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Learning centre
| Alchemy
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For many, alchemy has been thought of as the secret process of turning lead into
gold.
As we will explore further, it has a deeper,
philosophical meaning that is very much about
transformation. |
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The origins of alchemy
Alchemy has been enticing interest
since ancient Egypt and classical Greece. Historically, the word alchemy comes from
the Arabian word al-kimia, which refers to the preparation of 'Elixir' or 'Stone'
by the Egyptians.
Kimia in turn, comes
from the Coptic word khem, which referred to the fertile black Nile delta soil
as well as the dark mystery of the primordial First Matter (the Khem).
This gives us the origins of the word 'chemistry'.
Alchemy is essentially about transformation,
from a primal, raw beginning
towards perfection.
What are the
Alchemy symbols?
Over the centuries, many different symbols have been used in
alchemy. Even the
astronomical symbols of the planets were used to represent
the elemental metals.
As alchemists
became persecuted, particularly in medieval times, secret
symbols were invented. This led to a great deal of confusion, so
there is now some overlap of symbols.
The symbols used today are the same as those used in the
17th
century. |
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What are the Alchemy ingredients and tools?
The alchemical process starts with
Primal Matter. Primal matter consists of Philosophic Sulphur
and Philosophic Mercury. This is combined with salt
in the Alembic and heated in Athanor
to eventually be refined into gold and silver.
Alchemy ingredients and tools
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Primal Matter
Philosophic Sulphur
Philosophic Mercury
Salt as the catalyst
Gold
Silver
the Alembic
the Athanor |
the
basic raw material
masculine
feminine
represented
by the god Mercury
King, masculine, Sun
Queen, feminine, Moon
a transparent glass vessel
a furnace |
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Element |
Properties |
Symbol |
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Earth |
Solid, fixed, dry, cold, melancholy |
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Water |
Liquid, volatile, wet, cold,
phlegmatic |
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Fire |
Gaseous, fixed, dry, hot, choleric |
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Air |
Gaseous, volatile, wet, hot, sanguine |
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Principle |
Properties |
Represents |
Symbol |
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Sulphur
(Sulfur or brimstone) |
Evaporation
Dissolution |
the expansive force |
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Salt |
Condensation
Crystallization |
the contractive force |
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Mercury |
Dynamic
Equilibrium
Circulation |
the integrative force
balances salt and sulphur |
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References:
http://chemistry.about.com/od/alchemicalsymbols
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY
Pisces
The fish
i
19 Feb - 20 Mar
You are:
* compassionate & kind
* funny & imaginative
* sensitive & shy
Crystals for Pisces are:
*
Amethyst
*
Chevron Amethyst
* Bloodstone
*
Clear Quartz
*
Fluorite
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