What does the formula VITRIOL or VITRIOLUM mean? Why is it important in Freemasonry? What is the Hidden Stone?
VITRIOL is the Latin acronym for Visita Interiora Terrae, Rectificando Invenies Occultum Lapidem, which means in English: “Visit the interior of the earth and by rectifying you will find the hidden stone”.
We also sometimes find the formula VITRIOLUM : Visita Interiora Terrae, Rectificando Invenies Occultum Lapidem Veram Medicinam which means: “Visit the interior of the Earth, by rectifying you will find the hidden stone, True Medicine”. But what is this stone of true medicine, or of universal medicine?
The VITRIOL formula, of alchemical inspiration, is present in the cabinet of reflection : the future initiates the encounter during the trial of the Earth, the first stage of the Masonic initiation process.
The recipient is confronted with this formula but does not know its meaning; in fact, he experiences it first-hand.
The acronym VITRIOL is an invitation, even an injunction, to dive into the material, that is to say, into oneself. It is an introduction to the work of the apprentice, and to the Masonic process in general.
It should be noted that the formula VITRIOL appeared in the sixteenth century in the form of a medallion supposed to represent the main alchemical secrets:
Let’s get into the meaning of the formula VITRIOL.
VITRIOL: “Visit the interior of the earth.”
The first part of the formula VITRIOL (Visita Interiora Terrae) invites us to “visit the interior of the earth” with reference to the alchemical precepts.
The interior of the earth can be seen as the material that makes up the world, or as the rough stone that needs to be roughened. It is the shapeless, chaotic, opaque mass, difficult to understand and penetrate.
The interior of the earth can also be seen as the interior of oneself: it is our nature, our human condition, and our psyche. This is what we are made of both physically and psychologically:
- On the physical plane , we are made up of inert matter (carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, water, etc.) animated by the mysterious phenomenon of life,
- On the psychic level , we are a set of conscious and unconscious phenomena that pertain to the mind , affectivity, reason, intuition or intelligence.
The “visit to the interior of the earth” of the VITRIOL formula invites one to descend into oneself for the purpose of intimate knowledge . The goal is to know who we are, where we come from and what determines us.
The new initiate then ceases to see himself as separate from the world and opens himself up to personal questioning:
- What is it about me that is envy, will, habit, morality, or reason?
- What is the origin of my thoughts?
- Am I really the master of myself, my body and my mind?
- What makes me a human being like everyone else, and/or a being different from others?
- etc.
VITRIOL and the plumb line.
The VITRIOL formula evokes a tool well known to the apprentice: the plumb line.
A symbol of introspection , the plumb line points to the center of the earth while connecting it to the zenith, recalling the famous inscription on the pediment of the Temple of Delphi : Know thyself and thou shalt know the universe and the gods.
“By rectifying.”
The rectificando of the formula VITRIOL evokes the action of verifying, of controlling, and at the same time the necessity of rectifying, purifying , and removing, like the worker who, in cutting his stone, shatters all that is too much.
It is a question of identifying and, if possible, defusing what seems superfluous in our minds and actions: our certainties, our illusions, our prejudices , our habits, our instincts, our determinisms, our predispositions, our automatic thoughts, our neuroses, our fears, our defense mechanisms , etc.
All these elements, if we cling to them, stand in the way of the truth: they keep us in illusion and prevent us from ascending to the Light.
On the other hand, the man who subdues his vices and passions, who masters his ego , who renounces his desires, will be more inclined to understand the great universal laws.
Finally, the rectificando of the VITRIOL formula evokes another tool known to the apprentice: the square. As a tool for tracing and verifying, the square is used to check the conformity of the cut stone. On another level, the square allows for clear reasoning, sound argumentation and sound action.
“Thou shalt find the hidden stone.”
The last part of the formula VITRIOL (Invenies Occultum Lapidem) evokes a hidden stone. So what is this stone?
- It can be the cut stone, in other words the rough stone that has been roughed and refined. This perfectly proportioned cube “hidden” itself in the shapeless stone; It symbolizes the culmination of the process of introspection.
- It can also be a precious stone, such as a diamond that forms under the Earth’s mantle in an extremely hot and pressurized environment. Diamond is nothing more than coal (carbon), but its atomic structure is perfectly regular: matter has been perfected. In addition, it allows light to pass through. Thus, the diamond appears in the midst of the chaos of dark matter: the symbolism is again evident.
- Last but not least, it can be the Philosopher’s Stone, or Hidden Stone of the Sages. In alchemy , the Philosopher’s Stone is the individual who has transformed, awakened, and spiritualized. Read our article on the Philosopher’s Stone.
Let’s not forget that VITRIOL is first and foremost an alchemical formula. For alchemists, vitriol is also the other name for sulphuric acid, a steaming and highly corrosive liquid. Using this vitriol makes it possible to attack matter, to dissolve it in order to reveal what is most precious in it. It is therefore a question of separating within matter (or body), which is reminiscent of the first stage of the alchemical process: the Black Work .
Thus, the stone hidden deep within matter symbolizes perfection, enlightenment, and complete Knowledge . It is the material of our inner temple, our Holy of Holies : the space within us that receives Light, that is, truth and wisdom .
The hidden stone is both close (it is within us) and difficult to reach. Its symbolism seems to say that it is often very difficult to abandon one’s illusions in order to make room for the obvious. We are talking about a long process of self-knowledge, sorting, transformation and regeneration.