The meaning of the lyrics of the song "Alchemy of the Soul" by the artist "Therion"

The lyrics of Therion's "Alchemy of the Soul" depict the alchemical process of creating the Philosopher's Stone as a metaphor for spiritual transformation.

The lyrics are replete with alchemical terms and symbols: "Philosopher's Stone," "carmot," "mercury," "elixir of life," "prima materia," "Magnum Opus," "Mutus Liber," "nitrogen." These terms have both literal and allegorical meanings, alluding to the process of spiritual growth.

For instance, the "Philosopher's Stone," created from "carmot," symbolizes the enlightened state of the soul, achieved by overcoming karmic obstacles. "Mercury refined into gold" is a metaphor for purifying the mind of negative thoughts and emotions. The "elixir of life" represents attaining immortality of the soul, and the "enlightenment of the night" signifies victory over ignorance.

The four elements – "water, fire, earth, and rain" – symbolize the fundamental building blocks of existence, including the human soul. "Prima materia" refers to the primordial matter, the foundation of everything that exists, from which everything originates and to which it returns.

"Magnum Opus," the "Great Work," represents the process of spiritual transformation itself. The "words of the Silent Book" are a metaphor for intuitive knowledge that is revealed through meditation and self-discovery. The "third eye" symbolizes spiritual vision, enabling one to perceive the truth.

The line "See the sun turning black from red!" refers to the three stages of the alchemical process (Nigredo, Albedo, Rubedo), which symbolize the stages of spiritual transformation: from the darkness of ignorance through purification to enlightenment.

The repeated exclamation of "Nitrogen!" is an alchemical symbol of purification and transformation, as nitric acid was used to dissolve metals in alchemy.

In essence, "Alchemy of the Soul" is an allegorical depiction of the path of spiritual transformation that every individual can undertake to achieve enlightenment and immortality of the soul.