Alchemy
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A group to explore the aspects and practical application of Alchemy and Hermetic Teachings. As above, so below...
Members: 517
Latest Activity: May 24
Introduction
Alchemy (Arabic: الخيمياء al-khimia) is both a philosophy and a practice with an aim of achieving ultimate wisdom as well as immortality, involving the improvement of the alchemist as well as the making of several substances described as possessing unusual properties. The practical aspect of alchemy generated the basics of modern inorganic chemistry, namely concerning procedures, equipment and the identification and use of many current substances.
The fundamental ideas of alchemy are said to have arisen in the ancient Persian Empire. Alchemy has been practiced in Mesopotamia, Egypt, Persia (today's Iran), India, China, Japan, and Korea in Classical Greece and Rome, in the Muslim civilizations, and then in Europe up to the 20th century—in a complex network of schools and philosophical systems spanning at least 2500 years.
Watch Alchemy - Sacred Secrets Revealed
Alchemy as a philosophical and spiritual discipline
Alchemy became known as the spagyric art after Greek words meaning to separate and to join together in the 16th century, the word probably being coined by Paracelsus. Compare this with one of the dictums of Alchemy in Latin: SOLVE ET COAGULA — Separate, and Join Together (or dissolve and coagulate).
The best-known goals of the alchemists were the transmutation of common metals into gold (called chrysopoeia) or silver (less well known is plant alchemy, or "spagyric"); the creation of a "panacea", or the elixir of life, a remedy that supposedly would cure all diseases and prolong life indefinitely; and the discovery of a universal solvent. Although these were not the only uses for the discipline, they were the ones most documented and well known. Certain Hermetic schools argue that the transmutation of lead into gold is analogical for the transmutation of the physical body (Saturn or lead) into Solar energy (gold) with the goal of attaining immortality. This is described as Internal Alchemy. Starting with the Middle Ages, Arabic and European alchemists invested much effort in the search for the "philosopher's stone", a legendary substance that was believed to be an essential ingredient for either or both of those goals. Alchemists were alternately persecuted or supported through the centuries. For example in 1317 Pope John 22nd issued a Bull against alchemical counterfeiting, and the Cistercians banned the practice amongst their members. In 1403 Henry 4th of England banned the practice of Alchemy. In the late 14th century Piers the Ploughman and Chaucer both painted unflattering pictures of Alchemists as thieves and liars. By contrast, Rudolf II, Holy Roman Emperor, in the late 16th century, sponsored various alchemists in their work at his court in Prague.
Some people suppose that Alchemists made mundane contributions to the "chemical" industries of the day—ore testing and refining, metalworking, production of gunpowder, ink, dyes, paints, cosmetics, leather tanning, ceramics, glass manufacture, preparation of extracts, liquors, and so on (it seems that the preparation of aqua vitae, the "water of life", was a fairly popular "experiment" among European alchemists). In reality, although Alchemists contributed distillation to Western Europe, they did little for any known industry. Goldsmiths knew long before Alchemists appeared how to tell what was good gold or fake, and industrial technology grew by the work of the artisans themselves, rather than any Alchemical helpers.
Several early alchemists, such as Zosimos of Panopolis, are recorded as viewing alchemy as a spiritual discipline, and in the Middle Ages, metaphysical aspects increasingly came to be viewed as the true foundation of the art. Organic and inorganic chemical substances, physical states, and molecular material processes as mere metaphors for spiritual entities, spiritual states and ultimately, transformations. In this sense, the literal meanings of 'Alchemical Formulas' were a blind, hiding their true spiritual philosophy, which being at odds with the Medieval Christian Church was a necessity that could have otherwise led them to the "stake and rack" of the Inquisition under charges of heresy. Thus, both the transmutation of common metals into gold and the universal panacea symbolized evolution from an imperfect, diseased, corruptible and ephemeral state towards a perfect, healthy, incorruptible and everlasting state; and the philosopher's stone then represented a mystic key that would make this evolution possible. Applied to the alchemist himself, the twin goal symbolized his evolution from ignorance to enlightenment, and the stone represented a hidden spiritual truth or power that would lead to that goal. In texts that are written according to this view, the cryptic alchemical symbols, diagrams, and textual imagery of late alchemical works typically contain multiple layers of meanings, allegories, and references to other equally cryptic works; and must be laboriously "decoded" in order to discover their true meaning.
Discussion Forum
The Hermetic Museum
Started by Chris Jackson. Last reply by MarkostheGnostic Mar 27. 2 Replies 0 Likes
Highly recommend this for any student of the art. It's vast amount of information put together by A. E. Waite, gives us an all in one library of the operation to the great work. Any comment or conclusion about this work is welcomed.Continue
The Importance Of Alchemy.
Started by Jean Altime. Last reply by Jean Altime Mar 17. 2 Replies 1 Like
Science like most subjects have very humble beginnings. Alchemy was one of them. Science over the years has gone very materialistic and reductionistic. It will fight to destroy anything that relates to delusional understanding about the world like…Continue
Natures Wisdom
Started by Dean Marston. Last reply by Dean Marston Feb 23. 5 Replies 1 Like
What do you think are the greatest wisdoms we can learn direct from nature?Continue
INTRODUCTION TO ALCHEMY IN JUNGIAN PSYCHOLOGY, BY IONA MILLER
Started by Denisa Šmid. Last reply by One Eternal Flame Feb 7. 1 Reply 2 Likes
INTRODUCTION TO ALCHEMYIN JUNGIAN PSYCHOLOGYand, Alchemical Imagination: Making Psyche Matterby Iona Miller, 1986Prepared as a class for Spring Quarter 1986, Rogue Community College. This class provided feedback and interaction which fed into my…Continue
Splendor of the Sun: Alchemical Treatises of Solomon Trismosin (Adept and Teacher of Paracelsus)
Started by steve. Last reply by Jeldro Pares Jan 16. 4 Replies 2 Likes
This Book is NamedSplendor SolisorSplendour of the SunAlchemical Treatises of Solomon TrismosinAdept and Teacher of ParacelsusAnd is divided into seven parts, in which is described the Hidden Mystery of the old Philosophers, as well as all that…Continue
Tags: splendor, solis, trismosen, solomon, paracelsus
ALCHEMY - Huge Image Collection
Started by steve. Last reply by GlowPotion Mar 17. 6 Replies 8 Likes
Much can be learned about alchemy just from it's imagery alone. Study, Learn & Enjoy! Slideshows:…Continue
Tags: art, alchemical, alchemy
Aula lucis (The House of Light.)
Started by ☤Tris☤ Nov 9, 2011. 0 Replies 0 Likes
Aula lucis, or, The House of Light.Thomas Vaughan Aula lucis, or, The House of Light: A discourse written in the year 1651... London, Printed by William Leake, 1652. This transcription has been made from the A.E. Waite edition of the works of Thomas…Continue
The Creation of Elixirs (HD Video)
Started by ☤Tris☤. Last reply by ☤Tris☤ Oct 23, 2011. 2 Replies 3 Likes
An excerpt from the film Solve Et Coagula, The Creation of Elixirs is a summary of Plant Alchemy or Spagyrics, and goes into some practical methods for getting started in the Sacred Art and Science. Continue
Roots of Alchemy
Started by Adam Kadmon Oct 11, 2011. 0 Replies 0 Likes
The essence of strange and complex phenomenon of Alchemy is elusive,…Continue
Tags: Convergence, Psychology, Philosophy, Creed, Craft
An excellent Alchemical slideshow
Started by ☤Tris☤ Aug 21, 2011. 0 Replies 0 Likes
Accelerator has uploaded some fantastic alchemical imagery, very high-quality as well. I thought I would provide the embedded slideshow,…Continue
Tags: slideshow, alchemical
Comment Wall
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Comment by neuthral on March 28, 2012 at 12:46am -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mqRG9voZT3M&feature=related
Robert Cox: Alchemy and History Lecture 1
A spontaneous overview of the roots of alchemy as embedded in the relationship between matter and consciousness. From the point of view of the Vedic seers to the Hermetic sages, the philosophic significance of the great dictum from the Emerald Table, "That which is Below corresponds to that which is Above, and that which is Above corresponds to that which is Below, in the accomplishment of the miracle of one thing," is unpacked and comprehensively elaborated.
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Comment by Alfred Sylvester on March 5, 2012 at 8:36pm -
Hi Tris, Your right above where you comment that alchemy is about the Fall of man. Much of it is exactly about that. it was believed man was Created without Spirit. Babtism is a way to regain Spirit. But, alchemy is about Spirit also, that is what we collect from the sun to perfct matter. matter is also one of your comments. It is all about perfecting matter with the sun. Again is what is important in the E. T. Vapor must circulate in the sun again and again for 16 months to perfect matter. It is a work of the sun!! That "Vapor" is the same that you recieve Spirit from in Baptism, and alchemy is where that Idea came from Originally!!
Im not going to comment on your group, few know much about what alchemy is really about, and so there is no place for me there.
best,
Al
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Comment by ☤Tris☤ on February 23, 2012 at 11:03am -
Just wanted to provide a quick note that I will be starting lessons on Alchemy - Sunday March 4th at 6pm(18:00) Central Standard Time.
The scheduled discussion will also be around the topic of Alchemy in general, and will go into the basics of the Alchemical Tradition, covering it's known history and elementary concepts that helped to form this Sacred Art.
For more information:
http://www.esotericonline.net/events/scheduled-chat-alchemy-lesson-...
Hope to see you there!
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Comment by Paul Bartscher on January 29, 2012 at 11:06pm
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Yes , keep in mind your Qabalistic studies as you read it.
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Comment by GlowPotion on January 29, 2012 at 10:30pm
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Comment by Paul Bartscher on January 29, 2012 at 8:53pm
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Hello Wisa : in 30 years of being a part of the work and having met and work with many philosophers of nature . I have never met 2 that have the same reason or philosophy for striving to succeed in the Great Art. I would recommend the book The Golden Chain of Homerus .
Strength & Wisdom
Paul
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Comment by Being on January 29, 2012 at 5:23pm -
A friend once requested this:
I would be grateful for any suggestions on texts that would be useful as a path into alchemical study. I have a strong interest in cabbalistic
materials and also in the possibility of seeking truth as continually valid
pursuit in spite of the general attack on such views by much contemporary philosophy.
So far I have read one text The Hermetic Art which talks of the various
stages in the alchemical great work the red dragon, vulgar metals : real
metals etc.*****
" as processes of the soul rather than as physical operations on a
substance external to onesself - is this a generally held view or not?"
Many Thanks - J.K.
*
" as processes of the soul rather than as physical operations on a
substance external to oneself - is this a generally held view or
not?"
Jon,I can only address this last part of your inquiry. Apparently there is diverse beliefs in this group. I speak for my own Truth. That is that the true purpose of Alchemy can be done successfully both in the physical and in the spiritual but the chemical part can not truly be successful without metamorphosis of the Spirit and that will affect the body, the body of circumstances and that last category includes "lab developments" - as in the making of the Stone of the Wise/Elixir/Gold.
Below are excerpt from previous notes that I have submitted to this forum.
All the Mystical sciences are also and primarily - "tangents in" toward
understanding who you are and becoming that. The Secret of the Universe,
of all the ages, is that everything, being and symbol is literally You.
You are all there is and you are now striving to recollect your SELF!
Wisa
And :
Every tangent in has great value or a degree of it.
I would like to make a statement .
No matter what else we do... like work in the lab, there is the essense
of what we are working on and it is I. I am the vessel, I am the stone, I
am in process of change and becoming. I would be and am the touchstone and would be the elixer of life.I as Mankind and as who I AM. Also I - AS WHO YOU ARE - WHICH IS - "I AM".
I am thus also the Hermetic vessel . The chemistry is in and working on
Me. The physical exertions have their value but the pineal gland at the
base of my brain is transmuting into the Stone of the Wise.
As a Hermetic Vessel, I claim to BE signed, sealed, liberated, and delivered...into Freedom. Therefore when discussion goes round to growth and transcendence through understanding through this forum, it is not off the mark of
Alchemy. It is just which aspect is being discussed at the moment. They
are corresponded.
And: that portion that states above "the Stone could be found only as a result of divine favor..." This is true of all the creative genius tangents into "Divine Art". For Man might elect and strive but without "BLESSINGS/GRACE" there will be hinderance in the processing of Desire / Quest toward Wisdom/Stone/Transmutation."
And:
Notice this Golden Dawn excerpt:
" is placing his/her self into the Alchemical furnace and is then far more prepared to
apply him/her self to the Great Work in the higher grades."
Placing his/her self into the Alchemical furnace - The fire that does not burn..(read some mythical references to Isis and her adventures to find her dead husband). This is once again referring to Alchemical Process working on the body of Man.
Wisa
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Comment by Conscious Awareness~Dark Shadow on January 20, 2012 at 8:19am -
Greetings companions in Existence. It is a pleasure to be here, hope to conversate with yous soon and collaborate to the movement. Any tips and/or suggestions at any moment will be accepted with much gratitude. Many blessings to all, ~ Namaste
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Comment by Being on January 7, 2012 at 4:30pm
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The Boil-Up - Fermentation
Ah, the experience of the boil-up. How many of us know full well the times that everything explodes in our faces and it becomes hard to describe how many things can go wrong and come to the surface at one time? Can one comprehend the function of such happenings? Where is the good in this experience? Of course, we have to take care of things as best as we are able so as not to go under, succumb or give up become paralyzed and sink in the quick sand or turn into an aggressive raving maniac or some such creature.
The boil-up =s the potency of the Work in body, mind and circumstances. Capricorn presents an opportunity for an antidote to bondage which is levity/mirth.
Fermentation is change coming about and that change will involve the Corporeal Intelligence. A chemical change takes place in the blood - Alteration is occuring. It is a time of excitement - seething aliveness. It is time to devote oneself to the Truth and the Work which is meditation and recollection and application of the extracted principles into your everyday life. It is a time for constant invention ("I can" - brings rewards of increased power as the old personality disintegrates and a new Persona (regenerated personality) is brought forth (birthed.)
Got goose pimples, boils, erruptions, scales???? The mantle of skin is a body part associated with this stage of Alchemy!
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Comment by Denisa Šmid on January 6, 2012 at 10:18am -
Athanasius Kircher (1601 or 1602 – 1680) (sometimes erroneously spelled Kirchner) was a 17th century German Jesuit scholar who published around 40 works, most notably in the fields of oriental studies,geology, and medicine. Kircher has been compared to fellow Jesuit Roger Boscovichand to Leonardo da Vinci for his enormous range of interests, and has been honoured with the title "master of a hundred arts"
As stated on the book Talisman of Graham Hancock and Robert Bauval ( Recommended ) Athanasius Kircher was well related with the Invisible college ( Royal society ) founded by an English Freemason, Sir Robert Moray.
Notice that in the logo of the Jesuits is the symbol of Saturn
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