Spagyria is the alchemy of plants. In the quest for the Philosopher's Stone and Elixir of Life, alchemists work with the nature of spirituality, the mystical and medical properties of plants. Spagyria proliferates by the work of renegade Renaissance physician Paracelsus.
“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
In herb lore, magic and nature science, plants can be used as nature presents them. They can be put through transformative processes. Plants may be crushed, chopped, blended, dried, roasted; used as extracts, essential oils, tinctures and ointments.
Coined by Paracelsus, the term spagyria comes from the Ancient Greek σπάω spao ('to separate, to draw out') and ἀγείρω ageiro ('to combine', 'to recombine', 'to gather').
In its original use, the word spagyric is often synonymous with the word alchemy.
Herbology goes back to the time of early humans. Spagyric, or spagyria, is the plant-based alchemical method popularized by late Renaissance advocates. The technique aims to enhance effectiveness of medicines by breaking them down to their fundamental elements.
Commonly used alchemic herbs and their spiritual meanings include:
burdock (Arctium) - clarity, courage, protection, purification
hemlock (Conium maculatum) - purification, overcoming base instincts, transition
hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis) - protection from evil, soul cleansing
marshmallow (Althaea officinalis) - fertility, attraction, love, beauty
motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca) - courage, nurturing, calm
oregano (Origanum vulgare) - love, happiness, prophetic dreams
rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus) - brain stimulant, intuition, memory
stinking nightshade (Hyoscyamus niger) - madness, divinity, purification
white dead nettle (Lamium album) - youth, purity, joy
lavender (Lavandula) - purity, serenity, spiritual connection, higher purpose
rose (Rosaceae) - alchemic symbol; heart, center, secrets, revelation
Spagyric derives from the Greek words "spao" (to separate) and "ageiro" (to combine). It refers to the alchemical process of separating, purifying, and recombining elements to create more effective medicine.
Procedures include fermentation, calcification, distillation, extraction of mineral components from plant ash. These processes are used in alchemy to purify and separate metals from ores and salts from brines. By 4500 BCE, salt extraction is already big business.
Spagyria involves extraction of essential components in plants and minerals to isolate healing properties. In recent times, spagyria has experienced a resurgence in popularity within homeopathy, natural and alternative medicine circles.
Alternative medicine practitioners embrace spagyric techniques as part of a holistic approach to health and wellness. The holistic philosophy of spagyria emphasizes the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit in achieving overall well-being.
With spagyric remedies, practitioners take a well rounded approach. Spagyria aims to address not only physical symptoms but also mental and emotional issues, viewing health as a harmonious balance of various aspects of the self.
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