Symbols of the Royal Art

Lexicon of Alchemical Symbols

Pure Sulfur 
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This Sulfer – which shares its glyph with the constellation Aries -is not to be confused with the impure form
of Sulfer ( ) that is still attached to, and weighed down by, the elements. This “Sulfur of the Wise” is in a

pure and incombustible state as the active principle of every generation and of direct manifestation. It is the
Red Sulfur of the Rubido stage.

Impure Sulfur 
>>>>>>>
This symbol gives us the condition of Philosophic Fire in domination over the four elements ( over +). It is

essentially the same principle and power as  only in an impure state since it is still attached to matter and
form. In some texts this impure form of Sulfur is the White Sulfur corresponding to the Albedo stage of the
Great Work.

Lunar Mercury 
>>>>>>>
This entirely liquid form of Mercury is driven by the Lunar Waters with little direction or focus. The symbol
is of dominion over the elements under the passive crown of Taurus ( ) – the Prima Materia(Ο) with the

lunar horns of Moon ( ). This is the Mercury of the Albedo stage in Traditional Alchemy.Mercury is

traditionally identified as androgynous partaking in both masculine and feminine qualities. This notion is tied
to the dual Solar and Lunar forms of alchemical Mercury, but can also be found clearly expressed in its
planetary geometry. In the conjunction cycles with the Sun, Mercury’s ecliptic geometry yields the perennial
symbols for active Philosophic Fire ( ), passive Philosophic Water( ), and their harmonious union in the

Hexagram ( ). Additionally, Mercury’s conjunction cycle yields the ratio 22/7 – a close approximation of

the irrational number Pi and the transcendent principle that defines the circle. See Mercury:Gateway to the
Heavens.

Solar Mercury 
>>>>>>>
This form of Mercury is a subtle fluid, less corporeal, and more focused through its infusion with the Central
Solar Principle. The symbol is Prima Materia(Ο) over the elements (+) crowned by the active Solar horns of
Aries ( ). In spiritual alchemy we are discussing the elixir composed of Spirit ( ) and Soul( ) but still

attached to matter and form, the “porous Gold” of the Philosophers. Depending on the source, this form of
Mercury either corresponds to the intermediate Citrinitas stage of the Great Work, or the Rubedo Stage if
the Citrinitas stage is not specified.

Sun :: Gold 
>>>>>>>
Sun or Gold is symbolic of the Central Principle, it is the orientation of the Prima Materia to the
transcendent ignis centrum. The glyph betrays its meaning as it displays the central point(•) found within
the Prima Materia(Ο). In traditional Alchemy, Gold refers to the highest of the purified metals, while in
spiritual practices it is intended as an allegorical reference to the spiritual center as the human Soul in which
the acting principle is Sulfur( ). While Moon is concerned with the absorbing and reflective functions of the

subconscious, Sun functions as the driving force behind consciousness.  Sun::Gold in its manifestation as the
Solar orb is an expression of Philosophic Fire. See Sun:IGNIS CENTRUM for a more detailed discussion of
Sun in the context of Sacred Astronomy.

Moon :: Silver 
>>>>>>>
Moon in alchemy corresponds to  Silver,  a malleable and ductile metal considered alongside Gold to be of
purest nature. As the Moon reflects the light of the Sun, so is   seen as the reflection of the principles of  .

In spiritual practice   relates to the passive subconscious waters of Spirit. We should note that   has close

association to the planet Earth as in the geocentric view of the cosmos she occupies the place that our planet
does in a heliocentric solar system. As such,   is intrinsically tied to the laws and manifestation of Nature, 

and in her various phases reflecting the light of the Sun, she represents the contracting and passive principle of
Philosophic Water. See Moon: The Hook of Consciousness.

Saturn :: Lead>>>>>>>
Saturn corresponds to the metal Lead, the elemental separating force of Salt( ), and the imprisonment of the

Spirit and the Soul . The glyph alludes to this “fallen” state of man as the elements (+) are displayed in
dominion over the passive Lunar consciousness of  Spirit ( ). It is what the Orphic mysteries called the

titanic corporal body and the “tomb” of the Spirit 

>>>>>>>
Unlike the other classical planets, Saturn’s synodic cycle does not produce a coherent geometric form- it is
always in fractional state continuing for 360 years at which point the 360-pronged geometry of the Saturn
ecliptic cycles completely engulfs the ecliptic circle into a black mass of connecting lines. This in one sense
represents the bindings and restrictions of the karmic universe and the human condition of being entombed in
the  life-death cycles, and in another sense is equated with the Philosopher’s stone as hiding the principle by
which the initiate can unshackle the bonds of terminal existence and obtain true spiritual immortality (“Gold
hidden in Saturn”). The dual nature of Saturn relates to the Greek Khronos as the syncretic form of the Titan
Kronos (temporal and material Demiurge) with the Orphic Æon Chronos (timeless and incorporeal). Thus, in
Saturn we find the sacred black stone of the Alchemist said to have fallen from the heavens. Isaac the
Hollander writes:
From Saturn proceeds, and from Saturn is made, the Philosopher’s Stone….There is no greater secret
that this: that is found is Saturn, since in the Sun [the vulgar Sun, that is to say in the intellectual
faculties of external consciousness] we do not find the perfection that we find in Saturn. In its interior,
and in this all the Philosophers agree, it is a most excellent Sun…In truth, Saturn is the stone that the
ancient philosophers did not want to name. (as quoted in Evola, 1995:80).
See The Eternal Chronos for a more in depth treatment of the time and timelessness principles of Saturn.
Additionally, more information on Saturn in the context of Sacred Astronomy can be found in the
corresponding section in Sun:IGNIS CENTRUM.

Jupiter :: Tin 
>>>>>>>
Jupiter rules over the preservative metal Tin. Surprisingly, despite the planets prominence in astrology and
Sacred Astronomy, the metal Tin is rarely discussed in alchemical texts and when done so it usually pertains
to the creation of alloys (i.e. Bronze as Tin + Copper).  The glyph alludes to the triumph of Lunar
Consciousness ( ) over the elements (+) and is in many ways a reflection and resurrection of the “fallen”

state of  . Of course, we can put this in mythological context as the act of Jupiter (gk. Zeus) killing and
overthrowing his father the Titan and  Demiurge Saturn (gk. Kronos).  In its inferior qualities,   acts as the

preserver of external consciousness, that which binds our subconscious sense of Self to the tellurian body
represented by the cohesiveness of the four elements (+). This meaning draws on Jupiter’s association to
Philosophic Water as the transcendent contracting force that functions as a preservative layer for the
maintenance of Universal order. However, in Jupiter’s higher manifestation and in an initiatic sense   is the

preserver of consciousness in the face of the cyclic karmic rhythms of life and death. It symbolizes spiritual
resurrection while maintaining one’s sense of Self instead of succumbing to the natural course of dissolution
into the All. This notion is clearly expressed in the planetary geometry of Jupiter that creates a Hendecagram (

) in its conjunction cycle with the Sun.  The 11 points of the Hendecagram symbolize the union of the
Pentagram of the Microcosm ( ) with the Hexagram of the Macrocosm ( ), this union is synthesized in
Plutarch’s Macroanthropos as the Celestial Man poised to overthrow the binds of the cyclic universe. This
Man-God stands face to face as an equal opposed to his Creator/Destroyer as the number 11 displays unity
reflected upon itself (1:1). See the relevant Jupiter discussion inSun:IGNIS CENTRUM.

Mars :: Iron 
>>>>>>>
The Mars:: Iron correspondence is one forged in Philosophic Fire. Of the seven alchemical metals Iron is the
most Earth-bound – it is the most predominant metal on our planet, it aligns to the Earth’s magnetic field, and
it  is subject to rapid decomposition and rust. Yet,  it is the only one of the seven that is flammable and can
thus be instantly purified – fire purified with Fire. The glyph displays Prima Materia(Ο) directed by the active
forward-slash diagonal (/) that in turn is driven by Philosophic Fire ( ). It symbolizes the potential to

transform through the expansive, combustive, and active force. If  is not ignited by the principles of

Philosophic Fire his active nature remains as a lost a potential to settle and eventually rust; thus, in alchemy
the drive of  must be realized through his desire for  .

>>>>>>>

Mars’ planetary geometry yields the Heptagram( ), it’s seven points representing -among other
correspondences-  the seven planets/metals, seven musical notes, and seven directions of force (up, down,
north, south, east, west, and central) in action.
>>>>>>>
See the relevant Mars section in Sun:IGNIS CENTRUM.

Venus :: Copper 
>>>>>>>
Venus::Copper is a union of opposites as discovered through the receptive and conductive abilities of the
metal Copper. In her symbolic role as the Virgin,   exudes the passive nature of femininity along with the

active desire for her union. The glyph is the primordial womb of Prima Materia(Ο) above the manifestation of
the elements (+). As such, she is the giver of life  – balancing the chaos of the Prima Materia within the
physical form of manifestation. We can draw analogies to the Egyptian Ankh that shares the same glyph and
indeed parallel meaning as a symbol of life. Venus::Copper is the agent of passion and is thus a lesser
manifestation of the Philosophic Fire as the active and expansive principle in matter but acting within the
receptive realm of Nature and under the principle of Philosophic Water. She is to be understood as the sexual
and alchemical catalyst. Her planetary geometry speaks to this notion, as in here conjunction cycles we find
the symbol of the Pentagram( ), the  5:8 ratio, and a manifestation of the transcendent irrational number

Phi- Phi, the spiral force of Nature, being that which sets the circle (Pi) in vertical motion.  See Venus: The
Divne Feminine.
Thus saith Venus: I beget light, nor is the darkness of my nature, and if my metal be not dried all bodies
 desire me, for I liquefy them and wipe away their rust, even I extract their substance. (Section IV
from Aureus or the Golden Tractate of Hermes)

Elemental Fire/Philosophic Fire 

>>>>>>>
Elemental Fire is the agent of heat, dryness, energy, assertiveness, and passion in Nature. It is governed by
the constellations of Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius.
>>>>>>>
Philosophic Fire is not to be confused with the classical element of Fire. Rather Philosophic Fire is the is the
active and expansive principle of creation. This is also to be understood as the upper “Waters” of Traditional
cosmology.

Elemental Water/Philosophic Water 

>>>>>>>
Elemental Water is the classical  cold,moist, and liquid element that is found in all fluids in Nature. It is
governed by the constellations of Cancer, Scorpius. and Pisces.
>>>>>>>
Like Philosophic Fire, Philosophic Water is not the classical element of Water, but rather a philosophic
principle. Philosophic Water is the passive and contracting principle of creation. This is the lower “Waters” of
Traditional cosmology.

Elemental Air 
>>>>>>>
Elemental Air is the classical scheme is the least dense of  the four elements manifest in Nature. It is both hot
and moist and is present in all vaporous forms of matter (i.e. smoke, oxygen, steam, etc.). The constellations
of Libra, Aquarius, and Gemini govern this element. The sign is the symbol of Philosophic Fire ( ) in
horizontal stasis (-).

Elemental Earth 
>>>>>>>
Elemental Earth is the cold, dry and most dense classical element of Nature. It governs all forms of solid
matter on our planet. Capricorn, Taurus, and Virgo are the constellations that rule over this element. The
glyph displays the horizontal stasis (-) of Philosophic Water( ).

Philosophic Air 
>>>>>>>
Again, not to be confused with the element Air ( ). This Philosophic Air is that which transcends,
separates, and unifies both the Philosophic Fire ( ) and Philosophic Water ( ) principles – it is the
expression of prana and as such should be considered as the Ruach (‘Divine Breath’) of Hebrew Kabbalah or
the Logos of Gnostic Christianity. This is also the symbol used to denote the Macrocosm as the union of the
lower and upper “Waters” under the transcendence of Universal Harmonia.

Philosophic Earth>>>>>>> 
Philosophic Earth is the cohesive force of all the classical elements – as such it can be understood as the
principle and governing laws of Nature as experienced in our  planet Earth. It represents the binding power
and manifestations of Elemental Fire, Elemental Water, Elemental Air, and Elemental Earth.
+
>>>>>>>
The cross and the crucifixion are symbolic of the initiates orientation to the Center Principle; however, once
the Center is found (•) the goal is to liberate it from the quadratic bonds of the cross.
 Salt 
>>>>>>>
Salt is the crystallizing agent of shape and form. It is the state of physical matter and the illusion of duality in
the natural world. The symbol displays the Prima Materia(Ο)  in horizontal stasis (-) resulting in the
separation of the upper and lower “Waters”.

Prima Materia 
>>>>>>>
This is the primitive formless base of all matter. It is the primordial Chaos devoid of all shape, form, and
Ο manifestation, but housing the un-refined principles for the potential of creation. The symbol is of a circle
without a center alluding to the Oroborous dragon biting its own tail, it represents that which is both beginning
and end – the Alpha and Omega of creation.

Sources:
René Guénon. Symbols of Sacred Science. (Hillsdale, NY: Sophia Perennis, 2004).

Julius Evola and the UR Group. Introduction to Magic Rituals and Practical Techniques for the
Magus(Rochester, VT; Inner Traditions, 2001).

Julius Evola. The Hermetic Tradition: Symbols & Teachings of the Royal Art. (Rochester, VT;
Inner Traditions,1995).

Johannes De Monte Snyder. Commentario sul Farmaco Universale. (Milan: Arché, 1974).

[commentary and Italian translation of the Latin De Pharmaco Catholico]

Unknown Philosopher and Adept. Hermaphroditisches Sonn- und Monds-Kind, das ist… (Maintz,

Germany: John Frederick Krebs, 1752) [translated by Mike Brenner,1997]

Frank Modica (trans.). “Aureus:” The Golden Tractate of Hermes Trismegistus. Concerning the
Physical Secret of the Philosopher’s Stone. (Bath: Private Publication, 1886).