Below is one translation of the fundamental creed of occult alchemists.
It is best known in mystic alchemy as "The Emerald Tablet of Hermes".
The Emerald Tablet
Without lie, certain and most true: what is below is like what is above, and what is above is like what is below, to accomplish the miracle of the One thing. In truth, and without Lie, and just as all things have been from the One, so also they are born from this One thing by transmutation. Its father is the sun, its mother the moon. The wind has borne it, the earth nourishes it. This one thing is the father of all things in the universe. Its power is perfect, after it has been entwined with the earth. Separate earth from fire, the subtle from the dense, with gentle heat and much devotion. In great measure, it ascends from earth to heaven, descends again toward earth, and receives the force of the things above and below. Thus you will possess the glory of the world, all obscurity shall flee away from thee. This is the force of all force, it will overcome everything subtle, and penetrate everything solid. In this manner, the world was created, but the true path is hidden. For this reason I am called "Hiram Telat Machasot"- one in essence, but three in aspect. In this trinity is the wisdom of the whole world. And so I have been called: Hermes thrice greatest, having the three parts of the philosophy of the world. |