Editing Hermeticism (section)

===Alchemy===
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[[Alchemy]], or the operation of the [[Sun]], is perhaps the most well-known of the Hermetic practices, often misunderstood as merely a [[proto-scientific]] attempt to turn [[base metal]]s into gold. In Hermeticism, however, alchemy is primarily a spiritual discipline, where the physical transformation of materials is a metaphor for the spiritual purification and perfection of the soul. The ultimate goal of alchemical work is the creation of the [[philosopher's stone]], which symbolizes the attainment of spiritual enlightenment and immortality. Alchemy is not merely the changing of lead into gold, which is called [[chrysopoeia]].{{sfn|Principe|2013|pp=13, 170}} It is an investigation into the spiritual constitution, or life, of matter and material existence through an application of the mysteries of birth, death, and resurrection.{{sfn|Eliade|1978|pp=149, 155–157}} 

The alchemical process is divided into stages, such as ''[[nigredo]]'' (blackening), ''[[albedo]]'' (whitening), and ''[[rubedo]]'' (reddening), each representing different phases of spiritual purification and enlightenment. ''[[Prima materia]]'', or the original chaotic substance from which all things are formed, is central to alchemy. The various stages of chemical [[distillation]] and [[fermentation]], among other processes, are aspects of these mysteries that, when applied, quicken nature's processes to bring a natural body to perfection.{{sfn|Geber|1991}} By transmuting prima materia into the philosopher's stone, the alchemist seeks to achieve unity with the divine and realize their true nature as a divine being.{{sfnm|1a1=Fowden|1y=1986|2a1=Copenhaver|2y=1992|3a1=Hanegraaff|3y=2012}} This perfection is the accomplishment of the [[Great Work (Hermeticism)|Great Work]] ({{langx|la|[[Magnum opus (alchemy)|magnum opus]]}}).