What does the lion symbolize in alchemy?

In alchemy the lion, the “royal” beast, is a synonym for Mercurius, or, to be more accurate, for a stage in his transformation. The alchemical “green lion” devouring the sun relates to the experience of consciousness being overwhelmed by violent, frustrated desires (often masked by depression) (Fabricius 1976, p. 105).

What does green mean in alchemy?

Phosphorus was an important element for alchemists because it appeared to have the ability to capture light. (When the white form of phosphorus oxidizes, it glows green.) It represented the spirit, and its symbol is typically a triangle atop a double cross.

What is the Red Lion in alchemy?

Philosophically, the Green Lion is the raw forces of nature or the subconscious that we are seeking to tame, and the Red Lion is the assimilation or control of those forces. In the final stages of the work, the Red Lion grows wings.

What does a lion eating the sun mean?

On a human level, the green lion eating the sun is a metaphor for when a person’s “consciousness [is] overwhelmed by violent, frustrated desires” (Fabricus). In other words, inside a person, when the metaphor of the green lion eating the sun takes place, the person is compelled to act out destructively.

What does alchemy symbolize?

The medieval chemical science and speculative philosophy that focused on the attempt to change less valuable metals into gold, to find a universal cure for disease, and to discover a means of prolonging life indefinitely is called alchemy. It was practiced in much of the ancient world, from China and India to Greece.

What do the stones symbolize in the Alchemist?

The stones are black and white, with their colors representing “yes” and “no” answers to questions—so Melchizedek tells Santiago that he must only ask objective questions of the stones. Because of this, Urim and Thummim symbolize certainty and objective knowledge.

Can you practice alchemy?

It is impossible to pursue traditional alchemy, as science has proven that this type of magic is not real. However, learning how to become a modern day alchemist can help you attain success and feel more satisfied with your own life.

What does a red lion symbolize?

It traditionally symbolises courage, nobility, royalty, strength, stateliness and valour, because historically the lion has been regarded as the “king of beasts”. The lion also carries Judeo-Christian symbolism.

What does the sun symbolize in alchemy?

The Sun Icon For the alchemist, it represented the perfection of all matter on any level, including that of the mind, spirit, and soul.” The symbol’s association with both gold and the Sun evidently dates back as far as alchemy does.

What do the sun and moon represent in alchemy?

The alchemical marriage (Alchemical wedding) of the sun and moon. The basic alchemical slogan ‘solve et coagula’, is the process of dissolving (moon) in order to coagulate (sun) the essential, each time refining the process more and more until it is pure spirit.