"This image is a classic alchemical illustration depicting the Green Lion, one of the most well known symbols in alchemy. The Green Lion represents the “universal solvent,” the mysterious force capable of dissolve. Its green color signifies matter in its raw, unrefined state, while the golden mane already carries the promise of transformation and perfection. The laurel wreath upon its head symbolizes victory and fulfillment, the triumph of the alchemical work and the approach to the Philosopher’s Stone."¹
In the Jungian understanding of alchemy, it represents consciousness which is the prima materia, the first or prime matter of the alchemical process. The green lion is the raw state of consciousness with one overdeveloped dominant cognitive function and a lesser developed auxiliary function. The goal of alchemy was (and is) to dissolve those functions in order to differentiate the other two (tertiary and inferior). Of course, alchemists used the four elements to identify the four orientations of consciousness. Jung' cognitive functions are a renaming of the four temperaments and the four elements of the Ancient Greeks.
"The background elements further reinforce the meaning, on the left, the erupting volcano represents the transformative power of fire, on the right, smoke and ruins signify decay and the dissolution of old forms. The river flowing through the landscape symbolizes purification and the eternal cycle of life. Together, these elements illustrate the alchemical principle of solve et coagula ,first dissolving and breaking down, then recombining in a higher, perfected order."¹
The other two elements, air and earth also appears in the illustration. The distinction of the four elements is usually the primary step of the process. The whole picture tells the following story: use your consciousness (green lion) to distinguish the four elements of consciousness. Therefore, you will be able to dissolve those on which you rely and will develop those you miss (coagulate). Then, the green lion becomes the gold of the philosophers, the complete and optimal consciousness with its four directions.
*****
For more, please read my book The Key to Understand C. G. Jung on Amazon.
¹ From 𝐒pankovics 𝐈𝐬𝐭𝐯à𝐧's facebook post.