The Spiritual Side of Alchemy?

Most people have at least heard of alchemy, although few probably understand exactly what it is. The word conjures up the image of magicians and sequestered wizards mixing together chemicals in their flasks and distillation equipment. But in reality, alchemy is part art and part science, the originator of what we know as chemistry.

While the Medieval alchemists were known for their attempts, and some would claim, their actual success, at changing or transmuting lead or other materials into silver and gold. Their ultimate quest was the Philosopher's Stone, that culmination of their years and years of work in their dungeon labs. This Philosopher's Stone was supposed to represent the ultimate power over the universe, bending it to the will of the alchemist. With the Stone, he could cure disease and extend life, effectively transmuting themselves into becoming immortal.

The ancients used their knowledge of astrology, astronomy, science, nature and mysticism to work their magic. The practice of alchemy is quite ancient indeed, having been practiced in Egypt, Greece, and the Arab countries. The word as we know it today, in fact, originates from an Arab word. But no matter what the origin of the 'art', it was widely practiced, mainly in a religious sense for the personal transmutation of the alchemist. His goal was to achieve an inner perfection and to become one with God.

Physical alchemy is the process of distilling out essential oils and salts from a range of plants and minerals. There are various reasons for doing this, and if you ask modern day alchemists why they practice their 'art', they'll give you myriad reasons. Some are curious, some believe they can transmute substances into gold and some just want to relive the ancients who came before them.