Alchemy

The 12 Keys of Basil Valentine

(This page is at Ancient Wisdom New Millenium)

The 7 Stages of Transformation

The 7 Steps of Alchemy - Deepak Choprah

Alchemy is so multifaceted that any definition restricts alchemy to a particular view or excludes aspects that should come within the realm of the alchemical. One cannot reduce alchemy to practical laboratory work, or to interior meditative work with symbols, or to being only a spiritual pursuit. Anthropological, Jungian, esoteric, history of science, semiotic, or other interpretations, are only ways of looking at alchemy. In recent years some people have tended to use the term in a very broad sense.

Definitions of alchemy tend to reflect individual's underlying philosophical preconception. Perhaps it is best if we found our view of alchemy on the body of alchemical writings, the manuscripts and printed books that constitute and embody the alchemical tradition. This body of alchemical knowledge, preserved in many libraries throughout the world, is probably the securest foundation on which to build a view of alchemy. Those who do not found their opinions and perceptions on this body of tradition, are often drawn to airy speculations and personal belief systems, which cannot be investigated and researched, but only accepted through an act of belief. This was not the way of the alchemists of previous centuries - they did not rely merely on belief, but were constantly investigating, exploring the texts and ideas of previous generations of alchemists, and struggled in their own writings to find their own truth.

We should beware of any one-dimensional interpretation or definition of alchemy. When alchemy is reduced to a simple interpretation, we can be sure someone is trying to pull the wool over our eyes.

The Alchemy Web Site This is so far the best site I've found on Alchemy and has much more information than I could possibly ever put here. If you are interested in Alchemy, please visit this website.