Practica Leonis Viridis

Published anonymously in 1619, the aim of this text was to reveal the symbolic meaning of the Rosicrucian manifesto published three years earlier, entitled “The Chymical Wedding of Christian Rosenkreutz”  It presents itself as an alchemic treaty describing a certain number of operations, then continues with an explanation of the story of the first two days of the Chymical Wedding.

 The author, who may be Johann Valentin Andrae, tells how one can participate in the chymical wedding, by practising spiritual alchemy and following an initiatory path.  To accomplish the great work that is so sought after by alchemists, one must first question oneself concerning one's own motives, then cultivate such virtues as patience, constancy and modesty, and abide by the laws of nature.  The author also describes the dangers and trials that face a person who goes on a spiritual quest.

 This rare document, which completes the trilogy of 16^th century Rosicrucian manifestos, sheds light on the symbolism of spiritual alchemy as it is conveyed by the Order of the Rose Cross.

• Préface au lecteur chrétien bienveillant
• Practica Leonis Viridis 
• Secunda Praeparation operis Philosophorum (Deuxième préparation de l’œuvre des philosophes)
• Appendix sive Explicatio (Annexe ou explications des Noces chymiques)