At the intersection of science and magic we have the Alchemist. Alchemy is the study of transmutation towards perfection: the transformation into the divine. Alchemy thrives at the intersection of science and spirituality, combining chemistry and physics with arts and astrology. Transcendental theories saw alchemy as less scientific, instead a practice of perfection and transformation of the spiritual soul.
The Three Mystical Goals
- The Stone of Wisdom (Philosopher’s Stone) – The philosopher’s stone holds the power of perfection. The stone is all knowing and holds the secrets of the universe. Ancient alchemists believed it capable of transmuting base metals into gold. The pursuit of the stone was known as the “great work.” It’s purpose was attaining spiritual enlightenment and immortality, beyond the physical wealth.
- The Universal Panacea (Elixir of Life) – The stone of wisdom held the secret to immortality. The creation of the Elixir of life. The universal panacea was a legendary remedy sought by alchemists, believed to cure all diseases and prolong life indefinitely.
- The Soul of the World (Anima Mundi) – The soul of the world is the spiritual force that binds and animates everything. Alchemists believed understanding and connecting with the soul of the world, would allow them to commune with spiritual beings. They longed to access deeper levels of reality and wisdom. This pursuit was seen as the culmination of the alchemist’s spiritual journey, where the individual soul is purified and ultimately united with the divine.
The Five Elements
Most of us are familiar with the four elements: fire, water, earth, and air. In alchemy and many spiritual paths, there is a fifth element: quintessence. Quintessence (ether or spirit element) is associated deeply with the three mystical goals. It is the power of the immortal, the holder of all the knowledge in the universe, and to alchemists it was a completely tangible source. Ether naturally moves in perfect circular motion with no opposing force and occupies the celestial realm.
The four elements of fire, air, water, and earth all have their own associations and powers, most of which practitioners have well familiarized themselves with. The flame is a symbol of passion, aggression, protection, and creativity. The air we breathe, the wind that blows us, the smoke that comes from our incense, symbolizes the power of our conscious (inspiration, intellect) and subconscious (intuition) mind. The waves of the ocean and the rain of our skies is overflowing with emotions, love, and desires. The firm land below us, our ground, our rocks, our soil and plants, our symbols of fertility, care, and protection.
The Six Cardinal Directions
Our compasses point in four directions, north, east, south, and west. In alchemy we acknowledge two additional directions: up and down. Each direction is associated with an element and a domain with the final two both being made of ether. As above, so below originates from this concept, commonly associated with modern day Pagans, Hellenists, and Satanists, but tracing back to a powerful text known as The Emerald Tablet.
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