The Connection Between Alchemy's Distillation Phase, Planets, and Tarot for Spiritual Purification

Kerri Ferhaoui
Dec 26, 2025
4 min read

Alchemy is often misunderstood as merely a quest to turn base metals into gold. Yet, its true purpose lies in spiritual transformation and purification. One of the key stages in this process is distillation, the third phase of alchemy. This phase represents a deep purification and refinement of the spirit, closely linked to specific planets, tarot cards, and astrological signs. Understanding this connection can help individuals activate this phase in their own spiritual journey.

What Is the Distillation Phase in Alchemy?

Distillation in alchemy is a process of purification through repeated evaporation and condensation. Physically, it separates substances based on volatility, but spiritually, it symbolizes the refinement of the soul. After the initial phases of calcination (breaking down) and dissolution (melting and mixing), distillation elevates the purified essence to a higher state of consciousness.

This phase is about clarity, cleansing, and raising vibrations. It removes impurities that remain after the earlier stages, allowing the true nature of the self to emerge. Distillation is often described as a spiritual purification that prepares the alchemist for the final stages of transformation.

Planetary Associations of Distillation

In alchemical tradition, each phase corresponds to celestial bodies that influence the process. Distillation is primarily linked to Mercury, the planet of communication, intellect, and transformation. Mercury governs the mind and the fluidity of thoughts, mirroring the fluid and cyclical nature of distillation.

Mercury’s influence encourages adaptability and clarity, essential qualities for spiritual purification. It helps dissolve rigid mental patterns and emotional blockages, allowing the purified essence to rise. This planetary connection highlights the importance of mental clarity and openness during distillation.

Other planets sometimes associated with this phase include:

Moon: Symbolizing intuition and the subconscious, the Moon’s energy supports the emotional cleansing aspect of distillation.
Venus: Representing harmony and balance, Venus helps integrate the purified elements into a cohesive whole.

Tarot Cards Linked to Distillation

Tarot cards offer symbolic insight into the distillation phase. Several cards resonate with the themes of purification, clarity, and transformation:

The Star (XVII): This card embodies hope, spiritual clarity, and renewal. It reflects the purified state achieved through distillation, where the soul shines with new light.
The Magician (I): Representing mastery and transformation, The Magician symbolizes the alchemist’s ability to harness inner resources and elevate consciousness.
Temperance (XIV): This card directly relates to balance and the blending of opposites, much like the distillation process that harmonizes purified elements.

These cards encourage reflection on the inner work required to reach spiritual clarity and suggest practical steps for activating distillation energies.

Astrological Signs Connected to Distillation

Certain zodiac signs align with the qualities of distillation, emphasizing purification and transformation:

Virgo: Known for its analytical and cleansing nature, Virgo embodies the meticulous refinement of distillation. This sign’s focus on health and purity mirrors the phase’s spiritual cleansing.
Gemini: Ruled by Mercury, Gemini reflects the mental agility and adaptability needed to navigate the distillation process.
Pisces: With its deep connection to spirituality and intuition, Pisces supports the emotional and mystical aspects of purification.

Working with these signs through meditation, journaling, or ritual can enhance the activation of the distillation phase.

How to Activate the Distillation Phase in Your Spiritual Practice

Activating distillation involves intentional practices that promote purification and clarity. Here are some practical steps:

Meditate on Mercury and related tarot cards: Visualize the qualities of Mercury and cards like The Star or Temperance. Focus on releasing mental clutter and emotional blockages.
Engage in breathwork or water rituals: Since distillation involves fluid transformation, practices involving water or breath can symbolize cleansing and renewal.
Journal your inner thoughts: Write down recurring mental patterns or emotional issues. Reflect on how to release or transform them.
Align with Virgo or Gemini energies: Use the traits of these signs to guide your purification efforts. For example, Virgo’s attention to detail can help identify subtle impurities in your mindset.
Create a sacred space for purification: Use incense, crystals, or symbols related to Mercury and the tarot cards to support your focus.

By combining these methods, you can deepen your experience of distillation and move closer to spiritual clarity.

Practical Example of Distillation in Spiritual Growth

Consider someone struggling with anxiety and scattered thoughts. After recognizing these issues (calcination and dissolution phases), they enter distillation by practicing daily meditation focused on Mercury’s clarity. They use The Star card as a visual anchor, reminding themselves of hope and renewal. Through journaling, they identify negative thought patterns and consciously release them during breathwork sessions. Over time, their mind becomes clearer, emotions more balanced, and they feel a renewed sense of spiritual purpose.

This example shows how distillation is not just theoretical but a practical step in personal transformation.

Summary of Key Points

Distillation is the third phase of alchemy focused on spiritual purification and refinement.
Mercury is the primary planetary influence, symbolizing mental clarity and transformation.
Tarot cards like The Star, The Magician, and Temperance reflect the themes of this phase.
Astrological signs Virgo, Gemini, and Pisces support the qualities needed for distillation.
Activating this phase involves meditation, breathwork, journaling, and aligning with planetary and tarot energies.

Spiritual purification through distillation is a powerful step toward self-mastery. By understanding its connections and applying practical techniques, anyone can engage with this phase and experience profound inner clarity.