Alchemy in Egypt goes beyond transmutation of base metals into noble gold or silver. In the civilizations of Egypt, Arabia, India, China and later Europe, alchemical practice delves into evolution of the self, spiritual enlightenment, awakening and eternal life.
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The origins of Western alchemy go back to ancient Greece and Egypt. An ouroboros is found in the tomb of Tut. Alexandria, jewel of the Mediterranean at the Nile is a prominent center of alchemical knowledge and meeting of minds through the Greek and Roman eras.
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The Greco-Egyptian Zosimos of Panopolis (c. 300) is the earliest historically known alchemical author. His writings describe figures like Mary the Jewess, considered the first Western alchemist; Pseudo-Democritus, a group of anonymous authors, and others.
Greek and Egyptian elements come together in the legendary Hermes Trismegistus and the practice of Hermetics. Through history, Hermeticism is associated with a primeval, divine wisdom, revealed only to the most ancient of sages.
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Hermes Trismegistus embodies a fusion of Greek deity Hermes and Egyptian Thoth. He's seen as the progenitor of wisdom and mythical teachings, and author of the Hermetica, a book of writings dating back to the 3rd century BCE.
Credited by some as the scribe of the Emerald Tablet, also known as Tabula Smaragdina, the author encapsulates the essence of human knowledge in a few sentences. The tablet becomes the cornerstone of Hermeticism and alchemy.
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The Emerald Tablet is considered a powerful and enigmatic Hermetic text. Though commonly linked to legendary Hermes Trismegistus, the Emerald Tablet first appears in early medieval Arabic writings, the oldest known version dating back to c. 900.
Subsequent translations to Latin in the Middle Ages have diverse interpretations. Through medieval and early modern periods, the Emerald Tablet is linked to the quest for the philosophers' stone, and the alchemical pursuit of transmuting base metals into gold.
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Among the earliest deities of Egypt, Thoth is a moon god, alchemist, scribe and architect deity, god of wisdom and creation. The pyramid a prominent symbol of his association with alchemy. His influence extends to mythology and cosmic primal power.
Alchemy is an exclusive practice. Only the most knowledgeable individuals can rise to the title of alchemist. Skills include the mastery of various metals and intricate processes of manipulation and transformation, influenced by blacksmithing and natural philosophy.
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In ancient Egypt, the attribution of metals to certain planetary powers is already established, recorded by priests working on esoteric and alchemic levels. The alchemy signs are both Greek and Egyptian in origin. By the 6th century BCE these cultures work closely together.
Recent scholars look to Zosimos, ascribing the origin of alchemical arts to Egyptian metallurgy and ceremonies. Early alchemical writers adopt the vocabulary of Greek philosophical schools without specifically implementing the doctrines.
According to Zosimos the ancient tradition of tinctures (the precise Greek term for the alchemical arts) is corrupted by specific demons who impart their knowledge solely to those who sacrifice to them.
Zosimos refers to the demons as "the guardians of places" (οἱ κατὰ τόπον ἔφοροι, hoi katà tópon éphoroi), and identifies those who offer sacrifices as "priests" (ἱερέα, hieréa). It's understood he is alluding to the gods of Egypt and their priests.
Despite criticism of the alchemy of Egyptian priests and their followers, Zosimos asserts the alchemical tradition's recent past originates from rites of the Egyptian temples. The priests are highly esteemed as both scholars and bearers of mystical knowledge.
Understanding apects of Ma'at (justice, balance) and Heka (magic) are part of priestly education. During alchemical training, initiates go through several stages of transformation and evolve into the guardians of occult and divine secrets. Cults emerge among the priests.
Some priests see themselves as deific representatives entrusted with earthly tasks and the exploration of the subconscious mind. The pursuit of higher states of awareness through alchemy is paramount in Egypt, as to later alchemical practices of the Middle Ages.
Ancient Egyptians explore medicinal plants and extraction methods. They use natural processes to acquire wisdom and new insights. Some plants such as blue lotus are taken for their visionary effects.
The concept of metal transformation lays a crucial foundation for subsequent processes. Alchemy is a stepping stone to ancient Egyptian chemistry, which advances greatly as a result. Production of color pigments falls within the alchemical realm.
Ancient Egyptians know processes (such as alcohol fermentation) and effects (of various influences such as fire). They're recognized for copious experimentation, creating ink and cosmetics. The embalming practices of Egypt influence development of alchemy.
Eternal life is a singular goal for some. The elixir of immortality, sought by powers such as China and later Europe, applies to the Egyptian concept of life after death. Egyptian alchemy is associated with Afterlife and preservation of body and spirit.
The ambrosia of the Greek gods is said to confer immortality all who consume it. In China, many legends revolve around the Peaches and Elixir of Immortality. Egypt remains a land of mysteries where alchemy holds a significant place in life, and life after death.