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

Life Principle

Life principle is a concept in alchemy, representing the essence that gives life and vitality to matter.

Concordance & Cross-References

Primary Correspondences & Figures

Matter→Concept

The life principle is often extracted from matter in alchemy, leading to the creation of vitalized substances The life principle is often embedded into matter in alchemy, leading to the creation of vitalized substances

Orange→Substance

Orange corresponds to Prana, or Life Principle in the septenary constitution of man

PranaConcept

Prana is a Life Principle in the septenary constitution of man

Mediate Correspondences

Sympathetic Chains & Distant Affinities

Life PrinciplethroughMatterilluminatesSpirit →
I. Life Principle & Matter

The life principle is often extracted from matter in alchemy, leading to the creation of vitalized substances The life principle is often embedded into matter in alchemy, leading to the creation of vitalized substances

II. Matter & Spirit

Matter and spirit are described as opposing forces in the process of life and death, showing a conceptual relationship between the two.

Life PrinciplethroughMatterilluminatesDuad →
I. Life Principle & Matter

The life principle is often extracted from matter in alchemy, leading to the creation of vitalized substances The life principle is often embedded into matter in alchemy, leading to the creation of vitalized substances

II. Matter & Duad

Matter is a symbolic attribute of the Duad, representing the physical and substantial nature

Life PrinciplethroughMatterilluminatesAll →
I. Life Principle & Matter

The life principle is often extracted from matter in alchemy, leading to the creation of vitalized substances The life principle is often embedded into matter in alchemy, leading to the creation of vitalized substances

II. Matter & All

THE ALL cannot be merely Matter as the universe manifests Life and Mind, and Matter cannot manifest these concepts. Matter is thus seen as an effect, not a cause of THE ALL.

Life PrinciplethroughMatterilluminatesEther →
I. Life Principle & Matter

The life principle is often extracted from matter in alchemy, leading to the creation of vitalized substances The life principle is often embedded into matter in alchemy, leading to the creation of vitalized substances

II. Matter & Ether

Matter at a higher degree of vibration is called Ethereal Substance and serves as a medium for transmission of waves of vibratory energy Ether is a higher manifestation of matter at a higher degree of vibration, connecting matter and energy

Life PrinciplethroughMatterilluminatesPolarity →
I. Life Principle & Matter

The life principle is often extracted from matter in alchemy, leading to the creation of vitalized substances The life principle is often embedded into matter in alchemy, leading to the creation of vitalized substances

II. Matter & Polarity

Matter, like Energy, can be influenced by the Principle of Polarity, undergoing transformations based on dual states

Life PrinciplethroughMatterilluminatesLife →
I. Life Principle & Matter

The life principle is often extracted from matter in alchemy, leading to the creation of vitalized substances The life principle is often embedded into matter in alchemy, leading to the creation of vitalized substances

II. Matter & Life

Life and matter are closely bound within the domain of alchemy, where transformation between the two is a central process. This alchemical practice involves the metamorphosis of both life and matter, with the ultimate goal of creating perfect and stable substances. In this context, life can be transformed into matter, leading to the creation of vitalized, stable substances, reflecting a process that seeks to achieve a harmonious balance and perfection. Similarly, matter can be transmuted into life, suggesting an alchemical journey towards the creation of perfect and stable entities. These transformations highlight the dynamic interplay between life and matter within the alchemical tradition, emphasizing the potential for mutual evolution and perfection through these processes. Transformation from matter to life is a central process in alchemy, leading to the creation of perfect, living substances

Life PrinciplethroughMatterilluminatesDesire World →
I. Life Principle & Matter

The life principle is often extracted from matter in alchemy, leading to the creation of vitalized substances The life principle is often embedded into matter in alchemy, leading to the creation of vitalized substances

II. Matter & Desire World

The Desire World is in contrast with matter, highlighting the difference in the nature of existence between the two realms.

Life PrinciplethroughMatterilluminatesCause And Effect →
I. Life Principle & Matter

The life principle is often extracted from matter in alchemy, leading to the creation of vitalized substances The life principle is often embedded into matter in alchemy, leading to the creation of vitalized substances

II. Matter & Cause And Effect

Matter, like Energy, is subject to the principles of Cause and Effect, undergoing transformations based on underlying causes and effects

Life PrinciplethroughMatterilluminatesCosmos →
I. Life Principle & Matter

The life principle is often extracted from matter in alchemy, leading to the creation of vitalized substances The life principle is often embedded into matter in alchemy, leading to the creation of vitalized substances

II. Matter & Cosmos

Matter is often seen as a reflection of the cosmos in alchemy, leading to the creation of perfect, harmonious substances Matter is often seen as a part of the cosmos, leading to the creation of perfect, harmonious substances in alchemy

Life PrinciplethroughMatterilluminatesStone →
I. Life Principle & Matter

The life principle is often extracted from matter in alchemy, leading to the creation of vitalized substances The life principle is often embedded into matter in alchemy, leading to the creation of vitalized substances

II. Matter & Stone

Matter, like a stone, appears real to our senses but is ultimately an aggregation of electrons and atoms