proverbs 3:13 (niv)  > blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding. this verse aligns with the alchemical ethos, which values wisdom and understanding over material gain. quote (p. 169): > "as those that sail between scylla and charybdis are in danger on both sides... unto no less hazard are they subject who... are carried between the uncertain rocks of the philosopher's sulphur and mercury." the metaphor of scylla and charybdis (drawn from homers "odyssey") captures the delicate balance alchemists must maintain between opposing forces. sulphur and mercury symbolize the active (masculine) and passive (feminine) principles in nature, requiring careful harmonization to achieve unity. [homers odyssey (book xii)] the perilous navigation between scylla and charybdis reflects the alchemists challenge in synthesizing opposing forces without falling into excess or error.  [paracelsuss "archidoxes of magic"]  sulphur and mercury are described as representing spirit and body, the reconciliation of which creates the philosophers stone. ecclesiastes 7:18-19 > "it is good to grasp the one and not let go of the other. whoever fears god will avoid all extremes. wisdom makes one wise person more powerful than ten rulers in a city." this echoes the alchemical principle of navigating between extremes to achieve balance and wisdom. quote (p. 172): > "you must unite sol and luna... so firmly and absolutely that they may be for ever inseparable." sol (sun) represents the masculine, spiritual essence, while luna (moon) signifies the feminine, material essence. their union symbolizes the integration of spirit and matter into a harmonious, indissoluble whole, a key to the philosophers stone.
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