Il bacio di Giove ed Io

The allegory of the kiss-union is a very common theme in alchemy and hermetic tradition. The final union of the Great Work culminates in the creation of the Rebis, the mystical representation of the Union of the Principles. The dramatic story of Io and the kiss with Jupiter (symbolized by the golden figure hidden in the veil) is an allegory of the mystical trials to overcome in achieving the Work. Under the watchful eyes of Juno (shadowy figure on the left) and with the assistance of Hermes (winged egg-orphic figure below), Io’s journey culminates in Egypt, where it becomes an initiatory and mysterious myth, transforming into Isis and giving rise to other esoteric tales passed down to us. The symbol of the Moon below represents the alchemical realization yet to be accomplished. The kiss is only the first step, a call to the word-verb passed down from Master to Disciple.