Sage: The Alchemical Journey of Transformation

Central to this hermetic lineage is the concept of alchemy, a transformative process that seeks to refine, separate, and multiply the essence of substances. The SAGE, a master alchemist, holds a central place in guiding Alexander and the Twelve Princes through the various stages of the alchemical process. The journey begins with the first step, **SOLUTION**, where substances are transformed from a solid or gaseous state to a liquid state. This is followed by **FILTRATION**, where liquids are separated from suspended particles, and **EVAPORATION**, where substances are converted to a vapor state through the application of heat.

The next stages involve **DISTILLATION**, where volatile liquids are extracted from substances, and **COAGULATION**, where substances are brought together to form a solid. This process is then followed by **FIXATION**, where the transformed substance is stabilized and permanently transformed, achieving a state of firmness and immutability. The final stages involve **RECTIFICATION**, where substances are refined and purified through repeated distillation, and **MULTIPLICATION**, where the effects of the alchemical process are increased and augmented.

The SAGE, as a master alchemist, plays a significant role in imparting knowledge and wisdom to Alexander and the Twelve Princes. The SAGE is responsible for enabling the **TREES OF THE SUN AND MOON** to speak and answer questions, indicating a profound understanding of magic and the natural world. The Trees, in turn, foretell Alexander's future and reveal the nature of alchemy, highlighting the sympathy of the natural and spiritual realms.

The concept of **SEPARATION** is central to the alchemical process, involving the decomposition of substances into their components. This process is both literal and metaphorical, reflecting the notion of breaking down complex relationships or ideas into their essential parts. **PUTREFACTION**, on the other hand, is a preparatory step before sublimation, involving the disintegration and decay of materials. This process is aimed at achieving purification through the breakdown of organic or inorganic materials.

Alexander, accompanied by the Twelve Princes, seeks wisdom and understanding from the SAGE in the Palace of the Sun. The Princes, as Alexander's followers, participate in the alchemical journey, supporting and learning from the SAGE regarding the alchemical processes. The **POISONED CUP**, which predicts Alexander's fate, serves as a reminder of the transformative power of alchemy, highlighting the sympathy of fate and the alchemical process.