A Raw Spark Strips You Bare

Alchemy Of Albedo

Apr 04, 2025

In alchemy, albedo is one of the four major stages of the magnum opus, following nigredo and before citrinitas and rubedo. It is a Latinized term meaning “whiteness.” Following the chaos or massa confusa of the nigredo stage, the alchemist undertakes a purification in albedo, which is literally referred to as ablutio – the washing away of impurities. In this process, the subject is divided into two opposing principles to be later coagulated to form a unity of opposites or coincidentia oppositorum during rubedo. Albedo – The Alchemy of the Moon | Kimchee and Catnip

A bright spark cuts through the darkness of Leucosis/ Lightening, while lightning flashes suddenly. This light is not soft; it’s an intense burst that pulls you into the essence of alchemy, a mix of striving for perfection, hiding your true self, and uncertainty. This card signals a time for cleaning and purification, when everything is revealed and made pure. However, there’s one crucial point. You might believe you have reached your goal, thinking you have arrived, but that is untrue. Piety and fear can sneak in, tricking you into thinking you are separate from everything, but you’re not.

This card encourages you to be true to yourself rather than striving for perfection. It’s about being honest rather than polished. In alchemy, lightning is a cleansing force. You are not above the mess; you are sharing this journey with everyone else. We are all navigating life together, stumbling and growing. It’s time to stop hiding behind a mask. Hesitation can hold you back, and striving for perfection can keep you stuck. Let those burdens go.

Leucosis is not about your next step or what others think but accepting who you are. The work on yourself is an evolution, and that’s part of the experience. You don’t need to be perfect; instead, focus on being your true self. This process of improvement is not about how you look but about discovering the truth within you. Feeling righteous might make you think you are better than others, while fear might make you feel like you’re not good enough. Both thoughts are wrong. You’re on the same journey as everyone else, and that connection is what lights your way.

Take this as a reminder to be honest, embrace the messiness, and stay true to yourself. Remember, you are enough just as you are. The journey is what counts, not where it leads you. Let go of what you think you “should” do and the expectations; just show up as your authentic self. Now is the best time to accept yourself, with all your imperfections. When you feel tension or notice you are trying too hard to look perfect, take a moment to pause. Think about one thing you are trying to perfect that you might be hiding behind. Next, consider one imperfect yet effective action you can take in its place. Let yourself feel the change this brings.

Individuation is not a choice but something that happens whether we’re ready for it or not. For those who welcome psyche’s urge toward further development, the road may not be easy but it is certainly more rewarding than if we continue down an unconscious path.
Alchemical Psychology by Thom F. Cavelli, PH. D.

Start with a blank canvas and paint. What would your picture look like once you’ve stripped your “canvas” clean? Dare to dream boldly, darlings!