alchemy and quantum physics
Play_Dough, you seem to be avoiding my question. I'm just curious if you have any conjectures on this subject since you mentioned you're interested in quantum physics.
No 'avoidance'.... I have composed a reply and every time I have engaged the 'submit reply' button the page takes me to the 'sign-in' dialogue. There is a technical problem.... after I 're-sign' in the page then redirects me to the main forum page and my post is otherwise lost (?).
Here is my reply ....
Greetings Aleilius!
Yes, I believe that quantum mechanics plays a role in alchemy, the Philosopher's Stone, and transmutation.
Not that alchemists need to be aware of the 'mechanics' of quantum mechanics, but, perhaps, just to notice that both 'alchemy' and 'quantum mechanics' both deal with 'essences' (essences: definition - The intrinsic or indispensable properties that serve to characterize or identify something).
My 'theory', regarding quantum mechanics and alchemy (as a 'unity'), is called, "The Abstract Entity".
The 'abstract entity' is all that remains after everything 'extractable' has been abstracted/extracted (To obtain from a substance by chemical or mechanical action, as by pressure, distillation, or evaporation).
The role of the alchemist (all of this is opinion/theory) is similar to that of the quantum physicist. Each (alchemist and physicist) investigates his or her subject matter with an ever 'deeper and deeper' quest or inquiry.
Then, as the 'disassembly' and observation process proceeds the alchemist parts company with the physicist (physicist - one definition - A believer in the theory that the fundamental phenomena of life are to be explained upon purely chemical and physical principles) and the alchemist becomes a 'Vitalist' or one who believes that life processes arise from or contain a nonmaterial vital principle and cannot be explained entirely as either physical or chemical phenomena.
The 'vital principle' is 'consciousness'.
The alchemist's awareness of 'consciousness' is everpresent and the physicist ignores consciousness and focuses, instead, upon the exclusively physical attributes of phenomena. (A type of paradox because the 'consciousness' of the physicist is thought to be limited to the exclusive role of an 'observer').
The film (DVD) "What the Bleep Do We Know?" (2004) expresses metaphysical and somewhat alchemical views of 'reality' and stresses the importance of 'consciousness' as an active participant in fluctuating quantum states of matter.
It's worth watching (the film).
So..... (opinion) the 'one size fits all theory' (?) is that the 'Blessed Trinity" of alchemy is 'space/time and consciousness' and that 'matter' (i.e., our physical body) is the concretization of 'thought' that can and does (thought forms), create a compelling illusion (a 'captivation')!
The dissolution of that material 'captivation' (captivation of consciousness) is the quest of the alchemist. As the 'stone' is 'consumed' the miraculous manifests ever more potently.
I suppose that the 'scientist/physicist' is primarily concerned with 'how it works' and the alchemist/metaphysician ('meta' = hidden or 'behind') is primarily concerned about 'How to work it'!
(Side Note) Within the quantum level of reality it seems that all of 'matter' is primarily 'air' (empty space) {the ratio of matter to 'space' in an atom approximates 99% 'air' to 1 % 'matter'}.
If there is a 'bottom line' for alchemists (my opinion) it is that we are, essentially, a 'consciousness with material accessories' (stuff). And the job of the alchemist is to get 'Houdini' (consciousness) out of the labyrinth of matter and to restore that 'consciousness' (self) to it's 'original condition'. (Original condition of consciousness = eternal, creative, unique, exists both within and outside of temporal considerations (time), and is possessed of the ability to 'command' and regulate 'matter', etc., etc.).
This (above) is merely a brief sketch, however I have found one most intriguing principle regarding the practice of alchemy.... which is (opinion), as we progress along our path our libraries become smaller (contrary to mundane physics and science) ...... each 'revelation' demonstrates that there is even 'less' to 'know'.... and we continue along our path until we arrive at 'pure consciousness' and an awareness of the creative potency of thought, belief and visualizations.
My apologies if any of the above seems obtuse or ridiculous.
I suppose that my only present wish is to convince all that I am crazy enough to be a member of this most interesting and engaging assemblage.
.
