𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝗔𝗟𝗖𝗛𝗘𝗠𝗬?

The art of alchemy was handed down through the centuries from Egypt and Arabia to Greece and Rome, and finally to western and central Europe.

The word is derived from the Arabian phrase "al-kimia," which refers to the preparation of the Stone or Elixir by the Egyptians.

The Arabic root "kimia" comes from the Coptic "khem" that alluded to the fertile black soil of the Nile delta. Esoterically and hieroglyphically, the word refers to the dark mystery of the primordial or First Matter (the Khem).

Simplified, the aims of the alchemists were threefold: to find the Stone of Knowledge (The Philosophers' Stone), to discover the medium of Eternal Youth and Health, and to discover the transmutation of metals.

To the medieval alchemist's mind the different elements were but the same original substance in varying degrees of purity. Gold was the purest of all and silver followed closely.

In the early days of alchemy, the astronomical signs of the planets were also used as alchemical symbols. Then in the centuries of medieval persecution and suppression every alchemist invented his own secret symbols.

Alchemy is also defined as the process of taking something ordinary and turning it into something extraordinary, sometimes in a way that cannot be explained.

An example of using alchemy is a person who takes a pile of scrap metal and turns it into beautiful art.

Alchemy was also seen as an early scientific practice. It is considered a forerunner of chemistry, based on the transformation of matter. Its early focus was on transmuting base metals into gold and discovering an elixir that could prolong life. The attempt to transmute lead into gold, for example, has sparked people’s imaginations for thousands of years.

Overtime alchemy split into two branches: one focused on the mystical and the other focused on the material aspect.

Alchemy has continued to have an influence on modern day chemistry, psychology, alternative healing practices, and the occult.

This is a practical guide to alchemy and its modern day uses.