Rebis: Alchemical Magnum Opus or Great Work

The Rebis (from the Latin res bina, meaning dual or double matter) is the end product of the alchemical magnum opus or great work.

After one has gone through the phases of rotting and cleansing, sorting out opposing abilities, those abilities are united once more in what is from time to time labelled as the holy hermaphrodite.

It is a resolution of soul and matter, a being of both male and female abilities as shown by the male and female head within a single body.

The sun and moon resemble the male and female halves, just as the Red King and White Queen are also linked.

Symbolic Parallels Between Rebis and Hermaphroditus

Hermaphroditus was a son of Hermes and Aphrodite, the gods of male and female sexuality. He was the god of effeminate and hermaphrodites.

Symbolic Parallels Between Rebis and Hermaphroditus
Symbolic Parallels Between Rebis and Hermaphroditus

In Greek mythology, he was numbered among the aerial love-gods known as Erotes. Aphrodite and Hermes, who were the symbol of Roman Venus and Mercury, produced a gorgeous kid known as Hermaphroditus.

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Born male, he enticed the surplus care of a nymph who called out to the gods for the two to never be parted.

The outcome was Hermaphroditus being altered into a two-sexed creature bearing breasts and a penis in pictures and graphics.

As such, he is at times labelled as being the product of a union between Venus and Mercury due to the figurative parallels between the Rebis and Hermaphroditus.

He is also the creation of the Red King and White Queen.

What is the symbolism of Rebis?

It’s image and portrays are widely available. Most of the images portray the Sun and the Moon, correspond to the male and female halves, just as we associate with the Red King and the White Queen.

What is the symbolism of Rebis
Symbolism

Since the makers of such images were only mindful of planets out to Saturn, therefore, all the 5 planetary symbols also surround the god. Thus, backing the whole range of spiritual impacts and abilities.

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Mercury sits at the top and in between the two heads, the godly speaker as well as linking to one of the 3 alchemical essentials (i.e. quicksilver).

The circle on which he stands i.e. the numerological spirit and the matter contains a triangle and a square. The square is the material symbol while the triangle is the spiritual one.

These are symbolically related to several things worldly i.e. the 4 seasons, 4 compass points, etc.

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The number of completion is made with the number 7 which is itself is made by the 4 and the 3 number of sides that each one has, based on the foundation of the world in 7 days.

Circles are also related with the heavenly, but four-sided crosses are physical for the same motive as squares, and a circled cross is the sign for Earth as well as alchemical salt.

The Rebis grips two objects.

  1. A compass on the left which is used with circles. It is held by the male half which is the representative of all the spiritual qualities.
  2. A square is held by the female half, which represents the material world, used to measure the right angles, associated mostly with women.

Rebis with Male and Female Head

The dragon in alchemy signifies the main matter, as well as the 3rd alchemical part: sulfur. The aerial dragon proposes ascension, the inclusion of physical and mystical. Fire is a mutual transformative sign.

Rebis with Male and Female Head
With Male and Female Head

The 3-headed dragon has blood coming out of his mouth which is an indication that he must be killed. The 3 heads represent the following 3 principles i.e.

  1. Mercury
  2. Sulfur
  3. Salt

These are made of same substance just like the 3 heads belong to the same one body.

The wings of the Rebis refer to the unpredictable characteristic. The Green Lion after the Rebis is an added figure i.e. the worldwide Matter, both inside and outside the alchemist.

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In workshop alchemy, a pelican is a Mixing Vessel, in the form of a Pelican pecking its breast with its beak, and thus nursing its kids.

It has a complete form, which tightens to the neck, and the neck bends round and the mouth goes back into the body. This vessel has a conduit at the lowest, by which the alcohol is tipped in, and then the arrival is hermetically closed.

The green snake in the grass is a symbol for the Mercury of the Wise. The tree with sound is the Golden Tree, the symbol for the end of the Great Work.

For hermetic experimenters, the pelican signifies the ongoing distillation of the matter. Only constant exercise will bring results.

The 3 snakes in the chalice signify the 3 stages of the Great Work because they are of 3 colours i.e.

  1. Colour Red for Rubedo
  2. Colour Black for Nigredo
  3. Colour White for Albedo

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Conclusion

The Rebis (from the Latin res bina, meaning double matter) is the end product of the alchemical “great work.”

In some alchemical illustrations, the androgyny is labelled Rebis or Res Bina.

People Also Ask (FAQs)

Where can you find Rebis?

Found the Rebis diagram in White Orchard almost right off the bat, 2nd play through. It’s in a chest south of the Mill signpost in the river around where you find the buck-thorn for “The Beast of White Orchard” quest.

What is the meaning of Rebis?

The phrase (from the Latin res bina, meaning dual or double matter) is the end product of the alchemical magnum opus or great work. After one has gone through the phases of rotting and cleansing, sorting out opposing abilities, those abilities are united once more in what is from time to time labelled as the holy hermaphrodite.

What is the meaning of Alchemy?

Alchemy, a form of academic thought that, among other aims, tried to alter base metals such as lead or copper into silver or gold and to ascertain a treatment for illness and a way of extending life.

Who was Hermaphroditus?

Hermaphroditus was the god of hermaphrodites and effeminate. He was totaled among the flying love-gods known as Erotes. Hermaphroditus was the son of Hermes and Aphrodite, the deities of male and female sexuality.

What is the great work in alchemy?

The Great Work (Latin: Magnum opus) is an alchemical term for the process of working with the prima materia to create the philosopher’s stone. The magnum opus has been carried forward in New Age and neo-Hermetic movements which sometimes attached new symbolism and significance to the processes.

What is the significance alchemy spiritual?

The ancient art of alchemy was the search for spirit in matter. While physical alchemy deals with altering and transforming the properties in the physical world, spiritual alchemy is connected with freeing your spiritual self from your fears, limiting beliefs systems, and lack of self-acceptance.

What is your magnum opus?

A magnum opus is a great achievement—usually a great work of art, and especially one that is the single greatest work of someone’s artistic career. The term comes from Latin, where it means, literally, great work.