SYMBOLS - ALCHEMY - ZODIAC - ELEMENTS - PHOENIX Alchemical plate from Seffan Michelspacher, Cabala, 1616. Around the Philosophic Mountain are the twelve images of the zodiac - but this are not in the natural order, but only Sagittarius (fish tailed, rather than half-horse) is in any way unconventional in terms of imagery. The emphasis is not the zodiacal circle, but on the alchemical processes with which each sign is associated. These processes are represented by sigils in the register below the image. The four Elements are represented in different sequences within this arc, yet each group of four is kept within an a rc of four images. This foursome nature is emphasised by the four circles around the arc, each bearing one of the names of the four elements: Ignis is Fire, Aeris is Air, Aquae is Waters and Terrae is Earths. The seven personifications on the mountain side represent the seven planets: bottom left is Venus, next Mars and then Sun. At the top dances Mercury, the ruler of the Alchemical Art. Descending, to the right, is the Moon, Jupiter and Saturn. Within the mountain is the alchemical bird, the Phoenix, lording over the Sun and Moon, and over the seven stages (themselves linked with the planet) of the alchemical process.