Alchemy has long been considered both a spiritual and physical discipline. For centuries, alchemists sought to purify their souls and transmute base substances into gold, guided by ancient texts like the Corpus Hermeticum, probably written in the first century CE. Central to this Hermetic philosophy is the concept of the celestial spheres as symbolic stages of personal development—often referred to as the planetary spheres or celestial spheres. The soul ascends through these stages during transformative spiritual experiences often associated with spiritual alchemy. We've provided a guide here to explore how alchemists in the Hellenic era approached this process. We'll also touch on how advances in astronomy influenced alchemical thought and the role of technology in exploring the heavens.

Understanding the Spheres in the Corpus Hermeticum

The Corpus Hermeticum, a collection of mystical and philosophical texts attributed to Hermes Trismegistus, offered a framework for understanding the cosmos and humanity's place within it. According to the text, the soul travels through seven spheres, each corresponding to a planetary body, shedding worldly attachments as it ascends toward the Divine. It's a narrative journey described by Hermes Trismegistus, who was accepted in the ancient world as the combination of Thoth, the Egyptian god, and Hermes, the Greek god. In Poimandres, Hermes describes this journey, saying:

“The human soul, after leaving the body, must ascend through the seven spheres, discarding at each stage one of the aspects of material existence, until it is completely freed and returns to its source in the Divine.”

For alchemists, this journey through the spheres was both internal and external. Internally, they believed that their work in the laboratory mirrored their own spiritual journey. Externally, they studied the movements of the planets, stars, and spheres, believing that celestial forces could influence their experiments. Many similarities can be found between the spheres and the alchemist's later pursuit of the philosopher's stone. The process of shedding the material world from the inner qualities of the soul is a form of purification not unlike the blackening and whitening.

Zosimos of Panopolis, a 3rd-century alchemist, emphasized the connection between physical alchemy and spiritual transformation. He wrote:

“The changes of the metals correspond to the changes in the soul; the more refined the metal, the closer it is to the Divine.”

Internal and External Transportation: The Alchemist's Dual Journey

Alchemists worked on two levels: the physical plane of matter and the metaphysical plane of spirit. This dual process of inner and outer transformation can also be seen in how alchemists approached the seven spheres. For each celestial sphere, there was a corresponding mental and spiritual lesson to be learned. The planets were not just objects in the sky but represented internal qualities that needed to be purified. For example, Mars represented anger and aggression, while Venus represented love and desire. By working on these qualities on psychological or spiritual level, alchemists believed they could ascend the spheres and achieve enlightenment. In the Poimandres, Hermes explains the goal:

"Make thyself to grow to the same stature as the Greatness which transcends all measure; leap forth from every body; transcend all time; become Eternity; and thus shalt thou know God. Conceiving nothing is impossible unto thyself, think thyself deathless and able to know all— all arts, all sciences, the way of every life".

Even in the ancient world, alchemists believed in our ability to manifest, because one of the core features of the philosophy is that the world is mental and that we can influence it with our minds if we train our spirit much as an athlete trains their body.

Eastern vs. Western Alchemy: Different Views of the Spheres

Eastern and Western alchemy took somewhat different approaches to the concept of spheres. In Western alchemy, as reflected in medieval traditions, the focus was often on the soul's journey through the seven planetary spheres as part of the process of achieving the Opus Magnum, or the Great Work. Eastern alchemical traditions, particularly in Taoism and certain branches of Hinduism, often viewed the spheres more purely as metaphor, as stages of internal energy transformation. Taoist alchemy, for instance, focuses heavily on the transmutation of internal energies (such as Qi) through various energy centers, sometimes referred to as the dantian. These centers are similar to the concept of spheres in that they represent stages of refinement, but the focus is primarily on achieving immortality or a harmonious state of being through inner practices rather than external observation of the planets.Eastern and Western alchemy approached the concept of transformation through different metaphors, particularly in relation to the spheres. In Western alchemy, especially as reflected in Hermetic and medieval traditions, the seven planetary spheres were seen as both symbolic and literal stages of the soul's ascent, corresponding to spiritual purification as well as the alchemical refinement of substances. The soul's journey through these celestial spheres was central to achieving the Opus Magnum (the Great Work), a process aimed at perfecting both the self and material reality, symbolized by the creation of the philosopher's stone. In contrast, Eastern alchemy, particularly within Taoism, did not emphasize planetary spheres in the same way. Instead, Taoist alchemy focused on the cultivation of internal energies (Qi, Jing, and Shen) through practices like Neidan (inner alchemy). Key concepts like the Dantian—three energy centers in the body—were used as metaphors for stages of refinement, representing a journey toward spiritual immortality. While both traditions sought spiritual and physical transformation, Eastern alchemy focused more on the internal harmonization of energies and achieving longevity or transcendence through the balance of forces, rather than ascending through planetary spheres.

Both traditions, however, emphasize the importance of balancing internal and external work. As the Taoist alchemist Ge Hong wrote:

"The wise one balances the outer work with the inner. Just as the heavens move, so too does the energy within the human body."

Whether focusing on planetary spheres or internal energy centers, both Eastern and Western alchemy saw the work as a process of purification, balance, and ultimately, unity with the cosmos.

Technology and Exploration of the Heavens

As alchemists worked to ascend the spheres spiritually, their understanding of the physical heavens also expanded with the advancements in astronomy. The invention of the telescope in the early 1600s revolutionized how alchemists and astronomers alike viewed the planets and stars. Figures like Galileo Galilei and Johannes Kepler made groundbreaking discoveries about the motion of celestial bodies, challenging the old Ptolemaic model of the universe, which had long been a cornerstone of alchemical thought.

Kepler, who himself dabbled in alchemical ideas, believed that the mathematical laws governing planetary motion were a reflection of the Divine Mind. His work, particularly the discovery of elliptical orbits, led to a deeper understanding of the cosmos and changed the way alchemists viewed the spheres. No longer were the spheres fixed or crystalline, as they were in medieval times; they were dynamic and constantly in motion. Alchemists were not discouraged by this revelation. In fact, it mirrored the alchemical process, where change and motion were seen as essential to transformation.

Technology, especially the telescope, played a pivotal role in Medieval alchemy. As alchemists sought to understand the spheres both spiritually and physically, they used telescopes to track the movements of the planets and stars, believing that celestial alignments could influence their work in the laboratory.

Isaac Newton, one of the greatest scientists of the 17th century, was deeply involved in spiritual alchemy. He believed that the same laws governing the movements of the planets also governed the transformation of matter in the laboratory. For Newton, the spheres were not just metaphysical but physical realities to be explored and understood through observation and experiment.

The Alchemist's Journey Through the Spheres

Let's demystify the alchemist's spiritual approach to the celestial spheres. As they ascend through the seven stages, a practioner sheds their base qualities and transform their souls, gaining deeper understanding of the cosmos and our place within it.

The Sphere of the Moon (Luna) – Awareness

“The soul is in the darkness of the body, imprisoned by the ignorance of the senses, which bind it to illusions.” — Corpus Hermeticum

Illumination: The Moon represents the beginning of your spiritual journey, where you first become aware that the reality you've accepted is an illusion. Your emotions, memories, and unconscious patterns control you. This is the sphere of self-reflection. The task here is to cultivate awareness. You must begin to see how your mind is constantly fluctuating like the phases of the Moon, influencing your perceptions of reality. You must become the observer of your thoughts and feelings without being swayed by them. The Moon teaches you to break free from the prison of reactive emotions and illusions.

Break the cycle of emotional reactivity and habitual thought patterns. Begin the practice of mindfulness and self-observation.

The Sphere of Mercury (Mercurius) – Integrity

“Speak the truth, not to deceive, but that the soul may be delivered.” — Hermes Trismegistus

Truth: Mercury represents the mind and communication. Here, you confront your tendencies toward manipulation, deceit, or intellectual pride. Mercury calls you to live in truth and integrity. It demands that you stop using your mind to outsmart others or manipulate situations to your advantage. Instead, use your intellect for personal growth, to seek understanding, and to speak truthfully. This sphere is about refining your character by aligning your thoughts and words with your highest intentions.

Look at how you communicate—are you honest? Do you deceive others to control outcomes? Stop lying to yourself and others. Clean up your integrity.

The Sphere of Venus (Venus) – Love

“Love, then, O soul, is the means by which we ascend to the highest heavens.” — The Chaldean Oracles

Harmony: Venus represents the sphere of relationships, desire, and attraction. This is where you must confront the way you seek pleasure and emotional fulfillment, either through people or material things. Are you using love to get something? Do you fall into lust, attachment, or possessiveness? The spiritual task in Venus is to transform selfish love into selfless love. You must learn to love without expecting anything in return. Beauty and harmony are the fruits of mastering this sphere, but they must arise from within, not from external validation or desires.

Reflect on your relationships. Are they harmonious, or are they based on selfish needs? Learn to love others without attachment, and cultivate beauty in your thoughts, words, and actions.

The Sphere of the Sun (Sol) – Purpose

“In the Sun’s light, there is no shadow of deceit. The soul must be purified and shine forth its own light.” — Poimandres

Radiance: The Sun represents the self, ego, and personal power. This sphere asks you to confront your sense of identity and purpose. Are you living authentically, or are you hiding behind a false self? The Sun demands that you shine your light—your unique gifts—on the world, but not from a place of ego. You must align with your higher self and your true purpose. The Sun teaches clarity and leadership. When you master this sphere, you radiate inner light and inspire others by your very presence.

Take responsibility for your life and purpose. Are you living authentically, or are you dimming your light out of fear or for approval? Step into your power with humility and purpose.

The Sphere of Mars (Mars) – Courage

“The righteous soul must take up arms against its lower nature, for only through the struggle does it conquer.” — Zosimos of Panopolis

Willpower: Mars is the sphere of conflict, courage, and strength. Here, you face your inner and outer battles. Do you avoid conflict out of fear, or do you seek it out of aggression? Mars teaches you to direct your will toward righteous action. You must learn to fight for what is right, not for personal gain, but for the sake of truth and justice. This is the sphere of inner warfare, where you battle the demons of anger, resentment, and fear. You emerge stronger, more courageous, and capable of facing the harshest challenges life throws at you.

Face your fears. Stop avoiding necessary confrontations, whether internal or external. Channel your aggression into productive action, and fight for what is just and true.

The Sphere of Jupiter (Jupiter) – Wisdom

“The wise man rules not through might, but through understanding, and in this, he finds his abundance.” — The Kybalion

Expansion: Jupiter represents growth, wisdom, and abundance. This is the sphere of expansion—both materially and spiritually. In this stage, you must learn to balance power with wisdom. Do you hoard your resources, or do you use your influence to uplift others? Jupiter teaches that true abundance comes from sharing and leading with generosity. However, the challenge is to avoid the pitfalls of arrogance, greed, and over-indulgence. True mastery of this sphere brings the ability to expand not just your material wealth but also your wisdom and influence for the greater good.

Examine how you handle power and resources. Do you use them wisely to expand your life and those around you? Learn to lead with wisdom and generosity.

The Sphere of Saturn (Saturnus) – Discipline

“He who overcomes limitation finds the path to eternity. The soul must conquer its fears, accept the laws of the cosmos, and transcend.” — The Hermetic Writings

Mastery: Saturn is the final, most challenging sphere. It represents discipline, karma, and limitation. Here, you confront the reality of death, time, and the consequences of your actions. Saturn asks you to take full responsibility for your life and to accept the limitations of the material world while seeking to transcend them. This is the sphere where you learn patience, perseverance, and wisdom born of hardship. You were not placed into the material world to ignore it. Be present in both inner and outer realms and apply your mastery.

Saturn is the gatekeeper to enlightenment, demanding that you confront your fears to attain spiritual mastery. 

Embrace discipline in your life. Stop avoiding responsibility and hiding from life. Take risks. Understand that limitations are opportunities for growth and that mastery comes through facing and enduring the trials of life with grace.

The Ascent Beyond the Spheres

After you master these seven spheres, you are ready to ascend to the Eighth Sphere, the realm of the fixed stars, symbolizing your union with the source of the divine. This is where the boundaries of the material and spiritual dissolve, and you become one with the cosmos. Each of these spheres represents a step in your personal and spiritual evolution. The journey through them is a lifelong process of refinement, self-knowledge, and divine connection.