In the path of gnosis and the process of awakening the consciousness we begin to see everyday things in a new light. The path is our life, and working with our vital energies internally can open our eyes to the esoteric significance of what we see every day.
Charcoal is a common substance used in cooking, the home, industry, and medicine. Charcoal also has psychological and spiritual significance that can be useful to reflect on.
Holding the Flame
In religious and spiritual practices resinous incense is burned on a small charcoal. The transmutation of precious incense into sacred smoke is possible because of the charcoal holding and containing the flame.
Charcoal is the result of the earth and water elements (animal and plant material) meeting with fire and air. The result is a compressed and refined earth matter that can carry a flame for sacred purposes.
Psychologically, when we are dead to the ego, we can sustain the sacred fire without getting burned, and without putting out the flame.
Carbon
Charcoal is mostly carbon and ash. It is what is left after all the moisture and every other constituent from animal or plant matter is burned away. In esoteric science Carbon (C) is shorthand for the positive force, Oxygen (O) the negative force, Nitrogen (N) the neutral force, and Hydrogen (H) is a substance without force. Carbon is the starting place, the initiating energy that is the basis of life on Earth.
Charcoal is Purified and Purifying
Charcoal is what is left after fire has cleansed animal or plant matter of all life, creating a substance that in itself is purifying. Charcoal is the bare bones, the minimal residue of life. Charcoal burns cleaner and more efficiently than wood because of its lack of other ingredients.
Charcoal in Medicine
Charcoal taken internally is a time-tested remedy to treat poisoning and amoebic illnesses like giardiasis or dystentery. Its chief action is to absorb and neutralize toxic substances which are then excreted safely via the intestines. Charcoal has been making a comeback lately as a trendy “cleanser” that may or may not be that helpful if taken without medical supervision.
In Art
Stunning artwork can be made with just charcoal on paper. An example of a very simple substance creating great beauty when used with appreciation and care.
The Ray of Death
The ray of death is one of the many cosmic rays which shine into the world through the individual Beings, Essences, and elementals. Everyone has an inner Being that is from one of the cosmic rays such as the ray of medicine, art, love, or wisdom. The elementals (minerals, plants, animals) are also from different rays, and can usually be distinguished by their chief characteristics, for example birds of prey are from the ray of death.
Charcoal, the leftover substance after living things are destroyed by fire, with its black color and ashy composition, has a strong affinity with the ray of death.
Alchemical Stage
Charcoal is related to the putrefaction or blackening stage of the alchemical process of transformation. Putrefaction is related to the planet Saturn. This stage involves a decomposition of the ego. This is not the same thing as being depressed or in an imbalanced place in our lives, it is the result of conscious work. This stage, like charcoal, is not glamorous or pretty, but is crucial for our spiritual development.
Compressed into Diamonds
Diamonds are made of pure carbon, and can be considered a form of charcoal created from extreme pressure over long periods of time. The qualities of diamonds have been written about elsewhere, but suffice to say that we can find inspiration from the diamond’s beauty, rarity, and strength to appreciate charcoal.