Alchemy project

[Luna]

So Stevie's question really intrigued me. I've always been interested in Alchemy, but really haven't researched it before. That being said, I'm going to try and compile a report of sorts about alchemy and it's history, usage, ect. I would like to start by asking you all to write up what you already know about the subject and posting it here for me to better understand where everyone stands on it.

[Belladonnarose]

Well, let me get through finals next week, then I can get all of my research together, since this is an area of passion for me. I was planning on teaching a class on it, actually!!!

When people think of alchemy, they think of turning base metals into gold. And that is definitely what the philosophers of the Middle Ages and Renaissance tried to do. But alchemy has a less literal meaning. At the heart of the tradition is the concept of turning that which is base into that which is pure.

Keep in mind that the alchemical tradition was largely born out of the Hellenistic Age, which was filled with philosophical inquiry as well as scientific exploration. It is from this era that the idea of turning one's base nature into a pure one really took hold, even though it had its beginnings much earlier. The "father of alchemy" is Hermes Trismegistus, and the so-called "Emerald Tablet" is considered a classic text of early alchemists.

Some things to look into when researching:
-THe Orphic Mystery Tradition: one of the areas of my thesis, incidentally. It dealt with purifying the soul throughout several incarnations to rid the self of impurities inherited by the evil actions of the Gods. According to the Orphics, mankind was created from the ashes of the Titans, who killed the infant Dionysus and ate him. Thus, man's body is created by the Titans, while the soul is Dionysiac and pure.
-Look at the Derveni Papyrus, which is an Orphic text dated to at least 300 BCE, if not earlier. Also look at the Corpus Hermeticum. If you see the term "Hermetic" it likely deals with this alchemical belief system.

Some good books on the topic (both old and new):
1. Titus Burckhardt: Alchemy- Science of the Cosmos, Science of the Soul (deals with spiritual alchemy)
2. Brian Cotnoir: The Weiser Concise Guide to Alchemy (more physical alchemy, though there is a little of the ancient philosophy in the first part)
3. St. Germain on Alchemy (St. Germain was an alchemist from the 18th century. Very Christian, but fascinating to see how it was interpreted at that time)
4. Robert Cox: The Philosopher's Stone (a nice overview of different alchemical traditions from antiquity, as well as the author's scientific explorations into alchemy)
5. Robert Allen Bartlett: Real Alchemy (good introduction and guide; includes diretions on how to make various alchemical mixtures)
6. Joseph Farrell: The Philosopher's Stone (looks at 20th century research done by the USA, the Soviets, and Nazis)
7. Timothy Freke: THe Hermetica (Writings attributed to Hermes Trismegistus)
8. The Way of Hermes (Ditto)
9. Dennis William Hauck: The Emerald Tablet (spiritual alchemy; Hauck also wrote Alchemy for Dummies!)
10. Thom Cavalli, PhD: Alchemical Psychology (psychological attempts at spiritual alchemy; Cavalli is also well researched in Jungian psychology)
11. The Kybalion by Three Initiates

Anyways, there is the teaser lol. Again, once I am done studying for finals, I can dig out the official research notes. My area of interest is primarily the spiritual aspects of alchemy, but the physical aspects are fascinating as well!! It's always fun making tinctures and trying not to make things explode on you lol.

[stevie]

nice, i don't know to much but want to learn:)

[Belladonnarose]

Well, Luna and I are working on our little project, and will have our research posted from time to time!!!