the Red Lion and White Queen are symbolic archetypes representing stages of transformation in the alchemical process, often linked to the creation of the Philosopher's Stone or spiritual enlightenment.
- Red Lion: Symbolizes the masculine, solar principle, often associated with sulfur, fire, or the "fixed" aspect of matter. It represents strength, passion, and the purified, mature stage of the alchemical work, often linked to the rubedo (reddening) phase, where the substance reaches perfection or spiritual transcendence.
- White Queen: Represents the feminine, lunar principle, associated with mercury, water, or the "volatile" aspect of matter. She embodies purity, intuition, and the albedo (whitening) phase, where the material is cleansed and spiritualized after the initial nigredo (blackening).