The Philosopher's Garden
From The Hermetic Arcanum, c. 1623
"The entrance of the Philosophers’ garden is kept by the Hesperian Dragon, which, being put aside, reveals a fountain of the clearest water proceeding from a sevenfold spring. This fountain flows forth on every side of the garden’s entrance. Within this sacred space, make the Dragon drink thrice the magical number of seven, until, having drunk, he puts off his hideous garments. Then, may the divine powers of light-bringing Venus and horned Diana be propitious unto thee.
Three kinds of most beautiful flowers are to be sought and may be found in this Garden of the Wise: Damask-coloured Violets, the milk-white Lily, and the purple and immortal flower of love, the Amaranth. Not far from the fountain at the entrance, fresh violets will first greet thee. These violets, watered by streams from the great golden river, take on the most delicate colour of the dark sapphire. At this point, Sol will give thee a sign. Thou shalt not sever such precious flowers from their roots until thou makest the Stone. For when freshly cropped, they contain more juice and tincture. Carefully pluck them with a gentle and discreet hand. If the Fates do not frown, this will follow easily. One white flower being plucked, the golden one will not be wanting. Let the Lily and the Amaranth follow with still greater care and longer labour.
Philosophers have their sea as well, wherein small fishes, plump and shining with silver scales, are generated. He who entangles and captures them with a fine and small net shall be regarded as a most expert fisherman.
The Philosophers’ Stone is said to be found in the oldest mountains and flows from everlasting brooks. Those mountains are of silver, and the brooks are even of gold. From these, gold, silver, and all the treasures of kings are produced.
Whoever wishes to obtain the Philosophers’ Stone must resolve to undertake a long pilgrimage. It is necessary to journey to both the Indies, so as to gather the most precious gems and the purest gold from those distant lands.
Philosophers extract their Stone out of seven stones, the two chief among them being of diverse natures and efficacies. One infuses invisible Sulphur, the other spiritual Mercury. The former induces heat and dryness; the latter, cold and moisture. By their combined influence, the strength of the elements is multiplied within the Stone. The first stone is found on the Eastern coast, while the second is found in the Western. Both possess the power of colouring and multiplying, and unless the Stone takes its first tincture from them, it will neither colour nor multiply."
— The Hermetic Arcanum, c. 1623
… in case you are wondering how I spen my weekend.
