published 1556
published 1607
published 1893
Here are two Birds, great and strong–
the Body and Spirit;
one devours the other.
Let the Body be placed in horse-dung, or a warm bath,
the Spirit having been extracted from it.
The Body has become white by the process,
the Spirit red by our Art.
All that exists tends towards perfection,
and thus is the Philosopher’s Stone prepared.
The 1556 Figure has a red and yellow bird (Citrinitas and Rubedo) attacking a white bird. The trees are now united at the roots.
The 1607 version has the birds oriented in opposite directions, with the necks and heads making a circle.
The 1893 version has two birds fighting. These birds have their necks and heads curved to create a lemniscate.
The Phoenix indicates that the Alchemist has completed the Lunar Path.