The Alchemical Process of Calcination and Its Connection to Mars and Tarot Insights

Kerri Ferhaoui
Dec 26, 2025
4 min read

Alchemy has fascinated seekers of transformation for centuries. Among its many stages, calcination stands out as a powerful process of purification and change. This blog post explores what calcination means in alchemy, how it relates to the planet Mars, and the tarot cards connected to this phase. Understanding these links offers deeper insight into personal growth and spiritual development when focusing on calcination as a step in transformation.

Close-up view of a glowing crucible with burning coals inside — Crucible glowing with burning coals during calcination

What Is Calcination in Alchemy?

Calcination is the first major step in the alchemical process. It involves heating a substance intensely until it breaks down into ashes or powder. This physical burning symbolizes the destruction of the ego, false beliefs, or impurities that block spiritual growth. The goal is to reduce the material to its purest form, often called the "philosophical ash," which can then be transformed further.

In practical terms, calcination represents a process of purification through fire. It is not just about physical burning but also about inner transformation. The alchemist seeks to burn away illusions and attachments, revealing the true essence beneath. This stage is often painful and challenging because it forces confrontation with the self’s shadow aspects.

Symbolism of Calcination

Breaking down old structures: Calcination destroys what no longer serves.
Purification: Removes impurities to reveal essence.
Preparation for rebirth: The ashes become the foundation for new growth.
Facing the ego: The process challenges pride, arrogance, and false identity.

This step is essential because without breaking down the old, the new cannot emerge. It is a metaphor for personal trials that lead to clarity and strength.

How Calcination Relates to Mars

Mars, the Roman god of war, represents energy, courage, and conflict. In alchemy, Mars symbolizes the fiery, aggressive force needed to break down and purify. The connection between calcination and Mars is strong because both involve heat, fire, and transformation through struggle.

Mars governs the element of fire and the principle of action. It drives the alchemist to confront obstacles head-on, using willpower and determination. The energy of Mars fuels the calcination process, making it dynamic and intense.

Mars and Its Alchemical Role

Force and energy: Mars provides the power to burn away impurities.
Conflict and challenge: Transformation requires facing inner battles.
Courage and will: Mars inspires persistence through hardship.
Fire element: Mars embodies the heat necessary for calcination.

By associating calcination with Mars, alchemists emphasize the need for active engagement in transformation. It is not a passive process but one that demands strength and resolve.

Tarot Cards Connected to Calcination and Mars

Tarot offers symbolic imagery that complements alchemical stages. Several cards relate to calcination and Mars, reflecting themes of destruction, purification, and courage.

The Tower

The Tower card is often linked to calcination. It depicts a lightning-struck tower collapsing, symbolizing sudden upheaval and the breaking down of false structures. This mirrors the calcination process where old beliefs and ego are destroyed to make way for truth.

Meaning: Sudden change, revelation, destruction of illusions.
Connection to calcination: Breaking down the old self.
Mars influence: The lightning and fire represent Mars’ energy.

The Chariot

The Chariot card represents Mars more directly. It shows a warrior driving a chariot with determination and control. This card symbolizes willpower, focus, and victory through effort.

Meaning: Control, determination, overcoming obstacles.
Connection to calcination: The drive to push through transformation.
Mars influence: The warrior spirit and fiery energy.

The Five of Wands

This card depicts conflict and competition, reflecting Mars’ aggressive energy. It represents the struggle and challenges faced during calcination.

Meaning: Conflict, challenge, competition.
Connection to calcination: Inner battles during purification.
Mars influence: The fiery struggle needed for growth.

What It Means to Focus on Calcination as a Step

When a person focuses on calcination in their spiritual or personal development, they commit to a process of self-examination and purification. This step requires courage to face uncomfortable truths and the willingness to let go of limiting beliefs.

Practical Implications

Embracing discomfort: Growth often involves pain and loss.
Releasing ego attachments: Letting go of pride and false identity.
Building resilience: Developing strength through challenge.
Preparing for transformation: Creating space for new insights and growth.

Focusing on calcination means accepting that destruction is part of creation. It is a conscious choice to undergo a fiery trial that leads to clarity and renewal.

Example

Consider someone stuck in a toxic relationship or unhelpful habit. Focusing on calcination means recognizing the need to "burn away" these patterns, even if it causes temporary pain. The process may involve difficult conversations, self-reflection, or radical change. The result is a purified self, ready for new beginnings.

Integrating Mars and Tarot Insights into Calcination

Using Mars and tarot symbolism can deepen understanding and support during calcination.

Mars energy encourages active engagement and courage.
Tarot cards like The Tower and The Chariot provide guidance and reflection.
Meditation on these symbols can help a person stay focused and motivated.

For example, drawing The Tower card during meditation can remind one that destruction is necessary for growth. Visualizing Mars’ fiery energy can inspire strength to face challenges.

Summary of Key Points

Calcination is the alchemical process of purification through fire, breaking down ego and impurities.
Mars symbolizes the fiery, courageous energy that drives calcination.
Tarot cards such as The Tower, The Chariot, and Five of Wands connect to calcination and Mars themes.
Focusing on calcination means embracing transformation through struggle and letting go of limiting beliefs.
Integrating Mars and tarot insights can support the process and provide symbolic guidance.

This understanding of calcination offers a practical framework for anyone seeking deep personal or spiritual change. By recognizing the role of Mars and tarot, the process becomes clearer and more accessible.