Fermentatio

In fermentatio, new life is added to a material that initiates greater growth, such as when yeast is added to baking dough. The operation has often been preceded by a putrefactio, during which the material slowly died and decomposed into a black manure-rich soil which forms the fertile ground for new growth – both in humans and in nature. In fermentatio, something from without is added into the process, such as when a seed is sown or yeast is added, which causes the matter to grow. In the alchemy of the soul, it can be the introduction of a new meditation technique, illuminated inspiration from above or another person that causes the decaying old self to sprout, grow and reach a new vitality. In the hermetic tradition, it is said that one must have a certain amount of gold in order to create gold. By introducing a golden and higher power from outside, the transformation in this operation takes place.

• Alchemy – the divine work