Mercury

(2) Elemental mercury is a pivotal
substance in Indian alchemy. Hindu
alchemy analyzes the world as a series
of bipolar opposites in tension with
one another. Unifying these opposing
forces brings spiritual progress and
end of reincarnation (samsara). This
model of uniting or transcending
opposing forces is shared with Hindu
tantra, a secret, ritually-based religious
practice. This theme is shared with
hatha yoga, which is based on a series
436
Mena
of physical exercises that are also
believed to affect the subtle body.
The governing metaphor for this
combination of opposites is the union of
sun and moon. Both the sun and the
moon are connected to other opposing
principles through an elaborate series of
associations. In keeping with this bipolar symbolism, mercury is conceived as
the semen of the god Shiva and thus full
of healing power. It is also identified
with the moon (perhaps through its
bright silvery hue), with healing and
restorative power, and with the nectar of
immortality. Elemental sulfur is identified with the goddess Shakti’s uterine
blood. When mercury and sulfur are
mixed and consumed, the aspirant’s
body is purified and refined, eventually
rendering it immortal. Modern descriptions of this practice warn that it should
only be carried out under the direction
of one’s guru (spiritual teacher); otherwise these combinations will be harmful, since by itself mercury is a deadly
poison. For further information see
Shashibhushan B. Dasgupta, Obscure
Religious Cults, 1962; and David Gordon
White, The Alchemical Body, 1996.