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Foci
Fire: the principle that transforms matter from one state to another, used in transformation rituals.
Metals and other substances: each corresponds to a planet or constellation, each has a symbolic meaning, and substances are
used appropriately.
Alchemical apparatus: used mainly for larger-scale rituals.
Potions: each has a use, and is used in alchemagick appropriately (healing potions and poisons for Life magic, etc.)
Paradigm
Matter is that portion of the world which is unchanging in its true form, and therefore it is the most pure representation
of the spiritual world, since living substances inevitably wither and decay, and forces are transitory.
All matter is fundamentally one substance, and over time it evolves from base to pure, culminating in gold. This evolution
is an external reflection of the hidden nature of reality. The universe expresses its spiritual truths in allegorical form,
and by studying the material reality the alchemist learns the deeper spiritual lessons that lead to the transformation of
human nature. Alchemists seek the Philospher's Stone to enable them to tcomplete their work.
Discovering the medium of Eternal Youth and Health, and discovering the transmutation of metal are seen as allegories for
the transformation of human nature from base lead to pure gold.
The Seven Planetary Metals:
Gold, ruled by Sol
Silver, ruled by Luna
Copper, ruled by Venus
Iron, ruled by Mars
Tin, ruled by Jupiter
Quicksilver, ruled by Mercury
Lead, ruled by Saturn
The Elements:
Earth: Cold, Dry, Melancholy
Water: Cold, Wet, Phlegmatic
Fire: Hot, Dry, Choleric
Air: Hot, Wet, Sanguine
The fifth element is Quintessence, literally the "fifth essence" ... also called Spirit or Prime
The Three Principles:
Salt: the Contractive force in Nature; crystallization, concensation
Sulphur: the Expansive force in Nature; dissolution, evaporation
Quicksilver: the Integrative force, binding and balancing that of the Salt and Sulphur; circulation, dynamic equilibrium
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