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

Separation

Separation, as interpreted in the context of the Queen of Swords in a tarot deck, signifies a rift or a division in relationships, implying a distance or alienation between individuals, often associated with emotional distress and loss. This concept is also linked to the Fourth house and the Knight of Wands, which symbolize familial and domestic changes.

In the realm of alchemy, separation refers to a fundamental operation used to decompose substances into their components, representing a process of breaking down or dismantling elements. This process is often metaphorical, reflecting the notion of breaking down complex relationships or ideas into their essential parts.

While the interpretation of separation in the tarot and alchemy shares a common thread of decomposition, the specific associations and contexts differ. In tarot, separation is more focused on emotional and relational dynamics, whereas in alchemy, it is a more literal and technical process of disassembling substances. However, both interpretations demonstrate the idea of division and transformation.

The concept of separation, whether in relationships or substances, denotes a state of being apart, highlighting themes of disconnection, both in the emotional and physical realms. This dual interpretation emphasizes the manifold nature of separation, reflecting its relevance across both personal and scientific domains.

Concordance & Cross-References

Primary Correspondences & Figures

Sage→Person

The sage, a master of alchemy, taught the fifth step - separation, in the process of alchemy

Seven→Concept

Separation and the concept of design (Seven) can be linked as both involve states of being apart or in strategic control.

Mediate Correspondences

Sympathetic Chains & Distant Affinities

SeparationthroughSageilluminatesMysteries →
I. Separation & Sage

The sage, a master of alchemy, taught the fifth step - separation, in the process of alchemy

II. Sage & Mysteries

Sages like Böhme and those of ancient rituals share roles as custodians and teachers of secret knowledge

SeparationthroughSageilluminatesEgypt →
I. Separation & Sage

The sage, a master of alchemy, taught the fifth step - separation, in the process of alchemy

II. Sage & Egypt

The sages, through their preserved teachings, ensured the continuation of alchemy's knowledge into the modern world from Egypt

SeparationthroughSageilluminatesDragon →
I. Separation & Sage

The sage, a master of alchemy, taught the fifth step - separation, in the process of alchemy

II. Sage & Dragon

Wizards and sages, exemplified by figures such as Böhme, interact with and confront magical forces symbolized by dragons during their initiatory journeys. These entities represent opposing forces within the narrative or mythological context, with dragons embodying transformation and challenge, while sages denote wisdom and enlightenment. This interaction often signifies a critical stage in their development, testing their resolve and magical prowess. The descriptions consistently highlight the central role of dragons in the narrative, symbolizing both obstacles and catalysts for transformation, as they engage in these initiatory battles or interactions, mirroring the journey from innocence to wisdom experienced by sages and wizards alike.

SeparationthroughSevenilluminatesKnight →
I. Separation & Seven

Separation and the concept of design (Seven) can be linked as both involve states of being apart or in strategic control.

II. Seven & Knight

The Knight and Seven's concept of a master in conflict aligns, as the Knight as a hero embodies mastery in the face of challenges.

SeparationthroughSevenilluminatesSix →
I. Separation & Seven

Separation and the concept of design (Seven) can be linked as both involve states of being apart or in strategic control.

II. Seven & Six

The Seven's design and hope concepts align with the travel idea of the Six as both indicate strategic and moving elements.

SeparationthroughSageilluminatesProjection →
I. Separation & Sage

The sage, a master of alchemy, taught the fifth step - separation, in the process of alchemy

II. Sage & Projection

The sage, a master of alchemy, taught the fourteenth step - projection, in the process of alchemy

SeparationthroughSageilluminatesCalcination →
I. Separation & Sage

The sage, a master of alchemy, taught the fifth step - separation, in the process of alchemy

II. Sage & Calcination

The sage, a master of alchemy, taught the seventh step - calcination, in the process of alchemy

SeparationthroughSageilluminatesAlexander →
I. Separation & Sage

The sage, a master of alchemy, taught the fifth step - separation, in the process of alchemy

II. Sage & Alexander

Alexander sought wisdom and understanding from the sage in the Palace of the Sun The sage offered guidance and divine knowledge to Alexander, revealing the future and alchemical secrets

SeparationthroughSageilluminatesDistillation →
I. Separation & Sage

The sage, a master of alchemy, taught the fifth step - separation, in the process of alchemy

II. Sage & Distillation

The sage, a master of alchemy, taught the fourth step - distillation, in the process of alchemy

SeparationthroughSageilluminatesFermentation →
I. Separation & Sage

The sage, a master of alchemy, taught the fifth step - separation, in the process of alchemy

II. Sage & Fermentation

The sage, a master of alchemy, taught the eleventh step - fermentation, in the process of alchemy