The three substances of salt, mercury and sulphur are the three forms or modes of action in which the universal primordial will is manifesting itself throughout nature, for all things are a trinity bound together in a unity. Each of these forms of will power is an individual power; nevertheless, they are substantial, for “matter” and “force” are one and originate from the same cause.
The three substances, held together in harmonious proportions, constitute health; their disharmony constitutes disease, and their disruption death.
The medieval alchemist knew that if he did not combat his passions in one incarnation, he would be born with a predisposition for illness in the next one, but that if he purified his passions he would enter life in the next incarnation with a predisposition for health. The process of overcoming through spirituality the forces that lead to decay is microcosmic salt formation.
We can understand how a natural process like this occasioned the most reverent prayer.
