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

Round Glass

Round glass is one of the several containers used in the preparation of the tincture for metals

Concordance & Cross-References

Primary Correspondences & Figures

Salt→Substance

Salt is dissolved in the glass with the blessed water before adding gold

Philosophers use the round glass in their preparation process

Fire→Substance

The round glass is heated with fire in its preparation process

Mediate Correspondences

Sympathetic Chains & Distant Affinities

Round GlassthroughFireilluminatesSun →
I. Round Glass & Fire

The round glass is heated with fire in its preparation process

II. Fire & Sun

The entities "FIRE" and "SUN" are deeply interconnected and share significant symbolic and astrological associations. Both are linked to themes of transformation, development, and the heart, particularly within the fifth house, which traditionally governs creativity, pleasure, and spontaneous expression. They are also noted for sharing intrinsic properties and symbolism, suggesting a unified representation in fields such as philosophy, astrology, and spirituality. Together, they emphasize the process of personal growth and the dynamic nature of life's developments, reflecting both the fierce and passionate qualities of fire and the life-giving warmth and light of the sun.

Round GlassthroughSaltilluminatesParacelsus →
I. Round Glass & Salt

Salt is dissolved in the glass with the blessed water before adding gold

II. Salt & Paracelsus

Paracelsus's concept of Salt (Corpus) is key to understanding the Tria Prima.

Round GlassthroughFireilluminatesAlchemy →
I. Round Glass & Fire

The round glass is heated with fire in its preparation process

II. Fire & Alchemy

Alchemy depends on fire as a fundamental element, indicating its importance in the processes and transformations described.

Round GlassthroughPhilosophersilluminatesMysteries →
I. Round Glass & Philosophers

Philosophers use the round glass in their preparation process

II. Philosophers & Mysteries

The Mysteries taught by philosophers emphasized the relationship between the Macrocosm and Microcosm Philosophers study and apply the principles of the Mysteries, passing on the knowledge to those seeking spiritual enlightenment

Round GlassthroughSaltilluminatesPhilosopher's Stone →
I. Round Glass & Salt

Salt is dissolved in the glass with the blessed water before adding gold

II. Salt & Philosopher's Stone

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

Round GlassthroughPhilosophersilluminatesPhilosophy →
I. Round Glass & Philosophers

Philosophers use the round glass in their preparation process

II. Philosophers & Philosophy

Philosophers are practitioners of philosophy in the highest sense

Round GlassthroughFireilluminatesGod →
I. Round Glass & Fire

The round glass is heated with fire in its preparation process

II. Fire & God

(GOD created fire from the letter Shin as per Chapter 10)

Round GlassthroughSaltilluminatesMercury →
I. Round Glass & Salt

Salt is dissolved in the glass with the blessed water before adding gold

II. Salt & Mercury

MERCURY and SALT are two key entities in the context of alchemical and Hermetic rituals, each playing a unique yet complementary role. These substances embody distinct aspects of the spirit of light, though they operate differently in the alchemical process. Mercury, often referred to as Philosophical Water, and SALT, symbolically aligned with the Dragon's Blood, are central to these rituals. Together, they form a potent combination used in Hermetic practices to achieve spiritual and practical goals. This partnership reflects the holistic approach of alchemy, where seemingly disparate elements are united to create transformative and purifying processes.

Round GlassthroughFireilluminatesWater →
I. Round Glass & Fire

The round glass is heated with fire in its preparation process

II. Fire & Water

Water and Fire, two pivotal elements in various mythological and alchemical frameworks, are contrasted in a illustrative depiction where water from a sprinkling can overcomes flames emanating from a chemical furnace, symbolizing the opposing forces inherent to these figures and symbols. According to this illustration (Image 49), water, with its cooling and quelling properties, directly opposes fire, which can be seen in a chemical context as a form of intense heat or combustion. In a wider cosmological and elemental context, the entities "Water" and "Fire" are recognized as two of the three foundational elements central to alchemy, alongside the third element often identified as Earth or Air. This tripartite system demonstrates the interconnected yet opposing nature of these elemental forces, highlighting their roles in both creation and transformation. Within the esoteric tradition, these elements are linked to kabalistic and symbolic meanings. Water corresponds to the kabalistic principle of Binah, often associated with the kabalistic woman, signifying the receptive, nurturing, and emotional qualities. Conversely, Fire symbolizes Kether, associated with the serpent, embodying the active, transformative, and sometimes destructive forces. This pairing suggests a dynamic interplay between these forces, reflecting how they interact and influence each other in various contexts, from natural phenomena to spiritual and metaphysical concepts. The hierarchical and creative roles linked to primordial air and fire, while not directly mentioned, add depth to the understanding of these elements, indicating their fundamental importance in the universe's creation and ongoing transformations. This interplay between water and fire, both in their elemental and symbolic forms, demonstrates the rich compendium of their roles and interactions, from the physical world to metaphysical realms. Fire and water, two fundamental elements, are intricately connected in the context of alchemical processes as part of the "Four Elements." This relationship is consistent across all the classical literature, which highlight their shared significance in alchemy. The descriptions mention that fire, water, and primordial air are interconnected in their hierarchical and creative roles, further emphasizing their mutual importance. This sympathy likely forms the basis for understanding and manipulating these elements in alchemy, where the transformation and interaction of these elemental forces are central to the practice.

Round GlassthroughFireilluminatesLight →
I. Round Glass & Fire

The round glass is heated with fire in its preparation process

II. Fire & Light

Fire is the source of light in the alchemical process, and its presence is necessary for the manifestation of divine light.