Animus Mundi

The Tree of Life archetype appears in many religious, mythological, and philosophical traditions. In alchemy, it is also referred to as The Philosopher’s Tree, symbolizing inner growth until finally attaining the apex of spiritual heights. Many images in alchemical manuscripts separate the branches according to the “stages” and number them progressively upward.

Redrawn from the printer’s mark of Johann Bebel, 1525. British Museum.