~WELCOME TO THE ESOTERIC AND ALCHEMY SECTION~
A brief introduction to Alchemy...
When one thinks of alchemy their thoughts instantly turn to such things as Transmutation (the transformation of base metals into gold/silver) the Philosopher's Stone and the Elixir of Life.
But, contrary to popular belief, Alchemy actually has a lot more depth to it. It's roots go back hundreds of years to ancient times and the original symbolism and meaning behind it are a lot deeper and spiritual.
The Early Alchemist's were philosophical, and developed a framework of Esoteric beliefs, using mythology and religion, which was mainly Hermetic or Gnostic.
During it's height in the 15th and 16th centuries, Alchemy was seen as a serious science and was taught in University's around Europe. Kings, Queens and powerful people of that time would hire the services of Alchemists or sponsor their research, ever hopeful of prolonging their riches or their lives. As a consequence many charlatans would use the practice of Alchemy to con vast sums of money from the desperate, and the ignorant of all classes.
It was during this time that Alchemy grew further from it's original spiritual and occultist belief system, although some Alchemist's, such as the German Heinrich Cornelius Aggripa (1486-1535), attempted to bring the practice back to it's original Hermetic principles.
It was all in vain as metallurgy, transmutation, and a new wave of Alchemy (the study of chemistry) made popular by the man known as Philippus Aureolus Paracelcus began appealing to scholars and those seeking wisdom. Alchemy was preparing to evolve once again.
It was in the 17th and 18th centuries that Alchemy underwent it's greatest change. Scholars sought scientific reason behind the practice and the desire for prolonged life, gold and 'ancient wisdoms' were abandoned in favour of studying chemistry, astronomy and making further advancement in understanding the human body, mind and the physical world. Modern science was born!
The 19th century saw a brief revival of the occult principles of ancient Alchemy, but with mainstream science dismissing these notions, it had all but disappeared from Western society......
But, contrary to popular belief, Alchemy actually has a lot more depth to it. It's roots go back hundreds of years to ancient times and the original symbolism and meaning behind it are a lot deeper and spiritual.
The Early Alchemist's were philosophical, and developed a framework of Esoteric beliefs, using mythology and religion, which was mainly Hermetic or Gnostic.
During it's height in the 15th and 16th centuries, Alchemy was seen as a serious science and was taught in University's around Europe. Kings, Queens and powerful people of that time would hire the services of Alchemists or sponsor their research, ever hopeful of prolonging their riches or their lives. As a consequence many charlatans would use the practice of Alchemy to con vast sums of money from the desperate, and the ignorant of all classes.
It was during this time that Alchemy grew further from it's original spiritual and occultist belief system, although some Alchemist's, such as the German Heinrich Cornelius Aggripa (1486-1535), attempted to bring the practice back to it's original Hermetic principles.
It was all in vain as metallurgy, transmutation, and a new wave of Alchemy (the study of chemistry) made popular by the man known as Philippus Aureolus Paracelcus began appealing to scholars and those seeking wisdom. Alchemy was preparing to evolve once again.
It was in the 17th and 18th centuries that Alchemy underwent it's greatest change. Scholars sought scientific reason behind the practice and the desire for prolonged life, gold and 'ancient wisdoms' were abandoned in favour of studying chemistry, astronomy and making further advancement in understanding the human body, mind and the physical world. Modern science was born!
The 19th century saw a brief revival of the occult principles of ancient Alchemy, but with mainstream science dismissing these notions, it had all but disappeared from Western society......
Symbols and art
Since ancient times the story of Alchemy has always been told through symbols and art. This practice became particularly prevalent during the middle ages, with the publication of manuscripts featuring elaborate artwork and symbols.
Some of the popular images of Alchemy include The Green Lion, The Green Dragon, The Hermaphrodite, The Sun, Moon and Cosmos, The Rose, The Phoenix and the King and Queen.
Some of the popular images of Alchemy include The Green Lion, The Green Dragon, The Hermaphrodite, The Sun, Moon and Cosmos, The Rose, The Phoenix and the King and Queen.
Alchemical Symbols
Below are a list of symbols that were extremely important to the practicing Alchemist...
~MY ALCHEMY ARTWORK~
Esoteric and Sacred ScienceEsotericism is found in many belief systems from Alchemy to Taoism. It is generally defined as: 'ideas preserved or understood by a small group or those specially initiated, or a belief system of rare or unusual interest'. It is both ancient and deeply spiritual.
Most Esoteric religions depend on a system of inwardness, mystery, occultism or secrecy as a crucial trait, that is why symbols and artwork are particularly important. To the initiated, these symbols speak of great wisdom and truth and were considered as secret knowledge that only certain groups or individuals were privy to. Sacred Geometry, magic, advanced mathematics and astrology were practiced to achieve 'divine truth' and keep harmony with the natural world and the Cosmos. |
~MORE ARTWORK~
Useful links....
The Alchemy site http://www.levity.com/alchemy/
Thelemapedia http://www.thelemapedia.org/index.php/Main_Page
Crystalinks http://www.crystalinks.com/egyptgodsindex.html
Thelemapedia http://www.thelemapedia.org/index.php/Main_Page
Crystalinks http://www.crystalinks.com/egyptgodsindex.html