Aerik ArkadianAlchemy: The Four Stages (Nigredo, Albedo, Citrinitas, and Rubedo)
Alchemy is complicated, mysterious, and weird. There are so many marvelous aspects to its processes that, over the years, alchemists tried to develop systematic “roadmaps” to help explain the transformations that were taking place. Today we’re going to cover one interpretation of this map, known as The Four Stages of Alchemy. These individual phases can signify not only physical change, but spiritual ones as well.
General Vagueness
Descriptions of alchemical operations can be, quite frankly, hilarious. Remember that thousands of years ago, people didn’t have fancy thermometers or any of the other nifty monitoring equipment that we take for granted today. Still, they needed to be able to measure things in a repeatable way. Sometimes that comes across in terminology that seems a little strange to the modern reader. When temperature is referenced, for instance, you might see descriptions like:
- heat of a nesting hen
- heat of a summer’s day
- heat of fresh horse manure
They also didn’t have mass spectrometry or gas chromatography to determine exactly what chemicals and reactions were happening. They often had to rely on physical cues. It’s no wonder, then, that the Great Work is sometimes divided into visual indications.
There are multiple — sometimes contradictory — models for the stages of alchemy that can span between seven and twelve different processes. What we’ll be discussing today, however, is an earlier version of four hallmark steps that are differentiated by color.
It’s simple. It’s visual. And yes… it’s incredibly vague.
Did the thing turn black? Awesome. That’s the first stage! Did it then turn white? Fantastic. That’s the second stage! And then did that white thing get slightly yellow, then eventually turn red? Congrats. You just made the Philosopher’s Stone.
Well… maybe it was a little bit more complicated than that.
Quick Recap
Before we really dive in, let’s quickly summarize what we’re doing. These individual “phases” of alchemy are all part of one big process: creating the Philosopher’s Stone by manipulation of the Prima Materia. If you’re keeping up on this series of articles, you may have already seen my personal conclusion that the Prima Materia is actually human perception — an intangible process by which my consciousness imposes form on the universe around me.
If that’s truly the case, will we be dealing with a set of physical operations? Or will they be intangible? The answer is yes — to both. These are physical processes that mirror spiritual or psychological ones. They are: Nigredo, Albedo, Citrinitas, and Rubedo.
On the physical level, we can see this taking place as:
- Blackening → Whitening → Yellowing → Reddening
And on the spiritual level, we’re offered a narrative of:
- Catharsis → Illumination → Integration → Union
Nigredo: Stage 1 (Blackening)
The first stage, Nigrego, is the blackening. It is sometimes associated with the element of Earth. It might have keywords like decomposition, death, putrefaction, or descent. In some alchemical texts, it is symbolized by a black bird like a crow or raven.
This is catharsis.
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On a physical level, organic material is consumed. It might be left to rot and decompose or it might be destroyed by heat. Metaphorically, you’ve just encountered great loss or the “dark night of the soul.”
If you think in terms of perception, this is when your lens shatters. You lose your filters. It’s terrifying, but it’s a requirement for forming something new.
Albedo: Stage 2 (Whitening)
The second stage, Albedo, is the whitening. It is sometimes associated with the element of Water. It might have keywords like purification or washing. In some alchemical texts, it is symbolized by a white dove.
This is illumination.
On a physical level, the alchemist washes away impurities from what remains. The ashes of Nigredo might be dissolved in water or further refined by fire. It is a clean slate. Metaphorically, there is a shift in perspective. Things within the unconscious mind have been brought to light.
In terms of perception, the fog has begun to lift. You can see the outline of what was and become aware of what is. You’re ready to distinguish truth from illusion.
Citrinitas: Stage 3 (Yellowing)
The third stage, Citrinitas, is the yellowing. It is sometimes associated with the element of Air. It might have keywords like dawn, intuition, or awakening. In some alchemical texts, it is symbolized by a peacock.
This is integration.
On a physical level, this is sometimes seen as a bridge between Albedo and Rubedo. The clean slate of the substance being worked begins to take on a new color. Metaphorically, it is a philosophical dawn. In it’s infancy, however, it is still very delicate. The slightest misstep might still lead to a disastrous failure. It is not yet permanent.
In terms of perception, new archetypes and energies have emerged and you’re beginning to head towards them. You’re experiencing the tip of insight — it’s a nice feeling, but it’s still easy to turn and run back in the other direction, returning to old habits and old ways of thinking.
Rubedo: Stage 4 (Reddening)
The fourth stage, Rubedo, is the reddening. It is sometimes associated with the element of Fire. It might have keywords like completion, culmination, or transformation. In some alchemical texts, it is symbolized by a phoenix or a red lion — I picked the former because I like the consistent use of bird imagery.
This is union.
On a physical level, the substance has achieved a new wholeness. The initial yellowing of Citrinitas has darkened to red. The transformation is now complete and there is no risk of the experiment going awry. Metaphorically, the consciousness has been transformed. The new philosophies have been fully integrated into the self. In effect, you have been rebirthed.
In terms of perception, you now have a vision of an entirely new world around and within you. You have completely left behind the old you and returning to it isn’t an option. You’re one step closer to co-creating with the universe.
Don’t miss out. Here’s what’s coming up…
More InfoCharting the Process
Here’s a handy chart to show you the processes.
StageSymbolOuter ImageryInner ProcessPerceptual ShiftNigredo, BlackeningRavenBlackness, decay, dissolutionShadow work, ego death, letting goExisting lens shattersAlbedo, WhiteningDoveWhite washing, purityEmotional cleansing, clarity, insightFog liftsCitrinitas, YellowingPeacockDawn, solar lightIntuition, wisdom, gestationPerceive new archetypes, insightRubedo, ReddeningPhoenixGold, redness, unionIntegration, rebirth, sovereigntyNew world vision, co-creationI think this is about as good of a time as any, by the way, to remind you that all of this is incredibly subjective. This is just my own interpretation of things… and that interpretation is subject to change at any moment.
Conclusion (or not)
Let me emphasize that spiritual alchemy is not a strictly linear process. It spirals. In reality, you will (and should) return to Nigredo after experiencing Rubedo. There is always deeper darkness, but there is also always brighter illumination to be sought after.
Real transformation is an ongoing process. It’s never “one and done.” Anyone who says otherwise is probably trying to sell you something.
With that in mind, my wish for you is that you find no finite conclusion to your alchemical work. Instead, may you always be seeking a higher goal for yourself and for the world around you.
#albedo #alchemy #blackening #citrinitas #greatWork #magick #occult #philosophersStone #philosophy #reddening #rubedo #spirituality #stages #theFourStages #transformation #whitening #witchcraft
Paul Beckwith
mcpeepants at KillBait
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