Preface.

Therefore, I have titled this little treatise the Hermetic North Star, (for since in this day and age, through the writings of the philosophers and their manifold described works and paths, it has come to pass that a lover and seeker of this Art Art|Alchemy, specifically the "Hermetic Art" or the Great Work of transmutation. finds himself just like a mariner Original: Schiffsfender. While modern German uses this for a ship's bumper, here it refers to a navigator or sailor struggling against the elements. upon the vast world-ocean with an incorrect compass, where he must orient himself more by the North Star than anything else) to light your ways, and finally to lead you into the fortunate harbor to obtain the Golden Fleece Golden Fleece|A mythological symbol frequently used by alchemists to represent the final, successful completion of the Philosopher's Stone..

Therefore, brace your sails well, and set them properly according to the wind that comes from the sunrise Original: Aufgang. East. and midday Original: Mittag. South., and leads you toward evening Original: Abend. West.; then turn your rigging again, catch the wind from the west, and travel toward morning Original: Morgen. East., and you will arrive in the desired harbor, if you will meanwhile contemplate my North Star in the twilight, from whence you can then set out into all lands, richly laden. Thanking God first for this, then helping the poor, and generally assisting all your brothers and neighbors as much as you ever have the opportunity; but above all, do not forget to use such a treasure for the salvation of your soul The author emphasizes that alchemical wealth is not for greed, but for Christian charity and spiritual growth..