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theory so recently enunciated by Jung. The solution of the problem relating to the restoration of consciousness to its own divine integrity lies not exclusively in a conversion into its opposite, though this of course is necessary. Actually such a process is imperative, for without this conversion consciousness would be cut off from its archetypal roots and would tremble in mid-air without adequate support. But the true solution lies in the retention of the former values of consciousness plus a recognition of their dynamic opposites in the personal unconsciousness. So that, in speaking of this particular stage represented as the Pelican - a definite stage of progress - alchemy announces that this libido-symbol too is to be destroyed, or overcome. Its point of view is partitive - even as is that of consciousness whose nature is to be transcended. We have here, it seems to me, a description of the transcendent function described by that master of European analytical psychology. For the text says that the Stone as it exists at this juncture - that is, full awareness of the opposite of consciousness - is to be dissolved. That is, the libido, or the spiritual energy, retreating before the apparently insoluble conflict - the play between the conscious and the unconscious - regresses and goes back even farther than the memories of early infancy. It sinks back into the depths or deposits of racial or ancestral life, and the mythological images resident in these profound levels of the unconscious awaken. Thus begins the separation of the elements in a philosophical manner . The task confronting the patient or the student is to differentiate the elements of his own personal unconscious from the primordial archetypes or dominants of the collective unconscious, to enable the psychical energy to well up, activating and vitalizing the faculties and powers of consciousness itself. This separation of the personal from the impersonal, and this differentiation of the ego and the non-ego, overcomes the intolerable pull of the opposites within the sphere of the patient, making possible a reconciliation which produces a therapeutic and integrating effect upon his consciousness. The Pelican, it may be remarked in conclusion of this symbolism, possesses under its bill a great pouch in which it can preserve food, principally fish. If it wishes to regurgitate the food out of its crop to feed its young, it must rest its bill against its breast. It is conceivable that from this appearance there developed the legend that it tore open its breast in order to feed its young with its own life-blood. From early times the Pelican was therefore used as a symbol of Christ, who shed his blood to redeem mankind - markedly a collective symbol. The alchemists represented the Philosopher's Stone, the red tincture, as a Pelican or the more fabulous Phoenix. For by its projection on the baser metals of its own personality it sacrificed itself and, as it were, gave its blood to tinct them. The libido thus no longer activates exclusively the primordial depths, but the ego, the child, can make use of it too. Certain of the latter alchemists have employed the Christ symbolism to represent the Stone. Bringing Christ to birth within the soul of man is a fitting symbolism for such an operation. In the second key is a continuation of the Pelican theme. The newly formed Stone must be dissolved. The purification has not proceeded sufficiently far to render it permanent. The work cannot be accomplished by one operation. The trance state must be continued again and again, and persisted in until consciousness finally eclipses itself, when it proceeds spontaneously to evolve in an entirely new direction of the pure from the impure must be achieved. The spirit, vitality, must be separated from every level and type of consciousness, its soul and vehicle. This accomplished then the very elements which constitute the residue can be changed and sublimated - or redirected into new and worthier channels. 2. The central secret of the entire work is now approached. When employing the psychological method, we associated the emotions and feelings with the philosophical Fire. When using the magnetic interpretation, this correspondence did not seem very much to help us. We must look elsewhere for a further and more complete explanation. There is the interpretation that the Fire is the penetrating power of the intellect, and this sometimes is the sense in which the author of The Suggestive Inquiry into the Hermetic Mystery interprets the mystery of the secret fire. Various writers at various times have identified it with a spiritual principle permeating and pervading the universe. Others identify it with the fiery power of will. Possibly from all these hints we can proceed a step farther, and by amalgamation and synthesis produce a workable hypothesis. Page 50 Israel Regardie - The Philosophers Stone Behind will stands desire. So runs an alchemical aphorism. This can be assumed to imply that desire directs will, and gives to it an object to achieve. Or else it may imply that the basis or background of the Will is desire or emotion, and that the former has grown out of the latter, as an evolution or sublimation, even as consciousness depends upon the Unconscious. The motive power of the instinctual [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ] |