In alchemy, Rebis (Latin "res bina" meaning dual or double matter), was the prototype for the alchemical Magnum Opus; the Alchemist Great Work. As a symbol of ambrosia and immortality, Rebis represents the perfect spirit before matter became flesh, giving it gender.
Alchemically speaking, after one finishes the putrefaction and purification stages of separating opposing qualities, those qualities are united once more to become a divine hermaphrodite, the union of spirit and matter, male and female, within a single body. On a deeper level, this unity of opposing forces can be seen as representing a pure awakened state of non-duality.
In Greek Mythology (borrowed from Orphic traditions) Time, also called Aion, created the silver egg of the Universe, with which Phanes burst through as the first born, also know as "Protogonos"; literally, the first-born.
Phanes was a male-female deity of light, whose name means to bring light or to shine. Thus, a bringer of light; a primeval deity of procreation and regeneration. Similar parallels can be seen with Dionysus, who’s epithets were primeval, two-natured, Bacchic lord, ineffable, secretive, two-horned, two-shaped, and thrice-born.
Esoterically speaking, we should all aspire to be like Rebus within and without, below and above. This is how we perfect our spirit and transcend our flesh and skin.
© Written & Art by Carrie Love Ξ
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