The symbols of creative energy in the literature on mysticsm and on alchemy
Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: The symbols of creative energy in the literature on mysticsm and on alchemy
The ANSCI is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal focused on Ayurveda and traditional medicines. It publishes original research, reviews, and literary studies linking traditional knowledge with modern science, covering disciplines like botany, ethnomedicine, pharmacology, and clinical research.
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Original source:
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S. Mahdihassan
Ancient Science of Life:
(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)
Full text available for: The symbols of creative energy in the literature on mysticsm and on alchemy
Year: 1989
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The article discusses the relationship between alchemy, mysticism, and the concept of creative energy, emphasizing how ancient cultures conceptualized creation. It posits that alchemy serves as an imitation of creation, drawing parallels to spontaneous generation. Key symbols of creative energy are identified, including the dual nature of the soul and its representation through various instruments and sounds, particularly emphasizing the significance of ultrasonic energy as a creative force originating from the Divine command.
Creative Energy as Ultrasonic Sound
One of the central concepts presented is the notion of creative energy as a form of ultrasonic energy, symbolized by the humming sounds produced by bees and the pronunciation of the word "OM." This idea can be traced back to medieval beliefs, where a transformation or radical change was often interpreted as a creative act. The compass and the triangular carpenter’s square, used as "Magic Wands of Creation," represent heaven and earth respectively. Through the lens of Indian and Chinese mysticism, representations of creation—including the Cosmic Man, the dual-natured soul, and symbolic deities—illustrate how cosmic forces interact, with humming sounds serving as mediators of creative energy.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the exploration of creative energy within the realms of mysticism and alchemy reveals a rich tapestry of beliefs surrounding the origins of creation. The article highlights how different cultures employed various symbols, such as the compass, carpenter’s square, and musical instruments, to express and understand the profound concept of creation. Ultimately, whether through the sounds of nature or the precise geometry of tools, these representations convey a unified theme: that creative energy emanates from the Divine, manifesting in various forms throughout the cosmos.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What does alchemy aim to imitate in its practice?
Alchemy seeks to imitate the process of creation, such as spontaneous generation. The concept includes transforming materials to reflect divine creation, symbolizing the relationship between the spirit and the soul.
How is creative energy represented in ancient mysticism?
Creative energy is depicted as ultrasonic energy, often represented by sounds like the humming of bees or the sound produced when the word 'OM' is pronounced, representing the Divine source of all creation.
What are the Magic Wands of Creation in Chinese thought?
In Chinese mysticism, the Magic Wands of Creation include the compass, symbolizing Heaven, and the triangular carpenter’s square, symbolizing Earth. These tools are significant in the creative process and represent duality.
What symbols represent the dual-natured soul in alchemy?
The dual-natured soul, comprising spirit (Ruh) and soul (Nafs), is symbolized by a cock representing the spirit and a serpent representing the soul. These symbols illustrate the connection between life and creation.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “The symbols of creative energy in the literature on mysticsm and on alchemy”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Blood:
Blood, in the context of ancient beliefs on creation, was associated with life and the soul. It was thought that freshly spilt blood gave rise to vapours that transformed into a bird, symbolizing the soul. This duality is illustrated in alchemical texts, associating blood with both vitality and spiritual essence, represented by the red cock as a symbol of the soul's nature.
2) Cow dung:
Cow dung is mentioned in relation to the archaic belief in spontaneous generation. It was asserted that mixing curd with cow dung could generate life forms, such as scorpions. This reflects the historical misconceptions about creation, where organic materials were thought to spontaneously yield life, highlighting the mysticism surrounding alchemical practices.
3) Scorpion:
The scorpion symbolizes life arising from unexpected sources, reflecting the belief in spontaneous generation during medieval ages. Curd mixed with cow dung was thought to produce scorpions, illustrating a then-common idea that living entities could emerge from non-living materials, which was often integrated into alchemical theories about creation.
4) Purusha (Puruṣa, Pūruṣa):
Purusha represents the Cosmic Man in Indian mysticism, embodying creation through the pronouncement of the Sound ‘OM’. He illustrates the unity of the spirit and the universe and is depicted with wings, signifying his celestial nature. As the creator, Purusha signifies the relationship between divine energy and the cosmos.
5) Science (Scientific):
Science, in the context of the discussed literature, relates to the historical understanding of creation through alchemical practices. Alchemy sought to bridge the gap between mysticism and the empirical understanding of life. The exploration of creative energy and its symbolism highlights the interplay of early scientific thought with spiritual beliefs.
6) Curd:
Curd is referenced as part of an ancient belief in spontaneous generation, specifically in concoctions thought to yield life forms. Its combination with cow dung was believed to inspire the emergence of scorpions. Curd symbolizes the mystical connections drawn in alchemy between everyday substances and creation processes.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘The symbols of creative energy in the literature on mysticsm and on alchemy’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Chinese origin, Ultrasonic energy.
Concepts being referred in other categories, contexts and sources.
Cosmic man, Spontaneous generation, Creative energy, Humming sound, Medieval age, Cosmic soul.