Practical Alchemy: A Guide to the Great Work

A concise guide to the history, theory, and practice of alchemy (the &;great work&;)&;the art of working with the energies of nature for spiritual development, healing, and transformation.Alchemy is a means of understanding and working in concert with the energies of nature for spiritual development, healing, and transformation. In this book, Brian Cotnoir offers a step-by-step introduction that explores alchemy&;s mysteries while illustrating its use as a modern spiritual system of attainment.He provides an overview of the history of alchemy, from the first meldings of Egyptian technology to the Middle Ages&;the golden age of alchemy&;to contemporary techniques. He demystifies the relationship between alchemy and chemistry, and provides evidence that alchemy is much more than a medieval form of psychotherapy. The guide also includes practical laboratory experiments that safely and intelligently lead readers to an understanding of this ancient art and spiritual practice.Provides step-by-step instruction for beginning a practice in alchemyExplains the theory underlying the art and science of alchemy and how it worksDemystifies the relationship between alchemy and chemistry, while going well beyond the &;psychological interpretation&; advanced by nonscientistsIntroduces the practice of alchemy to students of the Western magical arts This book was previously published as The Weiser Concise Guide to Alchemy. This new edition includes a foreword by Robert Allen Bartlett, author of Real Alchemy.