Product Description Alchemy?the ancient science that aims to transform various substances into different and more noble elements?remains one of the most misunderstood of the great wisdom traditions. Often scorned as a deceptive pseudo-science practiced by the greedy in pursuit of gold, alchemy is gaining renewed recognition by many today as a legitimate way to understand certain workings of nature. It is also seen as a complex key to our understanding of humanity's relationship to the universe and a means of improving our health and well-being. The Book of Alchemy teaches its readers how to penetrate the obscure symbolic language of the alchemists . . . understand how alchemical transformation can initiate a profound change of consciousness, claimed by practitioners to bring eventual union with the Divine . . . practice traditional meditations and exercises . . . prepare herbal alchemical elixirs to benefit the body . . . and discover how the alchemists' search for purity can become a twenty-first-century model for spiritual development. Readers will also find helpful meditations, brilliant illustrations of alchemical emblems, and instructions for making beneficial alchemical potions from easy-to-obtain herbs. The author shows readers how to harness the powers claimed for alchemy to improve their physical, spiritual, and mental well-being. Approximately 130 full-color illustrations.
Customer Reviews:
As Above, So Below... April 11, 2005 12 out of 12 found this review helpful
"The Book of Alchemy" is a wonderfully illustrated, yet brief introduction to the world of the alchemists and their ancient quest to find The Philosopher's Stone, The Elixir of Life, and Oneness with the Universe. This little book serves as a nice entry into this rather voluminous and complex material for the novice occultist or neophyte alchemist.
This book essentially gives an overview of the history of the Great Work, from its mythical origins in ancient Egypt with Hermes Trismegistus, to modern practitioners of the art today. Along the way we are treated to a miriad of beautiful color images and emblems from some of the most famous alchemical books and manuscripts. The book also gives a short introduction to some of the most famous alchemists and their quest for the Philosopher's Stone. Here we find the likes of Nicholas Flamel, Robert Fludd, Paracelsus, John Dee and even scientific giants like Issac Newton and Robert Boyle, both of whom were known to have dabbled heavily in alchemy. The book also gives insight into the archetypal imagery that pervades alchemical lore and the symbolism that hints at the secret meaning of the 'Great Work'.
This book is meant for those who may not have a deep grounding in the history of alchemy and those who are fluent in its mysteries may find it somewhat superficial. Nevertheless, it is enjoyable for anyone interested in what some have called the precusor to modern science, but even more importantly, alchemy represents the first true attempts by mankind to explore the unknown mysteries of the universe.
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