Basil Valentine or Basilius Valentinus is an enigmatic medieval Benedictine monk of Germany. It's thought to be a pseudonym, although the writings of Valentine show a comprehensive knowledge of theology, alchemy and other disciplines.
Born in the late 14th century in Germany, this enigmatic Benedictine monk leaves a trail of alchemical mystery, insight, curious followers and fervent admirers. Dispute arises as to his origin and identity. It's suggested he's a group of writers or one with a pen name.
In the 18th century, German salt manufacturer Johann Thölde (1565 - 1624) is considered a possible writer of the Basil Valentine works. Thölde is known to publish the first five books under in the name of Basil Valentine. Identity of other writers continues to be debated.
Above, an imaginary portrait in the frontispiece from Chymische Schrifften (Chymic Writings), 1717. The Latin text around him reads "Frater Basilius Valentinus, monk of the Benedictine order and Hermetic philosopher".
Although it looks like the Jewish Star of David, the star on the wall behind him is an alchemical symbol of the union of opposites, with an upward pointing triangle as male and downward pointing as female.
It becomes an emblem of Jews in Prague in the 17th century, and is widely used by the 19th century. Today the six-point star is an official Jewish symbol.
Basil Valentine represented as a true historical figure is born 1394 in Mainz, died 1450 (place unknown), and associated with the Benedictine Priory of Saint Peter in Erfurt, Germany.
His monastic affiliation and significant contributions to alchemical literature are clear.
The life of a Benedictine is characterized by devotion, study, and pursuit of knowledge. Alchemy in convents and monasteries is common in medieval times.
Alchemists are usually friars or monks seeking to make the world a better place, experimenting with medicinal effects of plants and other matter. Out of this come many patent medicines and herbal liqueurs.
Alchemical Works and Philosophies
Valentine's alchemical treatises explore transformative processes of nature. His works, such as the "Triumphal Chariot of Antimony" and "The Twelve Keys of Basil Valentine," are pivotal in the study of medieval alchemy.
The latter work, his most famous, is composed as a series of propositions or keys. It has instructions for alchemy processes and acts as a philosophical guide. Each key gives insights into the nature of matter, transformation of substances, and evolution of the alchemist.
Secrets of the Philosopher's Stone
Among the most enduring pursuits of Western alchemy is the search for the Philosopher's Stone, a substance of miracles. Basil Valentine contemplates and expands on the lore surrounding this mysterious stone.
He supports the creation theory of the Philosopher's Stone as a group or series of chemical processes and an alchemical marriage of opposites. The alchemical marriage is a hieros gamos or sacred union of masculine and feminine principles as in sulfur and mercury.
Valentine’s allegorical writings depict these concepts using metaphorical language to convey complex ideas about duality, transformation, and enlightenment. Basil Valentine’s writings influence later alchemical luminaries such as Paracelsus, Robert Boyle and Michael Maier.
Non-Fiction Books:
Fiction Books:
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