This alchemical illustration depicts the complete process of inner transformation. At the center of the image we see a cave, where seven figures sit in a circle around a well. This represents the depths of the mind, the inner world which is unconscious or hidden. The seven figures symbolize the seven classical planets, as well as the correspondence to the seven metals which are mined from the earth. The subject of mining often appears in alchemy because its core process asks for finding what is masked or undeveloped, namely the four elements which are the four directions of consciousness or the four Jungian cognitive functions.
The well is the source of wisdom and the philosophical water, from which all transmutation begins. The aqua permanens (permanent water) is always a reference to consciousness and the well is the source of consciousness. The work begins with a discrimining look on the components of consciousness.
Above the cave, three haloed female figures appear, one holds an upward pointing triangle (the principle of fire), another a downward pointing triangle (the principle of water), and the central one a hexagram (the union of fire and water). This triad expresses the goal of alchemy: the equal development of opposites cognitive functions or elements. When both acquire autonomy, a symbol of conjunction of opposites appears: the mystical experience. This is the essential foundation of the Magnum Opus. The hexagram represents the first mystical experience or the small stone.
The entire scene is enclosed by a cosmic circle which represents the complete Opus. The Sun and the Moon ilustrate spirit and matter. They appears two times: in plain sight above and in private, below. The conjunction of spirit and matter is the second mystical experience of the process where the experiencer feels for a moment that the entire world is in his mind (matter is in spirit).
The five stars symbolize the development of the four cognitive functions with the fifth which is the sum of all four: the quintessence.
The four corners of the image embody the four elements, in the upper left, the blazing fire, in the upper right, the divine onlookers among the clouds signify the principle of air, in the lower left, the landscape expresses the stability of earth, while in the lower right, the ship represents the element of water. The four elements were the basic blocks of both matter and consciousness. Alchemy is always refering to the four elements as the four directions of consciousness which in Jungian psychology are Thinking, Feeling, Sensation and Intuition.
Thus, the image is a map of inner initiation and transformation, in the depths of the well and within the darkness of the cave lies the true light, through which the human being becomes completely conscious of the world.
The teaching of this image is that true transformation begins within. By finding and using the elements, focusing on consciousness and its four directions, the human being can awaken the hidden light within. This inner journey leads to the Anthropos, the state of complete consciousness.
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Based on 𝐒pankovics 𝐈𝐬𝐭𝐯á𝐧's text on Facebook.