Innovative Swiss physician and alchemist Paracelsus is strongly influenced by the 7 principles of Hermeticism and a holistic approach to medicine. Paracelsus asserts sickness and health in the body rely upon the harmony of humans (microcosm) and nature (macrocosm).
“... Many have said of Alchemy, that it is for the making of gold and silver. For me such is not the aim, but to consider only what virtue and power may lie in medicines.”
- Philippus Aureolus Theophrastus Bombastus von Hohenheim (Paracelsus) 1493-1531 AD
Paracelsus's approach to medicine revolutionizes understanding of the human body and its connection to the universe. By introducing the concept of specific mineral balances and chemical remedies to treat body ailments, he creates new perspectives on healing.
Hermeticism follows certain themes and natural principles in philosophy and health. Many of these date back to the Alchemical Golden Age of Alexandria in the early centuries AD and are associated with the Emerald Tablet.
1. Principle of Mentalism: "The All is Mind; the Universe is Mental."
2. Principle of Correspondence: "As above, so below; as below, so above."
3. Principle of Vibration: "Nothing rests; everything moves; everything vibrates."
4. Principle of Polarity: "Everything is dual; everything has poles; everything has its pair of opposites; like and unlike are the same; opposites are identical in nature but different in degree; extremes meet; all truths are but half-truths; all paradoxes may be reconciled."
5. Principle of Rhythm: "Everything flows, out and in; everything has its tides; all things rise and fall; the pendulum-swing manifests in everything; the measure of the swing to the right is the measure of the swing to the left; rhythm compensates."
6. Principle of Cause and Effect: "Every cause has its effect; every effect has its cause; everything happens according to law; chance is but a name for law not recognized; there are many planes of causation, but nothing escapes the law."
7. Principle of Gender: "Gender is in everything; everything has its masculine and feminine principles; gender manifests on all planes."
In medicine and chemistry, the hermetic seal comes from the early years AD. A hermetic seal is any type of airtight sealing. In Hermetic lore, the legendary Greco-Egyptian prophet Hermes Trismegistus invents the magic seal to make vessels impregnable by air or fumes.
His analogy of humans mirroring the universe's macrocosm on a microcosmic level emphasizes the harmony between individuals and the cosmos. Paracelsus promotes the healing properties of plants, many taken from folklore and traditional natural healing.
The doctrine of signatures, a key concept in Paracelsus's teachings, links the healing properties of plants to their resemblance to different body parts. Popular in Renaissance Europe, the concept is also found in medicine and magic of ancient civilizations.
Paracelsus develops the idea in the west, writing:
"Nature marks each growth ... according to its curative benefit."
Through his work, Paracelsus emphasizes the need for individuals to strive for inner harmony and ethical living to ward off diseases of both body and soul. His view on anatomy goes past the physical structure of the body.
He considers the influence of celestial bodies and the concept of poisons originating from the stars. Paracelsus's belief diseases can be treated with similar substances gives rise to the principle 'like cures like'.
Within this belief system, nature provides clues to remedies needed for specific illnesses.
Walnut (Juglandaceae) - looks like brain, used to treat headaches
Bloodwort (Sanguinaria) - red roots, treats diseases of the blood
Ginseng (Panax) - root resembles person; it's used as an overall curative; while roots are used in culinary and medicine, leaves and stems contain more phytochemicals
Liverwort (Marchantiophyta) - leaves somewhat resemble the liver
Lungwort (Pulmonaria) - spots on leaves resemble lung disease, used for respiratory conditions
Pomegranate (Punica granatum) - it's also used as toothache cure as it looks like mouth & teeth
Mandrake (Mandragora ) - looks like person, narcotic, treats conditions throughout body; used in magic
Eyebright (Euphrasia) - thought to resemble the human eye, taken for ocular ailments. Nicholas Culpeper assigns it to the Zodiac sign Leo, claiming it strengthens the brain.
Paracelsus incorporates local treatments and remedies into his work. He's the first to put forth the concept of curative properties of toxic or poisonous plants and animals. A lot will kill, but a little can cure. This idea is also found in ancient folk medicine.
Paracelsus makes significant contributions to the understanding of intimate connection between microcosm and macrocosm. This theory, deeply rooted in both physical and spiritual realms, sees the human body as a reflection of the larger universe.
As an avid follower of Hermeticism, Paracelsus believes in the unity of the cosmos and the human being, emphasizing the intricate balance between the two. With the microcosm-macrocosm theory, Paracelsus examines physical and spiritual aspects of health.
He sees a correlation between spiritual well-being and physical health. A harmonious existence within the self and with the universe is essential for overall health. This holistic approach encourages a morally upright life to prevent both spiritual and physical ailments.
Paracelsus' teachings of the microcosm-macrocosm theory influence modern approaches to holistic health. His insights into the interconnectedness of body, mind, and spirit convince him of the impact personal morality and spiritual alignment have on overall health.
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