Mad Dogs & Englishmen

Joseph René Gockinga (1893–1962), “Visitation”

pen, brush & black ink on paper, n.d.

"The philosophical egg is one of the fundamental symbols of alchemy. It represents the world in miniature, containing all the forces and substances necessary for life. Within the egg, nature works to produce a new being. This process symbolizes the work of alchemical transformation. The shell represents the outer boundary, protection from foreign influences. Inside, the white and the yolk work together in perfect harmony to form a new being, a microcosm. The egg also contains the representation of active and passive principles, which are essential in the alchemical work: The white, the passive principle, represents the soul or mercury. The yolk, the active principle, represents the spirit or sulfur. Thus, the philosophical egg becomes the symbol of creation and transmutation."

— François-Nicolas Nöel, Atlas FM ICONOGR 2, Bibliothèque nationale de France

mrbootyluver:

negritabonita:

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Heather Hunter