Alchemical reddening (Esotericism)

The beginning of this third and final stage of the alchemical process is marked by solar consciousness of omnipresence, the experience of matter in ecstasy, named as the appearance of gold in the metallurgical symbolism used. Whereas the previous stage, the work of whitening, implies an ecstatic ascent through the insights of synthesis, in this stage there is a descent or return through which the world is transformed and sanctified. There is a union of light and darkness, symbolized by purple as the colour of royalty -- a royalty faithful to the needs of the earth. The nature which delights in itself is subordinated to the nature which is able to surpass itself. The processes of the world are transmuted into a cosmic liturgy. The alchemist thenceforth functions as a secret king, a consciously central being relating heaven and earth and ensuring the good order of things. Although dead to himself, he becomes an inexhaustible source of nourishment.

The third stage of the alchemical work.