Sublimatio is the alchemical operation pertaining to air by which the prima materia is transformed by raising it up. First by filling with air, then through elevation, the Alchemist was attempting to raise the material to its highest level of perfection.
The spirit, therefore, by the help of the water and the soul, is drawn forth from the bodies themselves, and the body thereby is made spiritual…The outcome of this is that the body is “made perfect," states one of hundreds of ancient alchemical texts.
Psychologically speaking, as one gets above a situation and can see more clearly…one “gets above it” and can draw on more objectivity. Just finding the right words with which to name a situation or dilemma already shows some advantage has been been gained. This is the power of psychological perception.
The White Bird Flies
The Alchemist experienced this sublimation through a series of exhaustive procedures and then recorded these through elaborate imagery and written text. Viewing these is to be looking at a person's daydreams and projections. In one such Alchemical drawing an old Alchemist wearing his pointy hat and long robe stands in a circle while a white bird flies around him chained to the earth. This illustrates the combined use of the sublimatio and with the balancing symbol of coagulatio or earth.
The Alchemists’ Vessel
In another depiction white birds are flying up and out of the neck of the Alchemist's vessel. This spherical vase with its narrow neck carries the alchemist's magic and symbolizes the universe. The bird flying to the very top symbolizes the soul flying above the entanglements and restraints of earthly cares. The bird flying high like this was the “white soul” which, according to certain ancient texts, once heated could rise above its mortal frame.
A sublimatio text reads, At the end of the sublimation there germinates through the mediation of the spirit, a shining white soul which flies up to heaven with the spirit. This is clearly and manifestly the stone. (This is mostly likely a reference to the famed Philosopher's Stone which was thought to hold all the secrets of the Universe and for which the Alchemist was in constant pursuit.)
Poets and Dreams
This sublimatio image is reminiscent of the most reclusive and sublime poet, Emily Dickinson, who writes of herself as possessing a "soul at white heat" — clearly a universal and timeless symbol.
Another modern day dream recorded the white birds as follows:
A young woman dreams she is in the hospital about to give birth and goes to sleep. When she awakes it if very dark. She feels something pressing on her ribs which seems to be forcing her to give birth. She sees her mouth opening and out of it fly white birds.
This releasing of the white birds symbolizes the ego which has been “heated up” through the agony of labor and is now ready to be released in order to bring forth new life represented by the flock of white birds.
Mountains and Ladders; Myths and Religion
Any image from dreams depicting ladders, stairs, elevators, climbing, mountains, and flying has to do with the alchemical operation of sublimatio.
In mythology and religion any depiction of ascension brings with it some entry into a divine realm. The person given a revelation is often lifted up and transported to heaven. God meets humanity on the mountain top. Moses on Sinai, for instance (127). Ezekiel is lifted up by a hand that “took me by a lock of my hair; and the spirit lifted me up between earth and heaven, and brought me in visions of God to Jerusalem.” (Exek. 8:2,3, RSV).
In Mithraic mythology there are more instructions for how to ascend to higher realms and commune with whatever guides and angels await one there. “…the Sun Mithras…commanded me to be endowed by his archangel: so that I Eagle…alone may soar to Heaven, and contemplate all things.”
Flying Higher and Higher
In dreams and in myths, flying or sublimatio occurs which renders intensely felt joy and higher visions of possibilities. Seeing all things and having the sense of understanding of all things is the gift of sublimatio.
“...she was flying higher and higher in a plane especially constructed for her and she had a wonderful view of the alps, all immersed in deep blue.
From ancient to present times, one may assume that dreams and visions, poems and rituals involving elevation or flight are reflective of the individual's access to higher understanding.
For more articles on Alchemy see my other Suite articles including What is Alchemy Today; Ancient Alchemy of Earth —Coagulatio; Ancient Alchemy of Water —Solution and Ancient Alchemy of Fire —Calcinatio.
Source: Edinger, E. F., Anatomy of the Psyche, Alchemical Symbolism in Psychotherapy (1999). Chicago: Open Court.
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