Putrefactio

“Putrefactio involves processing the old and unclean matter through low heat so that it slowly dissolves into its constituent parts and returns to a primordial state where it can then become the fertile soil for new creation. In a psychological sense, it means to cook slowly in the most fetid and rotten parts of emotional life. By suffering through and acknowledging the unresolved and tragic pain in one’s being, a transformation of the psyche occurs. Herbal alchemy describes this process as taking place when the dead body of the plant, called caput mortuum – the dead head – is purified by fire. Before all moisture is expelled from the material, the plant mass undergoes a decay – putrefactio. When the last mercury has been burned away from the old body of the plant, the matter begins to smell rotten because the alcohol no longer preserves the material. But through the effect of the slow heat, the heavy moisture finally releases its grip on the material leaving behind a dark soil. In alchemy, this is also expressed as the dragon’s terrible breath whose fumes are unhealthy to inhale. The goal of the operation is to break down the old matrix into a primordial state, which in alchemy is depicted as the black sol niger, in order to create a new body and a new matter.” - Alchemy – the divine work

Here you straightway behold a black beast in the forest. “The Sage says That a wild beast is in the forest, Whose skin is of blackest dye. If any man cut off his head, His blackness will disappear, And give place to a snowy white. Understand well the meaning of this head: The blackness is called the head of the Raven; As soon as it disappears, A white colour is straightway manifested; It is given this name, despoiled of its head. When the Beast's black hue has vanished in a black smoke, The Sages rejoice From the bottom of their hearts; But they keep it a close secret, That no foolish man may know it. Yet unto their Sons, in kindness of heart, They partly reveal it in their writings; And therefore let those who receive the gif Enjoy it also in silence, Since God would have it concealed.”

• The Book of Lambspring. 1556