Alchemy

Alchemy is traced back to ancient Egypt. In Arabic, the word Alchemy means: Al "art of" and Khem "Black Lands". Khem was the name of ancient Egypt. Alchemy therefore translates to "that which pertains to Egypt." Many believe herbalism, mineralogy, natural science, chemistry and medicine evolved from Alchemy. Alchemy is the process of increasing and improving that which already exists--the raising of something's vibration through the act of transmutation. The best known image of Alchemy is the transmutation of lead into gold. From a spiritual perspective, Alchemy is the means whereby the divine potential within a human being is unveiled and manifested.

The most important early alchemical text was the Emerald Tablet. One of its most famous quotes is, "As above, so below." Legend has it that Thoth, the Egyptian god of wisdom, was the founder of Alchemy. Thoth is shown holding an Egyptian caduceus in the Temple of Seti I. This temple dates back to 1300 B.C.

The caduceus, used by modern-day health care practitioners and the American Medical Association, is a symbol long associated with alchemical work. In order for practitioners of Alchemy to become masters, they must understand the elements of nature and have a command over the Elemental Kingdom. The caduceus signifies the integration and balance of the five elements (earth--the rod, fire and water--the two snakes, air--the wings and quintessence/Spirit--the ball).

The seven basic principles of Alchemy are:

1. The universe has a divine origin. The cosmos is an emanation of One Absolute Divine Being. Therefore All is One.
2. All physical manifestation exists by virtue of a Law of Polarity or Duality. Any concept can be sufficiently defined in relation to its opposite (male/female, sun/moon yin/yang).
3. All phyical manifestation, whether Animal, Mineral or Vegetable is composed of Spirit, Soul and Body.
4. Similar to the evolutionary process of Nature, all alchemical work consists of three basic evolutionary processes: separation, purification, and recombination.
5. All matter is composed of the four Elements: Fire, Water, Air, and Earth.
6. Quintessence the fifth Element is contained within the four Elements, but is not one of them.
7. Everything moves towards its preordained state of perfection.

Companion Reading:

• The Tower of Alchemy: An Advanced Guide to the Great Work, by David Goddard
• The Emerald Tablet: Alchemy For Personal Transformation, by Dennis William Hauck