Therapy Duo > Resources > Alchemy in Psychotherapy > The Book of Lambspring

The Book of Lambspring

About the Book of Lambspring

The Book of Lambspring - Preface

From the Book of Lambspring – Preface

The Book of lambspring was written by Lampert Spring, a German alchemist, and published in 1625. The book, in text and 15 figures, is a treatise on the alchemical integration of opposites and on achieving psychic unity (known in Jungian language as individuation).

The book, especially the figures, can be seen as a series of meditative devices which can activate aspects of the unconscious of a person who studies it carefully, reflecting on the rich layers of detail in both the text and the figures.

The tradition from which the book arises is the far earlier Corpus Hermeticum, with links back to pre-Christian Egypt.

The Preface

Philosophy I have read, and thoroughly understood,
The utmost depth of my teachers’ knowledge have I sounded.

This God graciously granted to me,
Giving me a heart to understand wisdom.
Thus I became the Author of this Book,
And I have clearly set forth the whole matter,
That Rich and Poor might understand.

There is nothing like it upon earth;
Nor (God be praised) have I therein forgotten my humble self.
I am acquainted with the only true foundation:
Therefore preserve this Book with care,
And take heed that you study it again and again.
Thus shall you receive and learn the truth,
And use this great gift of God for good ends.

O God the Father, which art of all the beginning and end,
We beseech thee for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ
To enlighten our minds and thoughts,
That we may praise Thee without ceasing,
And accomplish this Book according to Thy will!
Direct Thou everything to a good end,
And preserve us through Thy great mercy.

With the help of God I will shew you this Art,
And will not hide or veil the truth from you.
After that you understand me aright,
You will soon be free from the bonds of error.
For there is only one substance,
In which all the rest is hidden;
Therefore, keep a good heart.

Coction, time, and patience are what you need;
If you would enjoy the precious reward,
You must cheerfully give both time and labour.
For you must subject to gentle coction the seeds and the metals,
Day by day, during several weeks;
Thus in this one vile thing You will discover and bring to perfection the whole work of Philosophy,
Which to most men appears impossible,
Though it is a convenient and easy task.

If we were to shew it to the outer world
We should be derided by men, women, and children.
Therefore be modest and secret,
And you will be left in peace and security.
Remember your duty towards your neighbour and your God,
Who gives this Art, and would have it concealed.

Now we will conclude the Preface,
That we may begin to describe the very Art,
And truly and plainly set it forth in figures,
Rendering thanks to the Creator of every creature.

Hereunto follows the First Figure.

The Cover and the Fifteen Figures

Here are thumbnails of the cover and the fifteen figures. Over time we plan to discuss each figure. (When a commentary is complete, the thumbnail will become clickable so you can read that commentary.)

  • Book of Lambspring (Cover)

    (Cover)

  • Book of Lambspring (Figure 1)

    (Figure 1)

  • Book of Lambspring (Figure 2)

    (Figure 2)

  • Book of Lambspring (Figure 3)

    (Figure 3)

  • Book of Lambspring (Figure 4)

    (Figure 4)

  • Book of Lambspring (Figure 5)

    (Figure 5)

  • Book of Lambspring (Figure 6)

    (Figure 6)

  • Book of Lambspring (Figure 7)

    (Figure 7)

  • Book of Lambspring (Figure 8)

    (Figure 8)

  • Book of Lambspring (Figure 9)

    (Figure 9)

  • Book of Lambspring (Figure 10)

    (Figure 10)

  • Book of Lambspring (Figure 11)

    (Figure 11)

  • Book of Lambspring (Figure 12)

    (Figure 12)

  • Book of Lambspring (Figure 13)

    (Figure 13)

  • Book of Lambspring (Figure 14)

    (Figure 14)

  • Book of Lambspring (Figure 15)

    (Figure 15)

Contact Us