The Enchanted Initiate
A Journal of Traditional Symbolism, Hermeticism & the Occult Sciences

First Matter

First Matter is a foundational concept in alchemy and thaumaturgy, described as a hypothetical element or substance that is central to the transformative processes of the Great Work. It is believed to be the essential substance from which all things are made, undergoing various transformations through processes like calcination. First Matter is characterized as a powerful force and a unique form of mineral, embodying the core essence required for alchemical and thaumaturgic practices. This substance serves an essential office in the alchemical transmutation and the pursuit of perfection, serving as the starting point for complex and intricate transformations aimed at achieving mystical and practical goals.

Concordance & Cross-References

Primary Correspondences & Figures

Sulphur→Substance

First Matter and Sulphur are both forms of the same substance, they interrelate in thaumaturgic practice

Water→Substance

First Matter can be transformed into water through thaumaturgic practice

Oil→Substance

First Matter can be transformed into oil through thaumaturgic practice

Mercury→Substance

First Matter and Mercury are both forms of the same substance, they interrelate in thaumaturgic practice

Mediate Correspondences

Sympathetic Chains & Distant Affinities

First MatterthroughMercuryilluminatesSun →
I. First Matter & Mercury

First Matter and Mercury are both forms of the same substance, they interrelate in thaumaturgic practice

II. Mercury & Sun

THE SUN's rays are received differently by each planet, affecting the entities on Mercury The alchemist often uses the sun to symbolize mercury in the process

First MatterthroughMercuryilluminatesParacelsus →
I. First Matter & Mercury

First Matter and Mercury are both forms of the same substance, they interrelate in thaumaturgic practice

II. Mercury & Paracelsus

Paracelsus's concept of Mercury (Spiritus) is key to understanding the Tria Prima.

First MatterthroughSulphurilluminatesSpirit →
I. First Matter & Sulphur

First Matter and Sulphur are both forms of the same substance, they interrelate in thaumaturgic practice

II. Sulphur & Spirit

Spirit and Sulphur are two of the three alchemical principles in the world of chemicals

First MatterthroughSulphurilluminatesFire →
I. First Matter & Sulphur

First Matter and Sulphur are both forms of the same substance, they interrelate in thaumaturgic practice

II. Sulphur & Fire

Sulphur, an entity closely associated with the fire element in alchemical doctrines, serves as a symbol of transformative, purifying, and creative forces. This connection extends across various alchemical and chemical contexts, where sulphur is intrinsically linked to the fundamental principles of transformation and creation. In the realm of alchemy, sulphur holds a paramount position as the primary agent of change, central to what is known as the Great Work. The very essence of sulphur embodies the dynamic, fiery aspects that drive the alchemical process, making it an iconic symbol of fire and its associated properties in both spiritual and practical alchemical practices. These descriptions collectively paint a unified picture of sulphur, underscoring its vital role in alchemy where it manifests as a fiery catalyst for transformation and renewal. Fire, via Sulphur, is the primary transformative force in the Great Work.

First MatterthroughSulphurilluminatesPhilosopher's Stone →
I. First Matter & Sulphur

First Matter and Sulphur are both forms of the same substance, they interrelate in thaumaturgic practice

II. Sulphur & Philosopher's Stone

Sulphur, along with mercury and salt, is an ingredient in the preparation of the philosopher's stone

First MatterthroughMercuryilluminatesAstrology →
I. First Matter & Mercury

First Matter and Mercury are both forms of the same substance, they interrelate in thaumaturgic practice

II. Mercury & Astrology

ASTROLOGY, as a celestial influence, encompasses the position of planets, including Mercury, in a person's birth chart, which impacts the development of various tendencies throughout their life, especially those related to communication and thinking. Mercury, the planet associated with intellectual processes, mental agility, and communication, plays a significant role in shaping these tendencies during the formative years of an individual, both in childhood and across the lifespan. The astrological position of Mercury is crucial in understanding how an individual might approach learning, expression, and interaction, making it a key factor in astrological interpretations. Thus, the astrological influence of Mercury is integral to comprehending how communication and cognitive processes are influenced, contributing to the unique characteristics and abilities of an individual.

First MatterthroughMercuryilluminatesDuad →
I. First Matter & Mercury

First Matter and Mercury are both forms of the same substance, they interrelate in thaumaturgic practice

II. Mercury & Duad

Mercury is the son of the Duad, specifically Maia

First MatterthroughWaterilluminatesAstral Light →
I. First Matter & Water

First Matter can be transformed into water through thaumaturgic practice

II. Water & Astral Light

Water, in the elementary world, corresponds to the kabalistic woman, and the Astral Light, which is a universal seducer typified by the serpent of Genesis, may be affected by these elements.

First MatterthroughWaterilluminatesGod →
I. First Matter & Water

First Matter can be transformed into water through thaumaturgic practice

II. Water & God

(GOD created water from the letter Mem as per Chapter 10)

First MatterthroughMercuryilluminatesMagic →
I. First Matter & Mercury

First Matter and Mercury are both forms of the same substance, they interrelate in thaumaturgic practice

II. Mercury & Magic

Magic is one of the attributes associated with the heaven of mercury