The Hunting of the Greene Lyon

The Hunting of the Greene Lyon is an alchemical poem full of complex allegorical and esoteric meanings. Attributed to Abraham Andrews, it was included in 1652 by Elias Ashmole in his Theatrum Chemicum Britannicum, an extensively annotated compilation of English alchemical literature that preserved and made available many works that had previously existed only in privately held manuscripts. Little is known of Abraham Andrews' life. According to some source, he was vicar of Maldon in Essex at the time of Henry V, King of England from 1413 to 1422. Andrews also seems to have written a book called The Bird of Hermes.
A green lion consuming the sun is a common alchemical image and is seen in texts such as the Rosarium philosophorum. The symbol is a metaphor for Aqua Regia (the green lion) consuming matter (the Sun). The lion animal alchemy symbol is held in the highest regards of the tradition. So much so that it symbolizes gold or the Sun - the very highest characteristics of ascension and enlightenment. Furthermore, due to its virility, strength, and perceived courage, the lion was seen as the ultimate protector of alchemical secrets, as well as keeper of the underworld.

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