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1.7 Gold
In heaven there is an upside down fountain.
In it a flame is burning day and night.
This flame is burning eternally
and does not need a wick or oil.
Day and night the flame is burning,
the entire year,
every season,
and does not know change.
Paltu Sahib
The attainment of rubedo, or redness, is symbolized by the transmutation into gold. The alchemists often talk about ‘living gold’. The ‘living gold of the philosophers’ is
the pure fire that is in the philosopher’s stone, or in quicksilver, or in
the root humidity of nature which is completely penetrated by the fire.
The living gold is the fixated seed that vivifies the philosopher’s
quicksilver and the matter of the stone, that is the root humidity of
metals. It is a light that is clothed by a perfect, pure ethereal body. It
all sounds mystifying, but read it again and know that the living gold is
actually pure consciousness, or pure awareness.
(Actorum Laboratoriichici Monacensis, seu Subterraneae, Johann Joachim Nercher, Frankfurt, 1669) The alchemist has been reborn as the Sun which is equal to Gold. He has been enlightened, he has become light himself, and now he rules over the three kingdoms of |
A description of what alchemists understood by the term gold is found in a manuscript, called ‘La Lumiere |
Sometimes the alchemists talk about three kinds of gold. The first one is an astral gold, the center of which
is in the Sun, it transfers this gold by its rays and with
its light at the same time to all the lower planets. It is a fiery substance and it is a
constant emanation from the stellar bodies, which permeates the entire
universe. Space, the atmosphere on the planets, and the planetary bodies
themselves are completely filled with it. We constantly absorb this astral
gold by our breath. The astral gold particles then spread themselves all
over our bodies. This alchemical description corresponds very well with
what is called ‘prana’ in the eastern philosophies.The second kind is the elementary gold. It is the purest and most fixated part of the elements, and of all substances that are made thereof. All living beings of the three nature
realms have this priceless elementary gold within themselves. It is also
called the central fire of the earth.The third kind is the common metal gold.
The alchemists also say that the elementary gold (pure consciousness) is the philosopher’s stone made pure and perfect by the Great Work.
Gerhard Dorn (16th century) describes the alchemical gold as the divine, creative influence present in all matter. "Gold is the medicine that in its original workings
is tempered by the art of alchemy, and therefore it can influence all
other earthly and material things in a positive way…Gold is the form that
has been separated or taken away from its exterior body, and it is so
penetrating that by its heavenly form, it influences every exterior thing.
Gold is the divine seed that is concealed in all things, not only in
metals, but in all material things, and it can be made visible by heating.
And just like in the beginning, when God created the world and had a
creative influence on matter, with this gold (that you have
obtained from matter) you have that which repeats Gods' creative work - with that you
have a little bit in your own hand. With this, from God derived power, one
can create and transform things. Gold has its power because it has the
virtue of being one. Even vegetable things can bring forth a medicine that
one can use in this manner."
You will not find
the philosopher’s stone
until you are perfect.
Grillot de Givry
As there is oil in sesame seed
and a spark in flint
thus your Beloved is in your body.
Wake it if you can.
As the pupil is in the eye
so is the creator in the body.
The fool does not know this secret
and runs outside
looking for it in vain.
That what you seek
is in the four corners of the earth.
It is inside,
you do not see it,
because it lives behind the veils of illusion.
Kabir Sahib
From the 12th century on alchemists talked about an ‘agens’ that is necessary for the transmutation. This agens had many names but the most well-known is the
‘philosopher’s stone’. Other names are: the philosophical powder, the
great elixir, the quintessence. This philospher’s stone could
transmute metals into gold. In the Great Work, the philosopher’s stone is
man himself, being at the beginning of the Great Work, or at the very end
of it. In general the stone is the universal spirit, present in everything
that has been created, and thus also in the alchemist himself.
Descriptions of it are many and not always the same. Paracelsus called it fixed and dark red; Berigard of Pisa |
The philosopher’s stone is a symbol of perfect man, the end result of the philosophical work. Although it is often connected with quicksilver and sulfur, the philosopher’s stone is
difficult to describe with words. We just do not have the proper language
for it. "One has never been able to understand what the ancient
philosophers meant with the philosopher’s stone. One can not answer this
question before one realizes that the alchemists directed their attention
on something from the unconscious. Only the psychology of the unconscious
can explain the secret. The theory of the unconscious teaches us that as
long as this projection is directed onto that something, it remains
inaccessible. Therefore the works of the ancient alchemists reveal so
little of the secret of alchemy." (Carl Gustav Jung). One should also
consider that alchemists often used symbolic language. Symbols are means
to convey information, but it demands a whole different approach of
understanding, something we have difficulty with in out modern society."Almost everybody who has heard about the philosopher’s stone and its power, asks where it can be found. The philosopher always answers twofold. First, they say that Adam has
taken the philosopher’s stone with him from Paradise, and that it is now
present within you, within me, and within everybody, and that the birds of
far countries has taken it with them. Second, the philosophers answer that
it can be found in the earth, in the mountains, in the air and in the
river. Now what way should one seek? To me, both ways; but each way has
its own way." (Michael Maier, 1617)."The philosopher’s stone is first and for all the creation of man by himself, that is the entire conquest of his potentials and his future; it is especially the complete liberation of
his will, that will give him the absolute rulership over the Azoth and the
realm of magnetism, that is the absolute power over the universal magnetic
force." (Eliphas Levi, 19th century).The philosopher’s stone is also present in the Grail legends. There it is the grail chalice filled with chivalrous and good deeds, that will give back the fertility to the realm
of the King. The King in these legends is our higher self, our divine
self, the spirit, the heavenly man or Adam Kadmon, that had been cast down
into the earthy worlds. Finding this stone, or the divine in oneself and
working on oneself to bring it to the surface, will give us access to the
Palace of the King. Wolfram von Eschenbach called the Grail a precious
stone and the bearer of rich fruit of Wisdom and Purity.The philosopher’s stone can also be seen in relation to the life force. On some alchemical engravings water flows out of a stone. The stone is the philosopher’s stone which is the
source of the elixir of life ‘the is like fire but flows like water". We
all have it within us.
Meister Eckhart once met a beautiful young boy.
He asked him where he came from.
"From God", he answered.
"Where did you leave him?"
"In virtuous hearts."
"Where do you want to go?"
"To God."
"Where do you find him?"
"Where I left all creations."
"What are you?"
"A King."
"Where is your kingdom?"
"In my heart."
"Be aware that nobody shares this with you."
"I am."
Then Meister Echkart brought him into his cell:
"Take any robe you want."
"Then I would not be a King anymore."
And he disappeared.
It was God himself.
And he had made a joke with him.
He who drinks from the water
that I will give him
will never be thirsty anymore
because the water that comes from the divine
will become like a spring in them
rising to eternal life.
The Gospel of the Holy Twelve, 28:10
In alchemical terms, the body is reduced into a quicksilver water from which the elixir is then made. In other words a vivifying spirit is made. The elixir is the same as the
philosopher’s stone, but the alchemists use the term elixir to talk
primarily about its energetic and healing properties.According to some alchemists, the elixir is the second phase in the Great Work, while the tincture is the third phase. As the second phase is albedo, or whiteness, the tincture is
also called white tincture. It is the state of cooked or digested matter
that has now gained a white color. When it is projected onto metals it
changes them into silver. It is a medicine for plants and minerals. We are
talking here about a purified spirit (of man) that, although it is only in
the second stage, is already healing to body and soul.The red elixir corresponds with the third phase, rubedo or redness. The red elixir is the perfect stone. The Arab alchemists just called it elixir, meaning ‘yeast’. Yeast makes dough
rise, what in the philosophical sense means ‘multiplication’. In relation
to the elixir, it makes spiritual energy multiply and therefore it works
in a healing way in living beings. The elixir cures all ailments, and
makes all imperfect metals (like the organs, cells…) perfect (it makes
them healthy again).The term tincture is used for its penetrating quality. The tincture is the last degree of transmutation of the natural bodies. It brings all imperfect things to their perfection.
Paracelsus calls the tincture a very noble substance that colors all
metallic and human bodies, and changes them in a much better essence. It
penetrates all bodies and let them ‘rise’ as with yeast.
(Rosarium philosophorum, Frankfurt, 1550) The tincture or elixir is sometimes also depicted as the water of life flowing forth from a fountain, the fountain of youth. |
Artephius (12th century) wrote in his ‘Secret Book’ that he had been living for a thousand years due to the elixir. Similar statements were done by other alchemists. It is It always has been a strong idea that there was some kind of liquid, or drink that could prolong the life span and give the body a (near) immortality. Unfortunately common man took |
In the ancient scriptures of the Hindus (the vedas and the Puranas) one finds the concept of Amrita. Amrita is the drink or food of the gods. It is the food that gives immortality.
It was made out of the ocean of milk. The Greek gods drank Ambrosia or
Nektar, which had the same characteristics.
The alchemists and cabalists speak of the water of life in terms of for example the Ab-e-Hyat or ‘prickling, fiery essence’. More commonly it is called the ‘alkahest’ or common
solvent. The alchemist makes his tincture by purifying his body, his
emotions and his thoughts, until he identifies himself with his divine
essence. When the divine essence has been realized, the water of life
pours forth and takes away all remaining dross, leaving pure gold.
The elixir or tincture makes a new man from the alchemist. He is reborn and immortal. He partakes of divine wisdom and unity with the Source of all. He has become a heavenly king.
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Patchwork Merchant Mercenaries had its humble beginnings as an idea of a few artisans and craftsmen who enjoy performing with live steel fighting. As well as a patchwork quilt tent canvas. Most had prior military experience hence the name.
Patchwork Merchant Mercenaries.
Vendertainers that brought many things to a show and are know for helping out where ever they can.
As well as being a place where the older hand made items could be found made by them and enjoyed by all.
We expanded over the years to become well known at what we do. Now we represent over 100 artisans and craftsman that are well known in their venues and some just starting out. Some of their works have been premiered in TV, stage and movies on a regular basis.
Specializing in Medieval, Goth , Stage Film, BDFSM and Practitioner.
Patchwork Merchant Mercenaries a Dept of, Ask For IT was started by artists and former military veterans, and sword fighters, representing over 100 artisans, one who made his living traveling from fair to festival vending medieval wares. The majority of his customers are re-enactors, SCAdians and the like, looking to build their kit with period clothing, feast gear, adornments, etc.
Likewise, it is typical for these history-lovers to peruse the tent (aka mobile store front) and, upon finding something that pleases the eye, ask "Is this period?"
A deceitful query!! This is not a yes or no question. One must have a damn good understanding of European history (at least) from the fall of Rome to the mid-1600's to properly answer. Taking into account, also, the culture in which the querent is dressed is vitally important. You see, though it may be well within medieval period, it would be strange to see a Viking wearing a Caftan...or is it?
After a festival's time of answering weighty questions such as these, I'd sleep like a log! Only a mad man could possibly remember the place and time for each piece of kitchen ware, weaponry, cloth, and chain within a span of 1,000 years!! Surely there must be an easier way, a place where he could post all this knowledge...
Traveling Within The World is meant to be such a place. A place for all of these artists to keep in touch and directly interact with their fellow geeks and re-enactment hobbyists, their clientele.
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