Alchemists have described the preparation of the philosopher’s stone as ‘woman’s work and child’s play’

"Alchemists have described the preparation of the philosopher’s stone as ‘woman’s work and child’s play’. We must understand that this refers to very specific play and work, relating to the role and vocation of the masculine and feminine principles. The true task of woman is one that man is incapable of performing: to carry her child in the womb and bring it into the world. Whereas ‘child’s play’ is the domain of man: his role is ‘to play’ so that the woman is given this seed to carry and bring to maturity.

So those who wish to fathom the secret of the philosopher’s stone must understand the elements and processes that are set in motion when a man and woman conceive a child, and then, once the child is conceived, they must understand how it is formed in its mother’s womb. The preparation of the philosopher’s stone obeys the same laws as conception and gestation, because the same laws govern the different kingdoms of creation."