Alchemy & The Emerald Tablet

The Emerald Tablet is an ancient document that contains the mystical teachings of Hermes Trismegistus. It offers the formula for Alchemy, unveiling the path of transformation and the secrets of the Universe. The Emerald Tablet guides individuals to uncover the Philosophers Stone and Awaken returning to their Higher Self.

Hermes Trismegistus is a greek God, who re-incarnated several times. Most notably as Thoth in Egypt the God of Wisdom, Writing and Magic. Hermes is an Astrologer, Magus and Alchemist. His teachings can be found in the Hermetica, they are the original teachings on Alchemy.

Amongst these teachings are the Seven Universal Principles, which are the foundational Laws of Creations. As well as the mystical text The Emerald Tablet, the key to Alchemy.

The Etymology of Alchemy comes from the Greek word “khēmeía” meaning “to transmute into it’s highest form”. Combined with the Arabic word “Al”, short for Allah, the word for God. These words created al-kīmiya, which translates as 'the process of transmutation to reunite with divine or original form'.

For many Alchemy is considered to be the art of transmuting base metals into gold. Although there are historical accounts of this taking place, the original intention was for this to be a metaphor that can be applied to the Human Soul. It is the journey from identification with the ego, with all its attachments and aversions, into the higher realms of unity consciousness. A re-membering of our true nature as infinite, eternal consciousness, integrated fully with embodied form.

Within the Emerald Tablet lies the formula for this process of transmutation. A step by step guide leading initiates through the journey of awakening. There are Seven Steps which are outlined.

First “Calcination”

This stage of the journey is symbolised by the planet Saturn. The heavy, leaden, inertia of our soul. Here the initiate consciously chooses to metaphorically burn away the density that no longer serves. Calcination is the great ego death. Sometimes an incredibly challenging stage of evolution where all that we previously clung to as “reality” is burnt away in a process of letting go. We realise how we have limited ourselves through conditioning, enslaved to the mundane, with no capacity to see beyond physical form. In this process our attachments, belief systems and density is burnt away to reveal the phoenix in the ashes, the hidden truth of who really really are.

Second “Dissolution”

This stage is symbolised by the planet Jupiter. Here the ashes that remain are dissolved into the great waters of the unconscious. Dreams and visions draw up long forgotten memories to be integrated and healed. Dissolution is an essential process otherwise deep conditioning within the id can unconsciously self-sabotage the initiate.

Third “Separation”

This stage is symbolised by the planet Mars. This is the process of salvaging the soul and the spirit that remain from the processes of Calcination and Distillation. With discernment the initiates separates out the “gold”, their true nature. Releasing the trapped energy and life force that has until now been restrained and confined by identification with the ego and the conditioned, limited mind.

Fourth “Conjunction”

This stage is symbolised by the Sun. This is the stage where our Soul and Spirit, Feminine and Masculine, Yin and Yang come into Divine Union. Merging as one the initiate experiences rebirth and receives divine insight as to how to reach enlightenment. Carl Jung spoke of this as “individuation” where the previously fragmented self re-members its unified self.

Fifth “Fermentation”

This stage is symbolised by Venus. In this stage the re-born initiate activates the inner fire of True Imagination. Merging their consciousness entirely with the Above, the Higher Realms, resulting in the death of attachment to the Below, the Lower Realms. This process is activated through devotion, meditation, prayer, transpersonal therapy and shamanic journeying. It activates the Higher Mind within the initiate as their thoughts begin to incarnate in manifestation.

Sixth “Distillation”

This stage is symbolised by Mercury. The fire previously activated is used now to further condense and refine of the results of the fermentation process. Complete purification of the Mind of the initiate is essential as they sublimate the psychic powers of the Above into their consciousness. Guided by the wisdom and insight received in the previous stages the initiate must relinquish all attachment and aversions they hold, even to their own life. Any form of separation will prevent the ultimate stage from occurring.

Seventh “Coagulation”

This stage is symbolised by the Moon. In this stage the initiates consciousness purified in the Above, Higher Realms, returns to the physical. The initiate embodies the purest essence of their form. They are embodied, awakened consciousness. Here the Philosopher's Stone is revealed to the initiate and they hold the keys to all the secrets of the Universe. 

The summation of this process in Latin is “Visita Interiora Terrae Rectificando Invenies Occultum Lapidem” which translates as “Visit the innermost parts of the earth; by setting things right, you will find the hidden stone”.

If you are interested to learn about Alchemy and the process of transformation and Awakening we have created an Online Course - The Alchemy of Self Mastery - that works directly with the teachings of Hermes to inspire this journey towards Self Mastery and becoming the creator of your reality.