may interconnect. Unite.
It is in this spiritual meeting ground of the mind that the manifestation of the Divine may blend
with the essence of the mundane. The process for this is meditation.

Basil Valentine was a Benedictine Monk and an alchemist. In his book the "Triumphal, Chariot
of Antimony" he speaks of correct and incorrect meditation. One of the five prerequisites he
poses for success in alchemy is contemplation. Contemplation is a higher form of meditation.
Valentine discovered incredible curative powers in a mineral-metal substance known as
antimony. A substance that was known to be poisonous. He used various preparations of this
substance to cure both physical and spiritual disorders of his brother monks. And where did the
information come from that Valentine possessed on how to treat the substance to wring from it
curative powers? While the precise answer was never directly given, Valentine indicates the
information did come to him from God. It is not a difficult conclusion to reach that his
revelations occurred during this contemplative state he suggests.
Let us look once more at the Qabalah and its connection with meditation. We find Leo Schaya, a
respected writer on the subject, indicating that Chokmah, the second Sephira on the Tree of Life,
has a second meaning in addition to the well known one of "wisdom." This second meaning, in
phonetic Hebrew, is Mahshabah, which is translated as either "thought" or, more aptly,
"meditation."

The Tree is usually represented as a uni-planar, flat lineal figure. However, qabalistic studies
reveal the Tree to he operative in four planes or the "Four Worlds" as thy are called. These
worlds, Atziluth, Briah, Yetzirah and Assiah, actually represent levels of consciousness. The
meditations on the paths of the Tree are designed to "change" these levels of consciousness.
Aleister Crowley even defined "Magick" as the ability to cause changes, in consciousness, by
Will, Denning and Phillips discuss this aspect in their book "The Magical Philosophy" which is
the third in a series of five books dealing with magic, etc. In the appendix of this volume are to
be found a series of exercises called "Path Workings." These are easily discerned to be
meditative practices. The end of the exercises is to integrate the various worlds or levels of
consciousness.

Note that the word Yoga means to join or to unite. From "yoke." Unite what? Why these levels
of consciousness. To integrate them. Alain Danielou declares Yoga to be THE method of
reintegration, in his book of the same name. Concerning changes of consciousness, Paul Brunton
in "The Secret Path" had this to say: "You cannot show my intellect that God, the Absolute, the
Spirit, call it what you may, exists, but you can show this to me by changing my consciousness
(i.e., raising the level of consciousness) until it can participate in the consciousness of God
within me."

Carl, Jung, the great Swiss psychologist and student of alchemy, was also a proponent of
meditation as a means of integration of these levels of consciousness. In Ralph Metzner's "Maps
of Consciousness," we read: "The work of alchemy consisted in integrating and transmuting
these (the four) elements, these levels of consciousness. They need to be integrated because in
the normal condition of man they are in a state of conflict and confusion. " This state of
confusion that Metzner speaks of could well be what the ancient alchemists meant when they
referred to "chaos" or "nigredo," the blackness. Metzner further went on to identify this
disorganized state of mind as being that condition Gurdjieff had in mind when he talked of the
individual being besieged by "many 'I's'."

J. F. C. Fuller, a one-time disciple of the Golden Dawn and a sometime biographer of Aleister
Crowley, wrote a book on Yoga. In it he wrote; "The key to deliverance is meditation which
opens the lock of concentration; then the door of attainment swings open and the aspirant enters
a higher dimension of consciousness the super-conscious world."

The integration process, of these various worlds, can be perhaps equated to those alchemical
states known as solution and coagulation. Solve' et Coagula. It must be borne in mind that there
ARE two aspects to, alchemy, the practical and the spiritual. Terms that apply to one aspect may
well apply, in a different sense, to the other aspect. C. C. Zain points this out in his book on
Spiritual Alchemy and A. E. Waite, that prolific translator of arcane texts also makes a case for
this. However, Waite may have vacillated from a stand on practical alchemy to one on spiritual
alchemy. Paracelsus also had some thoughts on this subject and is quoted by Carl Jung in
"Alchemical Studies" (Vol. XIII of his collected works) as follows: "The impure animate body
must be purified through the separation of the elements." Sounds like Metzner! Paracelsus went
on to say: "this is done by your meditatng on it."

Dave Edwards in his fine book "Dare to Make Magic" posed an interesting question. He said that
yes, it certainly was necessary to perform magic so that one may raise his/her level of
consciousness. Then he asked, "Why should we want to raise our level of consciousness?" The
foregoing a recurrent theme of the early mystical writer Plotinius, seems to answer the questions
nicely. We need to raise our levels of consciousness (and integrate them) in order to perceive the
workings of a higher order. We cannot observe the workings of the machinery of the universe
whilst still stationed at Malkuth. The veils of Paroketh must be rent and the abyss crossed ere we
fathom the mysteries concealed by the black veils of Binah. In other words, to become more
spiritual, we need to pullaway from the mundane toward the spiritual realms. As we progress
through the spheres, our vision becomes less clouded and our understanding increases.

The way to become attuned to vibrations of a higher order is to volitionally try and merge with
them. One way of doing this is, of course, meditation. Therefore, it would be well to view
meditation as a discipline quite eclectic and not posited on the east or west exclusively. It is a
part of qabalah and alchemy. Charles Ponce in his book "The Kabbalah" reached a startling
conclusion on a venerable old tome of alchemy, the Aesch Mezareph. He says, " (It is) an
ancient alchemical treatise and it is unclear whether it is the product of Hebrew or Christian
Kabbalism(!) It sets out the system of the Sephiroth in alchemical terms but was probably
intended more as a meditational instrument than as a textbook of alchemy."

I think the point should be made by now that the ancient qabalists and alchemists not only
advocated meditation, but they practiced it. While their rationale may certainly have, differed the
end result, in the main, was enlightenment. Consider what a blessing this could be as we pore
over the obscure and misleading words of the ancients. If the good Lord would shed some light
on these writings, why we might be able to utilize them for good purposes. Well then, we have a
fine recommendation from the very writers of these works on how to overcome that dilemma.
Meditate.

Resting our case that meditation should be part of the daily practice of every alchemistical
student, let us see just what meditation is. And isn't. The very word may conjure up a vision of
loin-clothed yogis, eyes closed, legs wrapped about the back of the neck and off in a trance.
Actually, this IS a possible form of meditation and it DOES have eastern roots as well as western
roots. Today the eastern "flavor" is dominant as we have a plethora of teachers, Gurus and
masters of all sorts "pushing" meditation. Yet, there is an air of unattachment about it all. The
Maharishi mahesh Yogi himself declares his 'Transcendental Meditation" to be non-secular with
no "isms" attached, A private researcher, Dr. Hugh Drummond is quoted in the March 1976 issue
of Mother Jones magazine as saying, "The physiological benefits (more on the physiological
benefits later) of meditation are pretty well established and appear to be independent of any
particular method, ideology or cosmology." And so it is.
Meditation is the language of the heart. The Prayer of Silence. The outward prayer may be
forced, embellished or even faked. The inner prayer cannot. No human can hear this and make a
judgment, or be fooled. It is between you and that which IS The Creator. This idea is so,
beautifully expressed by a Sufi poet and mystic, Jalal Ud Din Rumi who lived from 1207 to
1273. He was the spearhead of the Sufi movement as we know it today. In his mystical writings
was the following beautiful passage which, while not necessarily referring to meditation per se,
captures an essence. This prose is as follows:

"A voice came from God to Moses....

I am not purified by their praises,
'Tis they who become pure and shining thereby.
I regard not the outside and the words,
I regard the inside and the state of the heart.
I look at the heart if it be humble,
Though the words may be the reverse of humble.
Because the heart is substance and the words accidents.
Accidents are only a means, substance is the final cause.
A burning heart is what I want; consort with burning.
Kindle in thy heart the flame of love."

In more practical terms, meditation is a method of withdrawing from the outer to the inner. It is a
way of stilling the mind. It is a state of activepassivity if you will. That is, while stilling the
mind, one is actively "waiing," anticipating. An observed with expectancy, hushed expectancy. It
is in the very real sense of the word, a communion. A meeting in the mind of the mundane and
the Divine. In this place does enlightenment dawn. In this hushed stillness can we hear the voice
of the One that pervades all. It is when we block out the outer distractions and noises that we
hear what we yearn to hear. Our beloved. Our maker.

"How" to do it is easy enough. There are actually several "types" of meditative practices. How
they differ is only in technique. One such method is that of Transcendental Meditation. Here, one
is given a mantra in an initiatory ceremony. The mantra is a word or a phrase, usually in
Sanskrit. The TM-er will sit quietly and allow his or her personal mantra, for such it is, to
"come." It wells up from the inner being and "sounds" in the body. The "repetition" of the
Mantra helps block out the distracting influences and has an influence of its own. That is, the
mantra is especially selected for the practitioner by someone well versed in this technique. Thus,
the mantra will have a particularly beneficial "resonant" effect on the practitioner. Almost like
tuning a circuit to its natural frequency.

This is one use of a mantra. Another way is not so much as an "aid" but as a preamble. The
recitation of a particular mantra prior to meditation (as opposed to during meditation ala TM)
will set the mood as it were. Every Indian child is taught a "universal" mantra known as the
"Gayatri" mantra. This mantra is supposedly the "highest" mantra there is. Interestingly, Gayatri
is Devi Gayatri or a feminine aspect of Diety. Mother Gayatri. Further, She is a solar deity and
would correspond to Tiphareth on the Tree of Life. At this sphere we also find the Christ
consciousness. So, on a Hebrew glyph, we find the Eastern concept of a feminine God equated to
the Christian concept of the aspect of God which corresponds to the Egyptian slain God Osiris
and there we go! Let me add that I have personally found the practice of meditation preceded by
the Gayatri mantra an efficacious method. I can recommend it from my experience with it. But
by all means try your particular likes first. They will all result, one day, in what Patanjali said
was the breakthrough of the duality of devotion into the unity of self and God.

R. Straughn In his book "Meditation Techniques of the Kabalists, Vedantans and Taoists" writes:
The object of meditation then, is to lead you back to our proper identity, to your proper role. That
of an uninvolved seer (se-er) and Willer of events. In Jane Roberts book "The Nature of
Personality" this idea is dilated upon to some length. That we are the authors of the play, the
director, the stage setters and the audience. Then we forget all by playing all the roles of all the
characters simultaneously.

Straughn also has a provocative little item in the same book. He provides information on Dhumo
Breathing, a technique espoused by Lama Govinda and mentioned in the "Tibetan Book of the
Dead." Basically, this technique is used to raise the body heat, amongst other things. Straughn
makes the following statement in his exposition on the Dhumo: "The ambitous student, armed
with what has been given here, should try to work out the correspondences between the
breathing exercises and the sublimation of the procreative agent with the literature on alchemy,
for they both deal with the same subject. A fact missed by those who, believing Yoga to deal
basically with asanas and meditation, fail to grasp its alchemical aspect ... the sublimation of the
procreative agent: Mercury."

Meditation is really a very simple practice. It is one thing that can be done in the privacy of a
room, whilst alone in a forest and, for those more adept at the subject, in a crowd unbeknownst
to those present. However, many are too prone to complicate that which is simple. Father Elias, a
member of the Carmelite Order in Haifa Israel, described it thusly: "In the first phase of
meditation, we are alone in the dark room of the universe. We may think about God, we may talk
about Him but He remains a distant object in our minds. In the second phase of meditation, all of
a sudden God makes His presence felt in the darkness. He begins to illuminate our souls. he
makes us aware of His presence, analagous to the awareness we have of the objects around us.
Love has entered a new phase. It is love between Two. We become aware that God loves US!" In
'Practice of the Presence', Joel Goldsmith refers to meditation as ". . . an invitation for God to
speak to us." Roy Eugene Davis in his "An Easy Guide to Meditation" reinforces R. Straughn's
thoughts by saying ". . . we appear (in meditation) to be at the center of it all, as the witness or
the observed."

The practitioner of meditation will one day observe an interesting phenomena. He will look
forward to, nay yearn, for the moment of meditation. For some, it is the only time for a little
"peace and quiet." Yet, it is more than that, much more. And even though, at the onset,
meditation may seem a chore, it will soon become a much desired practice. The Irish mystic
George Russell, writing under the pen name of AE, eloquently expressed -his feeling in his
beautiful and lyric book, "The Candle of Vision." Referring to meditation he said, "The dark
caverns of the brain begin to grow luminous. We are creating our own light. By heat of will and
aspiration we are transmuting what is gross in the subtle aethers through which the mind works.
As the dark bar of metal begins to glow, at first redly, and then at white heat, or as ice melts and
is alternately fluid, vapor, gas and at last, radiant energy, so do these others become purified
and alchemically changed into luminous essences, and they make a new vesture for the soul and
link us to a mid world, or heavenward, where, they too have their own home. How quick the
mind is now! How vivid is the imagination! We are lifted above the tumult of the body. The heat
of the blood disappears below us. We draw nigher to ourselves. The heart longs for the hour of
meditation and hurries to it; and, when it comes, we rise within ourselves as a diver too long
under the sea arises to breathe the air, to see the light. We have invoked the God and we are
answered according to, the promise of old." Russell was indeed a mystic but I bet he had an
athanor hidden away in a closet! A different view on the subject, a "now" view, is offered by
Edwin C. Steinbrecher his book "Guide Meditation." This technique is a departure from what we
might call "classical" meditation. It involves the use of a Guide as found on what can be called
the "astral level." The idea is to seek out someone or something that has been through it all
before and can help us along, put us in touch with the data we seek. Steinbrecher explains his
technique this way: "Guide Meditation is the product of the mingling of a number of spiritual
and philosophical streams; astrology, tarot, alchemy, analytical psychology, qabalah and the
Western Tradition which encompasses the Graeco-Judaeo-Christian spiritual heritage of the
West. The Guide Mediation is a transformative process concerned with assimilating the
disparate energies which exist in the human unconscious into the unified wholeness that is the
awakened, enlightened being inherent in each of us, thus ending the illusions which cause
separation, guilt and judgment." J. J. van der Leeuw said exactly the same thing, only in different
terms and using a different "method" in his book, "Conquest of Illusion."

It might be well at this juncture to clear up, as best we can, the misunderstanding that often
arises between what is known as "concentration" and meditation. The two are totally different
but the difference, while real, is subtle. In "Concentration" Ernest Woods writes: "Meditation is
a complete flow of thought about an object which you have concentrated on." As an example,
Woods postulates a flower. We concentrate on it thinking, as it were, of its color, its petals, scent
and letting in these related areas of thought. This is concentrating. Then the thoughts might go
"Come in little flower, into my lonely mind. And as you meditate with the flower, soon you will be
worshipping the flower and saying: 'Wonderful flower. Holy flower, forgive me, forgive my
contumely and my pride. And the flower will forgive. And there will be love and ecstacy. That is
meditation."

Patanjali put it succintly: "Concentration is the binding of the mind to one place. Meditation is
continued effort there." And Woods again, in a different book: "Mind and Memory Training"
states: "Concentration ends where meditation begins. Concentration involved contraction of the
field of mental vision but meditation involves its expansion. Concentration is the unwavering
focussing of the attention on any object to the exclusion of any other object. One starts by
thinking about an object, the narrowing down the field so that one thinks of the object until
finally the whole consciousness is filled with this object." Rammurti Mishra would add: "And we
become the object" (Fundamentals of Yoga).

In his definitive work on the subject "Concentration and Meditation," Christmas Humphrey
defined the purpose of meditation being to: "dominate the lower separative self, to develop the
mind's own higher faculties towards a vision of life's essential unity and to unite this dual
process into one continuous spiritual unfolding." In "Yoga and Western Psychology," Geraldine
Coster formulates a set of 'steps' for meditation. These are: (1) Sense of direction, or the will, (2)
the instrument of thought or the mind (3)for the object on which concentration is being attempted
and (4) inobtrusive ideas or distractions. She further quantifies stages in the meditative process
as being (a) selection of a subject (b) deliberation and (c) contemplation, She indicates that this is
an awareness of the object as thought. The mind being transformed into the object. These three
stages correspond nicely to what Mishra defined as (a) Conscious Mind (b) Sub-conscious mind
and (c) Super-conscious mind. These stages, dharana, dhyana and samadhi may also correspond
to those levels of the mind known as alpha, delta and theta levels. Let us briefly examine some of
the more or less "mechanical" aspects of mediation. What typeshould he used? What
paraphenalia, if any? As to the former, W. Y. Evans-Wentz sets out a number of aphorisms in
"Tibetan Yoga and Secret Doctrines" that apply well. These are (listed under 'Ten Best Things')
"(1) For one of little intellect, the best meditation is complete concentration of the mind on a
single object (2) For one of ordinary intellect, the best meditation is unbroken concentration of
the mind on the two dualistic concepts, phenomena/noumena and consciousness and (3) for one
of superior intellect, the best meditation is to remain in mental quiesence, the mind devoid of all
thought processes, knowing that the meditator, the object of meditation, and the act of meditating
constitute an inseparable entity." This is as good a starting place as any but seems a little rigid.
The really best thing is to try ANYthing. You will soon get the hang of it. Just DO it.

How about posture, clothing, incense and so on? The answer here is there is really no hard and
fast "correct" set of rules. What ever turns you on! If glowing candles or incense helps to create
an atmosphere conducive to meditating, do it. Fresh flowers "feel right?" Go get some fresh
flowers but remember this is a daily discipline and daily fresh flowers could be a little
troublesome. As for clothing, the less clothing the better. Binding garments and such are really
impediments and distractions. Up, tight about nudity? Wear a robe or a blanket. What KIND of
incense? Some say Sandalwood is conducive towards meditation. Can't prove it by me. I just like
one that smells nice! Beads? Why not. Must they be Sandalwood or must they be rudrnksha?
Who says so? And posture. Well now, this IS an important point. The better the posture, the
better will be the results. The "Lotus" posture is best. Why? well if you consider the body to be a
mass of electrical and nervous energies, the position of the parts of the body can make for good
or poor "conduction" of these energies. They can also "shunt" energy to where it is best utilized.
Maybe not the best analogy but it should do.

If you cannot, for physical or other reasons sit in a Lotus posture, do, a free Lotus. How about
simply sitting cross-legged? Or even in a chair. Really, the asanas are good, but many of us are
just not oriented or physically constructed for a full Lotus or "the Thunderer." The "God"
position may be just what the doctor ordered! (i.e., sitting "normally" upright in a chair). The
main thing is to keep the spine straight. The ancient Yogis postulated some reasons for various
postures and "mudras" (finger positions or gestures). The idea of the Lotus position, or at least a
cross-legged posture is that it is an aid to the inspiration of breath as a regulatory device.
Maintaining equilibrium was to regulate the vital heat of the body while maintaining an erect
spinal column regulated the nervous fluids pervading the body and bending (slightly forward) of
the neck help regulate the breath's expiration. Finally, the pressing of the tongue against the roof
of the mouth and focusing the gaze caused the vital forces to enter the median nerve, the
Sushumna. In other words, the erect spinal column along with the latter discipline aided in
raising the Kundalini.
As our final "look" at meditation and the western tradition, let us now bring this spiritual
discipline, for such it is, into the laboratory. Perhaps, just as alchemy can be demonstrated, we
can find actual physical evidence of benefits provided by meditation. First of all we can consider
a mental aspect. Dr. F. I. Regardie in his book "Twelve Steps to Spiritual Enlighenment"
indicates that the act of concentration leads to the development of the will and an enhancement
of the image-building process. That is, the ability to visualize is improved, a function of great
importance to anyone treading the path of the magician. That this is so is verified by Dr. Roberto
Assagioli in his book "An Act of Will." We find there a series of exercises designed to strengthen
the will and we discern that they are, largely, concentration and meditative type exercises.

For further occular evidence we can cite several scientific studies that have been performed. It is
true that the bulk of these did concern themselves with Transcendental type of Meditation, but
meditation it is. In SCIENCE Magazine, the March, 1970 issue, a study conducted by Dr. Robert
Kieth Wallace of the Dept, of Physiology, School of Medicine, Center for the Health Sciences in
Los Angeles was featured. The summary of this study is as follows:

Oxygen consumption, heart rate, skin resistance and electro-encephalograph measurements were
recorded before, during and after the practice of TM by subjects. There were significant changes
between the control period and the meditation period in all measurements. During meditation,
oxygen consumption and heart rate decreased, skin resistance increased and the electro-
encephalograph showed specific changes in certain frequencies. These results seem to
distinguish the state produced by TM from commonly encountered states of consciousness and
suggest that TM has practical applications.

Tests at the Harvard Medical Unit of Boston Memorial Hospital showed that oxygen
consumption dropped sharply and carbon dioxide elimination also decreased sharply during
meditation. In the April 1974 issue of "Psychology Today" we find that while using meditators in
a study of blood pressure, Herbert Benson noted that 19 of his 20 volunteers had given up the use
of drugs. According to their own testimony, changes in consciousness due to marijuana, LSD
and heroin had become very distasteful since their introduction to meditation. Studies by the U.S.
Army, the Greens at Menninger and countless other very rigid, very scientific studies show there
ARE physical, measurable benefits to be gained by meditating. Even children benefit as shown
by a study in the Eastchester N.Y. public schools, conducted by F. G. Driscoll, supt. of schools.
Tests showed that students who meditated were less anxious about taking tests, improved their
grades and got along better with fellow students AND parents.

We are all on a beautiful spiritual quest utilizing the rigors of qabalah and alchemy to aid in
finding Truth. The truth about nature and the truth about ourselves, why we are who we are.
Whence we came, whither we go. At the same time we need to be concerned about the care, and
feeding of the bodies that house these egos, these souls. Now if indeed meditation not only
provides the meeting place for Divine communication but in fact provides mental and physical
benefits, it would seem that practicing meditation should become a part of our daily curriculum.
The evidence is overwhelming from all sides. Those who advocate physical enhancement
through meditation prove it with their galvanic devices and electro-encephalographs. Even the
mental aspects of growth in will and visualization are a praxis that can be observed. And for
spiritual growth? Countless millions will attest to a new serenity, a new peace of mind, to
enlightenment and, at last, a merging into the vast and all pervading SOURCE. That which IS.
God. Jehovah. Allah. Lord. Krisna. Brahm. The Solar Logos Gayatri. By whatever name we use,
we are enabled now to feel the fullness of the love of the Father for the Child, to hear, to speak
and be heard. Given this, shouldn't WE be meditating?

Turn inward for your voyage!

For all your arts,
You will not find the Stone In foreign parts.
- Angelus Silesius +

According to Orpheus, all existence is suspended from one immeasurable good - the Sovereign
Principle. The cause of all things, denominated The One, iq also the good and the first; the good
because it is the source, the manifestation of the virtues; the first because it is the summit of all
natures, anterior to both the gods and nature.

The Orphic concept of God is one of thhe noblest ever conceived by the human reason - Deity is
no longer a person or an anthropomorphic entity abiding in some empyreal sphere,
administering despotic powers over mundane affairs. God is revealed as an eternally-abiding
good, an ever-flowing fountain of truth and law, omnipotent unity, omniscient reality. In this
interpretation Deity is not a being, but the source of beings; not light, but the source of light; not
mind, but the source of mind; the hidden origin of all revealed things.
- TWELVE WORLD TEACHERS, Manly P. Hall.

p. 488

The Four Elements

By Frater K.H.

Fire
The preceding three elements so far discussed symbolize one primary hidden basic activity of
one essential force or motion, one essential quality. This invisible quality or activity has been
slowly preparing our vegetable matter. Thus, our fire is invisible and not perceptible to the
senses. We refer here to the activity of fire in a philosophical sense rather than to the common
thermal energy with which we are so familiar.

Fire is the last of our elements and as the last it will be first, as it was first. In our philosophical
effort we must learn to deal with and distinguish between two fires or sulphurs. One originates in
our substance and the other plays a part but does not enter into our substance. If you find
yourself objecting to the vagueness and indirection of the above, you'll have to console yourself
as we are merely restating the works of the sages.
To further confuse the issue we'll quote from the Hermetic Museum, "The New Chemical Light,"
page 137:

"This element is the most passive of all, and resembles a chariot: when it is drawn it moves;
when it is not drawn, it stands still. It exists imperceptibly in all things; and of it is fashioned the
vital rational soul, which distinguishes man from all other animals, and makes him like God.
This rational soul was divinely infused into his vital spirit by God, and entitles him to be
regarded as a microcosm, or small world by himself. But the fire which surrounds the Throne of
God is of an infinitely pure and simple essence, and this is the reason that no impure soul can
know God, and that no human eye can penetrate this essential fire, for fire is the death and
destruction of everything composite - and all material substances are of this nature."

The philosophical fire used in the preparation of the philosopher's vegetable matter is of a nature
that requires a philosophical bent of mind, For thousands of years men and women have
struggled vainly to understand the nature of this secret fire. Due to its uniqueness, none could by
pointing say that fire would be discerned or evident by observation alone. A unique quality is
required to penetrate the obvious and commonplace. That which all students search for has been
hidden in the obvious and commonplace areas of life. We stress the word commonplace, as until
the student is enlightened that which is common will always remain so. This is one reason why
the sages and philosophers so loved the "common folV; they were so close to IT.

We may spend our entire lives busily separating common substances in one way or another and
for one of many purposes. For example, can one recall how many cups of coffee or tea have
passed through one's lips before the meaning of the word tincture became evident? What is
tincture? Where does it come from? Why is that which is tincture combustible? Soul is tincture!
To some this statement is commonplace; to others who know the meaning this is a strong
statement. One could devote a whole book to tincture alone and not be finished. All work upon
the vegetable matter pales into insignificance in comparison to the finished product which is pure
living tincture. If it were dead there would be no tincture and it would not be capable of
generating life, separating the pure from the impure, for tincture reveals to us the presence of
life. The fire for which the student so earnestly looks is hidden in this mysterious product,
tincture. There is the menstruum and that essence which tinctures it. When the subject has
completed digestion, the entire body becomes a tingling living mass. As long as tincture can be
separated into two substances the work is not complete. The union of male and female has not
yet taken place. There are degrees of maturity within our subject as relates to its tincture. It is the
attribute of discernment which is required when we regard tincture and its degree of maturity.

So it is during the past three seasons of winter, spring and summer that our invisible fire has been
working in a most commonplace manner to mature our earth. It is in the fall season that the
tinctures, as regarding degrees of maturity, are permitted to become evident. The colors of fall
are the first visible sign of the invisible activity which has been going on. It is for this reason we
should be cheered and comforted by the glorious sight of color which nature unfolds. The season
of fall speaks to us and says agmy activity is your justification that your efforts are not in vain
and there is reason for hope and God is not dead, as the detractions of life would have one and all
believe." This life is a virtue received at the hands of our creator and given to all without stint.
Thus it is, we as living beings are what we are due to the degree of fire and maturity of our living
tincture.

We are all at various stages (not evolution) or degrees of living maturity, which has been
determined by the proportions of raw materials available and the degree of the maturing fire
present at the time of conception. Would not our success or failure in the work of the vegetable
stone also be predetermined by the same law of proportion and fire?

Do we hear a tiny troubled voice speaking? "But I am not a vegetable matter, a potato or carrot, 1
am a living body of flesh, blood and bone, I'm human!" Whether we wish to acknowledge it or
not, all are under this same law and that which grows must obey or perish.

By now a new spirit of inquiry should be developing within the mind of the reader, and those
who are perceptive. are already aware that we have deliberately ommited speaking of another
phase.

It is most unfortunate that so many always tend to identify functions of soul, mind and body from
the viewpoint of the body alone. We shall begin at this point of reference, as commonly accepted
by the general concept of our society. All of the foregoing as presented, pertained to the body
only as a growing and maturing entity. This physical body must obey the same laws of maturity
as any vegetable matter. This holds true for the three kingdoms, as all have some proportion of
the three essentials, sulphur, salt, and mercury. The inner invisible fire matures these three
essentials and thereby the physical body is built up to the age of maturity. At this point a decline
begins, unless THAT which is missing is supplied; the inner thermal activity begins to decline
and, if not replenished, the physical body will experience a break down. Of the three elements
fire came first and is also the last. We mention three elements as fire is common to earth, air and
water. This missing or suppressed ingredient accounts for the frigidity and decline which we call
old age. We must stress that all these points touched upon should be viewed through hermetic
philosophy only, as no other frame of reference will suffice.

God made man from the dust of the earth and to the dust he shall return. So it is that animal man
and woman must obey the law "that which nature produces must die." Fall is upon us and a sense
of cold and death from winter is in the air. We look about but here is no escape. We see the first
leaves, gloriously colored, begin their slow final journey to earth. No form or shape as produced
by nature without the assistance of art can be permanent. The eye of the soul stares transfixed by
the outward appearance of things as they are not. We shudder with an inward fear that comes
upon us unbidden and we tremble at the implication of our thoughts. Within the mind a voice
seems to echo back and forth loudly protesting, "I can not rest for I have no peace." There is a
sense of desperation that somehow we have missed that which is IT. A haunting voice rises to
the surface and cries "have we deceived ourselves?" Nature will continue its silent and invisible
work no matter what our state of rnind and that mysterious IT will continue to circulate as the
four elements.

Obviously, we are in desperate need of a superior guide to, help us penetrate into the secret
fountain of nature. Our failures are proof enough that our faculties are ill equipped to go this
journey alone. Thus, we must answer the question where, how, and to whom must we turn. This
is the crux upon which our success or failure must hang, as that which is IT comes out of the one
and to one it must return. So it is in the vegetable stone, our fire completes the work and of four
there remains only one. We will see in our final labor the hidden -tincture, now revealed in its
maturity. It was born in water, strengthened by air, matured by fire, to become our fiery
vegetable stone, earth.

It was in death (dissolution as in fermentation) that our substance separated into the three
essentials. We witnessed the spirit separating from the body and tincture (soul) now appeared in
our menstruum saturated by this living spirit. The body (salt) drops below and we see the
separation of the three essentials performed by the hand of nature alone. The essential point is
this: without water the above separation would not be possible. This separation was brought
about by the invisible fire which is the active prin ciple and became manifest to our eyes as
tincture or sulphur. The work is ended when that which is volatile becomes fixed and the fixed
volatile. Thereby two materials coalesce together and become a living substance such as that
which did not exist before.

p.492

Informative Interchange
Electro-Magnetism

Extracts from Madame H. P. Blavatsky's book, "Isis Unveiled" . . . About Paracelsus

Electro-magnetism, the so-called discovery of Prof. Oersted, has been used by Paracelsus, who
was one of the greatest chemists of his time. He was a genius and he created a new epoch in the
history of medicine. He was the founder of the School of Animal Magnetism, and the discoverer
of the occult properties of the magnet.

Anton Mesmer imported it from Germany to Paris. Mesmerists and healers invoke the testimony
of the deaf, the lame, the diseased and dying who were cured or restored to life by simple
manipulations and the apostles "laying on of hands."

The full views of Paracelsus on the occult properties of the magnet were explained partially in
his famous book ARCHI DAX ARUM, in which he describes the wonderful tincture, a medicine
extracted from the magnet and called MAGISTERIUM MAGNETIS, and partially in the DE
ENTE DEI and DE ENTE ASTORUM. But the explanations given were in a dictum
unintelligible to the profane. "Every peasant 'sees,' he said, that a magnet will attract iron, but a
wise man must enquire for himself . . . I have discovered that the magnet, besides this visible
power, that of attracting iron, possesses another and concealed power." He demonstrated further
that in man lies hidden a "sidereal force" which is that of emanation from the stars and celestial
bodies of which the spiritual form of man - the astral spirit - is composed.

The identity of essence which we may term the spirit of the cometary matter always stands in
direct relation with the stars from which it was drawn and thus there exists a mutual attraction
between the two, both being magnetic. The identical composition of the earth and all other
planetary bodies and man's terrestrial body was a fundamental idea in his philosophy "the body
comes from the elements, the astral spirit from the stars ... Man eats and drinks of the elements
for the sustenance of his blood and flesh; from the stars are the intellect and thoughts sustained
in his spirit."

We must bear in mind that Paracelsus was the discoverer of hydrogen and knew well all its
properties and composition long before any of the orthodox academicians ever thought of it; that
he had studied astrology and astronomy as all the fire-philosophers did, and if he did assert that
man is in direct affinity with Stars, he knew well what he asserted.

"In our dreams," says Paracelsus, "we are like plants which have also the elementary and vital
body, but possess not the spirit. In our sleep the astral body is free and can by the elasticity of its
nature either hover round in proximity with its sleeping vehicle or soar higher to hold converse
with its starry parents and even communicate with its brothers at greater distances. Dreams of
prophetic character, prescience, and present wants are the faculties of astral spirit. To our
elementary or grosser body these gifts are not imparted, for at death it descends into the bottom
of the earth and is reunited to the physical elements while the several spirits return to the stars.
The animals, he adds, have also their presentiments for they too have an astral body."

Van Helmont who was a disciple of Paracelsus says much the same, though his theories on
magnetism are more largely developed and still more carefully elaborated. The MAGNALE
MAGNUM, the means by which the secret magnetic properties "enables one to affect mutually
another" is attributed by him to that universal sympathy which exists in all doings in nature. The
cause produces the effect, the effect refers itself back to the cause, and both are reciprocated.
"Magnetism," he says, "is an unknown property of heavenly nature very much resembling the
stars and not at all impeded by any boundaries of space and time. Every created being possesses
his own celestial power and is closely allied with heaven. This magic power of man which thus
can operate externally, lies, as it were, hidden in the inner man. This magical wisdom and
strength thus sleeps, but by a mere suggestion is roused into activity and becomes more living,
the more the outer man of flesh and darkness is repressed ... and this I say, the Kabalistic art
effects; it brings back to the soul that magical yet natural strength, which like a startled sleep
had left it." - India +

Gur . . . EL Gohr (The Essence)

A friend who has done extensive research in the historical background of Alchemy and who is
well versed in languages suggests the word Gur (see Parachemy, Spring 1977) is a bad literation
of the Persian Gohr which means essence.

When the whole operation to inject a secular version of The Mysteries into Europe was begun, it
proved impossible to suggest the network of associations available in Arabic and Persian from a
chosen tri-lateral root. The nearest the French could get to it was the pun (argot) and the English
stretched this to two factors, the pun and what Cockneys still call backslang a secret language
unintelligible to the uninitiated.

El Gohr (The Essence) became Gohr-El, then Grel, then Grail. Making the Gur and searching for
The Grail are possibly the same activity.

Canada +

We are here to add what we can to life; not to get what we can from it.
- WILLIAM OSLER

The world does not consist of happenings only; it contains life as well, and to the life in the
world, so far as it comes within my reach, I have to be a relation which is not only passive but
active. By placing myself in the service of that which lives I reach an activity, exerted, upon the
world which has meaning and purpose.
- ALBERT SCHWEITZER

back cover

Cohobation
All life is the manifestation of a single mystery. From The One Mystery comes forth The One
Life to perform The One Work through Its operations of Separation, Purification, and
Cohobation - to manifest without, or to give birth to, that which lies concealed within The
Mystery Itself.

Through proportion, weight, and mass, innumerable manifestations appear out of The Mystery to
reveal that the Essence of this One Mysterious Life is an Orderly, Intelligent Energy. The Light -
a subtle, rapid vibration, of a volatile nature - and The Darkness - a dense, slow vibration, of a
fixed nature - are of this Intelligent Energy which embraces the infinite quality and quantity of
The Sound of The Mystery Itself.

The Sound of The Mystery resounds and The Earth and its myriad forms are as Its Echo. The
Mediator of The Sound is The Intelligence. From the union of The Intelligence's Light - a pure,
conscious energy - and Darkness - the womb which gives birth to all that is - there is created The
Course of Divine Being. Thus, The Mediator, The Divine Intelligence, through Its Revelator,
The Light, from out of Its Darkness, brings forth Below The Revelation of The Reality Above.

In the center of Light and Darkness it is. Between Heaven and Earth it is. In the midst of The
Earth, existing as an intermediary between the kingdoms above it and the kingdoms below it, it
is. It is that which is called Self-Consciousness, an intelligent awareness of self and the world of
self. Upon the Human Kingdom it has been bestowed. Through its mediating influence, this
intelligence has brought forth the grandeur and wonder of ages past and present. In impure,
ignorant, and delusive surroundings, it has brought forth destruction and suffering for all upon
the earth.

The Mediating Intelligence of the Human Kingdom is privileged to consciously assist in The
Great Work of The One Life - to reveal the joyous Truth of The Living Reality. Yet this
mediating intelligence has much work to do before there comes forth through its operation of
cohobation the manifestation of that which is truly representative of The Truth.

Cohobation is to distill again from the same or a similar substance, to extract, to give off in
drops, to let fall in drops. Cohobation implies unification. In order for anything to come forth,
there exists, in some Tanner, a state of union, or amalgamation, which makes possible the
issuance of a new manifestation. Different amalgamations produce different manifestations.
Identical amalgamations under different conditions produce different results. When there exists
in the amalgamation that which is extraneous to it, there comes forth from such a union that
which is not a pure issue of it but is, because of the impurity of the union itself, but a distortion
or a manifestation which is misrepresentative.

In our world of time, The One Life reveals The Truth of The Mystery drop by drop. At the core
of The Mystery's infinite depths is That which impels mankind ever onward to discover what is
hidden within it and to formulate what is seen of It. Striving for perfection, those who will
consciously assist in The Work will ceaselessly, drop by drop, loosen and cast off that which is
extraneous and detrimental to it. Out of Love for It, there will he extracted drop by drop from
The Mystery Itself the Beauty of Its Sound.
 Parachemy
Volume VI: Number 1 Winter 1978

The Philosopher's Stone - from The Secret Teachings of All Ages by Manly P. Hall

Contents

Interviews With Frater Albertus p.498

Fixed Oil of Sulphur p.504
Neptune In The Constellations p.509
The Noble Eightfold Path p.511
Informative Interchange - Simple Vacuum Extraction Method p.515

p.498
Interviews With Frater Albertus
Interviews With Frater Albertus commenced in the Fall 1977 issue of Parachemy, Vol. V,
Number 4, and will continue in future issues. The material presented is excerpted from various
interviews that have taken place and from questions asked in open forum sessions held in the
United States, Europe, Australia, India, and other countries.

Q. When will you lecture with the Dr. from India? Will you both stress subjects of a general or a
specific nature?

A. In 1979. Emphasis will be placed on the Tridosha, the ancient Indian teaching of how to know
about your physical functions and how to control them.

Q. What about alchemy?

A. Tridosh is Alchemy, because all evolution has but one aim and that is perfection of the
species relating to the three essentials in alchemy.

Q. You've said something about the philosophical mercury as one of the three essentials. Can
you elaborate on this?

A. Let us talk about the universal mercury or universal Spirit, which is the same. What is known
as philosophical mercury is but an emanation of the universal mercury. In physics you would call
it an isotope for want of better terminology.

Q. In that case it would have physical properties. Right?

A. Yes.

Q. If that is the case, it would have to withstand a chemical analysis.

A. Of course.

Q. What is this analysis? I mean what does it show?

A. This question is somewhat difficult to answer.

Q. Why?

A. Because so much is involved. Not everything can be subjected to tests, as we understand

them, and yield what is expected. Nevertheless, a chemical analysis in your sense of wording it is
possible. It would fall under the definition of a gas that can be liquified. It distills over at about
28-30 degrees C. This would fall into the category of such as dimethyl esters and the likes, but it
is not such. That is why it is so difficult to give it a specific place. It can also distill over at a
much higher temperature and still be the same, only it is more impure. So, you see, it is not quite
as easy to be specific about it in your sense of an analysis. Let me add, if you expect to get the
same result by subjecting a homeopathic preparation to an analysis as you would an allopathic
one, you will find you do not. You cannot expect the same results.

Q. Why?

A. Because in a homeopathic preparation you find hardly any chemical substance by analysis but
there is in it the inherent dynamics too subtle to detect by conventional means. So, it is very
difficult to place the so-called philosophical mercury in such a category as one might expect to
place it.

Q. Then it is a comparatively simple matter as far as the constituency of the philosophical

mercury is concerned. Maybe it is already a kn ' own substance but not recognized as such.
Perhaps a simple acid or alkali?

A. You know what, I have a letter from a student- who attended Prima class in Europe who
claimed to have made a plant stone of enormous size, even larger than a baseball. He has it all
figured out. Let me get his letter. Here, I quote from it:

"The whole thing is very easy to understand:

"Mercurius philosophorum
"The mercurius is a strange thing, and since it has a chemical basis, it consists of certain
elements.
"If the mercurius is set free in putrefaction - for example by acetum distillatum on vitriol, there
remains the Caput mortuum and SCHWEFELSAURE* (German) is set free about 5 % in
concentration.
"Another example: for the production of highly concentrated SCHWEFELSAURE the FeO and
FESO4, remains as red caput mortuum and the SCHWEFELSAURE is produced (in Industry).
"In the book of Bernus: Alchemie and lleilkunst you read on page 113 about a 9-day process in
which Gold is produced. Silver and copper are solved in SALPETERSAURE** and then the
solution is cooked in SCHWEFSAURE. After one week gold is produced.
"That all means, that MERCURIUS PHILOSOPHORUM is SCHWEFELSAURE. The process
lasts the longer the less SCHWEFELSAURE is in the Mercurial-Water. That is why the Adepts
gave new mercurius once a week in many cases. (on both normal ways.)"

Q. Can this claim be substantiated?

A. What is here mentioned as either sulphurous or sulphuricacid has been substantiated, as it is

presently produced even industrially. But it is definitely not "The" philosophical mercury
alchemists speak of. Flow could this be the substance mentioned that does not wet ones hands
and can he used to pour over gold and make it potable. I shudder with horror just to think of
someone drinking such a potion of corrosive acid. Sulphuric acid is just about the strongest acid
there is. You can see for yourself how quickly one can jump to conclusions. One has to be
introduced, initiated, as they called it formely, into the still prevailing secrets of alchemistical
laboratory procedures until they are secret no more.
Q. This sounds sensible. I admit it would really be a catastrophe if one were to mistake sulphuric
acid as the philosophical mercury. This I can see. But what about the real philosophical
mercury? Have you got some?

A. Yes.

Q. Would you show it to me and demonstrate how it works upon gold?

A. Yes.

Q. Oh good! Go ahead, I can hardly wait!

A. Turn off your tape recorder.

Q. Can I take my camera and take some pictures?

A. Of course. Why not? When you see what goes on, it is no secret anymore. You may even take
some pictures or slides.

Q. There seems to be danger involved in making statements like the one just mentioned. Why is it
that people jump to conclusions so easily?

A. There can be many reasons, but one seems to be common in nearly all cases of those who
enter upon a new course of knowledge and understanding which opens up new horizons.
Usually, it does not take too long before one becomes conscious of former inadequacies and
wants to let others know of newly found knowledge. It may be overwhehningly new to the
beginner but later will turn out to be rudimentary compared to all that which is yet to come. I
have seen people that attended a class or two start preparing alchemistical medications - that is
what they called it - but they did not even know the difference between a spagyrically and
alchemistically prepared medication. Worse yet, they would administer them unto others. Some
gave cabalistical readings and in reality hardly knew what they were talking about. But any kind
of tarot cards and what have you and other mysterious mumbo jumbo had to help. But most of all
I shudder when I see those who did not know anything about astrology, except perhaps the signs
and names of the Zodiac and a smattering of astrological booklearning, hang out their shingles
and proclaim themselves professional astrologers. Just think what they are doing to some
innocent, unsuspecting souls.

Q. But you are teaching Alchemy, Cabalah, and Astrology. What about that?

A. You are right. At the PRS these three, that you have just mentioned, are taught. Please listen
carefully. I said: They are being taught.

Q. Well, what is the difference?

A. The difference is that what is taught is subject to investigation and verification by the students
themselves. We begin with elementary instructions and continue gradually over a period of years
with more advanced teachings for each and everyone to apply in their own life for verification.
All instructions are strictly individualistic and we issue no diplomas or certificates of completion.
It is too sad to note tliat those who went out on their own have taken what was taught at the PRS
and changed and altered what was given to them to suit their own fancies and liking before they
even became aware of what was going on inside the PRS.

Q. Frater Albertus, don't you give professional advice as an Astrologer, Gabalist, and
Alchemist?

A. Good Heavens, No! I am a teacher. Period. I am teaching individuals how to find their own
personality and thereafter they have to find for themselves if what they were taught is valid in
their daily lives. Never have I given professional advice in any of the three subjects that we have
discussed. By professional advice I mean one who receives payment in money or receives
remuneration in any form because of a legally accredited status.

Q. But you could go as a professional if you wanted to.

A. Some have suggested that I should do that.

Q. But?

A. I have refused and will continue to refuse because the responsibility connected with it is so
enormous that those who are engaged in such pursuits, if they did know, would think twice
before getting involved in making easy money.

Q. Do you believe that all astrologers, I mean professional astrologers, are bad and swindlers?

A. Of course not. There are some that are very honest and sincere, especially those who are
qualified. I have talked about those who imagine themselves to be competent and are deluded by
their own illusions about themselves. But then, they are so convinced about their abilities that it
becomes useless to talk to them about it. When one asks them, they know all about it. Except
they don't know about their own selfs. And that is the great pity. They tell their clients what they
should or should not do and all this before there is proof on hand as this concerns the future. One
wonders why they could not predict their own future any better when one observes how they,
excuse my pig latin, "louse up" their own lives. Too often, it turns out to be either a
misinterpretation or just plain ignorance about the laws of celestial mechanics and their lawful
manifestations - come with me to the laboratory and I will show you the philosophical mercury.

*Sulphuric Acid
**Nitric Acid

p.504
Fixed Oil Of Sulphur
Sulphur at first sight appears to be somewhat different than the other minerals. It is of a single
nature (homogeneous), i.e., S, as opposed to the other minerals, for example Sb2S3 which is a
compound (heterogeneous). In order to separate the oil of antimony, the fixed salt is first made
and from this salt is made the separation. Yet, nothing has been said about a fixed salt of sulphur.
This does not, however, prevent it from existing, No analysis of the salt has been conducted by
the writer, hence the actual structure of the compound is unknown, yet the oil may be separated
therefrom with little effort but with no little patience.

The following method is the result of practical laboratory experimentation and not idle
speculation. It would be very pleasing if some students would attempt the preparation and report
their findings and refinements., and any additional thoughts they may have on the subject.

Fill a soxhlet extractor thimble with crude sulphur and place in the extraction chamber. Extract
the sulphur with glacial acetic acid or a 6N acetic acid until the acid is of a deep red color and
boils violently. At this point, the solution has become saturated and some of the salt precipitates
and this is the reason why it boils violently. Allow the solution to cool and place in a retort and
remove the vinegar. Dissolve the red powder in distilled rain water, filter out impurities and
gently evaporate the water. Repeat this process until the powder is completely neutralized. (This
is extremely important.) The vinegar which was distilled from the red powder should then be
used once again to extract the sulphur. Repeat the extraction until no more powder is obtained.

Take all the red, neutralized powder obtained and separate the essentials according to art and you
will have the oil of sulphur. This last sentence sounds simple but it is here where many errors are
made. To be more specific, place the dried, neutralized red powder to about 3/4 of an inch depth
in a retort and form a good vacuum. Slowly raise the heat over several days until a liquid begins
to distill. This should be of a yellow color. Gradually raise the heat until all the liquid has
distilled from the sulphur. (This should take about two weeks at the proper heat.) If too much
heat is applied, the retort may burst and your efforts be wasted. If too little heat is used, no result
will manifest.

Take all the yellow liquid obtained and by using a very slow distillation separate the spirit which
will distill first as a clear water. When all the spirit is distilled, take another receiver and increase
the heat until a yellow oil will distill. This is the true oil or sulphur of sulphur.

Those who have read Collectanea Chemica will know something of its medicinal value.
However it is advised that your results be first checked for purity by someone qualified in the
subject before actually ingesting the substance.
The clear spirit, when sufficiently purified, is an excellent solvent for sulphur, and here
considerable experimentation, and research is open to an enquiring mind.

Above is a diagram of the apparatus suitable for the last distillation if a retort is not available.

This apparatus does in fact have some advantages over a retort in that it has better cooling, and
this distillation may be monitored by means of the vacuum pressure gauge, which is helpful in
regulating the heat.

Hints on experimental practice:

1) Note in the diagram that the flask is not resting on the hotplate. The reason for this is to
prevent breaking or the cracking of the flask when the temperature is quite high. Experience
speaks here.)

2) The flask is flat bottomed. This allows a larger quantity of red powder to be as close to the
heat source as is feasible and facilitates an easier distillation.

3) When ball and socket joints with the required clamps are used, a pressure greater than that of
the atmosphere may be used. This will allow the distillation to proceed somewhat faster. The
pressure gauge is needed to monitor the pressure so that the flask will not explode. (The
glassware will be safe to a pressure of at least 10 inches of Mercury.)

4) At the beginning of the distillation, a strong vacuum is advised since this will allow the
distillation to proceed a little faster.

5) The first note is the most important. The others can be used as the student sees fit or as is
possible with the available apparatus. It is the basic principle of how to separate the Mercury and
Sulphur from the Salt that this article attempts to convey. There are doubtless many changes
which can be made for one reason or another, but regardless of differing experimental technique
the proof is in the pudding, so to speak, i.e., so long as the goal is obtained then the method is
largely irrelevant. Those who have read of the medicinal value of the oil of sulphur will surely
regard this as a most worthy goal and make determined efforts to obtain it.
p.509

Neptune In The Constellations

By Carl W. Stahl

Neptune is where the native is aware of his limitations and incapacities. This leads to frustration
and a desire to draw inward and away from the objective world into an imaginary world of his
own built of day drearns'and fancies, On the other hand it may lead, through contemplation and
meditation, to the knowledge that the world as we know it is simply a mirror image of the only
true world, the spiritual. Those strongly under Neptune, as when it appears close to an angle, or
in close aspect with the Sun or the Moon, have a tendency to play a part. The world of imagining
and make believe are more real to them than that in which they spend their waking moments.
Keywords are; sensation, craving for rhythm, music, operas, dancing, spiritualism, mysticism,
occultism, gambling, drinking, drug addiction, reading mysteries and sex novels, illusion,
delusion, hypnosis, visions, mother complexes, day dreaming, the obscure, the mysterious,
transcendental and imaginative. Fantasy with emotional overtones are the result of Neptune
aspecting the Moon. In aspect with the Sun creative thought is fed by day dreams and the
imagination. With Mercury fantasy and imagination interfere with, or in some cases aid, the
ability to communicate with others. With Venus the possibility of an imaginative and ideal love.
With Mars imagination leads to many new ways to use energy, some practical and some
impractical. With Jupiter an imaginative and mystical approach to cycles and ritual. With Saturn
restriction shapes the day dreams and may produce practical results, or frustration. With Uranus
dreams and imagination may lead to a successful search for freedom of the soul and mind. With
Pluto use of the silence and withdrawal within oneself could lead to illumination.

LIBRA.

Since Neptune looks at things from a different point of view we find that these natives approach
love, friendship and brotherhood with a whole hearted disregard for the conventions and
standards that serve as guidelines for the majority. Idealism, fantasy and the desire to play a part
are all interwoven into an unreal tapestry. If you can see behind the sham of life into the true
reality you will be well on your way toward returning to the creator who conceived this world in
which we live. Do not allow yourself to be duped out of your spiritual heritage.

SCORPIO.

The native tends to be frustrated by the imaginative Neptune in this position. Instead of being
able to strike out forthrightly and aggressively he finds himself filled with vague delusions and
impractical day dreams. Idealistic ideas tend to put a damper on the native's practical approach to
life. If you want it you get it, it's as simple as that. If you stop to consider others you hold
yourself back from material success. Native would do well to try to compromise between the two
viewpoints and advance on both levels.

SAGITTARIUS.
Native finds it easy to radiate an aura of success and financial ability far beyond his real worth.
Neptune's position always marks the area where the native can really play a part convincingly.
He can either expand here in a material and financial success, though somewhat dubious a
manner, or he can awaken to the inner meaning of life and begin to live it here and now, while
assisting others to do likewise. Danger here that the native may think himself the god-sent
founder of a new religion seeking to persuade others that his is the only way.

CAPRICORN.

Those with Neptune here are uniquely fitted to solve the problem of the real and the unreal.
Capricorn insists on the practical approach to life's problem, i.e., material success; but Neptune
wants to unveil the reality behind the apparent scene. If properly handled this brings spiritual
enlightenment and initiation. Here the native's dreams could take him up the mountain and tempt
him as Christ was tempted with an offer of all the world's goods. The wise man refuses the
treasures that age corrupts and settles for those he can lay up in heaven.

AQUARIUS.

Here creative genius and creative imagination go hand in hand. To the one who is ready the door
lies open to understanding and wisdom. The practical and the spiritual go hand in hand to create
a soul personality that lies harmoniously between spiritual and earthly realms. Whatever you
imagine you can create. You have this god given gift of creativity. Use it to better yourself and
others. Always share your lot with others and lend a hand to those less imaginative than yourself.
In this direction lies progressand enlightenment.

PISCES.

The illusive Piscean becomes even more illusive and inclined to play a part to the hilt. He can be
anything that any one may desire. Make your wants known and immediately he becomes that
person. They particularly delight in making sport of strangers who are unaware of their theatrical
ability. Danger of allowing themselves to become too closely allied with the character they have
adopted. Tendency to confuse their mystical inclinations with the god-he,ad itself leads to
messiah complex.

ARIES.

The normal leadership qualities of Aries are here extended from the physical to the higher levels.
Insight, imagination and a peculiar spiritual understanding can give the native power on many
levels of consciousness. If the native insists on the lower levels of leadership he can become
quite frustrated, impractical and one who misleads others to their own detriment. If an advanced
individual, the gates of heaven lie open before him. A happy-go-lucky and opportunistic
approach to life.

TAURUS.
The practical, knowledgeable, philosophic approach to life now becomes an impractical,
idealistic and imaginative approach to frustration. The point reached on the Path, is of course, the
final interpreter of the use we make of this illusive planet's influence. To those who sincerely
seek the way it could open the doors of understanding. Particularly an understanding of one's
place in the scheme of the brotherhood of man and one's unity with the Divine whole. For are we
all not brothers? As we do unto one so we do unto all god's creatures.

GEMINI.

The visionary Neptune finds difficulty in bringing through its true spirituality in this
constellation. Mercury, its ruler, tends to insist that the image making faculties be used to
confuse and confound both the native and others. Depending on the state of development this
position can be used to either advance spiritually or to frustrate oneself on the material plane.
Communication can be extrasensory or just simply fouled up. Gives ability to sell dreams to
others and perhaps to mislead themselves as well.

CANCER.

The planet of imaging in the constellation of the imagina tion leads to a somewhat emotional,
confused and frustrated way of life. The vague and dreamy qualities of Neptune find nothing of
substance to provide a practical footing in this constellation. The emotions are constantly
interfering with the ideals the native desires to bring to practical fruition. Frustration,
emotionalism and an overdeveloped imagination hinder rather than help in this. A special effort
must be made to take the fantasies in rein and to work hard for understanding the role of the
emotions in the life.

LEO.

This makes either an imaginative leader or a confused and frustrated one. Which it is depends on
the native's understanding of nature's laws. If the truth behind the veil of nature is penetrated he
can successfully and confidently rule his own destiny and that of others. If not, then he can only
lead himself, and those who depend on him for leadership, astray. The creative power must be
used constructively to build your life according to nature's laws. Imagination lends scope io your
outlook and could put you in the forefront of the leaders of your time.

VIRGO.

Virgo's ascetic, frugal, precise and orderly way of life bends, and sometimes vanishes completely
under this expansive and imaginative influence. All the rules of system go before the vague and
dreams of progress and success. Even the ability to communicate with others becomes somewhat
of a hassle. To the truly spiritual and idealistic this brings an opportunity to uncover and reveal to
others the true laws of nature. System and order on the higher levels replaces merely physical
and materialistic orderliness. +

p.511
THE NOBLE EIGHTFOLD PATH

1. The holding of right attitude, at all times free from prejudice, illusion, superstition, doubts,
fears, and animosities.
2. The living of the highest standard of conduct which the mind can conceive; living the truth
one knows.
3. The control of speech so that it is always true, simple, gentle, and entirely honest.
4. Right conduct. Honest, just, and enlightened relationship with other living things.
5. The practice of harmlessness. To live without hurting, either by killing or injuring physically,
or the causing of sorrow, either mental or emotional.
6. Perseverance in noble action. The overcoming of all of the illusional life.
7. Right thinking. The directing of the mind toward the understanding of the supreme wisdom.
8. Right meditation. The practice of the inner experience.

p.515

Modification of a Simple Vacuum Extraction Method

In the Alchemical Laboratory Bulletins, Vol. II, No. 1, 1970, pages 6-7, is an interesting "Simple
Vacuum Extraction Method" which when modified a little permits, by means of a very simple
and cheap glass apparatus and heating source, a smoothly running reflux extraction.

Efficient heating by a simple bulb is possible bypainting the inside wall of the inner stove tube
white to get maximum reflection and by painting the bottom of the erlemneyer flask black to
obtain maximum light absorption by the erlemneyer flask, which is converted into heat. A 50
watt lamp bulb is more than enough for a regular, gentle boiling process of about 150 cc Spiritus
fermenti. The heating source is very regular, without danger of burning, and very cheap: 20 set
ups with 150 mI of alcohol corresponds with 1000 watts!

The circulations or extractions are started as follows: Heat the erlemneyer flask with the alcohol
and the tube (but without the upper stopper) above a low burning bunsen until the vapours are
leaving the tube. Do not burn the black paint at the bottom of the flask. The process of ascending
vapours can easily be followed by feeling with the hand the rising heat. Once the vapours come
out, remove the system quickly from above the flame. Put the rubber stopper in the tube and hold
this in place with one hand while with the other hand the tube is cooled by means of a wet cloth.
When the system is put above the light bulb, you will in each case have to arrange for the right
distance between the bulb and the flask in order to obtain a gentle boiling. A pressure meter as
used in the Bulletin article is not necessary. If the tube has a cold upper part of about 10 to 20
cm, the principle of the cold stove tube wall (from James Watt in physics) holds, which means
that the vapour pressure in a closed space is determined by the temperature of the coldest wall.
This one can cheek by feeling. Sometimes, the boiling process is not so smooth and regular, but
if it is not too vehement, it is all right.
A) Rubber stopper
B) 12mm glass tube
C) Rubber stopper
D) Flask bottom painted black
E) Glass fibers
F) 13cm, galvanized stove tube
G) 50 watt bulb
H) 17cm galvanized stove tube
I) Lamp socket
j) Wooden plank

Circulations or extractions set up in this simple way can go on for weeks without control. At one
time, when I worked with sophisticated apparatus in various laboratories, I never used nor had
any idea of such simple techniques. I even have to admit that this technique is better than others
with cooling water, vacuum pumps, thermostatically controlled heating sources, etc. And yet it is
so simple. - Belgium +
 Parachemy
Volume VI: Number 2 Spring 1978

From the book "Softly I Answered and Said."(sic)

Contents

Interviews With Frater Albertus p.522

Philosophical Mercury p.526
Pluto In The Constellations p.537
Informative Interchange: The Distillation of Volatile Oils p.540
Schamayim - back cover

p.522

Interviews With Frater Albertus

Q. Have you any real gold to work with?

A. Yes. This is pure gold without any alloy. Now watch when I pour this clear liquid over it.

Q. What is it?

A. The philosophical mercury.

Q. May I smell it?

A. Yes.

Q. It reminds me of something but I can't recall what right now.

A. Now watch it. (The philosophical mercury was poured over some gold.)

Q. It dissolves it all right. But it is getting darker. It is not a gold color anymore! Why is that?

A. It is a very strong colloidal gold solution.

Q. What now?

A. This is your Potable Gold. A few drops in a glass of wine will do the trick.

Q. You mean this is the real potable gold?

A. Yes. That is it.

Q. Well, I'll be darned. That reminds me about something else. I understand you were in a film
made in Australia. Does that show what I just saw here?

A. No. The film you refer to was made in Melbourne, Australia, but it dealt with the theoretical
aspects of astrology, cycles, and some alchemy. There was no laboratory alchemy involved.

Q. What about this film. Has it been shown in the U.S.A.?

A. Not that I know of. Actually, it was funded by the Australian Government. I understand that
before it was completed with the technical things, such as background music and illustrative
matters, it did not emerge finished from the cutting room, because a change of Government or
some sort of governmental change did cut off the final financial subsidy. I have not heard again
from Stephens Productions in Melbourne what has become of it.

Q. What was the title of this movie?

A. Hora Shastri, which loosely translated means the science of time (or the hours).
Q. It would be interesting to know what became of it, especially since in the recent issue of
PHENOMENA, the Canadian Bulletin of Astrological News & Information, a lengthy interview
with you was published that deals with astrology and alchemy. To me, it is interesting to see how
these two are lately becoming mentioned in the same breath.

A. I am rather reluctant to give interviews because when these are published or aired they are not
always what was said or indicated. There were, for instance, some interviews over the German
National Radio Network in Stuttgart with a, reporter asking questions from Frankfurt which I
answered from the Stuttgart Radio Station, a two-way unrehearsed question and answer sesslon.
It was amazing to hear how questions can be put just to purposely entrap one to suit a reporter's
fancy. After this broadcast, I was asked twice to go to the studio for live and, as I said,
unrehearsed sessions. The end result was that the reporter asked questions that were aimed quite
frankly to ridicule but certainly not to assist the media to get a fair appraisal of things under
question. A similar incident happened during the 1973 Alchemistical Convention in Germany
when television equipment was moved into the Hotel Zeppelin at Stuttgart so I could give a
televised interview. The reporter or quizmaster, if you will, did ask prior to the interview with
myself some of the people who were attending some questions. One should remember that many
people came to hear and see what was going on during the three days of lectures, etc., so not
everyone was conversant with the subject, at least sufficiently to answer all questions. Anyway,
when it came to the actual telecast with me, the same thing happened as in the previous
interviews mentioned. Catch questions were put to me that were not found in the outline shown
to me and what I was supposedly to be asked so that I could answer as I saw fit. There were also
some taped interviews during the convention from radio stations in other cities. Some told me
later, who had heard these broadcasts, that some were accurate while others always had some
changes made.

Q. I have to mention again to you the book, "The Occult Explosion" by Friedman, who starts his
book by saying that you are teaching in a two week course how to transmute lead into gold.

A. Forgive me when I have to sigh as I do. You know, it is people like you've mentioned who do
give a black eye to alchemy. I have never given Nat Friedman an interview, nor have I met the
man. This shows you how one can get entangled in things one does not know anything about.

Q. Maybe there are things said or written about you that can hurt your cause.

A. Maybe? Someone showed me an article in a well known German magazine where the writer
whom I had met in Vienna referred to me, but this time in all sincerity, as "Der Weise von Utah"
- "The Sage of Utah." This I resent just as emphatically. Can't you see, the media has a difficult
time to hold its balance. And then they wonder why I am reluctant to give interviews.

Alchemy is described by Paracelsus as an art in which Vulcan (the fire of Nature) is the active
artist. By this art the pure is separated from the impure, and things are made to grow out of
primordial matter (A'kasa). Alchemy renders perfect what Nature has left imperfect, and purifies
all things by the power of the spirit that is contained in them.
PARACELSUS by Franz Hartmann, M.D.
Philosophical Mercury
The two words which make up the title of this treatise have caused much controversy for
thousands of years. There are many scholars who vehemently deny even the possibility of the
existence of such a substance and they ridicule and deride any person who would entertain such
ideas.

Other people "believe" that the mercury of the philosophers exists but have no certain knowledge
one way or the other, rather they rely on the opinions of others expressed verbally or in the many
books which deal with this elusive substance. Again, others have actively sought the "mercury"
but for some reason have not found it and have in due course lost their belief in its existence. To
those who successfully persevere comes a happiness which they are hardly able to express, and
the door opens to far wider vistas.

The sages agree that of the three kingdoms only in one is the true mercury found, that of the
mineral kingdom. In order to discuss the prep aration of the mercury a discussion of the manner
of formation of metals and minerals is a necessary precursor. Here is a brief extract of Basil
Valentine:
"Let me tell you, then, that all metals and all minerals grow in the same way from the same root,
and that thus all metals have a common origin. This first principle is a mere vapour extracted
from the elementary earth through the heavenly planets, and, as it were, divided by the side real
distillation of the Macrocosmos. This sidereal hot infusion, descending from on high into those
things which are below, with the aero-sulphureous property, so acts and works as to engraft on
them in a spiritual and invisible manner a certain strength and virtue. This vapour afterwards
resolves itself in the earth into a kind of water, and out of this mineral water all metals are
generated and perfected. The mineral vapour becomes this or that metal according as one or the
other of the three first principles predominates, i.e., according as they have much or little
mercury, sulphur, or salt, or an unequal mixture of their weights. Hence, some metals are fixed,
and some are not fixed; some are permanent and unchangeable; some are volatile and variable,
as you may see in gold, silver, copper, iron, tin, and lead.

"Besides these metals, other minerals are generated from these three principles; according to the
proportion of the ingredients, we have vitriol, antimony, marcasite, electrum, and many other
minerals.

"In its very first astrum, or star, and its first substance, gold has more perfect sulphur, and more
perfect mercury than the other metals and minerals. Hence its operative virtue is much stronger
and more po tent, as it is also more efficacious than the stars of the other metals."

It is clear to see that in order to make the perfect philosophical mercury, gold then is the best
substance to begin with. Unfortunately, there are two major drawbacks when using gold. The
first is the expense and the second is the difficulty in actually separating the three principles of
gold. Silver, the next most perfect metal has similar difficulties. even if not quite to the same
degree. The other metals (Cu, Fe, Pb, Hg, Sn), are less expensive and easier to work with.
However, the mercury contained therein is much less pure and perfect than that of gold. It would
seem then that the search for the philosophical mercury is not an easy one.

Fortunately, there is a solution. If the mercury from one of the less perfect metals is obtained and
this then is purified and perfected, then a philosophical mercury would be obtained. This is the
method by which the author has obtained the mercury from Pb, Cii and Hg.

Prepare the salt of the metal you wish to work with according to art. (This can be found in many
books which write of the Stone of the Philosophers.) Then effect a separation of the three
principles by means of Vulcan.

The apparatus shown in the illustration was found to be effective in this separation.
A is the reaction vessel containing the prepared salt.
B is the heating mantle contoured to fit A and to provide even heat.
C is a receiver where first the phlegm and then the Sulphur is collected after being cooled by
condensor D.
E is a still head.
F is a coil of glass tubing running into a receiver.
G is a beaker supporting the coil and receiver, and containing acetone in which is dissolved dry
ice (frozen CO2) the mixture of which will create a temperature of - 80o Celsius.

The volatile mercury will be driven through the condenser but it is so volatile that it will not be
condensed (a white fume or smoke will be seen to pass through the still head), but rather will be
condensed by the extreme cold of the acetone dry ice mixture. The oil (or sulphur) will be
collected in C, since it will be condensed (for the most part) by condenser D. The salt will remain
in A except for those salts which are sublimed during the separation. Make certain that these are
collected and retained since they have been elevated and hence considerably purified.
The mercury then is distilled very slowly seven to ten times. If all the operations have been
completed successfully, the Mercury of the Philosophers will be obtained. This mercury, when
combined with the purified sulphur and salt, will yield (in due time) the true king of medicine.

The above purified mercury will also dissolve the body of gold to prepare the wondrous aurum
potable.

It is interesting to note that when a thermometer is placed in the still head, the temperature will
not go above 35o Celcius during the whole operation. This indicates that the substance passing
over is indeed very volatile. When a further distillation is effected, the temperature in the still
head (i.e. the boiling point of the liquid) will probably be below 30oCelcius. Eventually it will
distill at room temperature, 20o-25o Celcius, 68o-77o Fahrenheit. Since the mercury will boil at
this temperature, it is ESSENTIAL that the vessel containing the mercury is carefully and tightly
sealed or it will no longer be in your possession. Also, when the 7-10 distillations are being
performed, great care must be taken to prevent losses of the mercury. It can literally disappear
without the operator being aware of its passing until it is too late. If an ice bath (i.e. place the
receiver in a dish half filled with ice and a little water) is used to cool the receiver when doing
these distillations, there is less chance of large losses. Once this elusive substance has been
obtained, it would be very disappointing to have it disappear into "thin air." So take a little care.

When preparing the cooling solution considerable diligence must be employed. Place the
receiver into the beaker and then half fill the beaker with acetone. Place a small piece of dry ice
(about the size of a cork) into the acetone and considerable bubbling will ensue. If too much dry
ice is added, the acetone will most likely bubble up and out of the beaker. Rather, hold the small
piece of dry ice with a pair of tongs (your fingers would suffer severe frostbite) just below the
surface of the acetone until it dissolves. Repeat this process until the temperature reaches - 70o
to- 80o Celcius as measured by a thermometer.

In all likelihood it will not be possible to run this system under vacuum because pressure will
build up. This will mean some loss of spirit. However, because the separation can be effected on
pounds of salt so that several ounces of spirit and sulphur may be obtained in the space of about
9-12 hours, this will not be a major problem.

There are many other facets of this whole process which could be examined in detail, but since
you can't make a horse drink even after leading him to water, what has been said will be
sufficient. A little care, patience, and practice is all that is needed to achieve your goal.
Remember, all things come to he or she who is patient, but if you sit on your posterior it will take
a long time!

p.537
Pluto In The Constellations
By Carl W. Stahl

Pluto is the planet of beginnings and endings. As with everything, this can be viewed from two
points of view. Here we are concerned with the physical (etheric or astral) and the spiritual
(creative mind). To the spiritually oriented person the physical death or transition is really rebirth
and escape from a prison composed of a body of clay, feelings and mental gyrations which
apparently lead nowhere and have no apparent real purpose. To the one who enjoys the physical,
emotional and mental experiences, or believes it is all there is to existence, death is, of course, a
calmaity. An ending to all that is and might have been. Pluto is the planet of Cosmic
Consciousness. Those strongly under its influence eventually reach a point where they come
"eyeball to eyeball" in confrontation with themselves. They see themselves as they are; not
necessarily separating from this experience with feelings of pride, nor with the knowledge of a
job well done. Although this also may be one of the results of the illumination you obtain when
this happens. Once this Super Conscious state has been reached all knowledge is at the disposal
of the Soul. The natal Pluto also represents man's anti-social attitude, his desire to be free from
all ties to others. The Pluto strong person tries to live a secluded existence free from interference
from all mankind. Pluto aspecting the Moon brings shyness into relations with women and in the
sexual act. With the Sun the native seeks seclusion rather than fame and his most creative
moments occur in solitude. With Mercury a need to contemplate in solitude and his best work is
done in seclusion. With Venus a desire for a spiritual love. With Mars there is rebellion against
the establishment. With Jupiter the native expands his inner horizons through contemplation and
meditation. With Saturn strict discipline and denial may lead to the source of inner illumination.
With Uranus solitude and seclusion may illuminate the mind and release inner knowledge, thus
expanding the horizons while appearing to withdraw from life. With Neptune imagination and
understanding of the real behind the apparent could be a result of meditation. Remember that the
planet which is closest to an angle of the chart is the planet whose influence colors the nature of
the planet aspected.

KEYWORDS.

Beginnings, endings, birth, death, divorce, a singling out process, detachment, isolation, anti-
social attitude, miracles, the unexpected.

LIBRA.

Pluto puts a damper on the native's social life except for those in which solitude and detachment
from the general public are concerned. He may meet with a selected few to study the laws of
nature and -hare a restricted ideal of love and brotherhood. Because of his desire for solitude he
could be very difficult to get along with, brushing off all attempts of others to share his life and
his studies. An abstract love would be easier for this person to relate to than a one to one
situation.

SCORPIO.
Pluto here makes the native a born rebel. Though he may fight for an ideal or a cause he does so
alone. It is against his nature to join with groups and when forced to do so he breaks off the
association as soon as possible. This is the sign of the born guerrilla fighter whether to aid
society or to fight it. His tactics are "hit and run." When confined, whether by actual walls or by
circumstances, his first instinct is to escape, by brute force if necessary.

SAGITTARIUS.

Because of Pluto here you will tend to be less boisterous and expansive than is normal for this
constellation. You will have high ideals and will attempt to live up to them but you will do so in
the solitude of your own home and the silence of your own heart. The usual easy going
comradeship of Sagittarius will be lacking in your makeup, and you may even be considered
sullen and taciturn. Illumination is possible when you learn to look within for the answers you
seek.

CAPRICORN.

Pluto here brings an intense desire for solitude, a need to keep separate from others. If the
restrictions of everyday living become too frustrating you will seek freedom through rebellion
and further withdrawal within yourself. Capricorn usually accepts hard work and restriction as a
way of life. Pluto brings a desire for freedom, hence the native is in a constant struggle between
the world and his spiritual aspirations. A struggle between soul and matter.

AQUARIUS.

The concentrative energy of this constellation and the withdrawal of Pluto create an ideal
situation for the attainment of Cosmic Consciousness. The native's actions appear abrupt and
eccentric to others. The craving for solitude to attain spiritual illumination could become such an
obsession that every effort will be made to keep others at arms length. Ability to acquire an
understanding of nature's laws and the further ability to put them to practical use.

PISCES.

The usual easy going acceptance of others and a desire for the social life is lacking here. The
native seeks seclusion and quietness in order to attain his spiritual and religious ends. By the aid
of ritual and meditation great strides in development of the soul personality are made. Pluto here
seeks to reveal the truth as he sees it, rather than concealing it under the veil of superstition.
Expansion of the idealistic side of the nature.

ARIES.

Power and leadership always bring about isolation from those led, but Pluto here makes this
almost an obsession. The Arian reluctance to associate itself with those having more ability than
themselves here extends to all mankind. They rebel at all restriction. Their only desire is to be
free hence they seek to set themselves above all others. Where this is impossible they must ever
be in a state of rebellion to attain this end.
TAURUS.

Venus unites, Pluto separates. The native is constantly seeking to overcome this division.
Inwardly he seeks companionship and understanding from others but because he also seeks
solitude and freedom from restriction he rebuffs those who seek to contact and who might help
him. Both would be friends and lovers are rebuffed by this anti-social attitude. Peace comes only
when the native turns inward and beholds the wonders of all creation within himself.

GEMINI.

Native has the ability to communicate on the higher levels. Thought transference and projection
are distinct possibilities. But it must be kept on an impersonal level for the presence or
involvement of too many brings up the native's defences and he withdraws into the solitude of
his own soul, shutting out those he might otherwise benefit or communicate with to the
advantage of both.

CANCER.

To the already sensitive and imaginative native of Cancer, Pluto brings a desire for solitude
which makes the native even more touchy and his feelings more easily hurt. He finds persecution
where only friendship was intended. Resentment against the home environment and against the
restriction of everyday life is a constant irritation making the native brusk, moody and rebellious.
They may attempt to flee to the ends of the earth to escape boredom only to flee back again when
there they find the same boredom, not knowing that the fault is within them.

LEO.

Pluto here, because it separates the native from others, becomes rebellion against authority as
well as against all those who would share his lot in life. Born to rule, he fights against the
restriction of ruling as strongly as he fights again all involvement. He seeks to withdraw from all
that might interfere with his solitude. Sun, ruler of Leo, brings illumination and the native, when
he discovers this, easily attains it by simply withdrawing into silent meditation.

VIRGO.

Pluto here increases the shyness and retiring nature of the native. Their feeling of embarrassment
is even more acute. They suffer a feeling of humiliation and shame that is usually wholly
imaginary. Properly used, this position of Pluto brings the ability to tune in on higher planes.
ESP is a distinct possibility if natal aspects assist. Knowledge and the ability to put it to practical
use are here indicated once the native overcomes his shyness and anti-social attitude toward
others.

Know that our Mercury is before the eyes of all men, though it is known to few. When it is
prepared, its splendour is most admirable; but the sight is vouchsafed to none, save the sons of
knowledge. Do not despise it, therefore, when you see it in sordid guise; for if you do, you will
never accomplish our Magistry and if you can change its countenance, the transformation will he
glorious. For our water is a most pure virgin, and is loved of many, but meets all her wooers in
foul garments, in order that she may be able to distinguish the worthy from the unworthy. Our
beautiful maiden abounds in inward hidden graces; unlike the immodest woman who meets her
lover, in splendid garments. To those who do not despise her foul exterior, she then appears in all
her beauty, and brings them an infinite dower of riches and health. Our Queen is pure above
measure, and her splendour like that of a celestial being - and so indeed she is called by the
Sages, who also style her their quintessence. Her brilliancy is such as baffles imagination, and, if
you would have any idea of it, you must see it with your own eyes. Our water is serene,
crystalline, pure, and beautiful though it can assume its true form only through the aid of our Art.
In that form it is our sea, our hidden fountain, from which gold derives it birth by natural
descent; yet it is also stronger than gold, and overcomes it, wherefore gold is united to it, and is
washed in it, and the two together grow up into a strong hero, whorn neither Pope nor Emperor
can buy for a price. Hence you should, above all things, seek this water, by means of which (wth
the solitary addition of a clean and perfect body) the Stone may be prepared.
- THE FOUNT OF CHEMICAL TRUTH by Philalethes

p.540

Informative Interchange
The Distillation of Volatile Oils

The same technique given for circulations and extractions in Informative Interchange, pg. 515, of
the Winter issue of Parachemy Volume VI; Number 1 may be used for the distillation of volatile
liquids, when there is only one volatile liquid and the residue is a viscous oil or solid.

A distillation in a retort above a 60 watt bulb goes slow, without risk of overheating, and is very
regular. The vacuum in it is always based on the same principle: the driving out of air by the
vapors of the liquid which is to be distilled.

The distillation of alcohol from a viscous non-volatile oil is started as follows: The mixture (100
ml.) is put in a 250 ml. retort. In the receiving vessel, which is tightly fitted by means of a rubber
stopper to the sidearm of the retort, there is placed 20 to 30 ml. of alcohol. This alcohol has to be
heated by a smooth flame. Do not heat brutally but start caressing the vessel with the flame until
a strong boiling begins. Then you will see that the vapors rise gradually in the sidearm and that
the condensating alcohol drops back into the vessel so that the temperature of the sidearm
increases. (See the direction of the arrows in the diagram.) The vapors will fill the retort, which
looks like a drizzle. The alcohol in the vessel has to boil until the walls, including the neck of the
retort, will show condensating alcohol and the wall feels hot when touched. In the meantime, the
retort should stay above the heating light.

Once this stage is finished, remove the flame quickly. Put the stopper on the retort while the
other hand cools the receiving vessel and sidearm by means of a wet cloth. After a short time, the
distillation will start.

The rate of the distillation may be controlled by the power of the light, the distance between the
light and the retort. A dry cloth placed around the retort will increase the distillation rate.
Usually, the rate of distillation is controlled to distill 5 to 10 drops a minute. There are about 20
drops in a ml. If, for instance, 10 drops needs one minute, one needs 200 minutes or
approximately 3 hours for 100 ml.

In the meantime, you can sleep upon both ears . . . that is, the distillation will work perfectly well
without assistance. Fine oils of metals can be obtained using this simple technique.
- Belgium

back cover

Schamayim
In alchemy there are three symbolic substances: mercury, sulphur, and salt. To these was added a
fourth mysterious life principle called Azoth. Concerning the first three, Herr von Welling has
written: "There are three basic chemical substances which are called by the philosophers salt,
sulphur, and mercury, but which are not to be confounded in any way with the crude salt,
sulphur, and mercury taken from the earth or secured from the apothecary. Salt, sulphur, and
mercury each has a triune nature, for each of these substances contains, in reality, also the other
two substances, according to the secret arcanum of the wise. The body of salt is, therefore,
threefold, namely salt, sulphur, and mercury; but in the body of salt one of the three (salt)
predominates. Mercury is likewise composed of salt, sulphur, and mercury with the latter
element predominating. Sulphur, similarly, is actually salt, sulphur, and mercury, with sulphur
predominating. These nine divisions - 3 times 3, plus Azoth (the mysterious universal life force)
equals 10, the sacred decad of Pythagoras. Concerning the nature of Azoth there is much
controversy. Some view it as the invisible, eternal fire; others as electricity; still others as
magnetism. Transcendentalists refer to it as the astral light.

"The Universe is surrounded by the sphere of the stars. Beyond that sphere is the sphere of
Schamayim, which is the Divine fiery water, the first outflow of the Word of God, the flaming
river pouring from the presence of the Eternal. Schamayim, the fiery androgynous water, divides.
The fire becomes the solar fire and the water becomes the lunar water. Schamayim is the
universal mercury - sometimes called Azoth - the measureless spirit of life. The spiritual fiery
original water Schamayim comes through Eden (in Hebrew, vapor) and pours itself into four
main rivers (the elements). This is the river of living water - Azoth (the fiery mercurial essence)
that flows out from the throne of God and the Lamb. In this Eden (vaporous essence or mist) is
the spiritual earth (incomprehensible and intangible), or the dust Aphar, out of which God
formed Adam min Haadamah, the spiritual body of man, which body must sometime become
revealed."

From THE SECRET TEACHINGS OF ALL AGES by Manly Palmer Hall, pg. CLV.
 Parachemy
Volume VI: Number 3 Summer 1978

Harmonious Conception of the Light of Nature - The Secret Symbols of the Rosicrucians of the
16th and 17th Centuries.

Why Alchemy? p.548

Dephlegmated Spirit of Wine p.557
Questions and Answers p.562

p.548

Why Alchemy?
Let us ask a few more questions: Why isn't the Alchemical Practice evident in the lives of those
students who purport to practice this art? What secret ingredient, if any, is missing? And how is
it to be applied? Where is one to find this thing that makes the Alchemical Practice possible? Is it
to be found near at hand or far away? These and other questions are exemplary of a student's
confusion in the maze called Alchemy.
First of all, one must clear up the bafflement that exists between the terms "spagyric" and
"alchemy." For those who are not aware of the term "spagyric" it means "to separate the pure
from the impure." On the face of it, many are already aware of this term and its meaning, but
only in an impersonal way. Assuredly, some have made attempts to separate a tincture into its
parts, the menstruum and that which it contains. This generalized practice of separating
substances into degrees of purity is useful throughout the field of chemistry.

We are, however, purporting to go much further than this simplified generalization. All too many
students cannot distinguish between that which is pure and the impure which hides It.

We have arrived at what may be called the seed crux which determines the success or failure in
this our quest. This bestowed ability is, if we may use the term, the missing secret ingredient
which determines our progress.

Unless the student is able to ascertain exactly what it is that is pure, how is he or she to know
what is impure? It follows that simple observation, book reading, or instruction is not enough.
All too many have had years of exposure to the three methods mentioned and are still not able to
apply a clear, accurate judgment on this issue. We would propose that it is the inability to
ascertain exactly what it is that is pure as a reason so many fail in their effort to commence a true
beginning.

Here we can have a play on words by asking, "Have you been able to separate the truth from
what is false?" The Hermetic Philosophers all agree on the importance of this singular point - of
separating true from false. It is useless for us to begin an alchemical effort unless we are able to
distinguish between these two. In the last analysis, the life of the student must reflect this ability
of separation. Once the student can differentiate the one from the other, then he or she may set
about the alchemical practice. There is, however, one fly in the ointment: one must be able to
consistently choose the true in preference to the false.

We have now arrived at the point of personal involvement and must begin this effort of
separation upon ourselves before it can be applied in an objective, alchemical way. This is a
totally personal experience which is possible only by way of inspiration. It is upon this one point
the Hermetical Philosophers are adamant. The truth or falseness of this statement, too, will
become evident by spagyric application of a personal nature.

As an example of our discussion, we may use astrology. In these times, most are somewhat
familiar with this practice. We pose the following question: If one were to apply the spagyric
principle to astrology, which is the true procedure as opposed to the false? Can one tell if there a
difference between all the methods as they have been presented from so many diverse sources?
How is one to know the True Way when students are confronted by so many different ways?

When one is exposed to the truth, will he or she even recognize it as such? Even more to the
point, will the one so exposed be able to accept it as such? It is for these reasons that we propose
a serious personal search - a re-search - on the part of each one, to be conducted within their own
house. If our lives fail to reflect an inspired scrutiny of all that which comes before us and
instead the waters become more and more murky, we have some proof that we are not working
spagyrically.

There are many books on the subject of alchemy, available in every so-called occult bookstore.
A brief perusal of most of these editions quickly reveals that the authors are dealing with this
subject from the mental aspect, not realizing there is a corresponding physical polarity. Is there
one book covering the mental side that treats this subject from the spagyric point of view? Are
instructions given as to how to proceed to a recognition of that which is useful? Are the guides
given infallible?

We have asked some rather pointed questions to caution students and interested parties that there
is something wrong with our inner spagyric application if what has been separated proves to be
useless to us. Correct judgment is mostly impossible under the burden of so much diverse
material; and, if we are to reorient our lives, we will have to know how and what to separate out.

In time, our true self will emerge - no longer burdened by the debris of every imaginable sort,
accumulated from all corners of our personal experience with life. Many students run from one
subject to another not realizing they are involuntarily increasing their burdens rather than
removing them.

Some may find objection to our usage of good, bad, clean, evil, etc. However this may be, we are
following the time-honored tradition that has been set forth by the Hermetic Philosophers of old.
A quote from the Hermetic and Alchemical Writings of Paracelsus, Volume 1, Page 20, by A. E.
Waite will serve our purpose. "The last age shall be illuminated clearly and compensated for all
its losses by the gift of grace and the reward of The Spirit of Truth, in the meantime, Vice will
not be able to suppress Good."

Nature is constantly in the process of spagyrically separating the useful from that which is not so.
If this were not the case, then our first meal of the day would also be our last, as only that which
is useful can be of service to our body. This is Why Alchemy will teach us discernment and we
shall in time be able to reject evil for good, the impure for the pure.

p.557

Dephlegmated Spirit of Wine

I take this occasion to acquaint you with the way I employ to obtain dephlegmed spirit of wine;
especially since the practice of the common way of frequent rectifications is (not to mention
other inconveniences) wont to prove either exceeding tedious, or insufficient. Put then about an
inch thick of tartar calcined to whiteness (for I find it not necessary to reduce it to a salt) and
very dry, into the bottom of a tall and slender glass body, and pour on it as much spirit of wine,
that has been but once rectified, as will, when they have been shaken together, swim above the
tartar a finger's breadth (more or less in proportion to the tartar you put in) and then the head and
receiver being carefully fastened on again, in a gentle heat draw off the spirit of wine, shifting if
you please the receiver, when about half is come over, and if need be, rectifying once more all
that you distil upon dry calx of tartar as before. Whether or no you may meet with this method in
some chymical books, I know not: but it seems, that either it has not been clearly taught, or has
been proposed by suspecting authors, or else among other processes, by being found in whose
company it has been discredited. For the most ancient and experienced distillers I have met with,
have either contented themselves to follow the common way of repeated rectifications, though
thereby they lose much time, and much spirit of wine; or else have had recourse to peculiar
vessels of such a height, as besides that they are neither easily nor cheaply to be procured, do
not, as far as I have hitherto seen, excuse the need of reiterated rectifications. Whereas, when we
considered, that the fixed salt of tartar readily imbibes aqueous bodies, and that yet it will not at
all mix with pure spirit of wine, it was easy to conclude, that the phlegmatic part of the spirit of
wine would be soaked up by the alcalizate salt, whereby the inflammable part would be freed
from it. And accordingly when we proceeded after the manner above prescribed, we found, that
the liquor, that was produced upon the first rectification from the salt, being fired in a warm
silver-spoon, did not leave behind it one drop of phlegm, or so much as the least moisture upon
the spoon; nay, and indeed did endure a severer examen, to which for curiosity's sake we thought
fit to put it. And when the distillation was carefully made, we found by frequently (for trial-sake)
shifting the receiver, that all the spirit that ascended was (to sense) equally pure, since that which
came up last of all, even till the calx seemed to begin to grow dry, by beginning to cleave at the
top, did bum all away, as well as that which came over first. And having for further trial taken
out the calcined tartar, and distilled it with a good fire, it yielded us pretty store of a nauseous
and strongly scented liquor, which seemed to be but phlegm, both to the taste, and by its not
being at all inflammable, though carefully tried. The same calx of tartar being kept in some
earthen vessel upon the fire till it be well dried, which will require a good heat, may be employed
more than once in this operation. And it was not needlesly that we prescribed bodies tall and
slender; for we found not the experiment to succeed in large and low ones, and much less in
retorts, in which the phlegm is wont to rise together with the spirit; yet we found, that provided
the distillation were made with a sufficiently mild heat, a glass, though very broad, and but
moderately high, would serve the turn so far, as that the first half that ascended (the other being
very weak) proved a spirit, that in a silver-spoon would burn perfectly all away. And because
white calx of tartar is sometimes not so easy to be procured, we will add, that we have for trial-
sake sometimes substituted quicklime, or salt of pot-ashes (made by a single solution, filtration,
and coagulation) with no bad success, especially in case of removing the receiver before the
ascension of the last part of the liquor, though even that itself has sometimes from quick-lime
come up inflammable enough. And therefore this alcohol of wine we peculiarly call the
alcalizate spirit of wine; and the rather, because spiritus vini tartarizatus, which perhaps may be
thought the properest name for it, is employed by eminent chymical writers to signify a different
thing. And a practicable way of making such an alcalized and pure spirit of wine we thought not
unfit to teach you here once for all, in regard the menstruum is so highly useful, not only for
tinctures, extracts, and many other chymical operations, but in the making of divers
philosophical experiments, and particularly some of those, which you may meet with in our
writings. And an eminently ingenious person (but to me a stranger) chancing to get sight of this
essay, was pleased to give me thanks for this last part of it; because, though he had very often
made use of salt of tartar to improve spirit of wine, yet he did it before, not to dephlegm the
weaker liquor, but to acuate the strong with the alcali: which though I deny not to be a thing
feasible, yet (as I told him) unless it be skilfully attempted, the highly rectified liquor, that is
poured on, will rather leave some of its most spiritous parts behind, than carry up so fixed a salt.1
If it were proposed to free weak spirit of wine, or aqua vitae, from a great part of its phlegm, the
generality of distillers would think it not to be effected but by the help of fire and a furnace, an
alembick, or some other distillatory vessels; and yet, without the help of any of an these
instruments, I have sometimes taken pleasure to dephlegm brandy (as they call weak spirits of
wine of the first distillation) only by putting it into salt of tartar. For considering the faculty this
alkalizate body has to attract (as men commonly speak) or imbibe the aqueous particles that
swim in the air, and resolve itself, with them into that liquor that the chymists call oil of tartar
per deliquium, there seemed sufficient reason to expect, that the same salt, being put very dry
into phlegmatick spirit of wine, would embody with the phlegmatick parts, with which, if it were
not over-charged, it would probably keep them separate from the more spirituous liquor; since
such oil of tartar as I have just now mentioned, and dephlegmed spirit of wine, will swim upon
one another without mixing; and accordingly, I have sometimes taken pleasure, by putting a
sufficient proportion of dry salt of tartar into brandy, and leaving it there for some time (for the
experiment will, to be completed, require some while) to make some separation of a great part of
the phlegm, which by degrees dissolving the salt, will reduce again part of it into a liquor that
will keep its surface distinct from that of its supernatant spirit, and if confounded therewith, by
the shaking of the glass, would speedily part from it, and regain its own station; and if you would
have a separation of the phlegm begin to appear quickly, you may compass what you intend, by
tying up a convenient quantity of dry salt of tartar in a dry rag of linen cloth, and immersing it a
little while in the brandy, and then lifting it up a little above the liquor; for the phlegmatick parts
being copiously imbibed in the salt, which will be thereby resolved into a ponderous liquor, will
in drops (whose descent will be distinguishable enough, if the glass be held against the light) fall
to the bottom of the spirit of wine. And lest you should suspect, that this descent comes not from
their weight, but from the force they acquire in falling through the air, you may keep the rag
immersed beneath the surface of the liquor, and yet may perceive the efflux and subsidence of
the lixivium. we have been speaking of.2

These instances bring into my mind another chymical experiment, that I have seen made by the
same gentleman, which was, that by putting into weak spirit of wine a sufficient quantity of salt
of tartar, he quickly dephlegmed the spirit without distillation, or so much as heat. And this will
the better illustrate the Cartesian explication, because it is manifest, by the change that will be
made of the most part of salt of tartar into a liquor, that will not mix with the now dephlegmed
spirit of wine, that the reason for the operation is, that the aqueous particles of the phlegmatick
spirit, finding, it seems, more convenience, or facility, to continue their motion among the fixed
corpuscles of the salt, than the vinous ones of the spirit, pass into the alkaly, and dissolve it; and
thereby desert the liquor, through which they were diffused before. And I know another saline
body, that so unites with water, as not to be, by the eye, distinguishable from it, and yet is of
such a texture, that water is so much less disposed to mingle with it, than with spirit of wine
itself, that it will forsake the body it kept in agitation, to pass into this spirit; and so leave that
which it kept in the form of a liquor before, to appear in the form of a consistent body; which
instance comes from what nearer, than the former, to the experiment of glaciation.3

And to let you see, Pyrophilus, by one plain, and yet noble instance, that the knowledge of the
specific qualities of things, skilfully applied to preparations, may perform, with ease, what
neither costly materials, nor elaborate processes are able to effect; give me leave to inform you,
that, whereas chymists and physicians have not been able by infusing the true glass of antimony
(made per se) in spirit of wine, or the richest cordial liquors, nor yet by torturing it after several
tedious and artificial manners, to deprive it of its emetick quality; that vomitive faculty, of
antimonial glass, may be corrected by so slight a way, as that of digesting it with pure spirit of
vinegar, till the menstruum be highly tinged. For if you gently abstract all the liquor, and on the
remaining yellow or red powder you digest well dephlegmated spirit of wine; you may after a
while obtain a noble and not emetick tincture; of which though Basilius Valentinus prescribes
but five or six drops for a dose, yet a domestick of mine having, out of curiosity, taken to the
quantity of thirty drops at a time, he found it not at all vomitive. And this tincture we the rather
mention, because, not only Basilius Valentinus, but other skillful persons, highly extol it for
several diseases.4

1-Extract from The Works of the Honourable Robert Boyle (1627-1691), Vol. I, Pages 332, 333,
London ~CLXXII (1772).
2 Ibid., Vol. Ill, Page 462.
3 Ibid., Vol. Ill, Page 749
4 Ibid., Vol. II, Pages 146, 147.

p.562

Questions and Answers

Q. Is Sal Gammae ever used in the Greater Work? If so, please explain.

A. Sal Gammae is rock salt as it comes out of the mines. A stone can also be made from it but
should not be confused with the "great work."

Q. In case of ferrous sulfate crystals that we calcine to red giving the crocus of iron, if these are
obtained from a chemical supply, are these dead?

A. If made from common iron, like cast iron, etc., yes.

Q. If they are dead, what is an efficient method to come up with an aliveness in them? Is it not
possible to revivify these commercially made dead salts?

A. Yes, with an alkahest.

Q. After they are calcined to the red, then extracted, washed, then distilled, would the mercury
obtained from the sulphurous earth be alive enough to revivify the dead earth, thereby making
what was dead alive by art? Or must a virgin substance be the only way to obtain an alive
substance?

A. Yes.
Q. It seems that the saying that nothing is destroyed by fire, only substance is purified, applies
here. That is, if one takes a dead salt or crystal in this case, opens it, purifies it, reduces it to its
first matter by distillation, this, when returned to earth, is revivified?

A. No.

Q. We take an acetate, distill the acetic off (flash evaporator) under vacuum. The sulphur
thickens to a heavy oil consistency. Evaporation is stopped. Distilled water is added and
evaporation by distillation is resumed. This is again taken to the thick oil state. More distilled
water is added. Now, the pH increases towards neutral. Here is the first question: When the
smell changes from the acetic smell to the individual smell of the sulphur (that is, lead acetate
smells different than the antimony acetate), how can we tell when to stop? In the case of the
antimony, it begins to smell like the vinegar of antimony instead of acetic.

A. When you get the pH 7, or close to it, then stop.

Q. How can we be sure we haven't "distilled the strength out of it" besides the smell?

A. By testing its solvency on other substances of a similar nature.

Q. The distillate from the distilled water washing smells like the vinegar of antimony. Is it the
same? If it is, then one would then separate the salts from this water by distillation and by
repeated distillation we would sharpen the water?

A. Yes.

Q. When the sulphur is dry, as in Basil, one circulates this sulphur with K.M. until the golden
tincture shows. This will come over when the K.M. and the sulphur have been amalgamated (as
the Old Ones say). Is the purpose here to make the fixed volatile?

A. As you put it, yes.

Q. Can you omit the K.M. circulation altogether and then distill?

A. Yes, but the result will not be the same.

Q. When you take this washed acetate with KM, distill the K.M. off, and slowly raise the heat,
first comes a clear water, very sharp (we will call this #1). Then comes a golden colored oil (we
will call this #2). The #1 is clear in all the example experiments. The #2 is not always the same
color but varies according to what sulphur we are using. Is the first one (#1) what is called the
lunar water and the second (#2) the alchemical sulphur?

A. The first no, #2 part of it.

Q. The two together making philosophical gold (from antimony in this case). The remaining
earth is now black. To purify this earth and to purify the mercury, do we grind the earth and put
back the distillates together on the earth and distill under vacuum to purify - or do we just use #1
water alone to accomplish the whitening of the earth? Is there a leaching process useful here? It
seems that putting all three together is more like the herbal work.

A. The two mentioned above do not make the philosophical gold. The great work is similar to
the little work as all three have to be used.

Q. So far in my experiments, the two waters have been kept separate #1 and #2). Is the #1 water
the useless phlegm the Old Ones talk of? I think not, but it seems like it could be just chemical
water, that is, as opposed to the physical water that would be left from the washing.

A. # 1 yes.

Q. Do we have to circulate the acetate or sulphur with KM? What do we get if we just distill the
sulphur when it is washed and dry? Without circulating it first?

A. We don't get the same result.

Q. The unfixed oil of antimony was made with acetone. Evaporated all the acetone. Added spirit
of wine (200 proof). When this is evaporated to a thick solid oil and then distilled, you get an oil.
Can you help me see the difference between the distilled oil just mentioned and the tincture in the
spirit of wine? Especially in respect to dose. Understanding, of course, that these are potent
things, would it still be a fixed oil? Is the difference that of a tincture and an alchemical oil? Is
this again the philosophical gold (the distilled oil)?

A. The tincture has the oil in solution. They are not fixed and it is not the philosophical gold.

Q. The acetic acid that is removed from the acetate, if the substance started with was a virgin
ore, would you then have a strong mineral vinegar, as Basil calls for? Or is that which he refers
to the vinegar of antimony? Can you use this, the acetic acid removed from the acetate, when
Basil calls for a strong mineral vinegar?

A. It is neither.

Q. What is the difference between the vinegar of antimony and the two waters #1 and #2? Is it
only that one is fixed and the other unfixed? It seems that the distilled oil is very volatile, not as
the vinegar of antimony. Is it that one is the Alcahest of antimony (vinegar) and the other the
Mercury? Basil calls the oil distilled from antimony the quintessence. Is the quintessence the
same as the mercury?

A. The vinegar of antimony is prepared differently and is fixed and fixes what it comes in
contact with. The Alkahest and Mercury are the same. The quintessence of antimony is its oil.

Q. What is the medicinal value of Oil and Vinegar of Uranium?

A. Not established.
Q. What precautions against radiation are necessary when performing alchemical experiments
with Uranium ore?

A. Those required by Federal Regulations.

Q. Since coal is a fossil fuel of primarily vegetable matter, the radical vegetable menstruum will
obviously suffice to separate its principles. The resultant Elixir, under Saturn, would clearly be
useful for treating diseases of the skeletal system. Would the Vegetable Stone made from coal be
a diamond? St. Germain and Cagliostro were reputed to have made innumerable diamonds by
alchemical means. Was this their secret? At what temperature should the kiln be set to produce
such a Stone in perfection? Can a diamond, produced by natural means, as opposed to art, be
used to remove impurities of herbs in maceration? Is this a workable hint concerning the occult
properties of gems and precious stones?

A. The Vegetable Stone would not be a diamond. The making of precious stones requires the
philosophical mercury.

Q. Must one separate the True Universal Gur into animal, mineral, and vegetable components
before attempting to mold it into the life form of a particular kingdom; or will it automatically
take on the characteristics of the kingdom in which it is formed? If this separation is actually
necessary, how is it performed?

A. The Gur is separated and retains its characteristics.

Q. The importance of water to all life has caused us to wonder if the procedure taught to us
using rain water to obtain an Archaeus could also be used on the salt water to make it usable for
drinking and growing purposes?

A. It would still have to be distilled.

 Parachemy
Volume VI: Number 4 Fall 1978

The Greater Vision

Contents

Interviews With Frater Albertus p.571

Questions and Answers p.591

p.571

Interviews With Frater Albertus

Q. Frater, did you know that it is said you are connected with magic?

A. Definitely!
Q. Then you admit that you are conducting magical exercises?

A. Nothing of the kind.

Q. But you just said ...

A. You got me all wrong. Let me ask you a question. What does the word "magic" really mean to
you?

Q. It refers to extraordinary feats, things we can't reasonably explain, like miracles.

A. Simply stated, magic is referring to wisdom. A magi is a wise one. Yes, I am connected with
that which refers to wisdom, as this is of utmost importance to me.

Q. In the latest issue of "Fate Magazine"* someone wrote about you and said that you have
written books about magic. What do you have to say about that?

A. How many times have I stated anybody can write about others as it pleases them. I have
written no books on magic as it is commonly understood, and have no intention of doing so.

Q. I have this magazine here with me. May I quote from it?

A. Go ahead.

Q. "In years past Frater Albertus has written several straight magical texts." End of quotation.

A. OK. Now what do you want me to say?

Q. When statements are made as this one given in "Fate Magazine," one would suppose that
such are proven or at least well founded.

A. If such are proven and well founded, OK, but if they are just the imagination of those who
write them or perhaps even are the outcome of sensational contemplations to arouse readers'
interest, I prefer not to get involved.

Q. You've just mentioned imagination. You know that a lot of daydreaming is nothing else but
imagination. What about dreams?

A. Yes, indeed. But don't throw all dreams into one category. There are also what are known as
prophetic dreams, where one is shown what he did not know before; in fact what may yet have to
come about. The imagination ot the individual has nothing to do, with this at all. Here we deal
with facts that are predetermined as they already exist in one state of awareness and will again
manifest in another person's state of awareness in a futuristic state.

Q. But how can one distinguish between such dreams or imagination?

A. The Jewish Talmud says: "A dream that is not understood is like a letter that has not been
opened."

Q. What about the dreams individuals have about their own future?

A. It would not be correct to speak here of dreams because it is usually here where the
imagination enters. It is a form of projection into a futuristic state that can but may not be
actualized, depending on the events ahead of time.

Q. Then you don't believe in daydreaming or visualizing future individual's ability to bring its
realization about?

A. Of course I do. What has been brought about which concerns PRS, Paralab, and Phameres, let
us say, had its beginning in what you've called the dream state, where it was shown ahead of
time what should come about provided the individual involved will also project his own
activities connected with it in a likewise manner. Let me try and explain it this way: What good
is a letter if you don't open it. You don't know what it contains. Even after you have opened it
and you don't comply with its contents what good was the letter? You may apply this to dreams
likewise.

Q. May I ask you something of a perhaps personal nature?

A. Go ahead.

Q. Do you have now or did you have in the past any such dreams that you're following up that
have not yet come into being? I mean, that have not as yet materialized like PRS, Paralab and
Phameres?

A. Yes, I have had such a dream, as you call it, that has not had its fulfillment as such, not
because my imagination is not active; on the contrary, I am very much occupied with it in its
various stages.

Q. Would you mind if I were to ask you what this is?

A. Actually it is no secret because to a small group of PRS students it was already revealed in
1972 in Europe.

Q. Well, what was it?

A. It concerns the combination of the activities of PRS, Paralab and Phameres as one unit.

Q. As one unit? How's that? How can they be one unit?

A. This, too, will have to be a dream come true, because it is the fulfillment or completion of
each segment merged into a harmonious one. However, each will have to function as a complete
entity before such a merger becomes possible. When this has been established, it will then be
made known, not only here but in several locations in various countries all over the world - and
made available to all concerned. Such "places" will be found to play an important part in the
Eves of those who are in search of the miraculous, as it has been rightfully so named.

Q. Would you please be a little bit more specific?

A. Are you asking me to go into details right now?

Q. Yes, if you will please.

A. Well, I am a little reluctant to do just that. However, let me put it this way so that you can get
at least a general idea and some of the various things connected with it that are of primary
importance.

*September 1978 issue, pages 104-105.

p.591

Questions And Answers

Q. Sal ammoniac (extracted with alcohol) should be distilled three times in making KM. Each
time you distill there is a very dark residue left in the distillation flask. Even when the sal
ammoniac is sublimed three times and then distilled there is still a dark residue left. Over a
period of two or three years I saved this dark residue from distilling sal ammoniac until I had a
250 ml flask almost full. I never knew if it had any use or value but saved it as some people save
string - reluctant to throw it out but skeptical of its value. Comments please!

A. Save it but don't use it for anything at present, except for charging the KM by adding pure
alcohol to it and redistilling.

Q. My understanding is that an alcohol tincture of a mineral is beneficial and circulates through

the body quickly because there is an affinity between the blood and the spirit in the alcohol!
What is the purpose of striving for the "Dexterous Distillation," or the oil of antimony, when oil
and alcohol do not mix! Doesn't just a tincture suffice for our purposes?

A. In most cases a tincture suffices, but the oil of antimony does indeed mix with alcohol in its
first stage, similar to an ethereal plant oil that mixes with alcohol.

Q. Mineral tinctures made with ether have considerable impurities! Can a mineral tincture be
made with nitric or sulphuric acid - then wash out the acid and then make an alcohol tincture?
And would this tincture be an unfixed tincture?

A. It would be an unfixed tincture but not a pure mineral tincture per se, as one would work with
nitrates and sulphates of the mineral in question.
Q. What compound of chemical elements or what element most closely resembles Gur in nature?

A. Alkaline substances.

Q. When the acetone menstrum over the antimony fume has been precipitated with a
supersaturate solution of an alkali base and filtered and this filtered residue dried and the oil of
antimony extracted from this by alcohol in a soxhlet extractor, will the remaining material in the
soxhlet thimble yield any vinegar or fixed spirit after this material is dried and a dry distillation
is attempted?

A. No.

Q. What is the sulphur of Mars? Magnetite? Lodestone? Pyrite?

A. In iron pyrite and those mentioned here it is crude sulphur, in parachemy it is the oil
(alchemical sulphur).

Q. Would Pitchblende be more or less significant, alchemically speaking, as say Galena?

A. Pitchblende would yield radium, Galena lead, but both would have the alchemical mercury.

Q. For alchemical operations can we purchase aqua fortis, nitre, vitriol, rectified spirits of
turpentine?

A. Yes, you can but it would be necessary to know how they were produced in the first place.

Q. Are quartz crucibles and flasks used in alchemical operations?

A. Yes, they can endure more heat.

Q. How closely related, if at all, are turpentine and amber?

A. Both are from the pine and fir trees originally.

Q. Is a Leibig straight condenser better than a coiled condenser when extracting The Alkahest?

A. A liebig condenser does not cool as much as a coil condenser in this case.

Q. Can I lute a crucible so that it would be air tight in a strong fire?

A. Yes, but it depends on what's in it that could burn.

Q. Is there any difference between philosophic mercury and what some Sages call animated
Mercury?

A. No.
Q. In Prima class it was given that Sun = Sol = the Giver of Life. I also have written in my notes
that Sun = that which keeps you alive Sulphur. This is also supported by the fact that the first
three letters of the word Sulphur is almost Sol. Since Mercury = Life of Spirit, we draw the
following conclusion: Sulphur is the giver of Mercury. Is this correct?

A. Your conclusion has merit.

Q. Is the water, the 'Flood' obtained when you don't use a menstruum?

A. Yes.

Q. You have been asked many times about the Philosophical Mercury, I am sure of that. I would
like to know, can it be made out of anything or is there something special required to produce
the Philosophical Mercury from - or, by any chance, is it a substance known already, perhaps
only under another name, or names?

A. The Philosophical Mercury can be obtained from any metal. In some metals the mercury is
unripe, as some alchemists called it, whereas in gold it is most ripe.

Q. When Von Bernus attempted to produce the Philosophical Mercury, he observed a poisoning
effect - "the flies are falling down dead." The same is mentioned in the article in the
Encyclopedia Britannica. Volatile lead compounds may distill over and escape into the air.
Could you please point out the danger?

A. It was not von Bernus but Richert in the Black Forest who had this experience. There is grave
danger working with lead and its compounds if one does not know how to handle them.

Q. When you speak of the Prince of Peace returning in 1986 in "The Alchemist of the Rocky
Mountains," do you refer to Jesus or a great Avatar having attained the Christ consciousness?

A. No, this was not indicated in the quotation from the "Alchemist of the Rocky Mountains". A
prince of peace can be anyone whose mission it will be to help in the establishment of peace on
earth at a given period. +
 Parachemy
Volume VII: Number 1 Winter 1979

Salt

Contents

The Philosophical Mercury p.601

Questions and Answers p.618
Salt - back cover
The Philosophical Mercury
Liber enim Librum aperit*

In the last several issues of PARACHEMY many hints and clues have been given concerning the
nature and isolation of the Philosophical Mercury. In this article an attempt is made to piece
together these hints and references to show how the Philosophical Mercury might be obtained.

The first important reference was given in an article on the Philosophical Mercury by Frater
Albertus: "I have before me the text of the section on Chemistry in the Encyclopedia Brittanica of
1771 where the process is outlined, though even unknown to the author thereof what he came up
with is indeed the philosophical mercury."1

The one problem with this reference is that, unfortunately, no page number was given. It would
be very easy to overlook the particular process because the entire section is filled with various
processes dealing with a multitude of substances. So one must either have the eyes to see or a
second piece of information. Not having the eyes, a second hint was looked for. This hint came
in the form of a question in a recent issue of PARACHEMY which is quoted in full: "Q. When
Von Bernus attempted to produce the Philosophical Mercury, he observed a poisoning effect -
'the flies are falling down dead.' The same is mentioned in the article in the Encyclopedia
Brittanica. Volatile lead compounds may distill over and escape into the air. Could you please
point out the danger?"2 With this new piece of information the task of finding the reference
made by Frater Albertus was made easier. All that was necessary to do was to go through all the
processes that dealt with lead and see which ones mentioned the poisonous qualities of lead. For
those who do not have access to this work, what was found is quoted almost entirely here:

"Reduce a quantity of ceruse into powder; put it into a matras; pour on it twelve or fifteen times
as much distilled vinegar; set the matras in a sandbath; leave the matter in digestion for a day,
shaking it from time to time: then decant your liquor, and keep it apart. Pour fresh vinegar on
what is left in the matras, and digest as before. Proceed thus till you have dissolved one half, or
two thirds, of the ceruse.
"Evaporate to a pellicle the liquors you poured off from the ceruse, and set them in a cool place.
Greyish crystals will shoot therein. Decant the liquor from the crystals; evaporate it again to a
pellicle, and set it by to crystallise. Proceed thus evaporating and crystallising, as long as any
crystals will shoot. Dissolve your crystals in distilled vinegar, and evaporate the solution, which
will then shoot into whiter and purer crystals. This is the salt, or sugar of lead.
"Lead is easily dissolved by the acid of vinegar. If it be barely exposed to the vapour of that acid,
its surface is corroded, and converted into a kind of calax or white rust, much used in painting,
and is known by the name of ceruse, or white lead . . .
"The salt of lead hath a saccharine taste, which hath procured it the name also of sugar of lead.
For this reason, when wine begins to turn sour, the sure way to cure it of that disagreeable taste,
is to substitute a sweet one which is not disagreeable to the taste, by mixing therewith ceruse,
litharge, or some such preparation of lead; for the acid of the wine dissolves the lead, and
therewith forms a sugar of lead, which remains mixed with the wine, and bath a taste which,
joined with that of the wine, is not unpleasant. But, as lead is one of the most dangerous poisons
we know, this method ought never to be practiced; and whoever uses such a pernicious drug
deserves to be most severly punished. Yet some thing very like this happens every day, and must
needs have very bad consequences; while there is nobody to blame, and those to whom the thing
may prove fatal can have no mistrust of it.
"Salt of lead may be decompounded by distillation without additament. In order to perform this,
you must put the salt of lead into a glass or stone retort, leaving a full third thereof empty, and
distil in a reverberating furnace with degrees of fire. A spirit rises, which fins the receiver with
clouds. When nothing more will come over with a fire that makes the retort red-hot, let the
vessels cool, and then unlute them. You will find in the receiver an austere liquor, which is
inflammable; or, at least, an inflammable spirit may be obtained from it, if about one half thereof
be drawn off by distillation in a glass alembic. The retort in which the salt of lead was
decompounded contains, at the end of the operation, a blackish matter: this is lead, which will
resume its metallic form on being melted in a crucible; because the acid by which it was
dissolved, and from which it hath been separated, being of a very oily nature, hath left in it a
sufficient quantity of phlogiston.
'What is most remarkable in this decomposition of salt of lead, is the inflammable spirit which it
yields, though the vinegar which entered into the composition of the salt seemed to contain none
at all."3
We also find a similar process in "The Art of Distillation" which is quoted in its entirety:

"Take the Calx of Saturn, or else Minium, pour upon it so much Spirit of Vinegar that may cover
it four fingers breadth, digest them in a warm place the space of twenty four hours, often stirring
them that the matter settle not too thick in the bottom: then decant the Menstruum, and pour on
more, digest it as before, and this do so often until all the saltness be extracted. Filter and clarify
all the Menstruum being put together, then evaporate it half away, and set the other part in a
cold place till it crystalize. These Crystals dissolve again in fresh Spirit of Vinegar, filter and
coagulate the Liquor again into Crystals, and this do so often until they be sufficiently
impregnated with the salt Armoniak of the Vinegar as with their proper ferment. Digest them in a
temperate Balneo, that they may be resolved into a Liquor like Oil. Then distill this Liquor in
Sand in a Retort, with a large receiver annexed to it, and well closed that no Spirits evaporate,
together with the Observation of the degrees of the fire: then there will distill forth a Spirit of
such a fragrant smell that the fragrancy of all flowers, and compounded perfumes are not to be
compared to it. After Distillation when all things are cold takeout, and cast away the black feces
which is of no use. Then separate the yellow Oil, which swims on the top of the Spirit, and the
blood red Oil which sinks to the bottom of it: Separate the flegm. from the Spirit in Balneo. Thou
shalt by this means have a most fragrant Spirit that even ravisheth the senses, and so
Balsamicall, that it cures all old and new sores inward and outward, and so cordiall that the
dying are with admiration revived with it.
"They that have this medicine need scarce use any other either for inward, or outward griefs." 4
And again:

II

"Take the mineral of Venus or Saturn, and drive their spirits in a retort; each of these dissolveth
gold radically, after its purification.

III
"Take pulverised ore of Saturn, or vulgar Saturn calcined; its salt with Acetum or its antinae
(anima?); purify it in the best manner, that it may be transparent as crystal, and sweet as honey,
and be fluid in heat like wax, and brittle when cold. This is the tree which is cut off, of
unwholesome fruits, on which must be inoculated the twigs of Sol.5

It can not be mistaken that the three quotes above are talking about the same thing. But is it the
Philosophical Mercury? There are two reasons why a conclusion can be drawn that it is: the
quote by Frater Albertus given earlier and the reference to the odor of the distillate in the second
quote, "... there will distill forth a Spirit of such a fragrant smell that the fragrancy of all flowers,
and compounded perfumes are not to be compared to it.".6

Compare this to the following quotes from several sources of different times and places. The first
is from the modern alchemist Archibald Cockren: "A friend has described this odour as
resembling the dewy earth on a June morning with the hint of growing flowers in the air, the
breath of the wind over heather and hill, and the sweet smell of the rain on the parched earth."7
From "The Testament of Cremer" we find a similar passage: "When this happy event takes place,
the whole house will be filled with a most wonderfully sweet fragrance; then will be the day of
the Nativity of the most blessed Preparation.."8
We also find in "Le Livre Des Figures Hieroglifiques de Nioclas Flamel" the following:
"Finalement je trouvay ce que je desirolis, ce que je reconnus aussi tost par la senteur forte."(sic)
Which translated reads, "Finally I have found what I desired, which I immediately recognized by
the strong scent." (la senteur can also be translated as odor or perfume). And finally in an
interview with Frater Albertus we find a reference to the smell of the Philosophical Mercury. The
quote is as follows: "Q. What is it? A. The Philosophical Mercury. Q. May I smell it? A. Yes. Q.
It reminds me of something but I can't recall what right now."10

So from all the above quotes, the conclusion is that the Philosophical Mercury can be obtained
from the Salt of Saturn, also called Sugar of Lead (lead acetate), by a dry distillation followed by
successive rectifications. However, it isn't enough to pull a series of quotes together and leave it
at that. The final proof of this statement is to be found in the laboratory, where practical
experimentation will either prove or disprove the above hypothesis. Those who are prepared and
ready will take advantage of this article and either prove or disprove for themselves the veracity
of it, and by so doing take us further by sharing with us the results of their experiments.

REFERENCES

*One book opens another. -Rhasis

1 Frater Albertus, "The Philosophical Mercury," Parachemy, Vol. V, No. 1, p. 395.
2 Questions and Answers," Parachemy, Vol. VI, No. 4, p. 592.
3 "Chemistry," Encyclopedia Britannica, 1771, Vol. 1, pp. 169-170.
4 John French, The Art of Distillation, (London: Richard Cotes, 1651), Book 3, pp. 73-74.
5 The Alchemical Writings of Edward Kelly, ed. and trans. A. E. Waite, (New York: Samuel
Weiser Inc., 1973), p. Ivi. This work (Saint Dunstan of the Stone of the Philosophers) can also be
found in Parachemy, Vol. I, No. 2, p. 45, under the title of "Alchemistical Compositum."
6 French, op. cit., p.74.
7 Archibald Cockren Alchemy Rediscovered and Restored, (Calif., Health Research Reprints,
1963), p. 123.
8 The Hermetic Museum, ed. and trans. A.E. Waite, (New York: Samuel Weiser Inc., 1974), Vol,
11, pp. 75-76.
9 Claude Gagnon, Description du Livre des Figures Hieroglyphiques .... (Montreal: Les Editions
de l'Aurore, 1977), p. 89.
10 'Interviews with Frater Albertus' Parachemy, Vol. VI No. 2, p. 522.

p.618

Questions And Answers

Q. Is is possible to buy the Sb2O3 from a manufacturer without learning too late it might be the
wrong kind?

A. Yes, indeed.

Q. What is the powder of Algarath or mercurious vitae?

A. Algarath is antimony oxychloride. It is a white amorphorous powder insoluble in water or

alcohol. Mercurious vitae is living mercury - quicksilver.

Q. Omphacium is unripe grape juice. Basil, Triumphal Chariot of Antimony, page 109, uses it on
antimony glass to open the glass or something. Can you speak of what this is doing to the glass?
And once I have extracted the juice of the unripe grapes, do they need to be distilled or worked
with in some way before using?

A. It is the potassium contained in unripe grape juice that helps in the fusion of the glass while
imparting at the same time some of the essence of tartar.

Q. Please comment on the medical values of the spirit of sulphur versus sulphur of sulphur. Also,
can the spirit of sulphur dissolve our various minerals and metals? Under what conditions?

A. Spirit of sulphur is a clear liquid whereas oil of sulphur is a viscous yellowish tinted oil. The
medicinal values are that oil of sulphur is a preservative for the flesh of the body and spirit of
sulphur, because of its penetrative nature, becomes an excellent agent to help disperse various
medicines added to it.

Q. What is the liquid obtained when I place a purified salt in a cool, moist place for a period of
time? Example: K2C03, Juniper berry salt.

A. Some salts are very hygroscopic and attract from the moist air essential substances like free
nitrogen to enrich the distillate therefrom.
Q. Basil in The Triumphal Chariot of Antimony seems to suggest in several places that the oils of
antimony fixed are without venom and the unfixed oils still have some venom. Please comment
on this. See pages 36, 89, 127-128.

A. When some of the salts are found within a tincture such are toxic. See also further along more
on this question.

Q. Regarding Cockren's Alchemy Rediscovered and Restored, page 126, what was the ratio of
Philosophic Gold to the salt?

A. There is no set ratio because the salt will absorb as much of the philosophic gold as it finds is
needed to fully saturate it for further action.

Q. Basil talks about 1) venetian earth 2) clay of the sages 3) oil of vitriol 4) oil of red vitriol 5)
St. Benedict's cordial, page 164 of Triumphal Chariot of Antimony. What do these things mean?

A. 1) borax 2) Balus Alba 3) true oil of sulphur 4) true oil of iron 5) As the name indicates, a
cordial.

Q. I have used to make the herbal tinctures 90 proof vodka. Will I reduce its potency if I would
dilute the vodka with water so that it will be 40 to 50 proof and then use it to make the tinctures?

A. It will only weaken the extraction media and may take somewhat longer to extract the herb.

Q. How much is the potency of an herbal tincture increased when after calcination of its plant
part the salt is added to the tincture?

A. The mineral contents will increase the potency.

Q. Can an herb come under the influence of two planets? It was mentioned in an herbal book
that certain plants are to be found under the influence of the Moon and Jupiter. Please comment.

A. There have been several disputed opinions on this matter by various authors. When more of
the seven planets are taken into account, the other half tone value will then make a correction
possible.

Q. We have the garden sage and the mountain sage which to my understanding are different. Is
this correct?

A. Yes. Garden sage is under Jupiter; Mountain sage under Venus.

Q. Is it essential that only the crude black ore of antimony be used for medical preparations?

A. As the primary substance from which all other preparations Are made, it should be used to
assure that the substances are kept alive.
Q. Is the seed destroyed in Red Antimony Sulphide?

A. No.

Q. Is there a maximum temperature in making glass of antimony?

A. Yes, when the temperature is too high, antimony glass will volatilize.

Q. Is the golden color antimony trioxide suitable for medicinal purposes?

A. Yes.

Q. Basil Valentinus writes, "Dissolve and nourish the red lion with the blood of the green lion,
since the fixed blood of the red lion is made from the volatile blood of the green one, which
makes them both of the same nature." Is this a true statement, properly translated? Would you
elucidate a little please?

A. It is a correct translation which has been substantiated in the laboratory.

Q. When by slow distillation on low heat and under a vacuum one has drawn off the KM from the
colored tincture of the glass of Antimony (prepared in the Soxhlet), why does one then have to
raise the heat and, after changing receivers, drive the oil of Antimony over? What is NOT
purified in the residue left after all the KM is driven off? I suspect a process here regarding
purification not yet explained to us? Comment please.

A. Some of the glass of antimony particles can be thrown down and remain behind when further
distillations are made. This goes also for the fixed antimony, when some residue remains after
the oil or tincture has been removed.

Q. When Alchemists refer to proportions, e.g. 2 to 1, does this invariably mean by weight? Not
ever by volume, if volume is not specifically stated?

A. It refers mostly to weight. When volume is called for, it will be specified.

Q. Did I hear you right when you said that the body converts its iron intake into manganese?

A. We do not recall such an incident, unless a specific case was considered by way of
comparison.

Q. Please comment on the uses of the Para Theriac and in what ways it can benefit those who
take it. I have heard that it is even effective against diabetes. Is this true?

A. Para Theriac now renamed Tincture Paracelsus, because of FDA regulations, is said to have
been used in addition to other medications and alone against diabetes. However, these are
individual testimonies and cannot be considered clinical evaluation. The overwhelming majority
of claims that have been made by users is the benefit of invigorated circulation in the body.
Q. Regarding antimony extracted with acetone. What is left in the fluid after precipitation? Is it
salt of antimony and useful for medication?

A. Salts of antimony should never be used as medication except under the strict supervision of a
qualified doctor.

Q. Can we purchase oil of tartar for alchemical purposes or do we have to make it?

A. It would be a boon to mankind if oil of tartar could be purchased like oil of wintergreen and
such. Unfortunately, very few even know how to make it for themselves.

Q. Regarding 'Angel Water': 1) Can you collect more 'Angel water' from argol or the vine? 2)
Would calcined oak or oak bark draw 'Angel Water?' 3) Should you discontinue collecting
'Angel Water' when the sun rises and resume when the sun sets? 4) Can you drink 'Angel Water'
without harmful results?

A. 1) After the argol has been recalcined. 2) If it contains potassium. 3) Let not the sun shine on
it as it would evaporate. 4) Do not drink it! One drop in a glass of water is permissable, as it is
highly alkaline.

Q. What significance is there in the fact that Taoist alchemists talk of five elements: earth, air,
fire, water, and wood?

A. Wood is used as an example as it consists of the four elements.

Q. Hyssop appears to be used several times in the Holy Bible: John 19:29, Jesus is given sour
wine and hyssop while on the cross; Psalms 5L7, "Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean."
Ex. 12.11 Moses called to take a lamb and kill it at passover - "And take a bunch of hyssop, and
dip it in the blood that is in the basin, and strike the lintel." Please comment on the meaning and
the value of such an herb having such religious focus.

A. Many herbs are mentioned in the bible. As it says above: "Purge" me with Hyssop indicates
the quality of the herb and in its religious sense a cleansing or purging of the body and soul are
considered essential.

Q. If acetic acid is used for a menstruum on antimony (or any metal), how can its poisonous
nature be removed?

A. By distilling and washing it to a neutral state.

Q. In one of the previous classes you talked about the Shroud of Turin. It shows a number of
remarkable features, e.g. the nail through the proper space in the wrist (the 'space of Destot')
and not the palm, and a very noble face, like one imagines the face of a righteous king. What is
the Shroud of Turin?
A. A piece of cloth believed to be the one in which Jesus the Christ was wrapped when he was
taken from the cross. It is unusual but still of questionable origin.

back cover

SALT
Each and every thing is the Salt of the earth, and its beauty is here for us to experience. The
manifestation of Salt differs with each kingdom, and within each kingdom Salt differs from one
plant to another, from one metal and mineral to another, from one animal to another, as it differs
from one human to another.

In accordance with the law of polarity, Salt has its dual aspects. It is tangible in that it is known
in a solid form; it is intangible in that it is known by a subtle essence it imparts, a vital and
particular quality that distinguishes it. The solid substance of Salt, the body, is of no value
without its intangible counterpart, for the value itself is in the essence, the spirit and soul, that is
found within the solid form.

A body with little vitality or poor in quality is not of much worth. It is as the Salt which has lost
its savor. It is too weak or deficient in essence to retain for much longer its form or to serve some
useful purpose. In the ever on-going process of evolution it is replaced by that which is superior
to it. Continually the state, the body, of all things changes, due to various causes.

When the process of purification is the cause of such a change, there is witnessed a remarkable
transformation of Salt. It takes on a new body and its old body is cast away, for there is no longer
anything of value in it. What is of value is now found within the new body, and it is possible, in
this transformed body, for there to be an essence more potent in its vitalness and of a finer and
more useful quality. The transformation of Salt through the process of purification takes place in
all of the kingdoms, though the manner of such a transformation varies according to the
substance worked with. The purification of Salt, of its body, soul, and spirit, makes possible
changes on earth that are especially beneficial.

A beauty can be seen in all the Salt that is of the earth, in the old that is passing away and in the
new that is appearing. In its time, the old served a useful purpose. With the new, there can be a
rejoicing in each effort that is required to bring about and to establish bodies having in them
more vital and finer qualities.

Just as we may, in a certain manner, see and know our own body with its own particular weight
and dimensions, so we may, in a certain manner, see and know what kind of essence is attracted
to it. Through a sincere effort, not only can we ensure that we do not lose our savor, but we can
strive to secure within us a greater vitality and those finer qualities especially needed in our
world at this time.
 Parachemy
Volume VII: Number 2 Spring 1979

Mercury

Contents

Interviews With Frater Albertus

Report on Bee Pollen p.639
Questions and Answers p.646
Mercury - back cover

p.626
Interviews With Frater Albertus
Q. Frater Albertus, you have written quite openly about the Philosophical Mercury in
PARACHEMY. On the other hand, you stated that this could not be done. I refer to the
"Alchemist's Handbook," for instance. How can you explain this?

A. What has been said or written about the Philosophical Mercury is sufficient to introduce those
ready for it, that is, to produce the Philosophical Mercury so that the next step of the work before
them in the mineral kingdom can be commenced. Up to this point, there is only the first of three
applications discussed. I refer to the separation. Those who followed this by the letter soon had
found out that this was only a beginning, because when this crude mercury was poured over
metallic gold, for instance, it did not dissolve it but only extracted a tincture. The reason for this
is that the following, or second step, that of purification had either not been attempted or
completed. Only after the purification of the Philosophical Mercury has been accomplished will
the gold dissolve. Then the third step ofcohobation has taken place. So, you see, there is indeed
more to it.

Q. Does one not have to use the salts of gold?

A. Yes, one may use the salt of gold.

Q. What is really meant by that?

A. Usually gold chloride.

Q. But to dissolve gold chloride is no problem. Even water will dissolve this.

A. Right. This just shows you that one can get carried away very easily by one's imagination and
make up all kinds of statements that are not in accordance with alchemistical precepts. So you
see, there is nothing revealed by us that is not already to be had otherwise in books on alchemy.
It is the correct understanding of what one knows up to a certain point that makes all the
difference. And here we can only help those individually who are ready for it.

Q. While you were teaching in Australia, I was told that you filmed such an instance where gold
was dissolved and the hissing and boiling noise was seen and heard.

A. This is correct as to the latter part of it, but it did not dissolve all of the gold. Besides, it was
not metallic gold but the gold chloride. When this was filmed, we were informed that metallic
gold would be dissolved. Here again no distinction was made between the salts of gold and
metallic gold.

Q. Talking about filming, have you ever heard any more about the motion picture that was made
in Australia where you appeared in it?

A. Yes, we were shown the motion picture in the studio on a large screen when we were there
during February, 1979. There had been a delay because of finances. It has only the background
musical score missing and some illustrations are being shot at the studio at present. It should be
quite interesting. It is called "Hora Shastri!' Loosely translated, it means the science of time.

Q. Will it be shown in the U.S.A.

A. I have no idea about its distribution.

Q. Why is it that so many of the Australian students have come to the USA when you are
teaching them down under?

A. In 1978 we did not go to Australia. This was one of the reasons why so many came to the
USA. They did not want to miss out on any class. In fact, this did show itself by their endeavors
when we returned this year in 1979.

Q. Can you be more specific. What is meant by "their" endeavors?

A. It is the first time in all the years of our teaching in the open that we could delegate three
separate classes to perform a definite assignment. I said classes, not one or two of a class but an
entire class. In fact, three separate classes, where each class works as a unit.

Q. I don't understand what you mean.

A. A pharmaceutical museum in Europe was promised an exhibit on antimony quite some time
ago. Unfortunately, time and circumstances prevented this on my part. Even some individually
approached could not get around to accomplishing this. This is why the teamwork of those three
Australian classes is so outstanding, especially when one considers that these students live not all
in the same city or state. Some are in West Australia, Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland,
etc. Still, they work each on their special assignment for an entire project.

Q. Don't you think the students here in the USA could have done the same?

A. Indeed they could have. Unfortunately, they did not. This does not mean that they are not
considerate or thoughtful. Look around you here in this office. When we returned from Australia,
I thought I had come to a different office. You know what it looked like before. All this
refurbishing from floor to ceiling and everything else in here was done by some students without
being told. They did all this on, their own. This shows that some are very thoughtful and do this
for the benefit of all concerned.

Q. Could you please shed some light on some of the new systems of healing_ that have appeared
lately, especially what is known as MacroBiotics?

A. To my knowledge there have been no new systems of therapeutics added to the ones already
known. As to MacroBiotics, this is only a different name that someone made up - one would
have to guess for whatever reasons. Perhaps, because such a person had difficulties with either
pronouncing or spelling the word Homeopathy. So, you see, this is just another one of such cases
where people want to make the uninformed believe that they have a new system of therapeutics.
Q. Don't you have a new and different system? You call yours spagyric.

A. If you mean by system a mode of preparation, you would be correct, but only in so far as this
system differs from generally used systems in present day pharmacy. The spagyric way of
preparing medications is perhaps the oldest one of all officially used preparations for medicines.
Please note what I say now: It is not another system of thereapeutics but is a different mode of
preparing medications that can be used in any of the therapeutic systems from Allopathy,
Homeopathy, Naturopathy to what have you.

Q. Why do people do such things and make you believe that what they have is new when it is not
new at all?

A. Good old King Solomon, for sure, had a tremendous knowledge in the machinations of men
when he said, "There is nothing new under the sun." We still have pretenders among us, as you
can see.

Top

p.639

Report On Bee Pollen - Anon.

1. Bee Pollen - What is it?

The function of a flower is to produce seed and a grain of pollen is the male germ of the flower
or plant. As plants flower, this germ (or sperm) is transferred by wind or insect from the anther
of a stamen to the stigma of a pistel (style). When the pollen grain reaches the ovary, it fertilizes
an oville and this union culminates in the generation of a seed of that plant. This simplified
explanation does not do justice to portray the amazing potential power encased in the tiny speck
that is a grain of pollen. When one visualizes the massive tree which results from the germinated
seed of an oak or a redwood, then one can better appreciate the power latent within a single
pollen grain - a speck measuring only .002" and that takes 2.5 billion grains to fill one
tablespoon.

In the scheme of things, bees fill a vital roll for they are the primary means by which many plants
and trees are pollinated and hence reproduce. In fact, because bees are so thorough and diligent
of their search for nectar and pollen for the hive, they are the most efficient and only dependable
pollinators. The bee's hairy legs are perfectly adapted for the job of pollination and for the job of
carrying back to the hive the little 'pellets of pollen they use for food. As the bee travels from
flower to flower, she gathers from each some pollen which is mixed with nectar and certain
stomach juices to hold the grains together. Eventually a small pellet is formed composed of
pollen weighing about 10 mg and containing around 2,000,000 grains of pollen which was
collected from perhaps 200 500 flowers in a half hour period. One thousand two hundred of
these pellets will fill a tablespoon, weigh approximately 12 gms. and will contain the 2.5 billion
grains of pollen mentioned above.
A bee will carry two of the pellets at a time back to the hive. In the course of a year, bees
collecting pollen for a hive will gather and store up to 60 or 80 pounds of pollen. Other bees will
gather nectar in a sack in their stomach which will be converted to honey in the comb. Pollen
will be converted to bees bread by lactic fermentation in the comb cells. Royal jelly, food for the
queen, is also primarily pollen.

Some hives collect pollen in excess of its needs for food and if the apiarist wishes, he can install
a pollen trap at the entry of the hive which will knock the pellet of pollen off the bees legs as she
passes through it. The pellets drop into a screen covered tray. Periodically this tray will be
removed from the hive and emptied.

This then is the source of our present day bee pollen. It is estimated that the annual world
production of bee pollen could be in excess of 300,000 tons. At present, world use by man is
probably not over 1,600 tons per annum.

II. Pollen Through The Ages

THE ANCIENTS. There are innumerable references to pollen and honey by the ancients. It
seems that plant pollen as collected by the bees or blown by the wind and often in conjunction
with honey, has been referred to in the ancient texts and mythologies of almost all civilizations.
A very brief outline of these follows.

The Egyptians seemed to hold bees, pollen and honey in great esteem as many temples and
obelisks carried inscriptions extolling their virtues. Ancient Indian, Greek, Roman, Chinese and
the middle Eastern Civiliza tions all recognized the medicinal virtues and food value of pollen
and honey. Early European peoples used pollen and honey together to make an alcoholic
beverage somewhat similar to today's mead wine. Worldwide use of pollen and honey has
continued up to the present, however, in the last 100 years the emphasis has been on honey.

A MODERN REDISCOVERING OF THE VIRTUES OF POLLEN. A revival of interest in

pollen has been slowly developing since the early 1940's when U.S. biochemists began analyzing
the contents of pollen to discover the causative agent of pollen allergies in people. To their
surprise. they learned that pollen was extremely nutritious and contained amazingly high
percentages of protein, vitamins and minerals when compared to all other plant and animal
sources.

Also around this time (1945) a report from Russian biologist Nicholas Tsitin was published
stating that of the 150 Russian centigenarians who replied to a questionnaire inquiring about their
age, occupation, and principal foods, all replied that honey was their principal food. Further
investigation by the Longevity Institute of the USSR revealed that it wasn't only honey that was
eaten. In fact, it was the waste matter found in the bottom of bee hives. This waste matter was
largely bee pollen mixed with some honey droppings.

In 1952 a Swedish railway clerk, Gosta CarIsson, produced the first pollen collection machine
and started collecting pollen on a large scale.
During the 1960's word of the virtues of pollen was carried through out Europe. In Sweden alone
some 4,000 physicians were prescribing pollen and pollen extracts to their patients.

In the last 5 years or so, the U.S. health food industry has been promoting the virtues of bee
pollen and a strong surge of interest and research has resulted. From all appearances, pollen is
again on its way to experiencing the universal acclaim that the ancients once accorded it.

III. Composition of Pollen

Today's resurgance of interest in bee pollen is a resultant of hundreds of studies made by

scientists on the composition and effects on animal life of pollen. These studies have
demonstrated that bee pollen is an unequalled storehouse of nutrients.

A. Protein
Pollens range from 10% - 35% protein with average around 18%. The protein is composed of
various amino acids. A breakdown of the 8 essential amino acids (the human body produces all
the amino acids it needs except these 8) of a 19% protein pollen is below compared with other
food sources of protein. Figures are in percent/grams.

Isoleusine Leusine Lysine Methionine

Meat (beef) 0.93 1.28 1.45 0.42
Eggs 0.85 1.17 0.93 0.39
Cheese 1.74 2.63 2.34 0.80
Pollen 4.5 6.7 5.7 1.82

Phenylalamine Threonine Triptophane Valine

Meat (beef) 0.66 0.81 0.20 0.91
Eggs 0.69 0.67 0.20 0.90
Cheese 1.43 1.38 0.34 2.05
Pollen 3.9 4.0 1.3 5.7

It is evident that pollen is indeed a high quality source of protein. Its only peer in this category
are some strains of nutritional yeast.

B. Vitamins
As in protein content, pollens from plant to plant vary in their vitamin content, but all seem to
contain significant amounts of water soluable vitamins.
The B Vitamin content in one gram of raw pollen according to Vivino and Palmer, 1944, is as
follows: B1 Thiamine 9.2 mg. B2 Riboflavin 18.50 mg. B6 Pyridoxine 5. m g. Nicotinic acid
200. mg. Pantothenic acid 30-50 mg. (1 gram has 1,000 milligrams) Later research shows that
additional vitamins as C, inositol rutin, Vitamin E, biotin, folic acid, Vitamin B-12 and Vitamin
K are also found in pollen.

C. Minerals
Up to 50 minerals are found in pollen. When ignited and ashed, the pollen will vary from 2 0/0 -
10 0/0 ash by weight. In one example, a pollen yielding 2.67o/0 ash showed 20.71/0 potassium,
13.6% phosphorus, 10.5.0/0 calcium, 6.7% magnesium, .07% iron and traces of copper.
Manganese, zinc, cobalt, silica, sodium, sulfur and titanium are also normally found in pollen.

D. Enzymes and Coenzymes

As the pollen grain is the initiator of the complex activities of plant reproduction, the enzyme
variety is very considerable. Amalase, dehydragenase, catalase, diastase, cozymase, pectase,
sucrase, phosphatase and diaphorase are found. Lactic acid is also a constituent - a factor
important in the lactic fermentation of pollen to make bee bread. A fact of particular interest to
the student of alchemy is that K. Okonuki found that the alcoholic fermentation brought about by
pollen was identical with that of yeast.

E. Sugar, Fats
Bee pollen contains a large percentage of sugars. The main ones are sucrose, fructose, pentose
and glucose. Fats, gums, oils and sterols are also present. One analysis of chamomile pollen
showed fats and gums 8 %, and sugar 69 %

F. Miscellaneous Compounds
Other components of interest in pollen are hormones, fiber, pigments, nucleoproteins, RNA and
DNA. A final component that should be looked at is the inextractable portion of the pollen grain.
This is the extremely resistent exterior membrane known as Pollenine. This shell of the pollen
grain is extremely durable and will often resist decay and weather for thousands, and even
millions of years. This resistance to decay is useful to paleontologists and geologists, as many
deposits are dated primarily by microscopic analysis of pollen grains found in them. This
protective membrane is also of interest to those who would use bee pollen as a nutritional
supplement or those who would attempt to make extractions from bee pollen - especially its
sulfur.

IV. Medicinal Attributes of Pollen

Bee pollen as a medicine has been researched quite thoroughly in the past 20 30 years and
several hundred articles and books have been published regarding these findings. Very briefly,
the major areas of research and now applications are as follows:

1. Success in treating prostrate problems is quite well established.

2. Cancer cell growth is retarded according to a number of studies.
3. Certain bacteria are killed by particular compounds in bee pollen.
4. Allergies are cured by bee pollen. One physician, a Dr. Conway, reports 60,000 persons
helped at his clinic alone. Wind blown pollen does not seem to be a help in allergy cases. The
pollen gathered by the bees must be used according to the practioners.
5. Longevity increased substantially and senility and other factors encountered in the old are
ameliorated.
6. Improved digestion and assimulation of nutrients.
7. Rejuvenation of skin - removes blemishes and wrinkles in skin in many people.
8. Athletes in many nations report great increases in endurance or strength. World class runners
in Finland and USSR are reportedly helped greatly by bee pollen. Before bee pollen was added
to the Finnish teams regime, they had one runner in the Top 100 worldwide. After 4 years of
pollen in diet, the number rose to 23. This in a country of 4 million.

V. Sources of Pollen and Pollen Products

A. Sources. Pollen in the U.S. comes from many sources. The largest supplier is at present Spain,
which provides about 50 1/0 to the total. England, Australia, Canada and of course, the U.S.
itself, provide the bulk of the rest. Health food stores, rarely drug stores, and many mail order
natural foods and vitamin companies are the normal source of supply.

B. Quality - a most important factor. Bee pollen should be kept clean and dry to avoid bacteria
and spoilage. Spanish pollen in many cases should be avoided. It often is not clean, insect larvae
can often times be found in it, sometimes is 2-3 years old, etc. The best import quality seems to
be from Australia, Canada, New Zealand and Britain. For best results the interested buyer should
get to know his source whenever possible.

C. Price. The price of bee pollen, like most agricultural comodities, varies from year to year
according to supply and demand. At present 1 lb. containers cost from $5.00 - $10.00. The price
is not bad when one considers that the pound will contain roughly 100 billion grains of pollen,
each containing the power to germinate a seed of a plant or tree.

D. Dosage. The recommended dosage varies from expert to expert, but most agree that 1
teaspoon a day is fine for a start, and that you can work up to 1-3 tablespoons a day in 3 months
according to your constitution and needs.

E. Whole pollen vs. extractions or tablets. A matter best left up to the individual. Cernelle of
Sweden (remember Gosta CarIsson?) has a vast amount of literature on their products - all
extractions. They also use pollen direct from the plant and not bee collected as they did 20 years
ago. The health food stores will often have tracts on their bee pollen pellets or compressed pollen
tablets.

VI. Some Comments on Areas of Interest to Students of Alchemy.

Bee pollen in quantity as we have it today has been available only since 1952 when apiarists
began using pollen traps. Thus we can now investigate and do research on the virtues of bee
pollen without having to resort to the arduous and perhaps painful collection procedures required
in ages gone by.

It doesn't take much imagination to see the possibilities.

Spirit - Bee pollen or bee pollen and honey can be easily fermented to produce alcohol.

Sulfur - Bee pollen extractions with water, alcohol, acetone and ether as solvents is recorded in
detail in the scientific literature. There is perhaps more detailed information available here that
an interested student can glean on what compounds (oils, fats, waxes) can be extracted by which
solvent than in just about any other plant substance.
Salt - Bee pollen when ignited will yield a 2 % - 10 % by weight in organic ash much of which
will be water soluble.

That bee pollen is a unique blend of the animal and plant kingdom would seem to be significant.
The bee, while collecting the pollen, periodically adds nectar and disgorges on the pollen a drop
of her saliva to make the pollen grains sticky and adhere to their pollen baskets, thus adding to
them enzymes. This factor was recognized in a research article authored by two French
scientists. Chauvin and Lenormand, who noted that pollen gathered by hand from plants had only
a fraction of the amount of a growth stimulant that bee gathered pollen had. Further changes
occur to the pollen chemistry when it is further modified to become bee bread or royal jelly.

Thus, as tartar is a product representing the plant and mineral kingdoms, bee pollen is a product
representing the plant and animal kingdoms. What benefits that might accrue if handled properly
in the laboratory, can only be surmised and is not at present known.

p.646

Questions And Answers

Q. Would you suggest an available substitute for boli-armeni?
A. Kaolin.
Q. Where the spirit of sea salt is called for in certain formulas, can we use health store sea salt?
A. If it is the sea salt that is sold in health stores, we can see no difference.
Q. Is there any iron in wine?
A. A small amount, yes.
Q. White Marcasites: Alum, Cobalt, Bismuth, Wolfram, White Arsenic; Red Marcasites:
Antimony, Vitriol, Realgar, Orpiment, Cinnabar. Is the preceding correct?
A. As far as you went, yes.
Q. Is antimony the only sun marcasite, or is realgar and orpiment also?
A. What do you mean by sun marcasite? Antimony and arsenic are not identified with the sun in
this sense.
Q. What is Kibric? What is Zubec?
A. Kibric is that from which Mercury comes. The Stone is also called Kibric. Zubec, also
Zubach, is the mastery of the white during the confection of the Stone.
Q. What is Crocus Martis? What is Argilla?
A. Iron sulphate and regular potters clay of which there are over one dozen different ones.
Q. On page 150 of The Triumphal Chariot of Antimony, Basil talks of extracting the living
Mercury of Antimony which is quite different from the fixed spirit, vinegar. Please clarify these
two more for us.
A. Valentine claims that regular quicksilver can also be obtained from antimony besides the
fixed spirit of antimony or vinegar of antimony.
Q. What does a working vegetable stone look like?
A. It looks like a white or very light gray pebble and is hard.
Q. What is meant by "extraction by solution?"
A. When a substance has gone into solution and from it an extract or tincture has been made.
Q. To what planetary influence does the grape belong? And tartar?
A. Both belong to the sun.
Q. Of the three essentials, is memory most closely associated with Philosophical Sulphur?
A. In your way of analogy, yes.
Q. Could you say something about the process of forgetting? In books on occult philosophy one
usually finds very little information on FORGETTING.
A. One can only forget what one knows. This is done by knowing what is, or has become, of
minor importance and loses its former priority. This is a natural sequence of events and thereby
becomes forgotten, or stashed away, until or unless it has to be 'gotten' out again for a given time
to be 'restored' again in the category of the forgotten.
Q. Has any work been done on identifying the chemical structure of the Philosophical Mercury
and its physical properties (boiling point, melting point, density molecular weight, etc?) Has
anything been written or done on this?
A. Yes, it has become a complicated fact because of its simplicity. Due to its temperature range
before condensation, it is rated a gas and has equivalents to such gas or gas listed and known to
chemistry.
Q. I almost find it hard to believe that by doing a dry distillation on lead acetate and by
successive redistillations you can get the Philosophical Mercury. I take it that you have to start
with lead sulphide (Galena) so that the lead is "living." One way I was thinking of doing it would
be to take Galena and calcine (roast) it to turn it into an oxide, then using acetic acid gotten from
red-wine vinegar produce the acetate. Take this lead acetate and then do the dry distillation on it
by using the apparatus set up given in PARACHEMY, Vol. VI, No. 2, Page 527. Then rectify. Is
this the way (or one of the ways) the PRS teaches it?
A. Yes.
Q. Can acetic acid be used to open up all the metals? I guess what I mean is by doing a dry
distillation on any metal acetate can you get the Philosophical Mercury (as long as the metal is
living?)
A. Yes.
Q. Concerning the Philosopher's Stone, all one needs is the Philosophical Mercury, the Sulphur
of the Lead and the Salt of the Lead. Is this correct?
A. Yes. This does not exclude other metals.
Q. Are alchemists part of the occult brotherhood who are working with the Masters of Wisdom?
A. What occult Brotherhood and what Masters of Wisdom? Your question is too obscure.
Q. Do you believe that there was any age where man was a higher form of life than he is in this
age?
A. As you should know by now, hopefully, the PRS is not interested in 'beliefs' but what is to be
known so it can eventually be understood.
Q. Various organizations and groups teach that the over-soul exists either above us or on a plane
compatible with it and that we are connected to it. The more man perfects they teach, the closer
this Higher Self comes down until finally there is a total integration. Since the Divine Self
resides within us, what were they referring to? The reason for the separation they claim is that
perfection cannot coexist with imperfection.
A. As far as you, or any mortal man is concerned, there is but 'yourself,' and this is neither low or
high. 'Yourself' is subject to influences of a superior consciousness that enables 'yourself' to rise
to higher levels of consciousness, but it is the same 'yourself' and none other that is raised.
Q. What was Jesus the Christ referring to when he is recorded to have said, "I and My Father are
one," and "No man cometh unto the Father except by me?"
A. If yours is a theological question, you should call upon the proper institution in your behalf. If
it is a mystical one, only 'you' can find that answer, as it is not based upon religious belief but
personal knowledge, i.e., experience.
Q. If life is limitless and timeless and all of our lives or incarnations are happening
simultaneously, then isn't karma an illusion? 2) In other words, as long as we believe that we
have to balance a previous act, then we in fact do have to? 3) Once we wake up and find
ourselves, don't we in fact "transcend" this karma by effecting the past and the future in the now
moment?
A. 1) No. 2) The law of cause and effect is everpresent to mortal man. 3) Yes, after the law has
been compensated for its violations.
Q. Discuss River Pebble, Rock Crystal, SiO, please.
A. Both may contain SiO2 and could be found in rivers due to natural phenomena.
Q. The alchemical writings all speak about the "First Matter." Can you tell us how we go about
finding this "First Matter?'
A. This is a very loosely used term by alchemistical writers. According to Einstein, Energy is
matter, which we would further expound by saying that Energy is found within matter
(alchemistical spirit, life). If we can release this Energy, we have 'that' which is 'first' in matter.

back cover

Mercury
The Universal Spirit permeates all of the Earth. Mercury is this Spirit, the vitalness of One Life,
which like a pure river of water, clear as crystal, flows from One Source and enters into all
things.

Various descriptive characteristics are attributed to this Mercury according to individual

viewpoints. But just as each thing is found to have its own particular savor so is this Mercury
distinguished by a savor that is unequalled in the conscious experience. It is known by a special
sweetness, a sweetness like unto honey.

It matters not where man and woman find themselves upon earth, for this sweetness of Life is to
be found and known everywhere. Man and woman choose their own experience of Life. When
what is chosen is in accord with selfish and narrowminded pursuits, what is sweet is experienced
as being bitter; and at the same time there is a craving for more and more of it - of that power,
which, when it comes, only too often fills such ones with a greater bitterness.

The sweetness of Mercury is tasted of in that which is known to be Good. In this Good the
sweetness of Life is savored. No longer are there cravings, for there is known the fulfillment of a
sweet peace. Throughout all kingdoms the sweetness of Mercury is and can be experienced.
It is man and woman who cause, through ignorance and lack of understanding, a bitterness to be
attached to the pureness and sweetness of Life. As there comes a sincere and humble
receptiveness to know and to understand Good, there comes experiences of It, for as each is
ready so is there given to each to know the sweetness of a Good Life.

With each breath the sweetness of Life is given to us to experience. If we know it not, then we
alone are responsible for the experience that is contrary to it, for we have in our own particular
way set ourselves apart from it. In doing so we experience a bitterness.

When we humble ourselves and childlike eagerly and trustingly ask to know that Life which is
Good, Its sweetness reveals Itself.
 Parachemy
Volume VII: Number 3 Summer 1979

Sulphur

Questions And Answers

Q. Which of the four elements correspond to carbon, oxygen, nitrogen and hydrogen?

A. The applied correspondence is usually carbon: earth, oxygen: water, nitrogen: air and
hydrogen: fire.

Q. In doing experiments with antimony, wouldn't the wealth of information in the older
Laboratory Alchemical Bulletins be an excellent source of information for us?

A. Yes, but no written information will take the place of practical instruction.
Q. Example for animals: 1 part earth (Gur) to 2 parts of first 1/4 (Fire and Air and Water). How
do we get equal parts when one is liquid volume and the other is weight or measure?

A. One part earth can be any amount as long as the liquid mixture is in proportion, as this is used
continuously to moisten the Gur until more of the liquid mixture is required.

Q. Please comment on steps 16 and 17 of the "unfixed process" of the alkahest of tartar. Step 16:
Distill slowly the spirit out. Step 17: When retort is dry, pour in again. If you distill to dryness,
the alcohol as well as the water would come over. Do we pour the alcohol only back into the
retort?

A. Pour the entire distillate back.

Q. Early in Basil's Triumphal Chariot of Antimony he talks of fermenting wine and beer. Is it
also possible to ferment minerals and antimony specifically? How can one go about this? Page
27 of the Triumphal Chariot of Antimony.

A. Read the instructions on how to prepare the vinegar of antimony when the word putrefaction
is mentioned.

Q. We have been given two models for evolution. One is expressed:

Synthesis
+

+ -

Thesis Antithesis

... which is strictly a cause and effect or action - opposition - reaction process. In the laboratory
works we have seen that analysis must precede synthesis. Things must be reduced to their
components before they can be recombined by art into a more evolved form. It should be
possible to integrate these two. The question is: How should analysis be introduced into the
dialectic diagram to permit application of the art to living?

A. A separation of each before purification is needed before a synthesis can be obtained. The
analysis of each is needed to determine; its pureness.

Q. How pure was the ammonium sulfate that the ancients extracted out of wine? How could they
get phosphoric acid out of wine with vacuum?

A. It is not known to us.

Q. What is the Crown of Eternal Life? Is it the same as the 1000 petalled Lotus of the Hindus?
Of what use is it?
A. It is a symbolic saying meaning that timed intervals, as we know them, will have no meaning
anymore as all intervals are by then found only consciously within the unlimited or eternity.

Q. How is fear overcome, especially fear of death? Is death a friend or foe?

A. That depends on the thoughts of an individual. If his life was one of doing good, he enjoys life
here and will continue wherever it may continue, as he is friendly towards life. He who knows
his own thoughts and actions to be contrary may fear its continuation. A change can overcome
fear.

Q. If each one of the 12 planets ruled 2 hours in each day, would this conflict with H. Spencer
Lewis in his "Self Mastery and Fate with the Cycles of Life?" (Chart D, page 144.)

A. Yes. It would have to be applied according to the law of polarity between sunrise and noon
and midnight to show the polarity of all the planets.

Q. Please clarify the phases of the moon as it effects the water separation and distillation.

A. The polarity of the phases of the moon, positive when waxing and negative when waning, will
show on water which is negative.

Q. The item marked appeared in last week's "Newsweek." In it the writer states that in 1982 all
the nine planets of the solar system will be allgned on the same side of the sun. The writers warn
that this planetary line up will result in major earthquakes in California and other areas. They
go on in the article to outline how they have arrived at this conclusion, because of great
magnetic activity, etc. The article is very interesting, but I would like to hear your comments
about what you think might result world-wise as a result of such a line up of planets all on one
side of the sun.

A. Consider the influences of the signs and their respective duration as well as aspects.

Q. Please comment on the difference between King and Queen scale, especially plotting our
individual course.

A. The Queen scale gives us our path and the King scale our goal. To plot one's course depends
on the choice one makes as the path one begins his life's journey upon is not necessarily the only
path that leads to one's goal. The Intelligence of the metzIah is to be considered if it corresponds
with one's own intelligence. If one has become conscious where he is at present, he may choose.
He who does not know anything about it will be guided unknown to him, unless an inner
opposition brings a stop about.

Q. On the cycles from 1973 to 1988 it has decentralization of World Power. In view of conditions
in the world today, does it look as though this is happening?

A. One needs only to follow events. It could not be any plainer.

Q. I have a camphor plant at home. Would this be different medicinally than the tridosha
camphor tree?

A. Yes.

Q. Citrus fluids are not listed in any of the usual books. What plants would such be under and
what are their main virtues? Are Cumquats, Oranges, Lemons and Grapefruit all the same?

A. Culpeper mentions their planetary rulers and virtues. They are not all the same, though closely
related.

Q. When does the birth of a tree take place, i.e., when does the tree achieve its "own life?" a)
When the apple falls from the tree? b) When the seed begins to sprout? c) When the bee deposits
the pollen? ("C" rejected because the preceding is seen in analogy to the fact that a child is born
at the moment when the umbilical cord is severed.)

A. A tree does not achieve its 'own life.' The fruit is contained within the seed. In the case of a
tree it 'is' the life of the tree, and not a plant or shrub, as soon as germination begins.

Q. The negative seems to be necessary in order for the positive to manifest. If so, how does the
knowledge of evil or the demonic side fit in with our study of the angelic or good? Will it be
profitable to know evil as well as good?

A. It certainly has proven profitable. However, it depends on how much or how little one profits
thereby.

Q. I have come to the conclusion that love is complete within itself. It is not only thinking,
emotion or doing but all three. This being so, how does the statement, "Every positive contains
its own negative," fit in?

A. Love in its 'true' essence is not a fact constantly subject to changes according to the law of
polarity. Since love is truth, which is not a fact, it therefore has 'overcome' the law of positive
and negative. That is why so little is to be had of love which is truth.

Back cover

Sulphur
It is Sulphur that gathers together and fashions all that is of the Earth, unfolding in manifold and
distinctive ways Itself.

The nature of Sulphur is both tangible and intangible. In its tangible aspect it is an oil and is to be
found in all substance, the amount contained varying with different substance. In its intangible
aspect it is consciousness, and consciousness is found in all substance in varying degrees.
Sulphur characterizes each thing in a particular way while Salt provides a matrix and Mercury
gives animation. The proportion of Salt, Mercury and Sulphur in any thing gives an individual
uniqueness. The mystery of the Unknown is Known through the interaction of this triune
principle, the operation of the three essentials, Salt, Mercury and Sulphur -in all substance.

Each of the three essentials are of a triune principle. One correspondence of the triune principle
of Sulphur is Salt - Subconsciousness, Mercury - Consciousness, and Sulphur -
Superconsciousness or Cosmic Consciousness. As well, Sulphur which is a triune Consciousness
has an organ, the Brain (Salt), through which it operates and an Intelligence (Mercury). which
empowers its manifestations. Within Salt there is an inherent infinite potential which the
operation of Sulphur directs and Mercury enlivens.

Just as there are to be found different grades of oils, such as an essential oil and an ethereal oil,
so are there to be found different grades of consciousness, such as subconsciousness and
superconsciousness or cosmic conclousness. And as there are know to be many diversified
qualities of oil, each having a distinct characteristic, so in a similar way are there known to be
minds that vary in degree of consciousness and differ in quality.

To anoint with oil can give a healing to the body and to the mind. Such an administration is both
physically and psychologically applied. The anointing with oil ceremonially, particularly in a
sacred administration, can be an outer verification of an inner transformation in the expansion of
consciousness and the greater responsibilities that accompany it.

Cosmic Consciousness corresponds to the Alchemistical Sulphur toward which the individual
mind with its present degree and quality of consciousness evolves.
 Parachemy
Volume VII: Number 4 Fall 1979

The Alchemistical Tree of Life from Slendor Solis

Informative Interchange - Kirlian Photography p.703

Kiln for the Distillation of Acetic Antimony from Ore p.704
Questions and Answers p.706
Perfection - back cover

p.703

Informative Interchange
KIRLIAN PHOTOGRAPHY

High voltage photography has become very popular and "respectable" over the last few years. It
was discovered around the nineteen hundreds, but the procedure was further developed some 35
years later by a Russian family, the Kirlians. Its applications are many and certainly open up a
new world in every sense of the word.

We have experimented with this kind of photography for some time, using various spagyric and
alchemical preparations, such as herbal salts, volatile oils, and herbal extracts, as well as leaves
from plants, flowers, mineral and fingers.

When we started, we had no idea what our results were going to be like, especially as we used
some very primitive, homemade equipment; but, to our surprise, the results were quite
remarkable.

Even today, in the West or Russia no one has been able to satisfactorily interpret the true
meaning of the Kirlian photographs from fingers, plants, or minerals. A great deal more research
needs to be done, especially in the field of interpretation.

Figure 1 - True Love Within Me Not Asking for Anything in Return.

Figure 2 - In Tune With the Infinite.

The photographs taken of finger tips will differ greatly in color emanations, depending on the
thought pattern of the subject. Different thoughts will produce an auric color change from a
bright red and blue to a light pink and white. (See Figures 1 and 2: unfortunately, the vivid red
and blue colors cannot be seen in these black and white reproductions.) When taking
photographs of finger tips, there is no need for the earth wire. Simply place the finger on the film
and apply the current for one second. The time factor would vary from one subject to another.
Kirlian Photography - Basic Equipment

With our experiments, we used a copper electrode. See Figure 3, Kirlian Photography Basic
Equipment. On the copper electrode we placed a piece of window glass 3 mm thick. This was
covered with black plastic. The film is then placed on the plastic with the emulsion side up. The
object is next placed on the film. If the object is a coin or leaf, it win have to be "earthed" or
grounded by means of a wire attached to a waterpipe or in contact with the ground. When liquids
are used for testing, we placed a few drops on to a small piece of blotting paper, let this dry
thoroughly and then placed it on the film. The film used was Kodak color print format 35 mm.
Many other types of film and electrodes can be used.

To make a screen, various metals with different values of conductibility are available. One would
have to experiment. There are several different high voltage units on the market. We used one
made by Edmund Scientific Instrument Co., USA. Most valuable results were obtained using
approximately 15-25 K.V.

Many good books are now available in book shops and libraries on this fascinating subject. The
uses are many and varied and will be of benefit in medical diagnosis in time to come.

p.704

CHEAP SELF-BUILT KILN FOR THE DISTILLATION OF ACETIC ANTIMONY

FROM THE PUTREFACTION PORRIDGE OF ANTIMONY ORE

Distilling the liquid of antimony ore in a common way, the last liquid condensed on the still head
falls mostly back into the distillation vessel. The last drops are much richer in vinegar, so it is
better not to lose these valuable drops. Besides, it is difficult to distill the liquid out of a porridge
with a heating force placed under the vessel.

If one looks at the old pictures of distillation apparatus used by the alchemists and old chemists,
one often sees that the vessel is completely set in an oven with a very practical still head, which
is to be envied. Now, such is no longer made; and to have one made would most likely be very
expensive.

It is possible to simulate this kind of distillation kiln in an easy and cheap way with commonly
obtainable materials. At the same time, the two disadvantages of a common distillation set
disappear: the last drops of the distilling liquid are saved, and the whole vessel is equally
warmed on all sides so that the splashings of the black porridge is nearly completely avoided.

The kiln is carefully constructed by means of isolation bricks (very light porous bricks, not the
heavy refractory bricks), cemented with common brick clay. The outer dimensions of the kiln are
constructed 30 cm x 30 cm x 50 cm (height) without the cover. The inner dimensions are about
18 cm x 18 cm x 42 cm. It is clear that the proportion between inner and outer dimensions
depends on the dimensions of the bricks used. Allow for an opening (2) on the right side through
which a glass sidearm (9) can pass. The opening is square and the opening between the glass
tube and the walls of the opening are filled up with glass fibers (2).

At the bottom of the kiln, a 1000 watt heating spare part (3), heating wire on a porcelain plate, is
connected with two iron wires (4). Don't use copper wires because these will quickly be burned.
Outside the oven, the wires are connected to common insulated electricity wires. Take care not to
insulate the wires with plastic.

A tripod (5) is used that comes about 8 em above the heating element. Upon this is placed a
porcelain dish with white or yellow sand (not clay) (6), wherein the vessel (7) is put. The
sandbath is used to avoid overheating of the bottom of the vessel.

The vessel used is one of 1 liter with a socket B24, a common still head with a stopper (8) with
socket B24, a tube with a male and fernale socket B24 (9), and a corresponding Leibig cooler
(10).

When the kiln is well closed, a temperature of 240oC can be obtained in a few hours, which is
high enough for this purpose. A rheostat is not used to control the beatings. As a matter of fact,
the temperature, in the vessel can only surpass a little bit above the 100 degrees C, as long as
there is liquid in the vessel. Distillation goes very smoothly in this way. Generally, a three to four
hour heating is sufficient to extract all the liquid, and no further control is needed.

What can be done is to control, from time to time, the pH, but take care about the interpretation
of such readings. Sometimes, a strong, aggressive smell comes over with the liquid, which is due
to the presence of sulphur dioxide (SO2), which gives with the phlegm (water) the sulphurous
acid (SO2+ H20=H2SO3) and not sulphuric acid (H2SO4). Normally if you let stand for a time, all
SO2, and also H2SO3 will disappear.

An easy test is made by adding a few drops of the distillate to a concentrated Barium chloride
solution. If a white precipitation is seen, then you may conclude there is still sulphurous acid in
the solution. +

Questions And Answers

Q. Did Cockren, using a variant of the humid way, produce a Mercury with "Clipped Wings?"
After initial separation from the golden liquid was the Mercury so actuated it could immediately
dissolve gold without further rectification? Is not the clue Cockren found hidden in a religious
discourse in The Triumphal Chariot of Antimony?

A. The Mercury can be so actuated from the golden liquid after its proper rectification and will
then accomplish the dissolving of the gold.

Q. On page 126, paragraph 3, Cockren says the black dregs are calcined to a redness "and
carefully separated and treated until it became a white salt." I'm assuming Cockren used lead
sulphide (Galena) to get his Philosophical Mercury. This would mean that the black dregs are
lead and when it goes to red lead (Pb204) Is this correct? From here he says it was carefully
separated and treated to form a white salt. Does he mean to take the red lead and form lead
acetate again? If not, what salt of lead is he talking about?

A. It can be so treated and resolved into acetate again until all the virtues of the lead are
extracted.

Q. On page 127, paragraph 2, Alchemy Rediscovered and Restored by Cockren, the ferment or
mercury is gold dissolved in the Philosophical Mercury. To form this ferment is metallic gold
dissolved in the Philosophical Mercury or is a gold salt used? If you use a salt, is it AuCl3 (Gold
III Chloride) Also, how much of the ferment is to be added each time?

A. It is best to use no salt but the metal. When using salts, the hydrochloric acid can not be
entirely removed, as the gold goes back to its metallic state.

Q. In Cockren, page 121, paragraph 3, line 4, he mentions obtaining " a salt from the calcined
metal by a special process." And again, page 122, paragraph 2, line 5 - "sublimated by a special
process." What are these two special processes?

A. The first is an acetate and the second is during the dry distillation when the sublimate shows.

Q. If the unfixed tincture of Antimony has no spirit, why does it give us energy?
A. I have found no statement made that unfixed tincture of antimony has no spirit. It certainly
has.

Q. I have two soxhlet extractors at home, neither of which drain completely from the soxhlet
chamber when the flow over occurs. Why?

A. The pressure could be insufficient; the syphon tube clogged, or an airlock is in the syphon
tube. Try raising the heat.

Q. Can transcending the mind, as in meditation, help expand the mind?

A. Mind is an extension of consciousness that adds to our thoughts new ideas. Thought can
expand by way of the influence of the mind, as a channel for consciousness.

Q. Would you agree that the neutralized lye is in fact sodium acetate?

A. Not very, well, as it is neutralized. To be an acetate needs the action of the acid beyond the
neutralized state.

Q. The final result so far in the Kermes process I have come up with, after Acetic acid
conversion to acetate and then K.M. extraction, is mainly a hydroscopic water and alcohol
soluble salt which gives off SO2 on slight heating. What can I do with this salt?

A. Kermes is no acetate. It is an antimony oxysulfide from which an antimony acetate can be

produced. You can extract either an unfixed or antimony and natural sulphur tincture from it.

Q. Regarding the electromagnetic principle which was mentioned for transport of the future.
Does this relate to harmonic sounds as used by John Worrel Keely in the early part of this
century?

A. At present I am not acquainted with J. W. Keely's theory. Even your reference to

electromagnetic principles is vague. It needs further elaboration from you in what specific
context it is to be placed.

Q. Would the unfixed tincture of antimony used with the oil of copper be capable of dissolving
kidney stones?

A. I don't know. Tartarus would.

Q. Is the universal spirit the same spirit we find in the vegetable world, animal world, and
mineral world? Or is it contained within these spirits? Or what is the difference between them?

A. It is. The difference is the vehicle wherein it is found within its respective category, as
alcohol, blood, or alkahest.
Q. On page 173 of The Triumphal Chariot of Antimony, Kerkring has a footnote further
clarifying Basil's method of extracting Vinegar of Antimony. He says, "mix that which is
sublimed with fresh antimony." When Basil and Kerkring talk of sublimation, are they referring
to sublimation of the ore or sublimation of the Spirit (Vinegar)

A. In this case, the spirit that "rose forth" from the antimony.

Q. When I heated my "ore" (actually thoroughly calcined Red Kermes, Sb2O3) after distillation
of the sour water, I could get no sublimation of the Sb2O3 after 4 hours at very high heat in a
sandbath. Perhaps, I should have used Sb2S3 but then a high heat would have sublimed SO2 and
left the regulus and probably produced some sulphuric acid through SO2, dissolving in the
already distilled off water. Your comments please.

A. We have found no sulphuric acid. If you thoroughly calcined the Kermes, there is little
likelihood of any sulphur dioxide (SO2) converting into sulphuric acid.

Q. Which of the following is correct?

(a) Order of 7 year Jupiter cycle: Sun, Moon, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus and Saturn.
(b) Order of 7 year Jupiter cycle: Jupiter, Venus, Saturn, Sun, Moon, Mars and Mercury.

A. Both can be correct, depending on what they are used for. Tell us what you are determining
and maybe we can assist you.

Q. In what way, if at all, would a person born of Southern latitudes differ from one originating in
Northern latitudes, both having the same sign but different season of birth?

A. The season does not make any difference. Libra is still Libra and so is its sign influence.

Q. Is there a specific number of conscious assistants which you would like to have for Tri-Star?
If so, how many?

A. There is no specific number.

Q. If we fail a test is there always another chance in this life?

A. Yes.

Q. Apart from the instruction given in the Prima class and the notes taken on the Qabala is there
a suggestion as to how one can study it fur ther and immerse oneself in it? What books would
you suggest?

A. We prefer not to suggest any books, as those left out of the many that could be mentioned
may be the ones that have special appeal. In the end, the QBL is a means toward an end but not
the end.

Q. What is an Alchemist?
A. An alchemist is not a fool, but one who has attained selfmastery

Q. What differentiates an Alchemist from others who are enlightened Yogi Masters, Sufi
Masters, etc.?

A. There is no differentiation except by name. An alchemist is an alchemist, an enlightened one.

Even this reveals itself by degree in a name.

Q. If it takes an enlightened person to keep a fourth way school alive, will there be an
enlightened one to take over for Tri-Star after you leave?

A. Most certainly.

back cover

Perfection
To be perfect is relative. A perfect state of being is a measurement taken from' a certain
perspective, from a degree of conscious expansion or a plateau of evolution that is attained
within an infinite Life of achievement. Where is the beginning or end of Ideals or the beginning
or end of Perfection? Who is to say that simply to be is not the perfect state of an Ideal carried
out by an Idea?

Simply To Be is no small thing. It is a condition that the majority of beings regard as a natural
event, an occurrence quite commonplace for a given time. Yet, there is to be found in such a
simple being the wonderment that one exists at all. And how perfectly one exists, despite the
prevailing circumstances and conditions that would cause one to think otherwise.. The very
consciousness of one's existence, however difficult, is to be marveled at. For such a
consciousness itself is able to experience all manner of stimuli. It can reason, feel, and activate. It
is imbued with a power that. can create for itself and all others all manner of experiences. Who is
to say that to be conscious as man and woman is not a plateau of perfection in the universal
scheme? If one has ever climbed a mountain only to find another still higher to be scaled, then
there is some understanding and a glimpse of the infiniteness of what is called Perfection.

Alchemy is evolution and evolution itself will carry one on to higher and higher plateaus of
perfection. It is Alchemy or Parachemy (or Parachemistry), as it is known today, that will move
all things toward an unfoldment of a greater and greater perfection, for it is a reaching beyond to
Ideals presently unknown and an implementation of Ideas that for many seem radical presently
but will become for many, in time, but commonplace. The Ideal of perfection will always be
grander than what is to be experienced in the present state, and the Ideas will always be plentiful
as to how to achieve such a state, with but a very few actually applied in a manner that will
assure success.

The problem is not the attainment of Perfection. The problem is in one's attitude toward
Perfection. Perfection, being relative, can never be wholly attained. It is an unending line one
moves along. One's attitude toward Perfection can cause one to be diseased or out of harmony
continuously, simply because there is found to be no end to perfection itself, and all efforts
toward it then are but experiences which fall short. This is the result of "placing" ourselves into
the future and measuring where we are by where we think we should be. Or "Placing" ourselves
into the past and measuring where we are by where we think we should have been by now. We
are where we are. Here, we will experience a state of perfection, if we will but allow ourselves to
do so. There is to be found in us, with us, and around us that which is perfect. Yesterday it was
not perfect. Tomorrow it will not be perfect. Now It is.