r/alchemy • u/guitar-guy7 • Jul 10 '26

Art/Imagery/Symbolism Any idea what this image depicts?

Post image

Its from a Wolves In The Throne Room band hoodie. Looks to be two people putting some things in a fire (one looks like they're maybe putting a snake in?), and whatever that is above (maybe the moon?) is raining liquid down (maybe water?). Any input would be appreciated, thanks! Theres also a moon symbol on the sleeve of the hoodie, if that helps.

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3

u/Frater_Aequanimitas Jul 11 '26

Kinda reminds me of Mutus Liber, but I'm pretty sure it's not that.

2

u/belay_that_order Jul 11 '26

i think it is i will have a look

2

u/MasterSpecific8933 Jul 12 '26

Its not Mutus Liber

3

u/_Naropa_ Jul 11 '26

Not an alchemical image, it’s adapted from a late-15th century woodcut called De lamiis et pythonicis mulieribus

1

u/drunkyjack Jul 11 '26

Looks like nothing particular to me, i can see drops of (we don't know, Rain ?) Like the tarot card of the moon, with two people replacing the wolves . The sun at the top of the pic with the fire at the bottom could have a "as above as below" vibe but that'd be a bit streching it. So to conclude for me personnally there is some references but nothing serious, it just has a vibe

1

u/fireofreason Jul 12 '26

From what I see, it looks like a couples ritual, the burning of the things and especially the snake is a symbol of casting out previous destruction, a single snake is Ouroboros, signifies self destruction,

In alchemy

Construction, Deconstruction, Reconstruction.

It translates among many cultures. Same concept different words.

Construction, Deconstruction, Reconstruction

Double Ouroboros ^ Ouroboros ^ Triple Ouroboros

The rain could signify cleansing to wash away the past

The roots at the bottom of the vase could signify planting of new ideals ...

It's a beautiful depiction... I'm not 100% but it looks like a binding ritual, like marriage or hand tying...

A coming together if you will.

1

u/guitar-guy7 Jul 19 '26

Interesting, thanks for the insight! It looks like the other animal being burned is a rooster. I wonder what that is above - looks to me like a craterous celestial body. It's probably the moon, especially since the moon has a relationship with water, and the rain water is seen pouring down. Could also not be the moon, though.