Jung saw alchemical symbols as projections of the individuation process. The transformation of base metals into gold represents the psychological transformation of the unconscious into consciousness, the journey from prima materia to the philosopher's stone of the Self.
Advanced Alchemical Laboratory
Experience the Great Work through interactive alchemical processes. Each transformation stage represents psychological development and individuation progress.
Alchemical Elements
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Mercury
Spirit/Quicksilver
Transformation Progress
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Nigredo
Blackening/Decomposition
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Albedo
Whitening/Purification
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Citrinitas
Yellowing/Solar
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Rubedo
Reddening/Completion
Evolution of Alchemical Symbols
Trace how alchemical symbols evolved across cultures and centuries, from Egyptian metallurgy to medieval Europe to modern psychology.
Planetary-Metal Correspondences
Explore the seven classical metals and their planetary correspondences, understanding how celestial movements were believed to influence terrestrial transformations.
Alchemical Transformation as Individuation
Prima Materia
The "first matter" represents the unconscious state at the beginning of psychological development - chaotic, undifferentiated, but containing all potential.
- Unconscious totality
- Undifferentiated psyche
- Raw psychological material
- Potential for transformation
The Four Stages
The classical alchemical stages mirror the psychological individuation process, each representing a crucial phase of development.
- Nigredo: Depression, dissolution of ego
- Albedo: Purification, ego-Self separation
- Citrinitas: Illumination, conscious realization
- Rubedo: Integration, wholeness achieved
Mercurius
The alchemical Mercury represents the transformative principle - the psychic function that mediates between opposites and enables change.
- Mediator between conscious/unconscious
- Spirit of transformation
- Trickster and guide
- Bridge between above and below
The Philosopher's Stone
The goal of the Great Work - the achievement of psychological wholeness through the integration of all aspects of the personality.
- Symbol of the realized Self
- Union of opposites
- Psychological gold
- Completed individuation
Jung on Alchemy and Transformation
"The alchemical operations were real, only this reality was not physical but psychological."
— Carl Jung, Psychology and Alchemy
"The prima materia is the 'massa confusa' at the beginning of the work, the chaos or nigredo, and it is also the goal of the work."
— Carl Jung, Mysterium Coniunctionis
"In alchemy the egg stands for the chaos apprehended by the artifex, the prima materia containing the captive world-soul."
— Carl Jung, Psychology and Alchemy
"The alchemists' endeavours to unite the opposites culminate in the symbol of the coniunctio, the chemical wedding."
— Carl Jung, Mysterium Coniunctionis