Skip to main content
Stage 4

Sublimatio

The elevation of matter from solid to vapor without passing through liquid, representing spiritual ascent and the volatilization of fixed forms.

Historical Context

Laboratory sublimation involves heating a substance until it vaporizes and then recondenses as a purified solid on a cool surface.

Symbolism

Birds, wings, flight, ascent, the eagle, mountains. Associated with the element of air and spiritual elevation.

Psychological Correlate

Rising above situations, gaining perspective, intellectualization, spiritual aspiration, transcendence of material concerns.

Sources & Further Reading

  • Edinger, E. Anatomy of the Psyche
  • Hillman, J. Alchemical Psychology