How to get into the Weird, Wild, Wise, Wide Sacred Science of Alchemy ?

[Salazius]

"cornucopia of insights"

Cool expression. Very inspiring one. Very Alchemical also.

 

[Primera Hebi]

Where does one start? Many recommend that I read alchemical text, but where does a complete beginner who knows very little about the beliefs and terms of alchemy start? Physical and Spiritual aspects (yes, I know I may have to read about each aspect seperately, but which book). Some recommend I read an "intro" book (e.g. The Complete Idiot's Guide to Alchemy). Others say I should read the "classics."

First line of business, introduction book or straight into classic works?

Second of all, if I were to go straight to one of the classics, which one do I read first? Which one will explain/describe the fundamentals? Which one will I learn terms and such from?

Thank you for your time.

~Primera Hebi~

 

[Krisztian]

Where does one start?

I'm assuming you intend on pursuing laboratory alchemy, correct?

Read Bartlett's, Stavish's, Cotnoir's, or Dubuis' reflection on what alchemy is. Jack Glass also teaches well. Know the theory first.

Secondly, perhaps find a teacher who can initiate. Alchemy is initiatory in nature, or at least it is for me.

What's your current interest in pursuing alchemy, Primera Hebi?

 

[Primera Hebi]

I'm assuming you intend on pursuing laboratory alchemy, correct?

Read Bartlett's, Stavish's, Cotnoir's, or Dubuis' reflection on what alchemy is. Jack Glass also teaches well. Know the theory first.

Secondly, perhaps find a teacher who can initiate. Alchemy is initiatory in nature, or at least it is for me.

What's your current interest in pursuing alchemy, Primera Hebi?

Well, I came to this forum wishing to learn about the laboratory, but now I have became interested in it all (a good thing, I suppose). And will those authors you mentioned define/mention the things I must first learn? Also, my current interest is... All of it. I wish to learn about it all. The spiritual and physical.

 

[Lo!]

Honestly I'd recommend reading the kyballion. Seriously you can download it from amazon for 99 cents and it's a great crash course on hermeticism.

 

[Awani]

I always recommend The Emerald Tablet. I do this mainly because that was the door I went through when I went in to all this alchemy business.

 

[Awani]

Honestly I'd recommend reading the kyballion. Seriously you can download it from amazon for 99 cents and it's a great crash course on hermeticism.

Don't even need to pay that.

Kybalion, The by Three Initiates (pdf) - a key text and a good introduction to Hermetic principles.

I also like:

Alchemy Rediscovered and Restored by Archibald Cockren

You can find more free texts in the link below:

Alchemy PDF's & E-books

 

[Primera Hebi]

Honestly I'd recommend reading the kyballion. Seriously you can download it from amazon for 99 cents and it's a great crash course on hermeticism.

Ok I will look into that! Quick question, must I have any prerequisite knowledge to understand?

I always recommend The Emerald Tablet. I do this mainly because that was the door I went through when I went in to all this alchemy business.

I will also look into this. I saw it at my local library the other day

Thank you all for your responses and recommendations.

EDIT: On the topic of "The Emerald Tablet", are you recommending the one by Dennis Hauck or the one by Hermes?

 

[Awani]

EDIT: On the topic of "The Emerald Tablet", are you recommending the one by Dennis Hauck or the one by Hermes?

Well I mean the Hermes one

But the Hauck book is very good for beginners... but beware that its focus is on the spiritual aspects, nothing on the practical really (depends on what interests you).

 

[Krisztian]

Quick question, must I have any prerequisite knowledge to understand?

Alchemy is guided by a process of sequential initiatory experiences - that's been my journey. So, one needs to 'let go', surrender to what will come your way, be open to where it 'pulls' you. . . and in a very natural fashion follow the trail. Whatever you read; that will open new doors.

Trust yourself. Alchemy is a way of life. It'll confront your insecurities, your 'shadow', will need to overcome 'locked doors' so to speak within yourself.

Others can point the way, to this and to that (which is valid), but essentially alchemy is about illumination! Of your self.

 

[Primera Hebi]

Well I mean the Hermes one

But the Hauck book is very good for beginners... but beware that its focus is on the spiritual aspects, nothing on the practical really (depends on what interests you).

Thats what I figured... I just wanted to be sure. I think I will read the one by Hermes so I get accustomed to the traditional beliefs and theories. Much thanks.

Alchemy is guided by a process of sequential initiatory experiences - that's been my journey. So, one needs to 'let go', surrender to what will come your way, be open to where it 'pulls' you. . . and in a very natural fashion follow the trail. Whatever you read; that will open new doors.

Trust yourself. Alchemy is a way of life. It'll confront your insecurities, your 'shadow', will need to overcome 'locked doors' so to speak within yourself.

Others can point the way, to this and to that (which is valid), but essentially alchemy is about illumination! Of your self.

Very deep advice... I will be sure to think about that as I continue my journey. Thank you.

 

[Dreamer]

I've seen this term used a lot in alchemical literature. I understand this to mean the work in creating the philosopher's stone. I've also heard it said that the Great Work is the 3 transformations made possible by alchemy. The transformation of the interior, the transformation of the exterior, and the transformation of time itself.

I'm curious about what this community's thoughts are on the Great Work.

 

[Tannur]

I'm curious about what this community's thoughts are on the Great Work.

In alchemy, the great work is just the work of producing the Philosopher's Stone, yes. It is called "great" to distinguish it from lesser works:

"II. We call it Circulatum, because, tho ever so often used in any Extraction, or Chymical Experiment what-ever, it loses nothing of its Quality, or Property: which is a Prerogative, pertaining to the Universal Elixir, called also the Circulatum majus, because it commands in all the three Kingdoms of Nature; whilst this, being restrained to one only Kingdom, is for that reason called Minus."
(my emphasis)

Source: Circulatum Minus by Urbigerus

 

[Blacksmith]

This is a Phoenix-thread from the old site created by raedotted.

I can only hope that people will allow themselves to question their understanding of the philosophy of Alchemy, especially if they attempt the practice it. The best way I have found for myself to move forward in alchemy is to start with the basics, and as skill and experience allows - the more complicated and difficult operations can be attempted. The one thing I think is really important to ask people pursuing alchemy is, "What is your motivation for practicing alchemy?" Often times it is for the wrong reasons people pursue alchemy. They seek to make either gold directly, or to make money by commercializing alchemical products. They try and take shortcuts, thinking they can skip a step here and there.

Since alchemy has no set rituals, no lodges, or methods of advancement other than the Work itself, all initiation is said to be interior in this form of esotericism. We initiate ourselves into the Work, and the Work initiates us to higher (and deeper) levels of awareness. The evolvement of the soul through alchemy is a very personal and private affair that occurs almost always when we are alone.

First, we labor to obtain a minimum of seven plant elixirs that will gently harmonize our energies with those of the universe. Once they are gently harmonized we seek to powerfully transform ourselves with even more powerful elixirs, and tinctures of the vegetable kingdom. These are named in order of their initiatory power: Magisteries, the Ens, and finally Opus Minor or Vegetable Stone. So once you are taking the seven planetary elixirs, you can begin making the Magisteries - one for each day. Once you are taking the seven Magisteries, you can make seven Ens tinctures. Once you are taking the seven Ens, you can make the Vegetable Stone. Once you have made the Vegetable Stone, you have mastered the Vegetable Kingdom, and your lower natures.

Second, we seek to gain first hand knowledge of the operations and works of Nature. This way one can understand the essential unity of all creation. By exploring materials in the laboratory, we can understand the more subtle realms preceding the physical manifestation. Here is where there are many interesting paths to explore and each one sheds light on another as we learn to work with nature.

Third, we seek the Philosophers Stone. Along the way we work with the Metallic Kingdom which provides many insights, and medicines of the most powerful kind. However, the Philosophers Stone is the highest achievement in alchemy, representing the ultimate understanding and application of the operative forces of Nature.

Hence we become thrice greatest, having understood the operations and works of Nature. This is more rewarding than anything else, because it takes those things esteemed as worthless to most common people, and makes them the most prized treasures. It makes the things prized commonly to be most valuable, worthless to the alchemist. This makes a man humble and without hubris. In this way great works can be wrought, and miracles can be manifested. The sick can be cured, the ignorant can be educated, and the mind can be made as clear as crystal. That is one of the many promises of Real Alchemy.

Your Brother in Alchemy,
Raedotted

What is the practical distinction between an elixir and a magisterie, and where can I learn more?