VITRIOL

The word V.I.T.R.I.O.L. It has seven (7) letters in its abbreviated form or seven words in its extended form, which can be analogically associated with the seven energy points of the human body.

It can also be associated analogically with the seven days of the week or with the septenary in general. Since ancient times the V.I.T.R.I.O.L. It is an alchemical symbol that represented the transmutation of lead into gold.

It can also symbolize the exit from a state of "darkness" to a state of "light."

The seven-pointed star 'Vitriol' is one of the best-known images in all of alchemy. It was reproduced in different versions by various authors. In the Middle Ages, its secret knowledge was considered of such importance that even the hidden Order of the Knights Templar recorded it in their castles.

This was done in an ingenious geomantic manner (in accordance with knowledge of the energies of the Earth), which also reveals an astonishing insight into the alchemical significance of the seven-pointed star Vitriol which the order recognized. V.I.T.R.I.O.L. It is an attitude towards life

The word VITRIOL shown in the Chamber of Reflections is currently used in some Masonic rituals as the candidate's first contact with the lodge. Its meaning is not always apparent, although its alchemical origin is well known. The word is an acrostic and is actually composed of the initials of a Latin sentence: “VISITA INTERIORA TERRA RECTIFICANDO INVENIES OCCULTUM LAPIDEM” “Visit the interior of the earth and by rectifying you will find the hidden stone”

This has been interpreted as a message prompting the initiate to dig into his own soul to find wisdom.

"INTERIOR VISIT TERRA RECTIFYING INVENIES OCCULTUM LAPIDEM"

VISIT. It means that the journey of the initiate into his soul must be a two-way journey like the course followed in a labyrinth, which ends up returning to the starting point. The initiate should not try to stay inside. He goes and comes back. He visits.

INTERIOR. (The interior). This is interpreted to mean that the Hermetic principle "As above, so below" can be transformed into "what is within is also without."

LAND. The earth, one of the alchemical elements. The ground, the base, and also the matter, terrestrial (as opposed to the spiritual or ethereal). The body.

RECTIFYING. This means an act of purification, of straightening. What is bent must be put straight. The straight path must be followed. Thought, work, feeling, eyes of wisdom, alchemical result of learning where maturity lets go of immaturity, not chronological but spiritual.

INVENIES. Literally: "will find." From the same root as "invention." Coming across something (previously unknown).

OCCULTUM. Here we find a connection with "occulum", the eye. The T can refer to 'Templum', the temple. This can be interpreted as the all-seeing eye that dwells within the Temple. Symbiosis between the spiritual and energetic. Balance between wisdom and understanding.

LAPIDEM. (The stone). The stone has many connections with the sacred. The altars are made of stone. Kings are crowned sitting on a stone, the stone is the path between the imperfect and perfect. The symbolism of the stone is extensive; very extensive. By showing VITRIOL to the candidate's eyes, the intention is to teach them to search within their own soul and spirit to find the philosopher's stone, that is, the key to understanding and eternal life. Vitriol is also the name of a chemical compound: a caustic sulfate of various metals, such as copper, iron or zinc. The demonic aspect of sulfur and the color yellow are well known, this, together with copper red and iron black, are the basic colors of alchemical symbolism.

The seven-pointed star is an inseparable part of the acrostic VITRIOL. The seven serpents of alchemy are related to the seven planets and the seven great cosmic achievements.

The acrostic VITRIOL with its seven letters and seven words symbolizes the entire Great Work. The mysteries of the Arcanum7 are terribly divine.

The seven points of the great star of alchemy have sacred signatures of the seven planets. The seven words of VITRIOL and the double circle of the masculine and feminine forces surround the Great Septenary Star that shines like a SUN in the temple of Science. The Sun and the Moon, fire and Water, the King and the Queen, form an integral part of the work of every alchemist initiate.

The initiate has to do seven great works that culminate in the crowning of the Great Work.

In the center of the Septenary star of alchemy, the face of a venerable old man appears engraved according to an illustration from VIRIDARIUM CHYMICUM.

That venerable face of the septenary star symbolizes Sophic Mercury. (THE ENS SEMINIS). That which was previously enclosed in many forms, you now see included in one. "The beginning is our old man and he has the key; sulfur with salt and mercury give wealth. If you don't see anything here, there is no reason for you to continue searching; because you will be blind, even in the middle of the LIGHT" (Estolsio)

"Azoth" by Basilio Valentín.