The Spiritual Significance of Alchemy Fermentation in Relation to Planets, Tarot, and Activation Techniques

Kerri Ferhaoui
Dec 26, 2025
4 min read

Alchemy is often misunderstood as merely a quest to turn base metals into gold. Yet, its deeper purpose lies in spiritual transformation and purification. One of the key stages in this process is fermentation, particularly the third phase, which holds profound symbolic and practical significance. This phase connects with planetary energies, tarot archetypes, and astrological signs, offering a pathway for inner renewal. Understanding how to activate this phase can guide seekers toward spiritual growth and clarity.

Understanding the Third Phase of Alchemy Fermentation

Fermentation in alchemy represents a stage where the material or spiritual substance undergoes a form of rebirth. The third phase, often called "Putrefaction" or "Fermentation proper," is where decomposition leads to new life. This stage symbolizes the breaking down of old patterns, beliefs, or energies to allow fresh insights and spiritual vitality to emerge.

During this phase, the alchemist observes the substance darkening and breaking down, which parallels the spiritual process of confronting and releasing shadow aspects of the self. This is not a destructive end but a necessary transformation that prepares the soul for renewal.

Connection to Planets

In alchemical tradition, planets represent different energies and stages of transformation. The third phase of fermentation is closely linked to Jupiter and Neptune:

Jupiter symbolizes expansion, growth, and wisdom. It encourages the alchemist to embrace the lessons from the fermentation process and to trust in the unfolding of spiritual abundance.
Neptune governs dreams, intuition, and spiritual dissolution. It relates to the mysterious and often confusing aspects of fermentation, where the old self dissolves to make way for spiritual awakening.

These planetary influences suggest that the third phase is about trusting the process of inner change, even when it feels uncertain or chaotic.

Corresponding Tarot Cards

Tarot offers vivid imagery that reflects the stages of alchemical fermentation. The third phase aligns with cards that represent transformation, death, and rebirth:

Death (XIII): This card symbolizes the end of a cycle and the beginning of a new one. It reflects the putrefaction stage where old forms die to allow new life.
The Hanged Man (XII): This card represents surrender and seeing the world from a new perspective, echoing the spiritual surrender required during fermentation.
The Star (XVII): Following the darkness of fermentation, The Star offers hope, renewal, and spiritual clarity.

These cards help the seeker understand that the fermentation phase is a necessary passage through darkness toward light.

Astrological Signs and the Third Phase

Certain zodiac signs resonate with the qualities of fermentation:

Scorpio: Known for transformation, Scorpio’s energy mirrors the death and rebirth cycle in fermentation. It encourages deep emotional and spiritual cleansing.
Pisces: Connected to Neptune, Pisces embodies spiritual dissolution and intuition, essential for navigating the mysteries of fermentation.
Sagittarius: Ruled by Jupiter, Sagittarius brings optimism and faith in the process of growth after transformation.

These signs can guide individuals on how to work with the energies present during this phase.

How to Activate the Third Phase of Fermentation

Activating this phase requires intentional spiritual practice and openness to transformation. Here are practical steps:

Embrace Shadow Work

Engage in honest self-reflection to identify limiting beliefs or emotional blockages. Journaling or guided meditation can help bring these to light.

Practice Surrender

Like The Hanged Man, surrender control and allow the process to unfold naturally. This may involve trusting intuition and releasing resistance.

Use Planetary Meditation

Meditate on Jupiter and Neptune’s energies. Visualize Jupiter’s expansive light supporting growth and Neptune’s mist dissolving old patterns.

Incorporate Tarot Reflection

Draw the Death, Hanged Man, or Star cards during meditation to deepen understanding of your current transformation stage.

Align with Astrological Timing

Begin this work during Scorpio or Pisces seasons, or when Jupiter transits support growth, to harness cosmic energies.

Practical Example

Consider someone feeling stuck in old habits or emotional pain. By activating the third phase of fermentation, they might:

Journal about fears or resentments (shadow work).
Meditate daily, focusing on releasing control and trusting the process (surrender).
Use tarot to reflect on their journey, drawing the Death card to symbolize letting go.
Meditate on Jupiter’s light to invite wisdom and expansion.
Begin this work during Scorpio season to align with transformative energy.

Over weeks, they may notice increased clarity, emotional release, and renewed purpose.

Summary of Key Points

The third phase of alchemy fermentation involves spiritual purification through decomposition and renewal.
It connects with Jupiter’s wisdom and Neptune’s spiritual dissolution.
Tarot cards like Death, The Hanged Man, and The Star illustrate this transformation.
Scorpio, Pisces, and Sagittarius zodiac signs resonate with this phase’s energies.
Activation involves shadow work, surrender, planetary meditation, tarot reflection, and astrological timing.

This phase invites seekers to trust the difficult but necessary process of inner transformation, leading to spiritual growth and clarity.

This exploration of the third phase of alchemy fermentation reveals a rich tapestry of spiritual symbolism and practical guidance. By understanding its planetary, tarot, and astrological connections, individuals can navigate their own transformation with greater awareness and support.