Sal Lumen and Spiritus Mundi Philosophici

I readily acknowledge that the path he followed is open to everyone. But not everyone possesses Ariadne’s thread, as he did, to guide them through this labyrinth’s windings, nor is everyone a Theseus capable of overcoming the Minotaur. It is certain that Nature, like a most charitable mother, proposes and offers this precious and unique treasure of life to all. God, the universal father, keeps the door of this fateful cavern wide open to everyone in every season. Descent into it is common and easy for all, But departure from it is a difficult thing: In the one the work is seen, in the other lies the labour; Few men begotten of the gods have had this fortune, Except those whom righteous Jupiter loves and supports, Or whom the wing of virtues bears up to the stars. First, therefore, one must find that shining bough consecrated to infernal Juno, of which Virgil says: Which the whole forest keeps hidden in its shadows, Enclosed by thick, dark and sombre ramparts: Without it no one is permitted to descend Into the underground places. You, then, who wish to go Seeking the power of Nature’s secrets Through the unknown horror of many a dark path, Where only heaven’s favour can advance you, Seek it with the eyes of an exalted thought; And having found it, let your pure and stainless hand Grasp it reverently and swiftly pluck it free, For it willingly follows the fortunate man who has sought it, Once the fates have granted their permission: Otherwise no force or iron can detach it, And the harder it is sought, the more firmly it hides.