Brooding

To brood over something is to keep it warm while waiting; it involves considering the necessity of time and warmth. Brooding is a symbol of reflection and contemplation, which is an important part of "the work"; not rushing to conclusions, forcing a solution, etc., but allowing time and warmth to do their part, much like when cooking; but also digesting the food that has been eaten. This image recurs in the alchemists' texts. It is a good thing to brood over one's dreams, for example.

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