Vessel of Hermes - ???

[sikander]

Do you know anything about The Vessel of Hermes? What it is? How is it used? And so on...

I know it's something to do with the inner alchemy but I can't quite put my finger on it. I've never heard of it until a practitioner asked me if I have it, with the clear intent of showing off, that he had better knowledge in the occult than me. SMH!

And upon reaserching the subject I found all sorts of forum chats with posts like "be careful not to spill The Vessel of Hermes!" and stuff like that.

Thank you!

[corvidus]

It really depend on who you're asking, as with most alchemical terms it's open to interpretation by the alchemist.

For example, some might say the Vessel is the Athanor. Some might say it's the Celestial and Central Salt. Others might say it's the Hermetically Sealed Flask. Some might say it's Mind. Some might say it's the Magnet of the Wise. Some might say it's the Philosophic Mercury...

In the end, it could probably be a little bit of all of these, depending on which path you're taking (universal or particular, internal or external).

But I would think someone who told you about it wouldn't necessarily be trying to 'show off', but perhaps point you in a direction of study. What it is and how it's used is up to you to discover.

[sikander]

I said that the person who told me had the intent to show off because he didn't point me in any direction afterwards, nor did he give any tips regarding the matter. The question straight forward and out ofcthe blue.

Anyway I understand what you're saying. From the picture you attached I take it as the Vessel is like the priest who marries the Sun to the Moon in the alchemical wedding - stupid comparison In other words, I take it as the perfect balance in all things that brings absolute harmony. I'll have to meditate on this but thank you very much for your answer! It set up a few sparks in my mind

[corvidus]

Anyway I understand what you're saying. From the picture you attached I take it as the Vessel is like the priest who marries the Sun to the Moon in the alchemical wedding - stupid comparison In other words, I take it as the perfect balance in all things that brings absolute harmony. I'll have to meditate on this but thank you very much for your answer! It set up a few sparks in my mind

Haha I was unaware that I attached an image to my post, unless you're referring to my avatar..

Your comparison is close, but the so-called Vessel of Hermes doesn't necessarily bring about harmony, considering the first stage of the alchemical process is Putrefaction -- the radical and chaotic digestion, opening, and corruption of the matter.

Dont forget to look at the 'Vessel' in relation to the overall progression of the work, and how each phase is influenced by, and acts upon the Vessel.

[sikander]

i was referring to your avatar but only later did i realize it was your avatar ) on my mobile view of the page your avatar is shown below your text so that's why i asumed you posted it so that i could get a symbolic ideea of what you meant to say.

indeed you are right and the alchemical work begins with Putrefaction and absolute harmony is reached only in the end. my english is getting rustier by the day as i haven't spoken it fluently for some 10years and i seem to have failed to express my thoughts correctly.

i was reffering to the harmony of the mind that allows oneself to receive the answers for one's questions regarding existence itself. at least that's what happened in my case. as Manly P Hall said in one of his lectures - Be still and know that I am God. he was reffering to this harmony that allows the individual to begin a conversation with the Higher Self. and only after intensive and lenghty work will one have passed through all seven procceses of the alchemical work and achieve absolute harmony.

"Dont forget to look at the 'Vessel' in relation to
the overall progression of the work, and how
each phase is influenced by, and acts upon the
Vessel." - of course. it makes sense that all kind of changes will occur in the procces and i thank you again for reminding me that before it sinks lower in my mind.

blesings!