published 1556
published 1607
published 1893
Hear without terror
that in the Forest are hidden
a Deer and a Unicorn.
In the Body there is Soul and Spirit.
The 1556 Figure has a standing Deer and a sitting Unicorn, perhaps indicating that currently, the Soul is more dominant than the Spirit. Note how the trees are paired and crossing over each other.
The 1607 version has the Deer emerging from the Forest (so still in the Body) and facing a Unicorn whose horn is pointed downward.
The 1893 version has both the Deer and the Unicorn standing, but mirroring each other. The Unicorn has her left foot raised; the Deer has his right foot raised.
Man: The Grand Symbol provides several explanations of the microcosmic correspondences in the brain. For me, the Deer’s antlers correspond to the two lateral ventricles of the brain (Sense and Imagination, following Robert Fludd’s description). The Unicorn’s horn corresponds to the pineal gland, the Third Eye. The text states that the Master who tames and masters the Deer and the Unicorn “may bear rule over great Augustus.” The Roman Emperor Augustus established the Pax Romana, so the Alchemist has attained Peace.