Cinnabar is the common term for mercuric sulfide, which appears as red crystals or clusters.
Cinnabar is significant in Indian alchemy, especially in the mercurial (dhatuvada) school, since it represents a chemical union of the two elements that symbolize the deity Shiva (mercury) and his wife, Shakti (sulfur).
- The universe, according to Hindu alchemy, is a succession of bipolar opposites in conflict with each other.
- It is possible to accomplish spiritual development and the cessation of rebirth by uniting these conflicting energies (samsara).
- This is accomplished in Hindu alchemy by physically ingesting different ingredients.
- Mercury is supposed to represent Shiva's sperm, while sulfur is Shakti's uterine blood in this instance; its combination and intake is thought to help the aspirant advance.
