“Nature, Reason, Experience, and reading must be the guide, staff, Spectacles, and Lamp to him that is employed in Chymical affairs.”
Nature (the guide herself), Reason (the staff), Experience (the spectacles), and Reading (the lamp).
https://furnaceandfugue.org/atalanta-fugiens/emblem42.html
This emblem presents the four indispensable aids of the alchemical seeker. Nature walks ahead as the guide whose steps must be followed exactly. Reason is the staff that supports the alchemist and keeps his judgment upright. Experience is the pair of spectacles that clarifies vision and distinguishes the true from the false. Reading is the lamp that illuminates the path, referring to the study of the two great books: the Book of Nature and the Book of Scripture. Together, these four form the complete discipline required to pursue the Art
Epigram 42
Pursuing art, let Nature be your guide, Tracing her steps your feet will not backslide: Let reason be your staff, experience add Strength to your sight, discerning good from bad: In darkness reading will as light direct, That ambiguities you may detect.
Michael Maier (1568–1622), Atalanta Fugiens (1617), Epigram 13: “Nature, Reason, Experience, and Reading must be the guides, weapons, and armour of the Alchemist … Nature is the book, Reason the reader, Experience the interpreter, Reading the confirmation.”
To follow Nature’s steps is not only to understand but to cooperate, aligning the alchemist’s will with her subtle rhythms. In this dance, the alchemist becomes not conqueror but partner, working within her laws rather than imposing upon her.
Nature is a woman leaving footprints that the seeker (alchemist) must carefully follow. She symbolizes fertility, receptivity, growth, and transformation. Her femininity underscores the generative, creative, nurturing aspects of reality.
Following the Footsteps
- Reading – the bright lantern he holds aloft
Whosoever would penetrate the secrets of the Art must walk in the very footprints of Nature herself. She goes before as living Guide; Reason serves as staff to keep him upright; Experience lends him clear-seeing spectacles; and the lamp of diligent Reading (of the Book of Scripture and the Book of Creation) lights the path.
“She walks ahead and leaves her footprints in the earth: follow them exactly. Your staff is Reason, your spectacles Experience, your lantern the diligent study of Nature’s book and God’s book. Walk thus, and the fleeing virgin of Wisdom will at last stand still for you.”
- Experience – the spectacles that sharpen his vision
- Reason – the strong staff upon which he leans
- Nature – the living woman walking before him, the Guide
Nature herself walks ahead across the landscape, leaving footprints in the earth. She walks out of the darkness and towards the lunar light. Behind her, an aged alchemist follows cautiously, symbolizing the four indispensable tools of the true philosophical pilgrimage: