Color Alchemy

Alchemy, a philosophy and science deeply rooted in ancient traditions, has maintained a profound influence across millennia, with its principles standing as timeless and self-affirming. The sacred nature of this discipline suggests that any attempt to build upon its profound wisdom must be approached with great care. This paper explores new frontiers by introducing a novel concept made possible by contemporary advancements in color and light technologies.

When reflecting on the ageless wisdom of Alchemy, it is impossible to ignore the enduring relevance of its principles, which have withstood the test of time. The essence of Alchemy carries a certain sanctity, rendering any additions to its body of knowledge a bold undertaking. The hypothesis presented in this paper offers a fresh perspective, enabled by current technological advancements, particularly in LED light and color creation. This exploration invites readers to embark on a journey of inquiry, allowing them to determine whether these innovative—or perhaps previously hidden—truths can bring new value to the venerable tradition of Alchemy.

This endeavor, born from the synthesis of ancient wisdom and modern tools, opens the door to a realm where tradition and innovation meet. It calls on the discerning reader to engage with the proposed concept, unravel its potential implications, and assess its place within the rich tapestry of Alchemical knowledge. The fusion of past and present beckons, urging scholars and seekers alike to explore the boundaries of established wisdom and consider the potential for expanding the alchemical tradition.

Three Alchemical Triad “Tri Prima”

The intricate interplay of elemental forces comes to life in the formation of the alchemical triad: salt, mercury, and sulfur. In this exploration, these three principles are represented by the colors red, blue, and green, establishing a deep connection with additive light theory. Just as the combination of red, green, and blue light creates pure white light, a similar parallel is drawn with the alchemical trinity, where the green of salt, the blue of mercury, and the red of sulfur merge to illuminate consciousness.

Salt, Mercury, and Sulfur in alchemy arise from the pairing of elemental energies—a concept that can easily be found with a simple internet search.

Interestingly, the alchemical journey appears to pause at three principles, even though the elemental forces could align three more times, suggesting the possibility of three additional principles. This raises the question: why does alchemy traditionally limit itself to three principles when the potential for six exists? By considering the analogy of additive light, where red, green, and blue combine to create white, we might explore the possibility of an inherent polarity within the three primes.

Now, take a moment to focus your gaze on the small circle at the center of the three colored circles for 30 seconds. Then, close your eyes. You may notice three lingering circles imprinted on your vision. Can you identify their colors?

By exploring the intersection of esoteric knowledge and biological science, we encounter the phenomenon of afterimages in the human eye—a visual illusion where an image continues to appear even after the original stimulus is gone.

A fascinating parallel arises when considering the afterimages of alchemical colors. The afterimage of red appears as cyan, blue as yellow, and green as magenta. Unlike the additive process, where red, green, and blue light combine to create white, these afterimages relate to physical pigments: cyan, magenta, and yellow, which, when mixed, produce black. This contrast highlights a fundamental difference between the additive brilliance of red, green, and blue and the subtractive blending of cyan, magenta, and yellow, suggesting a dualistic nature within the alchemical tradition.

What are the enigmatic principles that stand in contrast to the foundational trio of alchemical primes? The interplay of elemental energies finds expression in three additional pairings: fire and water, air and earth, and earth and fire. Within the cryptic depictions of alchemy, subtle hints emerge, leading to the identification of specific alchemical substances that symbolize each elemental pairing. Extensive research has potentially unveiled antimony, cinnabar, and phosphorus as the symbolic representative substances.

What are the mysterious principles that complement and contrast the foundational triad of alchemical primes: salt, mercury, and sulfur? Delving deeper into the intricate dance of elemental energies, we find the possibility of three additional pairings: fire with water, air with earth, and earth with fire.

Within the cryptic symbolism and esoteric depictions found in alchemical texts, subtle clues point towards specific substances that embody each of these elemental unions. Through careful analysis and extensive research, certain alchemical substances have emerged as possible symbolic representations: antimony for the union of fire and water, cinnabar for the merging of air and earth, and phosphorus for the interplay of earth and fire.

These substances are not arbitrary; each holds unique properties that mirror the qualities of their corresponding elemental pairings. Antimony, often associated with transformation and purification, aligns with the dynamic tension between fire and water. Cinnabar, known for its vibrant red hue and its duality as both a mineral and a source of mercury, resonates with the grounded yet ethereal connection between air and earth. Phosphorus, with its capacity to ignite spontaneously and emit light, captures the powerful, elemental force born from the union of earth and fire.

Together, these substances and their associated elements offer a more nuanced understanding of alchemy’s deeper mysteries, suggesting that beneath the surface of the well-known triad lies an expanded framework of elemental interplay, waiting to be explored.

In alchemy, these three substances have the following correlations:

Enlightenment of Antimony

Antimony has long been associated with mystical and esoteric qualities, symbolizing transformation and spiritual development. It was often seen as a catalyst for spiritual ascension or enlightenment. Alchemists believed that working with antimony could accelerate their spiritual growth and deepen their understanding, suggesting its use in both spiritual and psychological transformation. This association was tied to the quest for the Philosopher’s Stone, a legendary substance believed to grant immortality and transmute base metals into gold.

Transformation of Cinnabar

Cinnabar, a vibrant red mercury sulfide mineral (HgS), played a prominent role in alchemical traditions. Due to its mercury content, cinnabar is linked to the transformative and mysterious qualities of this element. In alchemical thought, mercury was regarded as a mediator between the material and spiritual realms. As a primary source of mercury, cinnabar was considered a powerful substance for exploring these dimensions. Alchemists believed that working with cinnabar could reveal hidden mysteries and secrets of the universe, guiding practitioners on an inner journey toward enlightenment and self-realization.

Illumination of Phosphorus

Phosphorus, whose name means “light-bringer” in Greek, is inherently connected to light and illumination. In alchemical symbolism, phosphorus represents enlightenment, spiritual illumination, and the pursuit of inner knowledge. Alchemists often used these associations to describe the transmutation of base elements into more refined and purified states. In this context, phosphorus, with its affinity for light and fire, serves as a metaphor for the elevation of ordinary knowledge to a higher spiritual understanding. The diverse allotropes of phosphorus embody a dual nature, reflecting the inherent duality within the self—the balance of opposing forces essential for spiritual growth.

Contrasting with the conventional alchemical triad of salt, sulfur, and mercury, the trio of colors—cyan, magenta, and yellow—aligns with the alchemical elements of antimony, cinnabar, and phosphorus, creating a unique polarity. This deviation from traditional foundations introduces an esoteric perspective that deepens the understanding of alchemical principles.

This symbolic relationship is depicted through the visualization of two triangles. The first triangle points upward, representing the positive polarity of RGB (red, green, blue) light. In contrast, the second triangle is inverted, symbolizing the triad of cyan, magenta, and yellow, which is essential in printing processes. This concept resonates with the ancient wisdom of Hermes Trismegistus, as expressed in the Emerald Tablet: “As Above, So Below.”

The upright triangle, aligned with the positive RGB spectrum, illustrates the dynamic interplay of the primary colors of light, demonstrating the synthesis that occurs when red, green, and blue wavelengths merge. This convergence represents the harmonious unity of these colors, reflecting the celestial influence encapsulated by the timeless axiom “As Above.” It symbolizes the celestial realm, where light exists in its pure, undivided form.

In contrast, the inverted triangle, representing the printing triad of cyan, magenta, and yellow, embodies a different yet complementary aspect of creation. In the domain of printing, these colors combine to produce a spectrum that captures the subtle hues of the visible world. This earthly process of color blending aligns with the second part of Hermes Trismegistus’ maxim, “So Below,” suggesting a reflection of celestial principles in the earthly realm.

The convergence of these two triangles reflects the duality inherent in the cosmic and terrestrial worlds, echoing the hermetic principle of correspondence. Through this symbolic interplay, Hermes Trismegistus’ teaching comes to life, providing a visual representation that invites reflection on the interconnectedness of celestial and earthly phenomena. It reveals the harmonious synthesis of diverse elements woven together in the grand tapestry of existence.

King Solomons Temple

The two pillars at the entrance of King Solomon’s Temple, known as Boaz and Jachin, held profound symbolic significance:

Dualism and Polarity: The pillars are often seen as representations of fundamental dualities and polarities in the universe, such as light and dark, masculine and feminine, positive and negative, or any other pair of opposing forces. They symbolize the balance and harmony necessary to navigate these dualities, reflecting the dynamic equilibrium of the cosmos.

Pillars of Wisdom and Strength: Jachin and Boaz are also linked to wisdom and strength. The name “Jachin” is derived from the Hebrew phrase meaning “he will establish,” while “Boaz” signifies “strength.” Together, they represent the establishment of wisdom through strength, suggesting a harmonious integration of intellectual and physical qualities.

Hermetic Principles: In the Hermetic tradition, which has greatly influenced many esoteric teachings, the pillars are viewed as embodiments of the principle of correspondence, “As above, so below.” They symbolize the link between the earthly and the divine, serving as a gateway between different planes of existence.

In Kabbalistic interpretations, the pillars are linked to the Tree of Life. Boaz is associated with severity (Geburah), while Jachin is linked to mercy (Chesed), two Sephiroth on the Tree of Life. The pillars, therefore, represent the path of balance and equilibrium between these aspects.

Initiation and Transformation: The entrance to King Solomon’s Temple, marked by the two pillars, is considered a threshold or portal for initiates. Passing through these pillars symbolizes a journey of transformation, where the seeker undergoes spiritual evolution and attains higher knowledge.

Exploring the depiction of a hexagram formed by the convergence of triangles, where additive colors are linked to positive attributes and secondary colors are considered negative, provides a gateway to understanding intricate color relationships that mirror alchemical correlations. This alignment allows for the unveiling of deeper mysteries within systems like Kabbalah, Tarot, Astrology, Hermeticism, and more, enriching the depth and authenticity of their profound meanings. The more connections that are established, the wider the metaphorical doors to the temple of wisdom open. In the illustration below, we examine a selection of these correspondences, illuminating the complex web of symbolic associations.

In esoteric philosophy, the masculine is seen as an energetic principle, often symbolized by the sun. In our new symbol, the colors Red, Green, and Blue represent this energetic principle, reflecting how the sun emits light and how our eyes perceive these energy waveforms. This triad reveals the structure of human existence, where a Physical Body, infused with Spiritual Energy, forms an individualized consciousness known as the Mind or Soul.

The feminine is considered a negative principle, represented by the moon, corresponding to materialist phenomena. While human consciousness is deemed the ultimate achievement of earthly evolution, the components giving rise to that form and function originate from the mother of us all: Earth.

We are but parts of a greater organism, existing within the confines of Earth’s atmosphere and composed entirely of the minerals found within the planet’s boundaries.

Exploring the symbolic meanings of secondary colors and connecting them to the alchemical principles of Phosphorus, Cinnabar, and Antimony can be approached by relating them to the three kingdoms of nature. These kingdoms serve as fundamental classifications for the primary realms of the natural world, each characterized by distinct forms of life. This exploration goes beyond simple categorization, delving into the complex interactions among these life forms and their collective impact on shaping the planet. Within this context, the symbiotic relationships between organisms within these kingdoms play a crucial role, influencing Earth’s environment and contributing to its ability to sustain human life.

The three kingdoms are:

Mineral Kingdom: Comprising inanimate, non-living matter, such as minerals, rocks, crystals, and elements, this kingdom forms the foundation of the natural world, providing the essential building blocks for the other two kingdoms.

Plant Kingdom: This kingdom includes all living organisms capable of photosynthesis. Plants convert sunlight into energy and are vital for producing oxygen and providing sustenance for other life forms. It encompasses a wide range of plant life, from simple mosses to complex trees.

Animal Kingdom: Consisting of multicellular, mobile organisms, the animal kingdom includes species capable of locomotion. Animals are heterotrophic, obtaining their energy by consuming other organisms. This kingdom is diverse, ranging from simple invertebrates to complex mammals.

The kingdoms follow a sequential order reflecting the progression of ecological development. This chronological sequence aligns with the order of creation itself. Kabbalist teachings delineate this creative order, which can be visually represented through the Tree of Life. Further insight into this concept is can be obtained through correlations of Kabbalah, the mystical and esoteric tradition of Jewish mysticism. The three primary worlds or dimensions of existence are often referred to as the “Worlds of Emanation.” These three worlds represent different aspects of the divine emanation and the unfolding of creation. The three worlds in Kabbalah are:

Atziluth (Emanation)

Atziluth is the highest of the three worlds, representing the divine emanation directly from the Infinite or Ein Sof. It is considered the world of pure divine essence, where the archetypal forms and attributes of creation exist in perfect unity. Atziluth is often associated with the sefirah (divine emanation) of Keter, symbolizing the crown.

Also known as the Spiritual World. The spiritual world is commonly referred to as the “spiritual realm,” “spiritual plane,” or “transcendent dimension.” It encompasses the non-physical, eternal, and sacred aspects of existence. In certain religious traditions, it may be referred to as the “divine realm” or “heavenly realm.”

Beri’ah (Creation)

Beri’ah is the second world and is associated with the unfolding of the divine energy into the realm of creation. It represents the creation of archetypal forms and spiritual entities. Beri’ah is linked to the sefirah of Chokhmah (wisdom) and Binah (understanding), symbolizing the masculine and feminine aspects of divine wisdom.

Also known as the Mental World. The mental world is sometimes referred to as the “mental plane,” “psychic realm,” or “mind/soul dimension.” It encompasses thoughts, consciousness, and the non-material aspects of the mind. In some esoteric traditions, this realm is further subdivided into the astral or emotional plane.

Yetzirah (Formation)

Yetzirah is the third world and is associated with the formation of spiritual and psychic energies. It represents the shaping of divine energy into specific forms and structures. Yetzirah is linked to the sefirah of Chesed (mercy) to Yesod (foundation), embodying attributes related to divine kindness, compassion, and foundation.

Also known as the Physical World. In general terms, the physical world is often simply called the “physical realm” or the “material world.” It encompasses the observable, tangible, and measurable aspects of existence.

Each of these worlds represents a different stage in the process of divine manifestation and the creation of the cosmos. The progression from Atziluth to Beri’ah and then to Yetzirah symbolizes the descent of divine energy into more specific and structured forms, ultimately leading to the creation of the physical world, which is often referred to as the “World of Action” (Assiyah) in Kabbalistic teachings.

Effects of Elemental Energies of Energetic Bodies

To gain a profound understanding of each etheric body, delving into their elemental pairings provides the most insightful experience. The Four Elements, namely Earth, Water, Air, and Fire, come with well-defined parameters that have been intricately expounded upon throughout history. These elemental associations serve as essential guides, unveiling the unique characteristics and influences each etheric body holds within the intricate tapestry of metaphysical exploration.

Each elemental pairing possesses the ability to physically embody a distinct aspect of nature. Within these specific natural settings, activities can be undertaken to gain profound insights into the understanding of various facets within human consciousness. This exploration corresponds with planetary operations that are externally experienced. By immersing oneself in these elemental contexts, a nuanced comprehension of the intricate interplay between the inner realms of human consciousness and the external planetary influences can be attained.