Fixatio represents the stabilization or fixation of volatile substances, symbolizing the solidification of insights or realizations.
"Fixation. This image shows a beautiful woman who represents fixed sulphur, also called Venus. She stands inside a star-shaped circle and wears a crown on her head. This means that the substance has reached a perfected and stable state. The figure explains that what was once volatile has now been made firm and constant. It no longer escapes from fire but can endure heat calmly and steadily. The wings indicate that the substance was formerly volatile, but through fixation this volatility has been restrained. Fixation happens when the volatile principle is united with the fixed one. Through long digestion and gentle, continuous heat, the substance becomes permanent and stable. The spirit is bound to the body and remains with it without separating. According to the philosophers, when the volatile is fixed, it becomes equal to the fixed. From this union a single substance arises that can withstand all elements. This is a fundamental requirement of the alchemical work, because without fixation no operation can succeed. Only through fixation does the Stone gain permanence, strength, and the power to bring metals to perfection." - The alchemical writings of Edward Kelly, c. 1592 Leipzig, Germany
Here lies in the rock our venerable body, The Spirit is present with it, but the Mind returns from its axis (or sphere). First, let the Mind seek the lofty regions of the aether, And from the aetherial pole, let it fly back down to the depths. Thus, it will join to itself the friendly powers of Heaven and Earth, And by its work (or aid) will quicken its body.
