1. Calcification     “Calcination is the treasure of a thing; be not weary of calcination.�?/STRONG>     In alchemy, calcification is the stage of whitening.  In chemistry, calcification can be adding substances that cause drying and whitening. It can also be drying something until it whitens. This step can also be associated in the body, with bones and in disease.  For instance a buildup of calcium occurring and causing the joints of the fingers with arthritis. The alchemist is generally heating the raw material of the work until it is reduced to powder or ash.  This destroys the outward form removing all its surface qualities.  According to Ripley, this requires a moderate heat, kept up for a year.   In the individual student, this step represents the purging of the fires of aspiration and self-discipline.    It begins with a burning discontent of one’s life and a longing passion for higher things.    This involves a lot of harsh self-judgement.  As Kellog stated at least once online, “…You have looked within and found yourself wanting.�?nbsp; (I apologize if this is a paraphrase from my memory.  If someone can get me an exact line, I will correct this!)  Combined with the fierce self-determination, the result is the disintegration of the natural self.    The powder of the inner being remains.   First Key. A King on the left and Queen on the right, stand in an open landscape. The king holds a scepter in his right hand, the Queen holds a three blossomed flower in her right and a peacock feather fan in her left. In front of the King a wolf or dog jumps over a triangular crucible placed on a basin of fire. In front of the Queen, an old man with a scythe and crippled leg (a Saturn figure) steps across a fire on which a vessel is being heated.

 

Burning   My home in astral was not always tranquil.  My home was one of the first things I found when I began to be able to see well.  It had the same general flowing structures when I started to understand what it was, but it was incredibly bright.  It was so blindingly bright, I found it very uncomfortable.  I realized later that this represented the burning flames.   Before I discovered my astral home, I had agonizing weeks of fevers that left me incapacitated at times.  I could not walk or even see every day and sometimes all day.  I had visions constantly that were just so amazing and wonderful, but I was suffering greatly.  To add to my anguish I was also informed that I would not get better.  The problems with my brain would continue for my lifetime.     It was a very sad time for me. I had worked so hard to end up losing my employment, being unable to work for an extended period of time.  When the fevers ended, I had to work my way up to several things.  It was such a joy to walk steadily again.  Driving the car meant freedom.  In many ways it was like being a baby and beginning again rebuilding my life.    I managed to graduate from graduate school, finishing my thesis in the three weeks that remained when I was able to write again.  That is considered incredible, but I really wanted to do it!  Amazingly enough, I got an A.    ---Evonne     Iron Men by Evonne.   Iron Man  by  Ozzy Osbourne  (A song about very heavy people.)                                                                                                                          Has he lost his mind? Can he see or is he blind? Can he walk at all, Or if he moves will he fall? Is he alive or dead? Has he thoughts within his head? We'll just pass him there why should we even care? He was turned to steel in the great magnetic field Where he traveled time for the future of mankind Nobody wants him He just stares at the world Planning his vengeance that he will soon unfold Now the time is here for Iron Man to spread fear Vengeance from the grave Kills the people he once saved Nobody wants him They just turn their heads Nobody helps him Now he has his revenge Heavy boots of lead fills his victims full of dread Running as fast as they can Iron Man lives again! ....................................................................................................................................................