Alchemy Symbols: Tools of the Secret Science
Alchemy symbols are remarkable, for they seemed like classic works of art instead of symbolisms. What comes to mind when you think of this mystical science and philosophy originally called by its Arabic term al-kimiya? For me it evokes
robed and hooded hermits
magic potions
secret laboratories
esoteric knowledge
strange contraptions
vivid illustrations of the sun, moon, stars and dragons biting their own tails
What can these symbols do for you?
Alchemy symbols can deepen your awareness of the unmanifested, the spirit and the soul.
Alchemy and its symbols can boost your focusing ability, taking advantage of the mind's desire to absorb and study new ideas and images.
They are great instruments to use for meditation.
They can stimulate or relax the mind with their unique, fantastical depictions.
Alchemy is rife with intriguing, powerful symbolisms. You may have already heard of the well-known depiction of Alchemy, which is the quest to create the Philosopher's stone. According to legend, this stone enables one to convert a base metal like lead into a more refined material, such as gold.
Did you know that alchemists are really philosophers deeply involved in a
more challenging process? Their objective to create the Philosopher's
stone is really a quest to refine the body, mind and spirit through the
enlightenment of the soul.
Like most sacred symbols, alchemical symbols present the soul and the
divine, which many of us tend to disregard in favor of the material or
tangible reality.
I've always been fascinated by medieval alchemical emblems and illustrations. I think
the
most powerful reminders of Alchemy are its ancient manuscripts with
symbolic illustrations of smiling suns, crescent moons and strange words
floating about or in soft, willowy banners or in orbs. I love to draw
them when I was in school a long time ago, and they are still popular as
art prints, stationery, digital graphics, and book covers today.
There
are thousands of alchemical symbols and symbolic illustrations
discovered to date. I hope you will forgive me if I pick only a few that
I feel give the greatest impact, beauty and energy. While gazing at
these symbols, or any symbol, always remember that they affect you
quietly, in a subtle manner. You may or may not feel anything, but they
hit you nonetheless. Just relax and let their wisdom work gently
through you!
Your alchemical journey begins now! Please check back for the meanings of alchemical symbols, which I am currently busy building:-)
If you would like to read more about Alchemy, see the quick facts here.
You can also go back to the Symbolisms homepage from this Alchemy Symbols page.
