| The dragon, being the mushroom is given all kinds of characteristics and symbolism is employed in dragon stories. Usually the treasure is the mushroom as well, or rather, it can be the knowledge that is guarded by the mushroom (dragon). We have here the mention first of treasure then the comparison to the Garden of Hespirides and the Golden Fleece which we previously read about. Finally admitting the role of Asculapius in connection through medicine. Continuing, we read: “But the chemists appropriate Dragons to their Work not in reality but as an Allegorye. For a Dragon always denotes Mercury, whether he be fixed or volatile. Hence Mercury has two serpents about his Caduceus (for a dragon is a great serpent), and Saturn has but one which devours his Tayle, as also has Janus.” This last part affixes the dragon (mushroom) to Mercury and we have already seen how the Greek deity Mercury had mushroom attributes already given to him during this earlier time. So, this indicates to me that we are not dealing with the element Mercury in some alchemical experiment but the symbolic Mercury. This is further attested to by the beginning statement that the dragon is an allegory. In fact, everything in philosophical alchemy is an allegory. At last we get to the section where we learn of the strangest thing I have heard of in recent times, Philosophical Dung!: “Therefore the Nutriment of the Stone is Fire, but it is not from thence as some Vainly think that it is extended into length, breadth, and depth, nor receives increase in weight, for it acquires only Virtue, Maturity and Colour from the Fire. All other things are Vitalicks and Provision that it brings along with itself. For when from diverse places its parts are gathered, purged and conjoined, it has all things requisite for it in itself. Whence this verse of the Philosopher in the Rosary: ‘This stinking water contains everything it needs.’ For from the Beginning to the Very End nothing that is foreign is added to it, unlesse it be Homogeneous, and nothing is separated but what is Heterogeneous. But every man ought to take care that he be very well acquainted with those Dragons that are to be joined to the Charriot of Triptolemus before he undertake any thing, for they are Winged and Volatile, and if you desire to know them you will find them in the Philosophickal Dung. For they are Dung and generated from Dung and are that Vessel which Maria affirms not to be Necromantick but that Regiment of your Fire without which You will effect nothing. I have disclosed the Truth to You which I have gathered out of the monuments of the Ancients by incredible labour and the expense of many year’.” (33) “The Stone that is Mercury, is cast upon the Earth, exalted on Mountains, resides in the Air, and is nourished in the Waters.” (34) I can think of only one element that is “cast upon the earth,” is “exalted on mountains,” and “resides in the air” and “nourished by waters” and that is mushroom spores. The last part of this book extract reveals that this was what Adam brought with him out of Paradise, and is also in every |
living person, and in the earth, streams, mountains and air. That sounds to me like either mushroom spores or DMT, which happens to be in every living animal and plant species to a lesser or greater degree. But since it may be “trampled on along paths in dunghills” I think we can safely leave the DMT argument to rest. Though let’s not forget, they are only a molecule apart from each other. Continuing: “All persons that have once heard of the name or power of the Stone, unless they are altogether incredulous, ask presently where it may be found, that so they may run directly to it. The Philosophers answer is twofold: First Adam brought it with him out of Paradise, that is, in you and in me, and in every man that, birds flying, bring it with them out of far countries. Secondly, it may be found in the Earth, Mountain, Air and Rivers. Which path therefore must be taken? I say, both, but in a different respect, although the last pleases us best, and seems most safe. It is said to be thrown upon the Earth, because the Element of Earth does first appear in an obscure and black body. Then, because it is vile and of small price, is trod upon in the path of the Traveller, and in the very dung itself. Hence Rosarius says, “Although I should name it by its Name, the fools would not believe it to be the Thing.” And Morienus, in his answer to Calis, "Whither is much of it to be found?” “If this: It is not there unless, as the wise man says, it be both to the Poor and Rich, to the Liberal and the Covetous, to him that goeth as well as sitteth. For this is thrown in the way and is trampled on in its dunghills, that they might extract it to themselves, but they have been deceived. Mundus likewise in the Turba says, “If they who sell it but did know it, they would not sell it so cheaply.” And Arnoldus affirms that the Stone may be had gratis, in as great plenty as any man can desire, neither will he be forced to ask for it. All which things are true; for who but a Churl will deny Earth and Water to him that asks for it? The ancient Cimbri, as history tells us, when they were denied the benefit of these two things by the Romans, entered Italy with large Armies, and slew several thousands of the Romans, together with the Consuls. For the Earth as the Mother of all things, is most precious as it is. The last Matter of things putrefied, is most vile; for nothing can be viler than mud or dirt, which yet is nothing else, but Earth mixed with Water. What is more common than a Clod of Earth?” (34) Concluding, the eagle and serpent are mentioned together, along with the Sons of Learning. “The Eagle therefore and the Woman, as likewise the Dragon with almost all the Severals of the whole Art, are Understood by these precepts; which by opening the Bosom of Nature We have perhaps so far Explained and declared to the Sons of Learning, that so Glory might be given to God. Amen.” (35) (33) Atalanta Fugiens, p. 75 (34) ibid, p. 76 (35) Atalanta Fugiens, p. 106 |