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Your english is actually good. If you want to get a basic understanding of alchemy try reading: The Call of Alchemy on amazon https://www.amazon.ca/Call-Alchemy-1-Two-Towers-ebook/dp/B09256TV22/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=the+call+of+alchemy&qid=1619818623&sr=8-2 Alchemy is unclear and you need to understand some symbolic stuff first
Amazon is a good start. This book is Mircea Eliade could be a title and if you like visuals, buy Alchemy & Mysticism, 576 pages with color images and some explanation. From there on, try to see what it is that interests you.
According to two of the Amazon reviews, that Mead version is allegedly missing the Asclepius/the last 4 sections of the corpus making it an incomplete compilation of the Hermeticum. I recommend avoiding this version if it is thoroughness that you seek.
Perhaps this Mead version represents a more complete rendition, though of this for certain I cannot say.
I wrote a book about that specific topic. It ain't too clear, but if you have basic knowledge of symbolism, you can easily understand. In the books, the collective unconscious is referred to as a "picture".
You can check my book, it is fiction, but the main alchemical principles are demonstrated. You're right, you could've done alchemy without knowing about it.
Also check out this sister site which has even more material.
The guy who oversees this project also wrote an incredible book that takes a deep dive into Newton's alchemical life and work.
there is actually a brand new english translation that I have found out if you are still interested
for anybody still intrested there is a brand new english translation that I have found out
“Alchemy of the Psyche” by Edward Edinger
“Alchemy: An Introduction to the Symbolism and the Psychology” by Marie-Louise von Franz
I think it's psychedelics like dimenthyltriptamine. Imagine how secretive the process would've been to extract it.
A good read. The only things on earth that can generate such experiences, it has to be something so profound in it's effects that it stands out from everything else
https://www.amazon.com/Angels-Vermilion-Philosophers-Stone-Dee/dp/1716094704
A strongly suggest you to start by reading "Pratical Alchemy: A Guide to The Great Work" by Brian Cotnoir. It's a great book to introduce to you to the subject. You can find it here: https://www.amazon.com/Practical-Alchemy-Guide-Great-Work/dp/1578637473
After this, I'd suggest you the following books to read:
1- "Corpus Hermeticum" by Hermes Trismegistus 2- "The Kybalion" by The Three Initiates 3- "The Mystery of the Cathedrals" by Fulcanelli 4- "Alchemy & Mysticism" by Alexander Roob 5- "Alchemical Active Imagination" by Marie-Louise von Franz 6- "Finis Gloriae Mundi" by Fulcanelli 7- "Alchemical Treatise on the Great Art" by Antoine-Joseph Pernety 8- "The Forge and the Crucible: The Origins and Structure of Alchemy" by Mircea Eliade 9- "A History of Alchemy" by Serge Hutin. 10- "Liber Paragranum" by Paracelsus 11- "Alchemist's Handbook" by Frater Albertus 12- "Mutus Liber" by Altus 13- "The Dwellings of the Philosophers" by Fulcanelli 14- "Psychology and Alchemy" by C.G. Jung 15- "The Hermetic Tradition" by Julius Evola 16- "Alchemical Studies" by C.G. Jung 17- "The Twelve Keys" by Basil Valentine 18- "The Great Alchemical Work" by Nicolas Flamel. 19- "The Book of Hieroglyphic Figures" by Nicolas Flamel 20- "An Open Entrance to the Shut-Palace of the King" by Eirenaeus Philalethes.
I guess here you have enough material to study for some years now.
If you're interested in the historical perspective, the best starter book by far is <em>The Secrets of Alchemy</em>, by Lawrence Principe. It's an incredible exploration of alchemy's place in history, science, religion, philosophy, and society.
Also check out this post over on r/Chymistry for more books emphasizing the historical perspective.
The best book you could possibly read for your purposes is Lawrence Principe's <em>The Secrets of Alchemy</em>. I've used it myself for worldbuilding and found it invaluable. It's a short but comprehensive overview of the history, science, and cultural context behind the Western alchemy tradition (covering the Greco-Egyptian, Islamic, Medieval European, Early Modern European, and Modern periods), and it's honestly hard for me to imagine a better way to begin your explorations of this subject. It's a scholarly and wide-ranging treatment written specifically for the general public. The author is basically the world's leading authority on the subject (he's a chemist and renown historian of science), and he tries to be objective and context-sensitive about the place of alchemy in history, science, religion, philosophy, and society. It's super well-written and engaging, covers basically every big-picture topic you'd want to know about, and clears up a lot of persistent misconceptions.
You can find many other great book recommendations, articles, interviews, and videos over on r/Chymistry as well.
If you're interested in the historical perspective, the best starter book by far is <em>The Secrets of Alchemy</em>, by Lawrence Principe. It's an incredible exploration of alchemy's place in history, science, religion, philosophy, and society.
Also check out this post over on r/Chymistry for more books emphasizing the historical perspective.
This is probably a pretty good place to start: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Chinese-Medical-Qigong-Associate-Tianjun/dp/1848190964
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It's intended to be a university textbook in China. They have laws regulating the teaching of Qigong, requiring it to be grounded in scientific research.
Try this:
Ill thumb through the book when im off work to make sure it has what your lookin for.
For a general introduction (with many beautiful colour illustrations from many different works) I'd highly recommend Taschen's Alchemy & Mysticism
There is a book called The Black Arts by Richard Cavendish which has a large section of the book devoted to alchemy which I found very helpful.
https://www.amazon.com/Black-Arts-Witchcraft-Demonology-Throughout/dp/0399500359
> but what is the practice
My interpretation is that there are techniques that may trigger an everlasting cascade of supernatural events that will direct you on the path, so you won't be just learning something but it will actuallly become integral part of your life. But this path will also claim your old life.
Flamel wrote:
"Let no man therefore blame me, if he do not easily understand me, for he will be more blame-worthy than I, inasmuch as not being initiated into these sacred and secret interpretations of the first Agent, (which is the key opening the gates of all Sciences) he would notwithstanding, comprehend the most subtile conceptions of the envious Philosophers, which are not written but for them who already know these principles, which are never found in any book, because they leave them unto God, who revealeth them to whom he please,"
And indeed it's commonly reported by adepts having acquired the eye to read instructions in obfuscated books only after some lessons have already been learned, only after some seal has been breached.
So my advice would be to not look for such techniques to trigger transmutation but to develop or adapt in a way that transmutation happens on its own accord as the most natural outcome of your changes. For example in Yoga there are many techniques deemed crucial for inner work but they are hidden and for good reasons imo, so the first step in Yoga is Yamas and Niyamas, you can't climb up the Everest without training and proper gear.
If you have some time on your hand I'd suggest Beelzebub's Tales, it's an impressively hard reading to discourage people who don't really really want this, so you might need a notepad and write down definitions to understand what the author is talking about.
If you’re interested specifically in plant (spagyric) alchemy I would recommend Robert Bartlett! Robert Bartlett: Alchemy Book He teaches courses and has several books teaching practical alchemy! I’ve been practicing and was trained by Sajah at the School of Evolutionary Herbalism. I fell in love with the practice there! They combine history, spirituality, and practical plant chemistry/spagyric process!
Alchemy: An Introduction to the Symbolism and the Psychology (Studies in Jungian Psychology) https://www.amazon.com/dp/091912304X/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_G0RWGMK9M27FKZ5BSVXC?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
yoga philosophy of patanjali is one of the definitive texts. If you have to read it in in english this is going to be the place to start.
Honey, Jung is my zaddy!
I haven't read that yet. I'm still reading on HIM!
PLEASE TELL ME!
right now my beginner reads are:
And
I have not read that one yet. Do tell!
You are speaking of practical Alchemy. Yes? I am intimidated. But I am studying spiritual Alchemy. I know it's not what you are asking for but if you don't mind me posting, if even for a reference at a later date. When you find the time.
This is a good spiritual Alchemy Book.
It touches on the practical alchemical processes. I have been doing this book slowly cross referencing and using it to get me aquainted with the history of Alchemy. Lambsprincks plates are broken down in this book. It's a good one to have for the Practical Alchemist library.
Individuation should not be embarked upon before the age of 28.
The Secrets of Alchemy
https://www.amazon.com/Secrets-Alchemy-Lawrence-M-Principe/dp/022610379X
Real Alchemy: A Primer of Practical Alchemy
https://www.amazon.com/Real-Alchemy-Primer-Practical/dp/0892541504
Try reading The Call of Alchemy https://www.amazon.ca/Call-Alchemy-1-Two-Towers-ebook/dp/B09256TV22/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=the+call+of+alchemy&qid=1619818623&sr=8-2 Its a book about the practical application of alchemy through daily events.
In this book (similar concept, different author) - https://www.amazon.com/Magicians-Tables-Complete-Book-Correspondences/dp/B005ZOFDNA - you can find it on page 150.
Learning about it from a historical perspective is important, and I agree that it would be one of the first things to study, but I'd recommend Chinese first. The difference between neidan and waidan, the Tao te Ching, the 8-fold path, and the inner deity will help you determine which direction you plan on taking your alchemy. As far as looking at the origin of alchemy, there's some debate whether it started in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, or elswhere; look for tricksters, travelers, man-made animals and monsters, and anything involving liminal space ("in between different states", forces, desires, ideologies, etc.).
As with Buddhism, I've chosen to approach things with 0 dogma (Zen Buddhism includes the belief that Truth is not derived from texts) so I'm afraid I don't have many direct references. I found Alchemy and Psychoanalysis to be a good source for alchemical history, interpretation, metaphors, and archetypes, but the psychoanalysis part of the book is...inaccurate? (I can't think of the right word, but it just doesn't seem True or complete. Idk, maybe just me.)
so much sensitivity in your words. it is possible to discuss this phenomenon objectively. for example - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Giving-Offense-Censorship-J-Coetzee/dp/0226111768
but you are so delicate, I think this may be a few years down the line for you
Quick look on Google tells me you won't find it in PDF form.
Quick search on Amazon tells me the cheapest English version you'll find is £50.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Consurgens-Attributed-Opposites-Coniunctionis-Translated/dp/B0012RSFMU/
Good luck lol
Sorry for making you google that. I wasnt trying to be lazy. I am afraid if there are more than one version I might get a bad one.
Also is this version of Conversations with God, okay?
I do believe there’s only one version. It’s relatively new. But I personally think it summarizes very well some thoughts, processes, and laws that one should become familiar with on the start of their path.
https://www.amazon.com/Kybalion-Centenary-Three-Initiates/dp/0143131680/ref=nodl_
Here’s a nice hardcover version though.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1469797267/ref=ox_sc_act_title_3?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1
The one I am buying isnt nearly as short as the one you gave me for the link. its 308 pages long. Is the one I am gonna buy the wrong one? I wanted to make a libraby of alchemical stuff. I know there are resources online, but I like having physicals stuff to read. Just a personal opinion. If this isnt a real copy do you think you can send me a link for one on amazon please.
I read the book "Sorcerer's Stone: A Beginner's Guide to Alchemy" and it was perfect for a first book. Alchemy seems to me to be a belief set built around personal development (spiritual, mental, and health). I am here looking for more resources too, so thanks for posting the question :)
You could change your perspective to view the events as negotiation challenges, and try to find the way in which both parties can come away happy. If you make a hobby out of conflict resolution/negotiating it will allow you to pay attention to new aspects of the "conflicts" and make fear a completely irrelevant and unnecessary response. The book "Getting to Yes" might be a good starting point.
If you are going to do fermentation, I recommend these.
Alembics are cheap and always good to have on hand, though in my experience they are rarely "needed"
I'll be interested on hearing how your work for the vegetable stones goes. I'm doing the same.
Unfortunately, there's a lot of BS out there about alchemy, and even more philosophical nonsense that really doesn't help the aspiring practical alchemist. My advice would be to start with some beginners books on the subject. Robert Bartlett's Real Alchemy is a great, simple introduction to lab work. Herbal alchemy is a great place to start and doesn't require a lot of complicated methods or equipment. The most important part is just experimenting, finding out what works for you, trying different herbs, etc.
I like Steiner and Jung and from a bit more contemporary writers, my recent find and a sincere recommendation is A-Ma Alchemy of Love by Nataša Pantović Nuit. Set in 17th century China, it merges the alchemy wisdom with the historical setting of China during the Age of Enlightenment. Even though it is a fiction story, the alchemy of soul is the main subject. https://www.amazon.com/Ma-Ms-Natasa-Nuit-Pantovic/dp/9995754193
John Granger (real human, no relation to Hermione) writes books about Harry Potter and alchemy such as Unlocking Harry Potter.
The History of Alchemy Podcast is where you should start. http://historyofalchemy.com (I'm the host) I also have a 30 page book for $1 that is probably exactly what you're looking for to get started. (Alchemy Booklet)