A Short Lexicon of Alchemy: Explaining the Chief Terms Used by Paracelsus and Other Hermetic Philosophers
A. E. Waite
Publisher: Holmes
Paperback
Natas
Hermetico-alchemical knowledge has been described as a “sacred” science, but the prevailing designation that better characterizes it is that of Ars Regia or “Royal Art.” . . . It is no accident that the hermeto-alchemical tradition should call itself the Royal Art, and that it chose Gold as a central royal and solar symbol, which at the same time takes us back to the primordial Tradition. Such a tradition presents itself to us essentially as the guardian of a light and a dignity that cannot be reduced to the religious-sacerdotal vision of the world. And if there is no talk in this tradition (as in a cycle of other myths) of discovering, but only of making it, that only goes to show how important, the already indicated sense of reconquest and reconstruction, the heroic moment had become. . . . With the fall of the Roman Empire, the predominating principles of the West went on to become the basis for the other tradition—the sacerdotal—which in its decadence was almost completely stripped of its entire esoteric and metaphysical range in order to convert itself into a doctrine of “salvation” in the name of a “Redeemer.” Things being so, the hermetists, in contrast to other iniatory organizations that were tributaries of the same secret royal vein, instead of coming out into the light and presenting themselves for battle, chose to go into hiding. And the Royal Art was presented as the alchemical art of transmuting base metals into gold and silver. By so doing it no longer fell under the suspicion of heresy, and even with the faith; even among the ranks of Catholics we can discern the enigmatic figures of hermetic masters, from Raymond Lully and Albertus Magnus to Abbot Pernety.
— Julius Evola, from The Hermetic Tradition: Symbols and Teachings of the Royal Art
Reviews
Alchemical Medicine
Paracelsus
“A practical manual of the formulas used in this most arcane of healing arts.”
Publisher: Holmes
Paperback
Alchemical Symbols and Secret Alphabets
C.J.S. Thompson
“A particularly useful and valuable reference tool.”
Publisher: Holmes
Paperback
Illustrated
The Alchemist's Handbook
Frater Albertus
There has been much discussion as to actually what alchemy is. Jung wrote about it as a wonderful allegory for the development of the soul and examined the tradition's psychological factors. Some think the alchemical formula of solve et coagula (divide and rejoin) is a metaphor for the creative process. Others think the idea of transformation stems from the transubstantiation that Catholics believe takes place at Mass. All these things could easily be said while ignoring one simple fact—alchemists really did spend hours tinkering with their alembics while attempting the Great Work. This slim volume is an interesting introduction to the practical aspects of alchemy as it is practiced today. Frater Albertus starts with illustrating the manner in which plant materials can be processed alchemically. Through these practical examples he introduces the three elements of alchemy: salt, mercury and sulfur. Other chapters deal with alchemical symbols and history. This book is sure to give pleasure to both the neophyte and the experienced reader of alchemical lore. MM
Publisher: Weiser
Paperback: 124 pages
Alchemy
Franz Hartmann
“A very clear exposition of the principles of alchemy.”
Publisher: Holmes
Paperback
The Aurora of the Philosophers
Paracelsus
“Concerns the ancient Magi, the Secret Fire, and the origin of the Philosopher's Stone.”
Publisher: Holmes
Paperback
Coelum Philosophorum: The Book of Hermetic Vexation
Paracelsus
“The science and nature of alchemy and of what opinion should be formed thereof according to Paracelsus the Great.”
Publisher: Holmes
Paperback
The Diary of John Dee
John Dee
“The private diary and catalog of his library of manuscripts. Very illuminating for studies involving the inner teaching of Dee.”
Publisher: Holmes
Paperback
Illustrated
Fulcanelli: Master Alchemist—Le Mystère des Cathedrals, Esoteric Interpretation of the Hermetic Symbols of The Great Work
Fulcanelli
To understand the process of alchemy is to understand one’s own spiritual evolution. The fabled alchemist Fulcanelli describes the symbols and process of the Great Transformation of the human Spirit which is alchemy, the everlasting secrets of the Argonauts (the spoken Kabbalah) and the transmission of their message by means of the Language of the Birds (the encoding of words). These symbols are openly displayed in the sculpture, tiles, pillars, rose windows, flying buttresses and iconography of the ancient Gothic cathedrals of Europe, built by alchemists, and deciphered by Fulcanelli.
Publisher: Brotherhood of Life
Paperback: 186 pages
Illustrated
The Hermetic Tradition: Symbols and Teaching of the Royal Art
Julius Evola
To Evola, hermeticism and alchemy are the same. Alchemy is not a concern about metals but rather a physical and metaphysical system embracing cosmology and anthropology, nature and supernature. The reader should abandon the analytical mindframe so that comprehension of this art can occur. Translated for the first time, this survey of alchemical symbols (the names of the Zodiac, the metals that make up the universe, the combinations of spiritual powers, the emanations that the practitioner produces, etc.) and teachings (the practitioner looks for more than turning lead into gold) reveals the mysterious world of the Royal Art. MET
Publisher: Inner Traditions
Paperback: 220 pages