ALCHEMY THROUGH TAROT IMAGES
There are many psychological stages that can be subjected to alchemical processes of
transformation. It depends on our age or the personal circumstances that surround our lives, or
our socio-cultural upbringing. The variables are as wide and contradictory as our lives and the
way we each tackle challenges.
My intention here is to give the reader a wide and very brief outline of the main alchemical
processes one might encounter in life. There are no set rules; and no description applies to
one process exclusively. In fact, quite often we just don’t know where to draw the line between
one stage and the next. Most books and texts about alchemy will try to give you seven stages,
no matter what, because of the importance of number 7 in Hermetic tradition, connected to the
seven interior planets or stars. The number 7 is also the Key of the Chariot, who represents the
archetype of the Quest, the major theme we find in Tarot.
If the terminology does not make sense to you, just enjoy the pictures and maybe one of the
images might ring a bell or elicit a special feeling of recognition. We all have experienced
alchemical stages throughout our lives. The question is, what did we learn, if anything? What
personal archetype does an alchemical stage represent to you and why? If any of the Tarot
images strikes a chord, ask yourself why. And remember that we can learn more from the
shadows that disturb us than from the light that blinds us.