The Philosopher's Stone

I learned that there is something called pairing in the Tarot, and that “The Magician and The High Priestess: These cards represent the polarities of the conscious and unconscious mind, respectively.”

The Magician card is the card before the High Priestess. I see the Magician as the step before the blacking stage, as a preparation stage. And the first stage in alchemy is the the blackening stage, also called nigredo. This is a stage of deconstruction, dissolvement. To break down the substance in order for the following stages to transmute it. It was ChatGPT that connected the High Priestess to nigredo, and sometimes it can give incorrect information, but I it seems correct to me since both the High Priestess and nigredo are at the beginning of the process (witch the Magician has prepared).

“be ye wise like serpents”
The conscious mind (male/active) is looking to the subconscious mind (feminine/receptive). The subconscious is looking toward the angel or the…look at what is above the angel.
The tree behind the male figure are flames; 12 in total which represent the zodiac signs
The subconscious mind represents an area of the nervous system which quivers and vibrates thus bringing desires into manifestation.

The Orion group as described in the Law of One is similar to New World Order pyramid, which in turn shares the shape with the triangle/pyramid in the diagram of the philosopher’s stone. It’s about hierarchical dominance on a material level.

8.14 Questioner: What do the Orion group have— what’s the objective with respect to the conquest of the Orion group?

Ra: I am Ra. As we have said previously, their objective is to locate certain mind/body/spirit complexes which vibrate in resonance with their own vibrational complex, then to enslave the un-elite, as you may call those who are not of the Orion vibration.

And interestingly Ra talks about us ordinary people as the un-elite, further indicating the pyramidal and hierarchical power-over structure.

“According to Theosophical interpretations, the Orion constellation is sometimes associated with lower astral realms, materialism, and forces of darkness. This perspective views Orion as a symbolic representation of the struggle between spiritual evolution and materialistic tendencies. The lower astral realms associated with Orion are believed to be inhabited by entities or forces that hinder spiritual progress or are focused on selfish pursuits.”

“the constellation has been associated with spiritual challenges, tests, or trials, often representing a struggle between spiritual evolution and materialistic tendencies.” - This matches the view that the triangle/pyramid represents catalysts for humanity as a whole.

That’s an interesting connection. I have just started looking into astrology and the zodiac. Yes, loads of symbolism in the Tarot cards. I have cherry picked the symbols that I could connect most easily to the alchemical process but there are lots of other symbols that can be connected.

I found something called esoteric astrology. “In esoteric astrology, the constellation Ursa Major (also known as the Big Dipper or the Great Bear) holds particular significance. It is believed to emit seven rays that correspond to different spiritual qualities or energies. These rays are often associated with specific stars within the constellation.”

“Esoteric astrology recognizes the existence of spiritual hierarchies or beings at different levels of consciousness and evolution. These hierarchies may include angelic beings, ascended masters, and other divine entities believed to guide and influence human evolution.”

"The Law of One states that higher-density entities, including those from the angelic realm and ascended masters, have evolved to higher levels of consciousness and are actively involved in assisting and supporting the growth of consciousness on Earth. These entities are seen as benevolent and oriented towards service to others.

In the Law of One, it is explained that these higher-density entities can communicate and interact with humans through various means, including telepathy, channeling, and direct energetic influence. They offer guidance, insights, and teachings to individuals who are open and receptive to their assistance.

It’s important to note that in the Law of One, the focus is on the individual’s own spiritual evolution and the importance of personal seeking and discernment. The teachings encourage individuals to use their own discernment and critical thinking when receiving guidance from any source, including higher-density entities."

“In esoteric astrology, Sirius holds great significance and is often referred to as the “Spiritual Sun” or the “Sun behind the Sun.” It is considered one of the most potent and influential fixed stars in the night sky.”

“Sirius is often associated with the concept of the Philosopher’s Stone and the transformative processes involved in the pursuit of spiritual and inner transmutation.”

"From an esoteric perspective, the energetic qualities associated with Sirius are not strictly categorized as either male or female. Instead, Sirius is often seen as transcending traditional gender distinctions and embodying a balance or integration of both masculine and feminine energies.

Sirius is sometimes associated with the divine androgyny, representing the unity of opposites, the harmonization of dualities, and the integration of masculine and feminine principles within the spiritual realm. It symbolizes the union of polarities and the wholeness that arises from their synthesis."

The sun is masculine and the moon is feminine, and to me that means that Sirius is the unifying principle of the sun and the moon. I asked ChatGPT about it with several questions and it said no, no, no, lol, until I got this answer: “it is reasonable to consider that Sirius may play a role in facilitating the integration of the sun and the moon within the human psyche.” Maybe I manipulated ChatGPT too much to get that answer but I think it makes logical sense in terms of the esoteric terms.

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I don’t know Kabbalah, but I do know Biblical Hebrew. Chokhmah can be likened to a practical wisdom. If I recall correctly, it is used to describe people who are really good in their profession (in other words, skilled). Binah probably comes from a root meaning to build and is about distinguishing between things. Da’at is from a root meaning to experience. It is the word used to describe sexual relations between two people (Adam knew Eve…).

There are overlaps, but each one is distinct in what it attempts to convey (skill/practical knowledge, distinction, 1st hand experience). I also found it interesting that in your Hebrew tree, Chesed is in masculine form, Giborah is feminine (masculine would be Gibor). The English tree replaced Giborah with Din (judge, judgement).

Thank you for all this info, it’s been fascinating reading!

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I’m new to the Tree of Life, but yes as I understand it Bina is related to intellectual wisdom and Chokhmah to intuitive wisdom, or even better as you wrote, to practical wisdom. It seems that the left side of the tree represents masculine aspects and the right side feminine aspects. And that they need to become united in order to reach higher levels of consciousness.

There is something called the Veil of Isis in some esoteric teachings. Isis is related to the moon and to the star Sirius.

"Isis, as a goddess in ancient Egyptian mythology, possessed a multifaceted nature. She was revered as a powerful and nurturing mother figure, embodying feminine qualities such as fertility, wisdom, and magic. However, she was also believed to possess qualities traditionally associated with masculinity, including strength, leadership, and the ability to navigate the realms of life and death.

Some esoteric and philosophical traditions, such as Hermeticism, have explored the concept of the androgynous nature of deities, including Isis. The androgynous representation suggests the union of masculine and feminine principles within a single divine entity, symbolizing the wholeness and unity of existence.

The association of Isis with the androgynous nature can also be linked to her connection with the star Sirius. Sirius has been perceived as an androgynous or dual-gendered symbol in certain esoteric traditions, representing the integration and balance of masculine and feminine energies."

"The unconscious mind, often associated with the realm of dreams, intuition, and deeper psychological processes, is seen as residing beyond the Veil of Isis. The conscious mind, on the other hand, represents everyday awareness and rational thought.

By seeking to lift or penetrate the Veil of Isis, individuals aim to bridge the gap between the conscious and unconscious aspects of their psyche. This can involve exploring and integrating the unconscious aspects of the self, uncovering hidden knowledge, and accessing higher states of consciousness."

The Law of One doesn’t explicitly mention the Veil of Isis, but for example this is the same veil I think:

86.7 Questioner: You stated that dreaming, if made available to the conscious mind, will aid greatly in polarization. Would you define dreaming or tell us what it is and how it aids in polarization?

Ra: I am Ra. Dreaming is an activity of communication through the veil of the unconscious mind and the conscious mind. …

There is a lot of discussion about veiling in the Law of One and I want to look into that a bit more so see if I can find more similarities and insights.

I now listened to a Rudolf Steiner lecture and he said that Isis is sleeping in us humans. That’s similar to what Ra said that we can access the unconscious when dreaming. And I have had advanced dreams sometimes recently, with higher emotions than in the waking state, and it seems to me that the unconscious has a lot of untapped potential.

Isis representing the moon is feminine and symbolizes the unconscious, the sun is masculine and is associated with the conscious mind, and Isis also represents Sirius which is androgynous and is related to the unification of the unconscious and the conscious, symbolically the moon and the sun. Are the astronomical bodies only used as symbolism? I believe that there is some actual connection to human consciousness and astronomical bodies such as the moon, the sun and the star Sirius that could become important instead of just interpreting it as metaphors for the unconscious and the conscious mind.

The Veil of Isis then is the separation between the moon and the sun within the individual, and lifting the veil awakens Isis within oneself which unites the moon and the sun. It is said that no mortal has lifted the veil of Isis and lived, yet the philosopher’s stone is related to immortality, so someone with the philosopher’s stone can lift the veil. Immortality in the Law of One is described as moving into higher densities.

"In Rosicrucianism, the rose, particularly the mystical concept of the “Rosae Crucis” or “Rose Cross,” holds great significance. It is often associated with spiritual transformation, enlightenment, and the pursuit of divine wisdom. The rose is seen as a symbol of the divine feminine principle, embodying qualities such as love, beauty, and nurturing.

The connection between the rose and Isis in Rosicrucianism stems from the movement’s blending of different mystical and philosophical traditions, including elements from ancient Egyptian spirituality, Hermeticism, and Christian mysticism. As a result, the rose came to be associated with Isis, who represents the divine feminine and aspects of magic, wisdom, and regeneration."

To the left in this picture is a rose cross symbolizing the heart chakra and to the right a Rosicrucian cross:

And here is a rose cross used in the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn:

“The Rose Cross is a significant symbol within the Golden Dawn’s esoteric system and represents the union of opposites, spiritual transformation, and the integration of various elements.”

In alchemy the rose is one of the most used symbols and it represents attainment, completion, and perfection.

"In “The Golden Ass” by Apuleius, there is a symbolic connection between Isis and roses, although it is not a central theme in the story. When the protagonist Lucius is transformed into a donkey, he learns that the consumption of roses is one of the ways to restore his human form. While roses themselves are not explicitly linked to Isis in the novel, their association with the process of transformation and redemption aligns with the broader themes present in the story.

The symbolism of roses and their connection to Isis can be found in other mythological and religious traditions as well. In some interpretations, roses are associated with love, beauty, and spiritual transformation, which align with the qualities often attributed to Isis. However, it’s important to note that this connection between roses and Isis may be more prevalent in later esoteric or mystical interpretations rather than in the original ancient Egyptian or Roman sources."

"In esoteric alchemy, the cross often represents the union of opposites and the process of transformation. It is a symbol that embodies the integration of various elements and energies to achieve wholeness and spiritual enlightenment.

The vertical line of the cross in alchemy is associated with the spiritual or celestial realm, representing divine energies or spiritual principles. It represents the transcendent aspects of existence, such as the connection to higher realms, spiritual aspirations, and the divine nature within.

The horizontal line of the cross is connected to the material or earthly realm, symbolizing the physical world, the human experience, and the manifestation of energies into tangible form. It represents the immanent aspects of existence, including the physical body, material reality, and the realm of matter.

The intersecting point of the cross represents the meeting or fusion of these opposing forces, symbolizing the alchemical marriage or the union of opposites. This union is seen as a necessary step in the process of spiritual transformation and the attainment of higher states of consciousness."

“By placing a rose, often representing love, beauty, and spiritual unfoldment, at the center of the cross, it signifies the harmonious integration and reconciliation of these opposing forces. It represents the unification of spiritual and material aspects, the blending of masculine and feminine energies, and the realization of a balanced and holistic spiritual path.”

In Ancient Egypt they had something similar to the cross called the ankh.

"In ancient Egypt, the ankh was a widely recognized and important symbol, often referred to as the “Key of Life” or the “Egyptian Cross.” The ankh resembles a cross with a loop or oval-shaped top, often interpreted as a stylized representation of a key. It was one of the most prevalent and enduring symbols in ancient Egyptian art and religious iconography.

The ankh was associated with life, vitality, and immortality in Egyptian culture. It symbolized the concept of eternal life and the divine power that sustained existence. It was often depicted being held by gods and goddesses, representing their ability to bestow life and divine blessings upon the living. "

In the Tarot card with number 4 (in the Law of One they discuss it as card number 3 for some reason) the Emperor is holding a crux ansata.

“The ankh was one of the most common decorative motifs in ancient Egypt and was also used decoratively by neighbouring cultures. Coptic Christians adapted it into the crux ansata, a shape with a circular rather than oval loop, and used it as a variant of the Christian cross.” - Wikipedia

93.24 Questioner: I am assuming that you mean one full question, and I’ll make that question: I’d like to know the significance of the shape of the crux ansata, and if that’s too much of an answer I will just ask if there is anything we can do to make the instrument more comfortable or improve the contact?

Ra: I am Ra. There are mathematical ratios within this image which may yield informative insights to one fond of riddles. We shall not untangle the riddle. We may indicate that the crux ansata is a part of the concept complexes of the archetypical mind, the circle indicating the magic of the spirit, the cross indicating that nature of manifestation which may only be valued by the losing. Thus the crux ansata is intended to be seen as an image of the eternal in and through manifestation and beyond manifestation through the sacrifice and transformation of that which is manifest. …

The rose at the center of the cross is often red, sometimes connected to the root chakra which is associated with the color red, or more specifically to the kundalini that is said to be trapped at the bottom of the spine in the form of a coiled snake.

49.6 Questioner: What process would be the recommended process for correctly awakening, as they say, the kundalini and of what value would that be?

Ra: I am Ra. The metaphor of the coiled serpent being called upwards is vastly appropriate for consideration by your peoples. This is what you are attempting when you seek. There are, as we have stated, great misapprehensions concerning this metaphor and the nature of pursuing its goal. We must generalize and ask that you grasp the fact that this in effect renders far less useful that which we share. However, as each entity is unique, generalities are our lot when communicating for your possible edification.

We have two types of energy. We are attempting then, as entities in any true color of this octave, to move the meeting place of inner and outer natures further and further along or upward along the energy centers. The two methods of approaching this with sensible method are first, the seating within one’s self of those experiences which are attracted to the entity through the south pole. Each experience will need to be observed, experienced, balanced, accepted, and seated within the individual. As the entity grows in self-acceptance and awareness of catalyst the location of the comfortable seating of these experiences will rise to the new true-color entity. The experience, whatever it may be, will be seated in red ray and considered as to its survival content and so forth.

Each experience will be sequentially understood by the growing and seeking mind/body/spirit complex in terms of survival, then in terms of personal identity, then in terms of social relations, then in terms of universal love, then in terms of how the experience may beget free communication, then in terms of how the experience may be linked to universal energies, and finally in terms of the sacramental nature of each experience.

Meanwhile the Creator lies within. In the north pole the crown is already upon the head and the entity is potentially a god. This energy is brought into being by the humble and trusting acceptance of this energy through meditation and contemplation of the self and of the Creator.

Where these energies meet is where the serpent will have achieved its height. When this uncoiled energy approaches universal love and radiant being the entity is in a state whereby the harvestability of the entity comes nigh.

My interpretation is that when the kundalini rises to the crown chakra it loops back into the body unified with the Creator energy Ra described and then moves into and radiates out of the heart chakra. The looping back process is symbolized by the loop at the top of the ankh and the divine energy reaching the heart chakra is represented by the red rose.

ankh_rose

Red is also the color usually representing the final reddening stage in alchemy.

"The Great Work (Latin: Magnum opus) is an alchemical term for the process of working with the prima materia to create the philosopher’s stone. It has been used to describe personal and spiritual transmutation in the Hermetic tradition, attached to laboratory processes and chemical color changes, used as a model for the individuation process, and as a device in art and literature. The magnum opus has been carried forward in New Age and neo-Hermetic movements which sometimes attached new symbolism and significance to the processes. The original process philosophy has four stages:[1][2]

  • nigredo, the blackening or melanosis
  • albedo, the whitening or leucosis
  • citrinitas, the yellowing or xanthosis
  • rubedo, the reddening, purpling, or iosis" - Wikipedia

Another symbol similar to the ankh in Ancient Egypt is the Knot of Isis also called the tyet and the Blood of Isis.

“The tyet resembles a knot of cloth and may have originally been a bandage used to absorb menstrual blood.[2]” - Wikipedia

The Knot of Isis is sometimes depicted in combination with djed pillars.

tyet-djed

“a “djed” pillar (meaning eternity) is flanked by two “tjet” signs, (meaning protection) symbolizing also Osiris between Isis and Nephthys.”

“The djed, also djt (Ancient Egyptian: ḏd 𓊽, Coptic ϫⲱⲧ jōt “pillar”, anglicized /dʒɛd/)[1] is one of the more ancient and commonly found symbols in ancient Egyptian religion. It is a pillar-like symbol in Egyptian hieroglyphs representing stability. It is associated with the creator god Ptah and Osiris, the Egyptian god of the afterlife, the underworld, and the dead. It is commonly understood to represent his spine.” - Wikipedia

djed

My interpretation is that while the ankh symbolizes kundalini flowing up and circling back into the body, the Knot of Isis symbolizes the blood, sometimes called etherealized blood, circulating around in the human body. The djed in my view represents the human spine that connects the ankh with the tyet.

tyet-djed3

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From a modern medical perspective I found one mechanism that is related to how the djed combines and circulates the kundalini and the etherialized blood called CSF circulation.

"The circulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the central nervous system is facilitated by a mechanism known as the “CSF circulation and absorption cycle.” This cycle involves the production, circulation, and absorption of CSF to maintain its constant flow. Here’s a brief overview of the mechanism:

  1. Production: CSF is primarily produced by specialized cells called choroid plexus, which are located in the ventricles of the brain. These cells actively transport certain substances from the blood into the ventricles, creating a fluid rich in nutrients, electrolytes, and other essential components.
  2. Circulation: Once produced, CSF flows from the ventricles into a system of interconnected cavities within the brain known as the ventricular system. The ventricular system consists of the two lateral ventricles, the third ventricle, the cerebral aqueduct (aqueduct of Sylvius), and the fourth ventricle.
  3. CSF Pathway: CSF flows through this ventricular system, bathing the brain and spinal cord in the subarachnoid space, which is the space between the arachnoid membrane and the pia mater (two of the meningeal layers). It also fills certain hollow spaces within the brain called cisterns.
  4. Absorption: After circulating through the subarachnoid space, CSF is eventually absorbed back into the bloodstream. Absorption primarily occurs through specialized structures called arachnoid granulations (also known as arachnoid villi). These structures are located within the dural sinuses, which are venous channels that drain blood from the brain."

Anders have you practically tried to apply these theoretical reviews?

PS. You need to look at the Tree in a mirror form, the left side of a person is female (Isis), the right side is male (Osiris). The Egyptian system differs from the Indian system (Tantra) in detail, as it differs from the Jewish system (Hasidism) also in detail, and so yes, it is the same phenomenon.

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The Ankh loop, in my opinion, can be explained by the breathing of the vase from the “Six Yogas of Naropa”