The alchemical journey begins with the "Labors of Hercules," which involve the preparation of the salt and the extraction of three principal substances. This phase is critical as it sets the foundational work, focusing on separating and refining the essential elements from the raw material, normally symbolized by Mercurius (Mercury), Sulfur, and Salt. These elements represent the core principles of alchemy, each embodying different properties and aspects of the material and spiritual worlds.

The extraction of the salts corresponds to preliminary work including alignement with symbols and inner preparation

Following this preparatory phase is the Nigredo stage, (the kingdom of Saturn), a period of profound darkness and decomposition. The Salt will be the main element that will help this transformation. Nigredo is characterized by the breakdown of the initial substance into a state of chaos and putrefaction. It's a crucial phase in the alchemical process, symbolizing death, decay, and the necessary dissolution of the old form to make way for new growth and transformation. This stage is often depicted as a blackening of the material, representing the decay and the purification process that leads to the rebirth and rejuvenation in the subsequent stages of alchemy.

After the Nigredo we will arrive progressively at the albedo. The Second Work, or "Lavoro Principale," in alchemy involves the duplication of Mercurius or exaltation of it, to get the Mercurius Duplicatus, a process shrouded in secrecy and allure. It correspond in some way to the Kundalini rising of Yoga. At this stage the Alchemical Marriage originates, signifying a phase of observation and nurturing by the alchemist, akin to a mother caring for her child. 

The journey progresses from the stage just before Caput Corvi or Crow Head, symbolizing the second putrefaction or blackness, where the Secret Fire, having liberated itself from its physical constraints, engages in the processes of dissolution and recombination, but on a philosophical rather than a chemical level.

During this phase, the nascent Alchemical Child requires nourishment from the Alkahest (essence), set aside specifically for this purpose, to facilitate the progression through the "Rota" or color rotations (akin to go through the different planets). However, this alone is not sufficient; the operation must be intensified to procure the Perfect Sulphur, essential for the alchemical child's maturation. 

This phase culminates in the creation of Sulfur Philosophorum or the Lapis Medicinalis, a medical stone that represents a significant milestone in the alchemical work. While some might consider this an endpoint, capable of transmutation, the journey extends beyond, with future discussions anticipated on projection powders, transmutation, and the interpretation of various alchemical symbols.

In the final stage of the alchemical process, known as Rubedo, the alchemist achieves perfect redness, signaling readiness to create the Lapis Medicinalis. This phase in reality contains numerous repetitions (multiplications) that are required to attain the substance's immobility, each repetition serving to enhance or exalt the substance further. The goal is to reach a state where the substance resists the cycle of black-white-red rotation, symbolizing a completion of transformation. 

The Lapis Universalis or Aurum Philosophorum is the culmination of this work. The term "Mercurius Philosophorum" is sometimes used interchangeably with "Aurum Philosophorum" or Philosopher's Gold, though "Lapis Universalis" is a less disputed term for this ultimate alchemical achievement.

The chivalric path of the second continuation is a way to get a living embodiment of the alchemical path. Click on the link below to begin it