Connecting Planets and Tarot to the Third Alchemy Phase of Separation for Conscious Transformation

Kerri Ferhaoui
Dec 26, 2025
4 min read

The third phase of alchemy, known as Separation, marks a crucial turning point in the process of inner transformation. This stage involves discerning and isolating the essential from the non-essential, allowing a person to shed old patterns and prepare for higher states of consciousness. Understanding the planetary and tarot correspondences linked to Separation can deepen this process and guide individuals toward becoming wiser, more aligned versions of themselves. This post explores these connections and offers practical insights on navigating Separation to unlock higher potentials and gifts.

The Third Alchemy Phase: Separation Explained

Separation is the phase where the alchemist divides the purified substance into its components, identifying what serves the transformation and what must be discarded. Psychologically, this reflects a period of introspection and clarity, where a person distinguishes between limiting beliefs, habits, or emotions and those that support growth. It is a time of conscious choice, where the individual begins to refine their inner world, preparing for the next phase of alchemical transformation: Conjunction.

This phase requires courage and honesty. It demands that one face uncomfortable truths and let go of attachments that no longer serve their higher self. The process is not about destruction but about selective refinement, leading to a clearer, more focused consciousness.

Planetary Connections to Separation

In alchemical and astrological traditions, planets symbolize different energies and stages of transformation. The planet most closely linked to the Separation phase is Mercury. Mercury represents communication, intellect, and the ability to discern and analyze. It governs the mind’s capacity to separate truth from illusion, making it the perfect symbol for this phase.

Mercury: Known as the messenger, Mercury facilitates mental clarity and the sorting of information. During Separation, Mercury’s influence helps individuals identify which thoughts and emotions to keep and which to release.
Saturn: Often associated with structure, discipline, and boundaries, Saturn supports the Separation phase by encouraging the setting of limits and the removal of what is unnecessary or harmful.
Moon: The Moon’s connection to emotions and intuition also plays a role. It helps bring subconscious material to the surface, allowing for emotional separation and healing.

Together, these planets create a dynamic interplay of intellect, discipline, and emotional awareness necessary for effective Separation.

Tarot Cards Linked to Separation

Tarot offers rich symbolism that aligns with the alchemical phases. For Separation, several cards stand out for their themes of discernment, clarity, and release.

The Magician (Major Arcana I): Symbolizes Mercury’s energy, representing skill, focus, and the power to manipulate elements consciously. The Magician embodies the ability to separate and control energies to create transformation.
Justice (Major Arcana XI): Reflects balance, fairness, and the clear judgment required during Separation. Justice encourages honest evaluation and the removal of what is unjust or untrue in one’s life.
The Eight of Swords: Depicts mental entrapment and confusion, highlighting the need to separate from limiting beliefs and mental blocks.
The Four of Swords: Suggests rest and contemplation, a necessary step to gain clarity and prepare for separation.

These cards guide individuals to use intellect, fairness, and introspection to navigate the Separation phase effectively.

How to Move Through Separation for Conscious Transformation

Transformation through Separation requires active engagement with the self. Here are practical steps to guide this process:

1. Cultivate Awareness

Begin by observing your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors without judgment. Awareness is the foundation of separation because you cannot separate what you do not recognize. Mindfulness practices, journaling, or meditation can help bring unconscious patterns into conscious view.

2. Identify What No Longer Serves You

Use Mercury’s discerning energy to analyze which beliefs, habits, or relationships limit your growth. Ask yourself: Does this support my higher potential? Does it align with my authentic self? This step requires honesty and courage.

3. Set Boundaries and Release

Inspired by Saturn’s discipline, establish clear boundaries to protect your energy. This might mean saying no to toxic relationships, stopping negative self-talk, or changing routines that drain you. Release these elements gently but firmly.

4. Seek Emotional Clarity

Allow the Moon’s influence to guide you through emotional processing. Feel your emotions fully, then separate your identity from them. Recognize that emotions are temporary states, not fixed truths.

5. Use Symbolic Tools

Engage with tarot or astrology to gain insights and confirmation during this phase. Drawing cards like The Magician or Justice can provide guidance and reinforce your intentions.

6. Practice Patience and Compassion

Separation is a process, not a quick fix. Be patient with yourself and practice self-compassion. Transformation unfolds over time as you refine your consciousness.

Transforming Consciousness into a Higher Self

Going through Separation with intention allows a person to emerge wiser and more aligned with their higher potentials. This phase clears the way for integrating new insights and gifts in the next stages of alchemy. By consciously separating from limiting patterns, individuals open space for:

Enhanced clarity and decision-making
Greater emotional resilience
Stronger alignment with personal values and purpose
Activation of latent talents and spiritual gifts

This transformation is not about becoming perfect but about becoming more authentic and empowered.

The third alchemy phase of Separation invites a deep, intentional process of inner refinement. By connecting with the energies of Mercury, Saturn, and the Moon, and using tarot as a reflective tool, individuals can navigate this phase with clarity and strength. The journey through Separation leads to a higher state of consciousness, where one’s true potential can flourish.

Embrace this phase as an opportunity to consciously choose what shapes your inner world. The clarity gained here will support your ongoing transformation into a wiser, more aligned self.