AUTHOR’S NOTE: In approaching the subject of alchemical separation as it relates to the third phase of my tarot “self-realization” model, I decided to quote my source material: “The separation of the elements allows us to observe them more clearly. Their true nature and shape are finally exposed to us.” For the purpose of spiritual self-realization, this is stated as “the division of thoughts and emotions acquired by dissolution.” Logical thinking and unbiased feeling are emphasized.

The Seven Stages of Alchemy

For the archetypal principles of this quaternary spread I chose the most analytical of the Air trumps: the Magus (as Mercury); the Lovers (as Gemini); Adjustment (as Libra) accompanied by the most solitary and singular of the Earth trumps, the Hermit (as Mercury-ruled Virgo, one of the three traditional “scientific” signs), suggesting the seeker’s attainment of a sound expression of purpose and a reasonable scope of endeavor. I placed them in the “diamond” pattern shown below, with Earth “settling out” at the bottom as the pragmatic conclusion of the effort. I carried the Knight of Cups forward as the querent’s “avatar” in the example reading, and once again segregated the pip and court cards for the draw. (As before, the face-down cards are only placeholders showing the architecture of the final layout.) This spread describes now the individual might “sort himself out” in a methodical way after experiencing the “leveling” effects of dissolution.

I shuffled the pip cards, again allowing for reversals although none appeared in this step, and dealt four of them on top of the trump cards to show the “processes” by which the overarching “principles” of the trumps will be implemented. My first thought on seeing the outcome below was “This guy can’t get a break!” Three of the four pips are Swords, the two most difficult of which previously appeared in the dissolution stage, implying that he is still “at sea” when it comes to pulling himself together. But at least they’re in their own element here so he should finally be able to get his head around them. The 7 of Swords (Futility) and the 8 of Swords (Interference) indicate disruptive mental turmoil that deranges his point of view (he still needs to gain some distance from his anxiety), but the serenely rational 6 of Swords is once again his salvation. On the other hand, the 2 of Disks (Change) as the pragmatic result of his deliberation suggests that the Hermit has no solid ground to stand on, so the individual should not be too sure of his footing. He needs to make the best use he can of Aleister Crowley’s formula “Change equals stability; stability equals change” if he is going to land on his feet.

Next I shuffled the court cards and placed one on top of the Significator. The Queen of Swords makes another appearance, this time reversed. As I see it, the reversal doesn’t signify the querent’s inability to come to grips with the situation but rather a psychological focus on its dynamics commensurate with the “cycle of meditation” that underscored the dissolution stage. (“Internalization” of a card’s significance is one of the standard meanings for reversal.) This card portrays an incisive pursuit of self-analysis and self-correction as the most effective way out of the mental bind in which the seeker finds himself.