The Book of Lambspring – Figure 5

published 1556

published 1607

published 1893

A Wolf and a Dog are in one house,
and are afterwards changed into one.

The Body is mortified and rendered white,
then joined to Soul and Spirit by being saturated with them.


The 1556 Figure does not clearly distinguish between the Dog and the Wolf.  One animal is clearly dominant; both animals are bleeding from the mouth.

The 1607 version has one animal clearly dominant, biting the subordinate animal on the throat. 

The 1893 version has the Wolf on the left and the Dog on the right, though the text says the Wolf is from the East and the Dog is from the West.  (Note the bridge in the background!)

The text references Alexander from Persia, more commonly known as Alexander the Great.  When Alexander conquered Persia, he dressed in the Persian manner, in an effort to blend his native culture (Macedonia) with Persia.  The Alchemist must integrate the warring factions of his Body and Soul.

Click here for thoughts on Figure 6.

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