moreover marks the fiery nature [Symbol: Sulfur];
that which is comprised in the bodily nature, the terrestrial is [Symbol:
Salt] salt, which is also represented as a cube, like the element earth.
The two can be called [Symbol: Sol], anima, and [Symbol: Luna], corpus.
The celestial messenger who appears as a mediator for the antithesis is
the conscience [Symbol: Mercury], who has his constant influx from God,
the real [Symbol: Sol], and is therefore a divine spirit. We have then the
triad Spiritus, anima, corpus [[Symbol: Mercury] [Symbol: Sol] [Symbol:
Luna]] or, because [Symbol: Mercury] is to be regarded as a mediator,
[Symbol: Sol] [Symbol: Mercury] [Symbol: Luna]. The intervention of the
[Symbol: Mercury] effects the previously mentioned exaltation of [Symbol:
Sol] and [Symbol: Luna] or of [Symbol: Sulfur] and [Symbol: Mercury]
(crude state) to [Symbol: Sol] and [Symbol: Luna].

In view of the difficulty of the mystic work that attempts to accomplish a
sheerly superhuman task, it is not surprising that it cannot be finished
in one attempt but requires time. It necessitates great persistence. In
the life of the mystic the states of love and aspiration for God alternate
with those of spiritual helplessness and barrenness. (Horten, Myst., I, p.
9.)

Arabi sings in his ode on man's becoming godlike: "[1] O thou ancient
temple. A light has arisen for thee (you) that gleams in our hearts. [2]
To thee I lament the wilderness that I have traversed, and in which I have
poured forth an unlimited flood of tears. [3] Neither at dawn nor at dusk
do I get repose. From morning until evening I fare on my way without
ceasing. [4] The camels go forth on their journey at night; even if they
have injured their feet, they still hasten. [5] These (mighty) riding
camels bore us to you (probably God) with passionate longing, although
they did not hope to attain the goal...." The riding camels signify the
longing of the mystics for God. "It seeks and strives ceaselessly,
although its powers are drained by the difficulties of the search."
(Horten, l. c., p. 16 ff.)

Many degrees or stations are to be gone over on the difficult way, yet
zeal is to abide constant in all circumstances. [The idea of the ladder
set up to heaven, of steps, etc., is universal in religions.] In general
seven such steps are distinguished. In Khunrath, e.g., the citadel of
Pallas has seven steps. Paracelsus (De Natura Rerum, VIII), following a
favorite custom, giv