The Concept of Black Light in Alchemy

Light in Alchemy works best in darkness, and this has always undermined the foundation of obviousness: a light that cannot be seen becomes “dark”. This detail makes the light in Alchemy turn Alchemical light.

Alchemy is not a science, in the sense that it lacks a single lexicon, vocabulary, or imagery. A name or symbol can be interpreted differently because the sources of knowledge are too fragmented and lack a common cultural basis. The concept of light in alchemy is perhaps the most striking example. There aren’t even, whatever anyone may say, universally recognized alchemical authorities, as is the case, for example, in the academic world. So, don’t be shocked if you find different answers under the entry “light”. That said, let me answer your question: The entity/substance whose daily atmospheric journey you describe is more appropriately called the “Spiritus Mundi”, or spirit of the world. If you ask me if it has anything to do with alchemical light, I can only answer positively. Indeed, I take responsibility for identifying it with the so-called “black light”.

Of course this light is not necessarily black, but it is charged with an earthly “shadow”. It no longer belongs only to the sky, but has been fished out from the recesses of the earth, after it has been “enlarged”, because moistened, by the moon. This is one of the fundamental concepts of laboratory Alchemy and is explored under many analogies, metaphors and symbols. A concept so ubiquitous that it is misleading if identified by just one specific name. In fact, this “black light” has been called a thousand different things. It’s impossible to pigeonhole it yet be intuitive to understand.

No wonder, since the role of water in Alchemy is to return the spirit to its earth.

If an alchemist calls it black light, it can’t be cosmic but rather astronomical. Cosmic and astronomical, in alchemy, have a substantial difference. We will clarify this better when we talk about stars and their influences.