Observadores de estrellas.

Spanish/English blog to mostly store ideas, research and visuals for inspiration. Magic and witchcraft aesthetic lover.

[piecesintoplaces]

without ever touching his skin, how can i be guilty as sin?

[azothseeker]

Transmutation

When it comes to Alchemy, transmutation is probably the most well-known and important process it attempted to complete. Transmutation (from latin trans (across) + mutatio (change)) is the process of transforming something from one substance to another. In theory transmutation could be used to transform anything, but the most popular idea was transforming base metals (usually lead) into gold (as depicted here by emmalazauski).

To our modern society, this sounds like a pipe dream. But there is a certain logic to the alchemists' belief in physical transmutation. They believed that all matter was just different forms of some base matter, which they called "Prima Materia." They also believed in something called the Law of Equivalent Exchange, the idea that to create something with Alchemy, you must sacrifice something of equal value. These two concepts are precursors to the scientific concepts of fundamental particles and the Law of Conservation of Matter & Energy (matter/energy cannot be created or destroyed, just moved from one phase to another). Sadly, we also now know that to change one element into another requires an intense amount of energy, moreso than can be provided with a basic alchemy kit.

However! There is another aspect to Transmutation that we can still learn from even in our modern day! For true historical Alchemists, Transmutation was not just about transforming metals, it was also about transforming themselves. Like many other branches of mysticism, alchemy has a concept of a "base self" and a "higher self". Many of the supposed alchemical processes to turn lead into gold are actually symbolic for the journey to transform someone from their base self to their higher self. Gold was considered the perfect metal, so it was the best symbol for the higher self. I will detail one of these processes, the Magnum Opus, in a future blog.

[azothseeker]

The Tria Prima

What is everything made of? Nowadays science tells us the answer is fundamental particles—quarks, photons, possibly even strings. But since the ancients didn't have the technology to detect such things, they had many different theories. One of the more popular and well-known ones was the theory of four elements, and indeed those did play a role in Alchemy. But the 16th Century Swiss alchemist Paracelsus had a different theory: the Tria Prima

The Tria Prima (latin for "Three Primes") is a group of three materials which occupy a position of prominence in alchemy: Salt, Sulphur, and Mercury. It was thought that everything was made of these three: solid, permanent things were made of salt; fluid and changeable things were made of mercury; and combustible things were made of sulphur. In a sense this can be thought of as an evolution of the four elements, transitioning toward the modern idea of elements (in fact, sulphur and mercury are still on the periodic table). But more than that, the Tria Prima also has a spiritual aspect.

In this diagram, notice how the corners of the triangle have the words Anima, Spiritus, and Corpus (latin for soul, spirit, and body respectively). Each of these correspond with one of the Tria Prima. Salt represents the body, solid and physical, yet prone to deterioration over time. Sulphur represents the soul, the fire of life, as sulphur burns blue when ignited. Mercury represents the spirit (sometimes translated as mind), flexible and changing, the bridge between the body and soul. Thus, while the idea of the Tria Prima as fundamental elements is outdated, the trio of body, soul, and spirit that they represent remains an important aspect of Alchemy.

[azothseeker]

The Magnum Opus

If you're familiar with Harry Potter or Fullmetal Alchemist, chances are you've ran into the Philosopher's Stone (and no, the "Sorcerer's Stone" doesn't exist).

The central artifact of Alchemy, said to be able to transmute base metals into gold, create the elixir of life, and various other wondrous feats. It's no secret that alchemists were obsessed with finding a way to create this thing, and there were many theories about how to make one. One of the oldest, and the one we'll talk about today, is called the Magnum Opus.

The Magnum Opus ("Great Work" in Latin) can be traced back to some of the oldest recorded alchemists like Zosimos of Panopolis from the 1st Century C.E. Though the exact process remains a mystery, it is known that it included 4 steps. And like so many things in Alchemy, these steps are also symbolic for the process of self-improvement.

First up, the Magnum Opus requires an alchemist to have something called Prima Materia, or "First Matter," which they believed to be the original form of matter that everything in the universe is a variation of. Once you have that, the first step is called Nigredo, or "Blackening." Physically, it involves putrefaction, decay, decomposing and breaking the Prima Materia down. Symbolically this represents the breaking of the human spirit, undergoing great hardship and misery. The idea is that one needs to be brought low before they are ready to be built back up to even greater heights.

Second is Albedo, or "Whitening." It involves purifying the broken down Prima Materia, washing away impurities and leaving it in a state that can be built upon. Symbolically, this represents the broken down spirit being washed clean of vices, becoming ready to grow and learn.

Thirdly is Citrinitas, or "Yellowness." This step is the most unclear (and probably why some later Alchemists merge it with the last step). Physically it means the transmutation from silver to gold, which astute readers will find odd since one needs a philosopher's stone to change silver to gold, and this tells us one needs to change silver to gold to make a philosopher's stone. If we step into the realm of my own theories for a bit, I think this has less to do with literal silver and gold and moreso with the sun and the moon (which are associated with those 2 metals). The moon is the brightest object in the night sky, but its light is only a pale reflection of the sun. Thus both physically and symbolically, turning "silver to gold" involves awakening from a mere reflection of power to a source of power.

Finally there is Rubedo, or "Reddening." As the final step, it involves the crystallization of the power awakened in Citrinitas, and symbolically represents the purified and awakened spirit reaching its highest, purest form. The color red represents completion in Alchemy, which is why the philosopher's stone is so often depicted as red. In fact, the four colors of the Magnum Opus—black, white, yellow, and red—appear very often in Alchemic texts.

As one final fun fact, fans of the Fullmetal Alchemist series may have noticed that these four colors are all present in Edward Elric's character design: black shirt, white gloves, yellow hair, and red cloak. It's also notable that while black, white, and yellow all appear in the designs of other characters throughout the series, Edward is the only one to have red in his design.

[cametotheshowinsd]

I didn't come here to make friends.

[stargazers-chronicles]

I rarely write negative reviews but in this case I felt it had to be done. I did it as respectful as I could and hope the author takes it as a constructive criticism , probably she is going to ignore it lol.

Anyway it was satisfactory to see other negative reviews and seeing similar concerns about the book and the direction of the series.

[stargazers-chronicles]

Note to authors that say " I write what I want" , good for you! but also accept that people may not want to read what you write and that's their prerogative too

[stargazers-chronicles]

There is nothing more disappointing for me that after following an author series for years , she writes a book that puts you off her and her writing for ever.

I still have huge respect for her because being a writer is incredibly difficult and she admitted herself feeling burn out for a while and I was struggling myself enjoying her witing but I thought she would recover . But that last book is terrible for so many reasons that it has destroyed my emotional attachment to the series and the characters .

I wish her good luck but I had to unsubscribe from her mailing list and her book group as I feel so let down .

[sometimeslondon]

A grasshopper in the City

Look carefully and grasshoppers can be found in various locations in the City of London. This is because the grasshopper was the personal emblem of Tudor financier Sir Thomas Gresham. This particular example is on Lombard Street

[stargazers-chronicles]

The World of Stonehenge review – even the stone axes amaze

British Museum, LondonThis fiercely emotional exhibition venerates the people of ancient Britain, uncovering a mystical landscape of gods an

[centuriespast]

The Astronomicum Caesareum, from 1540, open to a page showing a rotating paper disk that traces celestial motion.

Credit…Photographed by Vincent Tullo for The New York Times

[wildhemlock]

Watch for the Harvest Moon Over the Horizon Shortly! 🌜

Full Moon Tonight, Autumn Equinox on Wednesday!

The closest Full Moon to the Autumn Equinox is known as the Harvest Moon. The Harvest Moon typically appears brighter, larger, and orange-tinted. The moon rises much quicker than usual, leading to a bright night that farm workers can utilize to continue the Harvest into the evening. This happens because the Moon has the lowest orbit of the year as viewed from the Earth. The atmosphere is thicker and more water saturated near the horizon, which causes the Moon to appear larger and red orange.

Learn more at WildHemlock.Com!

[apollotarot]

⚖️ Equinox & Libra Season Tarot Spread

🌎 Equinox is in the corner together with ♎️ Libra Season as the Sun enters the fairest of the Zodiac Signs this following September 22.

🔮 Equinox & Libra Season Tarot Spread

⚖️ Equinox & Libra Season - The Cardinal Signs:

Solstices and Equinoxes are magical moments in the year; they represent notable changes in Earth's energy and symbolize a new season's entry.

The entrance of a new season calls for celebration. After all, nature clearly communicates: Earth's axis is turning, showing us that everything is in constant motion and transformation.

🏁 Astrologically, the solstices and equinoxes announce that the Sun has entered the territory of a Cardinal sign:

Spring/Autumn Equinox: Sun in Aries ♈️ - Cardinal Fire sign

Summer/Winter Solstice: Sun in Cancer ♋️ - Cardinal Water Sign

Autumn/Spring Equinox: Sun in Libra ♎️ - Cardinal Air Sign

Winter/Summer Solstice: Sun in Capricorn ♑️ - Cardinal Earth Sign

⚖️ What to expect from this Equinox & Libra Season?

But let's talk about the following Equinox when the Sun enters Libra. This zodiac sign is ruled by Venus and brings about balance, equality, and diplomacy. It is an Air sign, which favors communication, social interaction, intelligence, and sympathy.

When the Sun steps in Libra, fairness, beauty, and abundance are celebrated 👸🏻. Libra is all about love, pride, and exuberance.

Did you know there is a correspondence among all zodiac signs and the Major Arcana Tarot Cards? Can you recognize Libra symbols on the Justice Card? BTW, this gorgeous Wall Tapestry of the Justice Tarot Card can be yours for $35, FREE shipping. Shop Now!

When we reach Libra Season, we are in the last quarter of the year. And it's an excellent opportunity to achieve our goals, coming closer to our objectives. As you know, Libra is a cardinal sign, bursting with initiation energy 🏁.

🤔 But, you may be asking: What are the differences between the Equinox for someone in the ⬆️ northern and ⬇️ southern hemispheres?

🍁 Libra Season & Autumn Equinox:

In the Northern Hemisphere, we have the beginning of Autumn. During Equinox day, light and shadow are in balance. But for now on, daytime will be shorter than nighttime until we reach the darkest night in the year, the winter solstice.

Autumn Equinox is celebrated for its abundance of fruits, grains, and foods that we share. And what is more Libra than sharing? When the Libra Season starts, we are more sociable and grateful.

Justice, another energy present in Libra, is seen in the act of harvesting: as they say, you only heap what you saw.

🌱 Libra Season & Spring Equinox:

Now, in the Southern Hemisphere, it is the beginning of Spring. As in the Northern Hemisphere, light and shadow are equal for a brief period during Equinox.

And for now on, we are every day blessed with more and more luminosity. The Spring Equinox signifies that the nights will get shorter each day and the days longer until we reach Summer Solstice.

Libra's justice and diplomacy are manifested in understanding and appreciation. It is a great time to step out of the den, throw your seeds into the ground, and remember that these seeds will sprout only through love and care.

⚖️ Libra Season vibes with the power of partnerships 🤝 and the value of our relationships 👩‍👩‍👦‍👦.

So, wherever you are on planet Earth, find some time to be around nature. Be thankful and connect with the magic and beauty of this moment.

Did you know there is a correspondence among all zodiac signs and the Major Arcana Tarot Cards? Can you recognize Libra symbols on the Justice Card? BTW, this gorgeous Tarot Necklace of the Justice Card can be yours for $19.99, FREE shipping. Shop Now!

🎊 Happy Equinox, and enjoy Libra Season!

📝 PS: Here is a summary of some of the Libra traits:

Regent Planet: Venus;

Element: Air - ideas, intellect, and communication;

Qualities: Cardinal - initiator, pioneer, "goals and targets";

Colors: Light blue, royal blue, pastel shades;

Crystals: Turquoise, Diamond, Blue Topaz, and Lepidolite;

Essential Herbs and Oils: Cedar, Bergamot Flower, Lavender, and Rose;

Natural Symbols: Feathers, Incense, Flowers, Magic Wands;

Personal traits: artistic, refined, balanced, peacemaker, intelligent, and sociable;

Keywords: partnerships, union, sophistication, vanity, Yin & Yang, justice, balance, romance, harmony, sympathy, diplomacy.

🔮 Equinox & Libra Season 2021 Tarot Spread: Create your balance.

So, are you ready to make the most of this Equinox & Libra Season? Shuffle your favorite tarot deck, take a couple of deep breaths, and ask yourself the following questions:

How can I be more just when judging others is inevitable?

What areas of my life would benefit from more balance?

How can I bring more beauty into my life?

🔮 Equinox & Libra Season Three-Card Tarot Spread

🗣 Activate Libra's social and grateful energy by sharing this Equinox & Libra Season post with your people!

Please share your answers for our 🔮 Equinox & Libra Season Tarot Spread on any of our social media channels using the hashtag #apollotarot.

Or leave your thoughts here in the comments. I'd love to see them!

Did you know there is a correspondence among all zodiac signs and the Major Arcana Tarot Cards? Can you recognize Libra symbols on the Justice Card? BTW, this gorgeous Tarot Phone Case of the Justice Card can be yours for $24.99, FREE shipping. Shop Now!

😘 See you on October 6 for our New Moon In Libra Tarot Spread!

[nasa]

Summer Starts in the Northern Hemisphere!

Today is the first day of summer in the Northern Hemisphere -- the solstice! People located in the Northern Hemisphere will have the longest day of the year today, and people located in the Southern Hemisphere will have the shortest day of the year.

The angle between the Earth’s orbit and the axis of its rotation creates our seasons, tilting each hemisphere toward the Sun during summer in that half of the Earth. This is summer in the Northern Hemisphere, and winter in the Southern Hemisphere. The other half of the year, the Northern Hemisphere is tilted away from the Sun, creating winter in the north and summer in the south.

Solstices happen twice per year, at the points in Earth’s orbit where this tilt is most pronounced.

These days are the longest (in the summer hemisphere) and shortest (in the winter hemisphere) of the year, and mark the change of seasons to summer and winter, respectively.

For more Earth science, follow NASA Earth on Twitter, on Facebook, or on the web.

Make sure to follow us on Tumblr for your regular dose of space!

[eclecticpandas]

[alerintelmari]

Happy and Blessed Beltane💐🌿

[thenightling]

Happy Walpurgisnacht!  The half-way point to Hallowe'en and once Witch’s Night in Germany.  This was a night witches, ghosts, goblins, faeries, and the like would gather in forests, trade and sell potions and spells, and hold festivals.  And tomorrow is Beltane / May Day.   So if you see any goblins offering fruit tonight, don’t accept unless, you want to be one of the fair folk.