published 1556
published 1607
published 1893
This surely is a great miracle and without any deception–
that in a venomous dragon there should be the Great Medicine.
The Mercury is precipitated or sublimed,
dissolved in its own proper water, and then once more coagulated.
The 1556 Figure shows the formerly Nigredo dragon in colors reminiscent of a peacock. One set of his legs have changed to wings, showing the development of his spiritual aspect.
The 1607 dragon is also winged. The background, which in previous Figures has contained only mountains or trees, now contains a castle.
The dragon in the 1893 version does not look significantly different than the Black Beast in Figure 2.
Kundalini is often described as a serpent. A rising Kundalini can either hurt (as “venom”) or heal (as “medicine”), depending on the Alchemist’s preparation.