36 Chapter XXXVI: Reflections on Alchemy
In Chapter XXXVI, Vicente Beltrán-Anglada applies the Master's teachings to the individual's spiritual journey, revealing that the classic symbols of alchemy represent the progressive redemption of the human personality.
The explanations offered by Brother R. on the subject of Alchemy proved especially valuable to the author, for through the principle of analogy they allowed him to enter the alchemical activity of his own life. He began to understand that terms such as philosopher’s stone, stone of perfection, yellow lion, sacred powder, elixir of long life, primordial breath, Alkahest, essence of creation, and even the Holy Grail, are all synonymous expressions used by alchemists and wise transmuters throughout the ages, each term shaped by the philosophical, occult, or esoteric language of its era.
According to ancient esoteric traditions, the philosopher’s stone symbolized the geometric point that upheld the glory of the initiatory Temple’s vault. This stone, the texts said, had to be “cooked three times” before it could be reduced to powder. That powder, intensely golden in color, was called the yellow lion. Its essence was so refined that a minute quantity could transmute base metals—lead, antimony, silver, mercury—into gold.
For the trained esotericist, who has necessarily studied occult chemistry in the Hall of Knowledge, it becomes evident that the liquefied yellow lion, prepared through certain alchemical practices, was none other than the elixir of long life, capable of renewing the body’s cells and bestowing the gift of immortality or perpetual youth, as demonstrated by the revered Master Count Saint Germain. One also perceives that the “three cookings” required before the stone became the yellow lion, and later the elixir, correspond to the transmuting alchemy performed by the soul upon the three human bodies—physical, astral, and mental—which form the foundation upon which the glory of Manas, the mystical Temple of the Holy Spirit, is built. These three bodies constitute the lower vault of the soul’s celestial architecture.
As the magical work of transmutation takes effect in each body, the soul extracts a “sacred powder” of redemption from the Monad or Spirit. Upon this purified foundation, arising from each redeemed body, the Spiritual Triad—Atma, Buddhi, Manas—erects itself as the vault of the Temple of the Spirit. At the center, where the three pillars converge, lies the “sacred treasure” described by ancient alchemists as the Alkahest, the philosopher’s stone, the yellow lion, the elixir of long life, the Holy Grail, or simply the Spirit—the monadic essence.
Thus, the author reflects, alchemical magic is constantly at work within us. The redemption of matter by the action of the soul, and the redemption of the soul by the supreme activity of the Spirit, are natural magical effects produced whenever a human being sincerely seeks perfection. The supreme alchemical transmutation occurs when the individual, consciously or not, isolates from the surrounding mass of matter a portion of Alkahest. This Alkahest becomes the true essence of all possible transmutation, for it does not age, cannot be destroyed, and is nothing other than the portion of Spirit we have succeeded in incorporating into our lives. It is the supreme breath that guides us from life to life until we become the Spirit itself, Lords of Eternal Life.
Keynotes
The "Three Coctions": The ancient requirement that the Philosopher’s Stone be "concocted three times" refers to the soul's transmutation of its three vehicles: the physical, astral, and mental bodies. These function as the foundation for the "Temple of the Spirit."
The Yellow Lion: Once the Stone is "concocted" and reduced to powder, it becomes the "Yellow Lion" —an intensely golden essence. This represents the stage where the disciple’s transmuted life can turn the "inferior metals" of their lower nature into spiritual gold.
The Elixir of Long Life: When the "Yellow Lion" is liquefied through advanced practices, it becomes the Elixir of Long Life. The author cites Count St. Germain as a Master who demonstrated this gift of perpetual youth and immortality.
The Vault of the Temple: As alchemy takes effect, the soul extracts "sacred powder" from the Monad. This builds the Spiritual Triad (Atma-Buddhi-Manas), forming the celestial vault of the Temple where the "sacred treasure" (Alkahest/Spirit) resides.
Automatic Transmutation: True alchemy occurs automatically when a human being sincerely seeks perfection. By isolating a portion of the Alkahest from the surrounding material mass, the individual anchors a part of the Spirit that is indestructible and eternal.
Summary
| Alchemical Symbol | Esoteric Equivalent | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Philosopher's Stone | The Point of Perfection | The geometric foundation of the initiate’s Temple. |
| Yellow Lion | Transmuted Essence | The power to dignify substance and radiate immortal goods. |
| Alkahest | Monadic Essence | The supreme breath that guides the soul through multiple lives. |
| Holy Grail | The Triple Vehicle | The purified "cup" of the human personality that holds the Spirit. |
The Work of Redemption
The author concludes that alchemy is the constant process of the redemption of matter by the Soul, and the redemption of the Soul by the Spirit. Success in this "Great Work" orientates the disciple until they become a "Lord of Eternal Life," fully identified with their own Spirit.