Neptune's Dolphins

Since quicksilver (Mercury) is dangerous, other metals with that metal’s qualities are often used for substitutes in planetary magic. In pondering how to replace quicksilver, I decided to see how the Planetary Powers are regarded in Alchemy. In doing the Great Work (Note 1.), metals were considered alive in evolving to their highest nature. The chain of metals in this evolution is lead (Saturn), tin (Jupiter), iron (Mars), copper (Venus), quicksilver (Mercury), silver (Luna), and finally gold (Sol). In the philosophy of Alchemy, the Great Chain of Being is a hierarchy in which all emanates from the One (God) and returns to the One. (This is where the idea of turning lead into gold comes from.)

 

Denis Hauck, a noted Alchemist, states that in Alchemy that Mercury is the key to the transformation of the metals. Quicksilver has a dual nature of the life force and of death and decay. Hauck adds that spells involving the Mercury Archetype focus on mental clarity and change.

 

Meanwhile, in “Astrological Magic,” Benjamin Dykes and Jayne Gibson says that Mercury’s action is quick and subject to alteration. In addition, Mercury rules interpreting and philosophy. The authors name many significators of Mercury such instruments, delicate or intricate things, and carvings.

 

I pondered what metal has any of these qualities. I came up with bronze which is an alloy of copper and tin. Once bronze was created, it sparked a change in how people lived. Because bronze is low friction, the metal was used for cannons. Bronze was also used for bells, singing bowls, and other musical instruments. Since people regarded this metal to be sacred, they used it in burials, offerings, and rituals. All these qualities have me believe that bronze would be a good substitute for quicksilver.

 

Notes:

Note 1. The Great Work of Alchemy is to “obtain control of the nature and power of one’s own being.” Zell-Ravenheart, p. 59.

 

Works Used:

Denning, Melita and Osborne Phillips, “Planetary Magick.” Llewellyn: Woodbury (MN). 1989.

Dykes, Benjamin and Jayne Gibson, “Astrological Magic.” Cazimi Press: Minneapolis. 2012.

Hauck, Dennis William, “Sorcerer’s Stone: A Beginner’s Guide to Alchemy.” Crucible Books: Sacramento (CA). 2013.

—, “The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Alchemy.” Alpha Books: New York. 2008.

Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. “Composition and Properties of Bronze.” ThoughtCo, Aug. 25, 2020, thoughtco.com/bronze-composition-and-properties-603730.

Zell-Ravenheart, Oberon, “Grimoire for the Apprentice Wizard.” New Page Books: Franklin Lakes (NJ). 2004.