Alchemical Stages + Cycles

Coagulation is the stage where transformation takes form. After refinement and concentration, what has been clarified becomes embodied. Insight moves […]

Distillation: Refinement Distillation is the stage of refinement. After fermentation introduces new vitality and possibility, the system begins to clarify

Fermentation: Something New Fermentation is the stage where something new begins to come alive. After conjunction has created coherence, the

Conjunction: Coming Back Together Conjunction is the stage where what has been separated begins to come together in a new

Separation: Return to Clarity After the softening of dissolution, clarity begins to return. Separation is the stage where the system

Dissolution: Watery Softening If calcination is fire, dissolution is water. After rigid structures have been weakened by heat, the system

Calcination: Pressure Into Heat Calcination is the stage where pressure turns into heat. After the weight and saturation of the

Before the Work: The Leaden State Before transformation begins, there is often weight. Not dramatic collapse. Not sudden crisis. Just