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# The Alchemical Process

The chemical process of alchemy, a.k.a. "Magnum Opus"

**The Alchemical Process** is the series of steps involved in a complete alchemical transmutation, where a given initial entity/substance/energy is transformed into a complete and final version. It also symbolizes humans' spiritual journey from ignorance to enlightenment.

The Alchemical Process consists of 4 steps:

1. **Nigredo:** The first stage, meaning "blackening." In alchemy, it represents the decomposition and rotting of the initial matter, symbolizing a state of despair or breakdown in a psychological context.
2. **Albedo:** The "whitening" stage, which follows the nigredo. It symbolizes purification and the resurrection of matter, or in a psychological sense, the beginning of purification and illumination.
3. **Citrinitas:** The "yellowing" stage, which sometimes appears between albedo and rubedo. It is seen as the dawning of wisdom and the integration of solar light, representing a transition toward greater maturity and self-knowledge.
4. **Rubedo:** The final stage, meaning "reddening." In alchemy, this is the completion of the process and the creation of the philosopher's stone, or in psychology, the final stage of individuation where wholeness is achieved.