The Alchemical Cosmos
In the alchemical worldview, the cosmos is not a chaotic, random entity but a meticulously orchestrated symphony of energies, forces, and archetypal symbols. Every element, every celestial body, and every event is imbued with meaning and significance. Alchemists believed that by understanding and aligning with these cosmic principles, they could unlock the secrets of transformation and spiritual evolution. The cosmos is the key and the map in which the macrocosm is both understood and how to work with signatures to exalt the individuated soul back to the universal soul. In this blog we’ll uncover the applications and the deeper correlations of the heavens unto earth.
Macrocosm to Microcosm
The Macrocosm to the Microcosm is the ordering of intelligence from Source (singularity) into its expressions (multiplicity). In the Hermetic laws, the law of multiplicity is when energy, qualities, consciousness multiples, i.e. it gathers more density, multiplying the elements and components unto itself until it comes into form. This is commonly referred to as the ‘descent’ movement from ‘above’, or the ethereal planes into the planes of form, or ‘below’. This ‘descent’ process reveals the planes and processes and characteristics contained within, or the qualities, consciousness and components that are being multiplied. In Alchemy the understanding of the materialization process aids in understanding the operation of intelligence within the 7 phases, operating with the 7 celestial realms, this is to say-knowledge of causation, the effects that manifest through each phase, through to the materialization or inversely, how the material, “physical” world ascends back into the divine. Herein lies the axiom, as above so below.
Each celestial plane is associated with a planet, which is best understood as an archetypal intelligence- in science this is known as a vibration, or harmonic resonance, the planetary signature in esoteric schools. The planetary ruler is the signature of the vibration or energy signature, which indicates the effects that correspond to those energies. It is the intelligence that imbues itself within the various creations and rules over a set of qualities and characteristics, which is indicative of that nature. All planets are contributing to the current moment, imagine it as a combined effect. It is best to familiarize oneself with the individual signatures of each planet, not its forms. When the signatures are understood, the patterning of the Macrocosm unto the Microcosm becomes more discernible. An example would be to imagine fire having a set of qualities and characteristics; and within its qualities and characteristics, it ‘acts’ in a specific manner, which creates specific effects within our material and celestial world. The qualities are assigned to elements which then further delineate the ‘building blocks’ within the physical world.
The elemental qualities from gross to subtle indicates the basic components and allows us to identify the same like intelligence and its effects. Therefore connecting supreme cause with its manifesting effects-essences. This is the key in the correspondence of Macrocosm to Microcosm, identify the qualities and the truth will be known. However, true correspondences cannot be made if one is unable to observe the elemental effects within themselves and their natural world. It is more advantageous to understand how to use the laws and understand the manifesting reality from the most basic components-elements. Therefore the Macro is the primordial CAUSE, containing all possibilities but not limited to form, or quality. The Micro is the EFFECT of the primordial, and will show what qualities are dominant, in order to create form.
“...the primordial and original Cause of all existence. This Power is, was, and will be the eternal Constructor of the world, the Carpenter of place through the inherent Will of that Creative Power being expressed…Drawing down the macro to micro is understanding the unified whole and the constituents within as an expression of that over encompassing. “
- Paracelsus
Correspondences Between Celestial Bodies and Earthly Elements
Each planet is associated with a plane, and a composition of the 4 elements. The fifth element, Akasha, ether, or the quintessence is the space in which all elements occur within. The planets possess a ratio of all the elements with a predominance of 1-2 element(s). Such as the moon has water predominating, while Jupiter is water, and the secondary of earth. Each element also possesses a positive and a negative force. This is how each plane and element both work through the creative laws. In order to understand this more thoroughly, reference the Hermetic laws- Law of Polarity, Law of Genders, & Law of Rhythm.
The elements associated with each planet is a part of its unique signature and is the result of the archetypal planetary energy, this is how the planet will imbue qualities and characteristics into forms, this is best known as ‘rulership’. The forces of the planet operate on all planes and in all forms of density, i.e. from the most subtle aspects of mind and faculties, to timing, to symbols, planets, metals, and creatures. The correspondence then allows a greater comprehension of the component parts-elements, those qualities and how to use the like nature of the planet, its elements within self and life on earth.
Correspondences are the keys to understanding the pattern of cause and effect, and the materialization. It is the tool to increase or decrease the elements or qualities, both within the self and the natural world. It's common to see correspondences solely as the creation of the rulership, however it’s important to understand the qualities of the elements in order to work with the laws and not just the object. Correspondences are associated with plants, minerals, metals, actions (such as Mercury with communication, Saturn with karma), qualities (such as the Sun as radiant, Jupiter as abundant), and timing-hourly and daily.
“Each planetary sphere has a unique energetic expression and signature qualities associated with it, such as color, musical tones, parts of the body, diseases, medical effects, herbs, stones and metals.” Robert Allen Bartlet
The 4 elements come into formation, accumulating their expression within each plane, (The Law of Multiplicity) moving from subtle to more complex-gross through the process of accumulation throughout the planes. The axiom, “As above so below” is a map, and for those who are attentive, they are trained to align the patterns and qualities that manifest within the material world and the self to the same qualities transpiring within the heavens. Therefore, the key has always been within man himself. These correspondences occur within our world through all of life from stones, to plants, the metals, and within numbers. The key to understanding the first layer of correspondence is through the elements and the celestial bodies; this is called sympathies.
** When working with correspondences it is a calling card, awakening those forces within and around the self, and brings those qualities into focus, or multiplication. This is done through numeric yantras, symbols, or on the planetary day or hour. **
"Planets are forces operating within the planes. Each planet having a reference to the elements as it moves through the 7 planetary planes. “Chemistry deals with physical matter; alchemy deals with their astral principles. Astronomy deals with their physical aspect of planets and stars; astrology deals with the psychic influences which their souls exert upon each other and upon the microcosm of man.” - Paracelsus
Conclusion
In conclusion, the alchemical cosmos is a meticulously orchestrated symphony, where every element, celestial body, and event carries deep meaning. Alchemy's understanding of the orderly descent of intelligence from its source into multiplicity, guided by Hermetic laws, empowers us to recognize the pattern of cause and effect, bridging the macrocosm to the microcosm. By understanding the correspondences between celestial bodies and earthly elements, we gain insights into the interconnectedness of all things. Astrology's role in timing and expression aligns with alchemical goals, allowing us to transcend the lesser nature and reveal the true wisdom within. In this intricate interplay, the universe becomes a map, inviting us to explore correlations between the heavens and Earth, unlocking the hidden wisdom of the cosmos within ourselves.