The Enchanted Initiate
A Journal of Traditional Symbolism, Hermeticism & the Occult Sciences

Matter

Matter, symbolically associated with the Duad, embodies the physical and substantial essence. It is a fundamental component in philosophical discourse, comprising one of the four essential ideas that underpin all science. Matter holds a significant place within the realm of alchemy, serving as one of the three core concepts alongside the Absolute and the Fixed. Through these conceptual frameworks, matter signifies stability and the tangible, while contributing to the transformation and understanding of substances in both philosophical and alchemical contexts.

Concordance & Cross-References

Primary Correspondences & Figures

Ether→Substance

Matter at a higher degree of vibration is called Ethereal Substance and serves as a medium for transmission of waves of vibratory energy Ether is a higher manifestation of matter at a higher degree of vibration, connecting matter and energy

VibrationConcept

During the process of Involution, the vibration of THE ALL decreases, initiating the manifestation of matter. This principle applies universally across all forms of matter, with vibration manifesting in varying degrees and states. As the vibration of THE ALL lowers, it facilitates the emergence and transformation of material forms, illustrating the interconnection between spiritual vibration and physical matter.

Stone→Substance

Matter, like a stone, appears real to our senses but is ultimately an aggregation of electrons and atoms

All→Substance

THE ALL cannot be merely Matter as the universe manifests Life and Mind, and Matter cannot manifest these concepts. Matter is thus seen as an effect, not a cause of THE ALL.

Life→Concept

Life and matter are closely bound within the domain of alchemy, where transformation between the two is a central process. This alchemical practice involves the metamorphosis of both life and matter, with the ultimate goal of creating perfect and stable substances. In this context, life can be transformed into matter, leading to the creation of vitalized, stable substances, reflecting a process that seeks to achieve a harmonious balance and perfection. Similarly, matter can be transmuted into life, suggesting an alchemical journey towards the creation of perfect and stable entities. These transformations highlight the dynamic interplay between life and matter within the alchemical tradition, emphasizing the potential for mutual evolution and perfection through these processes. Transformation from matter to life is a central process in alchemy, leading to the creation of perfect, living substances

The Principle of Vibration explains that matter and all other forms of energy, including spiritual forms, are in constant vibratory motion.

PerfectionConcept

Matter undergoes transformation towards perfection through alchemical processes, which are central to the practice of alchemy. These alchemical processes aim to elevate ordinary substances into perfect, harmonious forms, reflecting a pursuit of achieving ultimate perfection in material substances. Such transformations are integral to alchemy, leading to the creation of substances that embody the ideal of perfection and harmony. Transformation from perfection to matter is a central process in alchemy, leading to the creation of perfect, stable substances

Matter, like Energy, can be influenced by the Principle of Polarity, undergoing transformations based on dual states

Cosmos→Concept

Matter is often seen as a reflection of the cosmos in alchemy, leading to the creation of perfect, harmonious substances Matter is often seen as a part of the cosmos, leading to the creation of perfect, harmonious substances in alchemy

StonesSubstance

Matter is often transformed into stones in the alchemical processes, leading to the creation of perfect, stable substances Stones are often created from matter in the alchemical processes, leading to the creation of stable, perfect substances

Life PrincipleConcept

The life principle is often extracted from matter in alchemy, leading to the creation of vitalized substances The life principle is often embedded into matter in alchemy, leading to the creation of vitalized substances

Living BeingSubstance

Matter is often transformed into living beings in the alchemical processes, leading to the creation of perfect, living substances Living beings are often created from matter in the alchemical processes, leading to the revival of life

AuraSubstance

Matter is often transformed into a state with an aura in the alchemical processes, leading to the creation of vitalized substances An aura can be imbued into matter in the alchemical processes, leading to the creation of vitalized substances

CorpusSubstance

Matter is often transformed into a physical state (corpus) in the alchemical processes, leading to the creation of vitalized substances A physical state (corpus) can be created from matter in the alchemical processes, leading to the creation of vitalized substances

EarthtimeConcept

Matter is often seen as transformed by the passage of earth time in alchemy, leading to the creation of perfect, mature substances Matter is often transformed over the passage of earth time in alchemy, leading to the creation of perfect, mature substances

Living SubstanceSubstance

Matter is often transformed into living substances in alchemy, leading to the creation of perfect, vitalized substances Living substances can be created from matter in the alchemical processes, leading to the revival of life

Spiritual BodySubstance

Matter is often transformed into a spiritual body in the alchemical processes, leading to the creation of perfect, transcended substances A spiritual body can be created from matter in the alchemical processes, leading to the revival of life

Matter, like Energy, is subject to the principles of Cause and Effect, undergoing transformations based on underlying causes and effects

Self-masteryConcept

Matter, like Energy, can be affected by the principles of Self-Mastery, reflecting the potential for controlling and transforming physical states

ChangeConcept

Matter is a component in the cycle of life and death, undergoing constant transformation.

Rara AcriaSubstance

Matter is often transformed into the rare and elusive rar acria in the alchemical processes, leading to the creation of perfect, mysterious substances The rare and elusive rar acria can be created from matter in the alchemical processes, leading to the creation of mysterious substances

Inner GlobeSubstance

The inner globe is used to coagulate the matter after digestion

Dew WaterSubstance

Matter is processed with Dew-Water in the alchemical procedure

Divine Nature Of ManConcept

The divine nature of man temporarily dissociates itself from its own immortality to take on a physical incarnation, allowing it to experience the physical world

Putrefying FurnaceSubstance

Matter is set in the putrefying furnace for continued digestion and coagulation

Power→Concept

Matter, when empowered, produces results, showing the interdependence between material and spiritual forces.

Spiritual PlanesConcept

Matter is a concept that includes various planes, including the spiritual ones

ThingSubstance

Herbart’s material categories such as matter and mind had foundational differences

Spirit→Concept

Matter and spirit are described as opposing forces in the process of life and death, showing a conceptual relationship between the two.

The Desire World is in contrast with matter, highlighting the difference in the nature of existence between the two realms.

InertiaConcept

Inertia is a characteristic of matter, emphasizing the static nature of physical substance compared to the dynamic desire-stuff of the Desire World.

Duad→Concept

Matter is a symbolic attribute of the Duad, representing the physical and substantial nature

Mediate Correspondences

Sympathetic Chains & Distant Affinities

MatterthroughStoneilluminatesSun →
I. Matter & Stone

Matter, like a stone, appears real to our senses but is ultimately an aggregation of electrons and atoms

II. Stone & Sun

The Sun and its white counterpart symbolize purity and enlightenment in relation to the stone in alchemy.

MatterthroughAllilluminatesAlchemy →
I. Matter & All

THE ALL cannot be merely Matter as the universe manifests Life and Mind, and Matter cannot manifest these concepts. Matter is thus seen as an effect, not a cause of THE ALL.

II. All & Alchemy

Alchemy, as an art form, embodies the understanding and mastery of the Infinite Mind, representing the ultimate process of transformation and creation, within the context of The All's supreme knowledge.

MatterthroughCosmosilluminatesMysteries →
I. Matter & Cosmos

Matter is often seen as a reflection of the cosmos in alchemy, leading to the creation of perfect, harmonious substances Matter is often seen as a part of the cosmos, leading to the creation of perfect, harmonious substances in alchemy

II. Cosmos & Mysteries

The Mysteries, based on both the Macrocosm and Microcosm, taught about the universe and its workings

MatterthroughAllilluminatesPhilosophy →
I. Matter & All

THE ALL cannot be merely Matter as the universe manifests Life and Mind, and Matter cannot manifest these concepts. Matter is thus seen as an effect, not a cause of THE ALL.

II. All & Philosophy

Philosophy avoids examining the unknowable, focusing on the thinkable and knowable aspects of reality.

MatterthroughAllilluminatesHermes →
I. Matter & All

THE ALL cannot be merely Matter as the universe manifests Life and Mind, and Matter cannot manifest these concepts. Matter is thus seen as an effect, not a cause of THE ALL.

II. All & Hermes

Hermes, in his capacity as a teacher and divine figure, elucidated the enigmatic nature of The All, a fundamental substance from which all creation emerges. Through a deep and silent contemplation, Hermes revealed the profound mysteries surrounding The All, emphasizing the silent and intrinsic understanding of its essence. His teachings highlight The All's interaction with and influence on the physical plane, suggesting a layered relationship between the divine and the tangible world. Hermes's discourses demonstrate the foundational role of The All, presenting it as the ultimate source from which everything in the universe derives its existence. Through his wisdom and silence, Hermes guided seekers of knowledge towards a deeper comprehension of the universe's underlying principles.

MatterthroughStoneilluminatesMoon →
I. Matter & Stone

Matter, like a stone, appears real to our senses but is ultimately an aggregation of electrons and atoms

II. Stone & Moon

The Moon and the Sun are opposite forces in the processes of alchemy, both crucial to the work of the stone.

MatterthroughAllilluminatesMan →
I. Matter & All

THE ALL cannot be merely Matter as the universe manifests Life and Mind, and Matter cannot manifest these concepts. Matter is thus seen as an effect, not a cause of THE ALL.

II. All & Man

Man ceases manifesting on the material plane and withdraws into the indwelling spirit, representing a return to THE ALL.

MatterthroughAllilluminatesDeath →
I. Matter & All

THE ALL cannot be merely Matter as the universe manifests Life and Mind, and Matter cannot manifest these concepts. Matter is thus seen as an effect, not a cause of THE ALL.

II. All & Death

Death is seen as a relative concept within the context of The All, representing a transformation to a new state of existence, rather than an endpoint, reflecting the infinite nature of existence and the ongoing cycle of creation and transformation.

MatterthroughAllilluminatesKybalion →
I. Matter & All

THE ALL cannot be merely Matter as the universe manifests Life and Mind, and Matter cannot manifest these concepts. Matter is thus seen as an effect, not a cause of THE ALL.

II. All & Kybalion

KYBALION is a text that embodies the teachings of THE ALL, a metaphysical and spiritual entity, and prominently features the Mental Creation Principle, which is central to its philosophical discourse. The work KYBALION is renowned for its reflection of the highest and most profound teachings and writings of the Illumined, a term used to describe enlightened or spiritually advanced individuals. These teachings align closely with those attributed to THE ALL, suggesting a cohesive and spiritually aligned body of knowledge. Through KYBALION, these teachings are articulated in a manner that is accessible and thought-provoking, serving as a primary source for understanding the sympathy of the spiritual and mental realms as envisioned by THE ALL. "The Kybalion" is a collection of writings that emphasize and apply the principles of "The All," which it views as the ultimate unity and source of all hermetic principles and universal laws. The work demonstrates the sympathy and the importance of these laws within a cohesive framework. It posits that understanding and aligning with these universal laws is key to personal and spiritual growth. The Kybalion portrays "The All" as the unifying force behind all existence, serving as both the origin and the manifestation of all natural and spiritual laws.

MatterthroughAllilluminatesMaster →
I. Matter & All

THE ALL cannot be merely Matter as the universe manifests Life and Mind, and Matter cannot manifest these concepts. Matter is thus seen as an effect, not a cause of THE ALL.

II. All & Master

Even the highest masters among men must bow to the laws of the All, which they can only transcend partially