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Alchemical Glossary

Comprehensive definitions of key terms in alchemy, mysticism, and Western esotericism

A

Albedo
The second stage of the alchemical opus, characterized by whitening and purification. It follows the nigredo and represents the washing away of impurities.
nigredorubedoanimalunaablutio

C

Coniunctio
The alchemical marriage or union of opposites, typically depicted as the joining of Sol (sun/masculine) and Luna (moon/feminine). A central symbol of transformation.
sollunarebishieros-gamosrubedo

I

Individuation
Jung central concept describing the process of psychological integration, whereby the individual becomes their true, whole self through the integration of conscious and unconscious elements.
selfshadowanimaanimusopus

L

Lapis Philosophorum
The philosophers stone, the ultimate goal of alchemical work. Said to transmute base metals into gold and confer immortality.
rubedogoldelixirselfopus-magnum

N

Nigredo
The first stage of the alchemical opus, characterized by blackening, decomposition, and putrefaction. It represents the initial breakdown of matter and psychologically corresponds to confrontation with the shadow.
albedorubedoprima-materiashadowmortificatio

O

Ouroboros
The serpent or dragon eating its own tail, an ancient symbol of eternal cyclic renewal, self-sufficiency, and the unity of beginning and end.
mercuriusunus-mundusdragoncirculatio

P

Prima Materia
The original, undifferentiated substance from which all things arise. The starting point of the alchemical work, often described as base, common, and everywhere present.
nigredochaosmassa-confusalead

R

Rubedo
The final stage of the alchemical opus, characterized by reddening and the achievement of the philosophers stone. It represents the completion of the Great Work.
nigredoalbedoconiunctiolapis-philosophorumself

S

Solve et Coagula
The fundamental alchemical axiom meaning "dissolve and coagulate." Describes the repeated process of breaking down and reconstituting matter.
separatioconiunctiocirculatioopus
Shadow
In Jungian psychology, the unconscious aspect of the personality that the conscious ego does not identify with, often containing repressed weaknesses, desires, and instincts.
nigredoprima-materiaprojectionunconscious