I think the alchemical imagery gets it exactly-- Solve et coagula. The way I learned it, alchemy can be broken down further into separation, putrefaction, purification, and finally cohabation. It's those two phases in the middle, when you're separated from your peers, breaking down the bonds that tied you unthinkingly to your culture, your karma, and your temporary identity, and purifying your soul of all the accumulated dross, that really hurt.
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timeasmymeasure
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Date: 2021-07-31 01:19 am (UTC)I think the alchemical imagery gets it exactly-- Solve et coagula. The way I learned it, alchemy can be broken down further into separation, putrefaction, purification, and finally cohabation. It's those two phases in the middle, when you're separated from your peers, breaking down the bonds that tied you unthinkingly to your culture, your karma, and your temporary identity, and purifying your soul of all the accumulated dross, that really hurt.