In the alchemical opus, the early operations and procedures are characterized by a destruction of the prima materia. It must be cooked, incinerated, dissolved until it reaches a uniform blackness; this is the first stage of the work — the nigredo . Breaking down the material helps reduce it back to its primal state. Only then can it be truly... See more

The nature of working with the shadow can be incredibly destabilizing in one’s life. Opening the gates to the unconscious is much like peering beyond the veil into the great unknown, it opens a portal of sorts, and what comes out can be as frightening as it can be healing. Many times, the fear comes before the cure. These previously unknown parts... See more