CHALLENGE ENTRY
In classical alchemy, the 7 traditional planets (Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn) had a metal associated with them. These metals linked to the asrological qualities of the planets. These planets each rule one of the zodiac signs and therefore, we have a metal associated with each sign. Now, with the discovery of Uranus, Neptune and Pluto, we have modern alchemical links between these and their associated metals (and the signs they rule). I have tried to.explain these links below, as well as some activities for using each metal or the qualities they embody.
Aries
Aries is associated with iron
Iron is the 4th most common element in the world and it forms most of the Earth’s core (both in solid and molten forms). Iron is both strong and durable and represents strength and resilience. It is associated with Mars, the planet of energy, conflict and physical strength.
Activities
- Engage in strength training or high-intensity workouts (pump some iron at the gym).
- Use iron camping gear for outdoor adventures.
- Try martial arts or boxing to channel energy.
- Set a personal challenge, like a marathon, to push your limits.
Taurus
Taurus is associated with copper
Copper is both a vibrant and an attractive metal and in alchemical symbolism, copper represented beauty. It is associated with Venus, goddess of love, beauty, and harmony and ruler of Taurus.
Activities
- Create a cosy space with copper accesories like lamps or vases.
- Use copper cookware or have copper appliances in the kitchen.
- Indulge in a spa day at home with copper-infused products.
- Try your hand at copper art or jewellery making.
Gemini
Gemini is associated with mercury. It is sometimes known as Quicksilver because Mercury is a silvery liquid at room temperature. It is the only metal that has a planet named after it. Mercury was the beleived to be the “First Matter” from which all other metals were created. Mercury, both the planet and the metal, is linked with communication. It’s quicksilver name also links to the speedy Roman messenger of the Gods.
Activities
Mercury is highly toxic so these activities embrace its symbolism rather than the metal itself.
- Start a blog or journal to express thoughts and ideas.
- Host gatherings to full.of lively discussions and debates.
- Take a class in a subject that intrigues you, like language or science.
- Attend social events to meet new people and share ideas.
Cancer
Cancer is associated with silver. This precious metal symbolises purity and clarity, as well as intuition and the reflective aspect of the soul. It was thought to come from a mixture of air and water. The Moon, its associated celestial body, also represents intuition, the subconscious and the divine feminine.
Activities
- Use silver items such as candles during meditation for emotional clarity.
- Decorate your space with silver accents for a calming effect.
- Wear silver jewellery
- Prepare a delicious family meal, serving it on a silver platter.
Leo
Leo js associated with Gold. This was the ultimate goal of alchemists. It was seen as the highest state of perfection - being made from a combination of air, earth, wind and fire. The Sun is its associated celestial body and was thought to be a source of light and life and spiritual illumination.
Activities
- Engage in activities like theater or dance to express creativity.
- Throw a party with golden decorations to showcase your flair.
- Wear gold accessories to boost confidence and style.
- Start a bold art project that showcases your unique style. Remember to add gold such as gold leaf.
Virgo
Virgo is associated with mercury. is associated with mercury. It is sometimes known as Quicksilver because Mercury is a silvery liquid at room temperature. It is the only metal that has a planet named after it. Mercury was the beleived to be the “First Matter” from which all other metals were created. Mercury, both the planet and the metal, is linked with communication. It’s quicksilver name also links to the speedy Roman messenger of the Gods.
Mercury is highly toxic so these activities embrace its symbolism rather than the metal itself.
- Silver/Mercury coloured items for organisation e.g. bins, storage boxes, stationary.
- Keep a journal or blog on topics that interest you, using a silver/metallic pen.
- Solve puzzles to keep your analytical mind sharp.
Libra
Libra is associated with copper. Copper is both a vibrant and an attractive metal and in alchemical symbolism, copper represented beauty. It is associated with Venus, goddess of love, beauty, and harmony and ruler of Libra.
Activities
- Create or decorate with copper art pieces to enhance aesthetics.
- Wear copper jewellery to reflect your appreciation for beauty.
- Wear copper shades when creating your refined style.
- Use copper accessories during meditation to find peace and balance.
Scorpio
Scorpio is associated with Steel. Steel is known for its strength and durability, as well as the ability to withstand pressure. Creating it involves significant transformation—from iron to something stronger . It is the only metal linked to a planet that is not an element - it is an alloy and so does not appear on the table of elements. These characteristics link to Pluto, the modern ruler of Scorpio, snd it’s associated traits of transformation, growth and hidden strength.
Activities
- Meditate with steel objects, focusing on their qualities of stength, resilience and the ability to weather change.
- Nourish and transform your wellbeing with a healthy meal cooked with Steel utensils and eaten with stainless steel cutlery.
- Explore the architecture around you, appreciating the strngth of the steel within that holds everything up.
Sagittarius
Sagittarius is associated with tin. This metal is malleable and resistant to corrosion. Tin was thought to represent the moulding of the soul and the quest for wisdom that alchemy represented. It is associated with Jupiter, representing expansion and growth.
Activities
- Go on an adventure. Use tin containers for your food and snacks or tin cooking ute sils over the fire.
- Expand your mind with a good book while having your favourite cuppa from tin cup.
- Store your school work, exam results or graduation certificates in a tin box.
- Create tin can lanterns to add a sense of adventure to your garden.
Capricorn
Capricorn is associated with lead. Lead is heavy, dense and the oldest of the seven metals of alchemy. It was thought to represent the raw material from which transformation begins. Its linked to Saturn and represents limitations, discipline, and the beginning of all alchemical processes.
Activities
This may also not be a suitable (or safe) element for completely incorporating into daily life so I have focused more on the symbolism.
- Create a vision board to outline your long-term goals, perhaps using a lead pencil.
- Attend workshops or seminars for professional growth.
- Establish a strict daily routine to boost productivity.
- Seek out a mentor or become one to share knowledge and guidance.
Aquarius
Aquarius is associated with Aluminum. Aluminum is relatively modern and is lightweight yet strong. It is used in a variety of unconventional applications (from aerospace to art) abd is a good conductor of electricity, symbolising the connection to technological advancements. This links wirh the innovative, unconventional and creative qualities of Uranus, it’s associated planet and the modern ruler of Aquarius.
Activities
- Get involved in recycling projects, especially those involving Aluminum e.g. soda cans.
- Try upcycling. How can you use aluminium cans to make something new e.g. a decorative piece?
- Have some fun making some aluminium foil sculptures to embrace your unique personality.
Pisces
Pisces is associated with Platinum. It is a precious and rare metal, symbolising high value, purity a sense of possessing mystical qualities. It is reflective and is often used in fine jewellery and artistic creations, representing beauty and artistic expression. Platinum is also known for its durability and resistance to tarnishing. These qualities resonate with Neptune, it’s assorted planet and modern ruler of Picese and it’s links with spirituality, mysticism, insight, creativity and emotional depth.
Activities
- Wear Platinum jewellery
- Use a platinum item/platinum coloured item as a focus during meditation to bring clarity from the mystical realms.
- Reflect on your day or dreams in a journal in the way that Platinum reflects all it sees. Use a Platinum finished pen if you can.
- Get creative and let house imagination flow with metallic paints.
Blessed be
Alan