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Argyropoeia is the process of making silver from another metal, such as copper. Although gold-making or chrysopoeia is better known, silver making is widely practiced by alchemists from the early Alexandrians to the Renaissance and later. READ: World of Alchemy: Spiritual Alchemy Silver Recipes are from the Leyden Papyrus, c. 250 AD, originally written in Greek. Silver - Queen of Precious Metals Zodiac Alchemy - Metals & Planets How to Make Asem: Essential Alchemy Sylvia Rose Books Silver and gold are the precious metals of the alchemical metallurgy corpus. They receive the name "noble metals" in the fourteenth century AD, referring to those not prone to oxidation. While silver eventually forms a patina, gold doesn't and is thus seen as the purest of metals. READ: World of Alchemy: A Little History Alchemy comes in part from the art of metal dyeing, based in ancient metallurgy. Metals can be colored gold or silver depending on the ingredients, and can be given a gold or silver coating. A test of metal quality in ancient times involves heating the metal. Alchemy: Ancient Purification of Tin Michael Maier: Rosicrucians, Art & Alchemy Alchemists of Ancient Alexandria Sylvia Rose Books Gold and silver both have a higher melt point than lead or tin, so colored lead turns to slush long before real silver. One favorite trick is encasing lead or tin in real gold or silver, so the outer layer proves pure by the melt test. The tester can't see the melted lead within. Melt points Gold: 1,064 °C (1947 °F) Silver: 961.8  °C (1763 °F) Lead: 327 °C (622 °F) Tin: 232 °C (450 °F) Manufacture of Silver Method 1 "Plunge Cyprian copper, which is well worked and shingled for use, into dyer’s vinegar and alum and let soak for three days. Then for every mina of copper mix in 6 drachmas each of, earth of Chios, salt of Cappadocia and lamellose alum [iron alum / ammonium iron(III) sulfate], and cast ... Myth & Metallurgy - Metals of Antiquity Copper - Ruddy Metal of Myth & Magic German Folklore - Irrwurz or Mad Root Sylvia Rose Books "... Cast skillfully, however, and it will prove to be regular silver. Place in it not more than 20 drachmas of good, unfalsified, proof silver, which the whole mixture retains and (this) will make it imperishable." Earth of Chios is white mineral clay from the Isle of Chios in the North Aegean, often used in alchemical silver-making. Cyprian copper is from Cyprus, one of the leading copper supply sites since the Stone Age. Cappadocian salt comes from Tuz pink salt lake in Turkey. Salt: Exalted Mineral of Alchemy Alum: Tanning, Dye & Beauty Salts Tanning Hides - Ancient Techniques Sylvia Rose Books Copper is sometimes a base and sometimes a noble metal. Its blue-green patina, verdigris , is especially desired as a pigment in the 18th century. Copper also binds well with certain metals, as it proves with bronze (88% copper, 12% tin). Silver has the chemical symbol Ag, derived from the Latin argentum  meaning 'silver.' This soft, white, and lustrous transition metal is valuable in business and religion. It's known to repel unwelcome bacteria, which spiritually translate as bad energy. Magic Numbers: Roots of Numerology Alchemy & Seven Hermetic Principles Zodiac Alchemy - Metals & Planets Sylvia Rose Books Method 2 "Purify white tin four times and melt together 6 parts of this and 1 mina of white Galatian copper [ cupronickel, a copper/nickel alloy]; rub off and make what you wish. It will be silver of the first quality, except that the artisans can notice something (peculiar) about it because it is formed by the procedure mentioned." Found in the Earth's crust at 0.05 parts per million, silver exists in its pure elemental form as native silver. It often forms valuable alloys like electrum (a mix of silver and gold, used to make the first coins) and combinations with other metals. Spiritual Magic - Numbers Three & Nine Alchemy Colors: Color Phase Therapy Lammašaga: Sumerian Angel Goddess Sylvia Rose Books Silver is used for coinage, jewelry, and decorative items since ancient times. The shimmering appearance of silver has made it a popular choice for ornaments and tableware, reflecting its timeless appeal. Method 3 "Galatian copper 1/2 part, silver, and ordinary tin, which the western Iberians among whom it is produced call bulla just as the Romans do. The copper is first melted, then the silver, and after two heatings, the tin. Then when the whole has become soft, remelt it many times and cool with brilliant earth [unknown], held in readiness, which is previously dissolved in spring water. Take out and quench the resulting lumps, heat them again, and indeed many limes, until very white silver comes from them. Remove them and shingle, rub and polish with talc, and work up the silver thus doubled. And tripling is done in the same way with the above-mentioned distribution of weights." Sulfur Mercury Principle of Alchemy Sirius the Dog Star: Stellar Mythology Egyptian Blue Faience - Ceramic Glass Sylvia Rose Books Most silver is produced as a byproduct of copper, gold, lead, and zinc refining. Silver has long been valued as a precious metal. While it is more abundant than gold, it is less abundant as a native metal. As one of the seven metals of antiquity, silver has an enduring role in most human cultures. Silver is known in prehistoric times. It's one of the three metals of subgroup copper, silver, and gold, occurring in elemental form in nature. Mercury: Miracle Metal of Madness Sulfur - Treasures of the Underworld Zosimos: First Golden Age of Alchemy Sylvia Rose Books Method 4 "Manufacture of Silver Buy charcoal which the smiths use and soften it in vinegar one day. After that, take 1 ounce of copper, soak it thoroughly in alum, and melt it. After that, take 8 ounces of mercury but pour out the mercury thus measured into a secretion of poppy juice. Take also 1 ounce of silver. Put these materials together and melt; and when you have melted them, put the lumps so formed in a copper vessel with the urine of a pregnant animal and iron filing dust (for) 3 days. And the singular cloudiness which you will get on taking out is a sign of the natural fluctuation by which the mixture finds itself of equal composition by weight." In Egypt, silver is more expensive than gold until c. 15th century BCE, when gold becomes currency subject to specific weights and measures. Early Egyptians separate gold from silver by heating the metals with salt. This produces silver chloride which is then reduced to silver. Iah: Cryptic Ancient Moon God Egypt Khonsu - Moon God of Ancient Egypt Thoth - Ibis Scribe Moon God of Egypt Sylvia Rose Books Nitric acid dissolves silver and is used by early alchemists in aqua regia or Royal Water. Aqua regia is made by combining nitric acid (one part) and hydrochloric acid (three parts) and can dissolve gold and platinum as well. Method 5 "Coloring in Silver For silvering objects of copper: tin in sticks, 2 drachmas; mercury, 2 drachmas; earth of Chios, 2 drachmas. Melt the tin, throw on the crushed earth, then the mercury, and stir with an iron and fashion into globules." Ptolemy: Earth, Almagest & Ancient Astronomy Glass & Arts of Ancient Glass Making Rasayana: Alchemy & Health of India Sylvia Rose Books Dissolving gold or silver seems to go contrary to the alchemist's purpose, but these metals can be refined by dissolution. The extracted precipitate is ideally more pure than the original gold or silver. Aqua regia is a volatile or fuming liquid. When freshly made, aqua regia has no color, but it changes to yellow, orange, or red quickly due to the presence of nitrosyl chloride and nitrogen dioxide. Celandine: Plant Toxins & Medicine Women Scientists of the Ancient World Ancient Astrology: New Perspectives Sylvia Rose Books Method 6 "If you desire that the copper shall have the appearance of silver; after having purified the copper with care, place it in mercury and white lead; mercury alone suffices for coating it." The same process with silver and nitric acid can also refine the metal. Nitric acid will dissolve silver and almost everything else, but not gold or platinum. Silver Nitrate Crystallization Silver compounds are dissolved in nitric acid to form a solution of silver nitrate, which is subsequently crystallized. By carefully controlling variables such as temperature and evaporation rate, silver nitrate crystals can be generated. These crystals are collected, dried, and subjected to additional processing to obtain pure silver. Writing in Letters of Gold: Ancient Alchemy Cleopatra the Physician of Greece Castle Frankenstein - Legend & Lore Sylvia Rose Books Non-Fiction Books: World of Alchemy: Spiritual Alchemy World of Alchemy: A Little History Fiction Books: READ: Cult of the Fire God - Bronze Age Quest Adventure READ: Lora Ley Adventures  - Germanic Mythology Fiction Series READ: Reiker For Hire  - Victorian Detective Murder Mysteries Back to Top

Cleopatra the Alchemist is an intriguing figure in the hazy history of science and magic. She works and writes in the 3rd or 4th century. Some suggest she's a group of writers using a pseudonym. Few of her works remain but she has an influence for many centuries. Women of the Wild Hunt: Holle, Diana, Frigg Women of Alchemy - Mary the Jewess Ambrosia: Divine Nectar & Immortal Gods She follows the work of alchemy peers such as Mary the Jewess , active in Alexandria. At one point historians suggest she's the same person as Cleopatra the Physician , despite evidence showing the Alchemist active over a century after the Physician. Whether one person or many, Cleopatra the Alchemist is held in high esteem, especially for her Chrysopoeia , a single sheet of drawings and symbols. It's said to contain formulae or list the ingredients for making base metals into precious gold or silver. Cleopatra the Physician of Greece Agrippina & Son: Poisonous Plots of Rome Brunhilde: Tragic Germanic Warrior Queen Cleopatra the Alchemist is widely acknowledged as the inventor of the alembic , a popular distillation apparatus. Her presence in Alexandria during the 3rd or 4th century marks a prolific era in alchemy. She's linked to alchemist Comarius, known along with Mary for innovative use of elaborate distillation and sublimation equipment. The Book of Comarius is dedicated to "Cleopatra the Divine," also called "the wise woman". Alchemy: Processes Used by Alchemists Equipment Alchemists Need: Essential Tools of the Trade Alchemy: Science, Philosophy, Magic Three alchemical texts related to Cleopatra survive: Ἐκ τῶν Κλεοπάτρας περὶ μέτρων καὶ σταθμῶν. ("On Weights and Measures") Χρυσοποιία Κλεοπάτρας ("Gold Making of Cleopatra") Διάλογος φιλοσόφων καὶ Κλεοπάτρας ("A Dialogue of the Philosophers and Cleopatra") Cleopatra's masterful use of imagery captures the essence of conception, birth, and the perpetual cycles of renewal and transformation in life. A philosopher alchemist who ponders her creations is likened to a caring mother, tending her child with deep love and nourishment. Arnaldus de Villanova: Medieval Alchemist Anqi Sheng & the Elixir of Immortality Ancient Egypt Remedies: Ebers Papyrus She explains the image of the serpent eating its own tail as a symbol of the eternal return, called the Ouroboros : “a snake curving around with its tail in its mouth is an emblem of unity of the cosmos, eternity, where the beginning is the end and the end is the beginning". The Ouroboros is a fundamental symbol of alchemy. In spirituality the snake represents rebirth, magic, mystery, wealth and cleverness. The snake has female qualities, of the Earth, and male, of the Sun. It's associated with fertility, poison and medicine. European Grass Snake: Nature & Lore Lindwyrm, Mare & Pig Demons: German Myth Ouroboros Glyph: Snake Eating its Tail This symbol can communicate secrets to others in the know. Spaniard Arnaldus de Villanova is identified as an alchemist due to the Ouroborous carved in his doorway. Also in the Chrysopeoia is an inscription in a double ring further describing the Ouroboros : One is the Serpent which has its poison according to two compositions, and One is All and through it is All, and by it is All, and if you have not All, All is Nothing. Žaltys: Sacred Snake & Serpent Queen The Pseudos: Underground Alchemy Writers Finding the Philosophers' Egg Within the inscription ring are also symbols for gold, silver, and mercury. Along with those are drawings of an eight-banded star. It's believed that the drawing of these star symbols and the crescent shapes above them are a pictorial depiction of turning lead into silver. Author of Atalanta Fugiens (1618) Michael Maier names Cleopatra the Alchemist as one of four women who knows how to make the Philosopher's Stone . The others are Mary the Jewess, Medera and Taphnutia. Taphnutia is a form of Paphnutia, an alchemist working in Alexandria c. 300 AD, but it's not known if she's the same person. Chinese Alchemical Elixir Poisoning Alchemy: Philosophers' Stone History & Lore Wild Women and Winter Tales Cleopatra the Alchemist is mentioned in the Kitab al-Fihrist , an index of writers and literature, in 10th century Arabia. She's known mainly through records or references of others. She bears no relation to the famous Queen Cleopatra of Caesar's Egypt (r. 51-30 BCE) but is often confused with her. Cleopatra is one of the most common girls' names in the early centuries AD. Women Scientists of the Ancient World Remarkable Islamic Women in History Famous Women of Ancient Rome Sylvia Rose Books Non-Fiction Books: World of Alchemy: Spiritual Alchemy World of Alchemy: A Little History Fiction Books: READ: Lora Ley Adventures  - Germanic Mythology Fiction Series READ: Reiker For Hire  - Victorian Detective Murder Mysteries Back to Top

In spiritual alchemy , leucosis is the bloated white underbelly of albedo , the purification. Leucosis corresponds to psychic disease or weakness. This can happen during the color phase therapy process, especially as the albedo phase comes into realization. READ: World of Alchemy: Spiritual Alchemy Alchemy Colors: Color Phase Therapy Xanthosis, the Yellowing: Spiritual Alchemy Archetypes: Psychology of the Shadow Sylvia Rose Books Medically, leucosis or leukosis is a disease mainly affecting cattle and poultry, corresponding to leukemia in humans. The disease attacks the white blood cells, weakening the immune system. Pallor, fatigue and weakness are among the symptoms. READ: World of Alchemy: A Little History Spiritually, while problems like this will occur at any time during the color phase processes, they're most likely to appear during the transient phases as the practitioner moves from one phase to the next. It's important to integrate the nigredo stage before albedo. Alchemy Symbols in Psychology Mercury: Miracle Metal of Madness Four Humors & Medical Stagnation Sylvia Rose Books The albedo phase strengthens the spirit based on the success of the previous stage. Distractions, anxiety, inability to relax and insomnia might occupy the mind, diminish the strength of the body and overrun the spirit. This imbalance is seen in the Unity of Opposites . Before 1850, leucosis is one of the four humors, white or clear, corresponding to phlegm. Phlegm means in this context any clear or white body fluids such as mucus, saliva or sweat. Ancient Greek Alchemy: ios and iosis Divine Water: Sulfuric Acid in Alchemy Gold-Making of Maria: Tetrasomia, Egg of Philosophers Sylvia Rose Books A person who is phlegmatic, having an excess of phlegm, is described as apathetic, lazy, reclusive and anti-social. Described as "wet" and "cold", phlegm in insufficient quantity can cause fever or hot flashes. Hydration is recommended. Most people go through this phase at one point or another. It's a time to take a deep breath, sit back and seriously look at life, and the connection between spiritual and physical realms. White relates to the Crown Chakra, or seventh chakra, at the top of the head. Colors of Alchemy: Black Nigredo Putrefaction Unity of Opposites: Spiritual Alchemy World of Alchemy: Spiritual Alchemy Sylvia Rose Books This chakra is crystal clear or white. It rules connection to Spirit, higher wisdom, harmony with the divine essence of life. Blockage of Crown Chakra causes lack of purpose, disconnection, confusion, feelings of isolation. This equates with the condition of leucosis in spiritual alchemy. Spiritual leucosis also symbolizes the inability to escape certain attachments or limiting beliefs. It expresses the need to rise above these things, as they drain vitality. Changes must happen in the mind to bring about perspective, forgiveness and resolution. Panacea: Goddess of Universal Health Yliaster: Quest for the Magnum Opus Psychology: Archetype of the Self Sylvia Rose Books For leucosis, the process itself is the cure. Coming from the shadow lands of nigredo, one is sure to bring along a part of this darkness, as all colors have some of the others inside. However it is a resolved darkness, the opposite of whiteness, without harmful emotion. If this resolution has not taken place nigredo can intrude further in the realm of albedo. and there is conflict. This is a sign, arcane as signs often are, the practitioner is on the right track. Basically the substances shed during nigredo need to be filled with the light of albedo. Baltic Amber in Folklore and Myth Allegory of the Cave: Vision and Truth Zodiac Alchemy - Metals & Planets Sylvia Rose Books Conflict is also a sign to reflect on harmonious interaction of nigredo and albedo. Awareness of these principles leads to a more aligned sense of the whole. During any phase, if friction happens it's recommended to pause and examine the conditions of its existence. The practitioner can spend as long as desired working through the color phases, the challenges and discoveries presented in each. Within the framework of a holistic progressional therapy, it's a deeply individual life experience. Natural Magic of the Renaissance Alkanet: Ancient Dye Magic & Medicine Yarrow (Achillea) Magic & Medicine Sylvia Rose Books Non-Fiction Books: World of Alchemy: A Little History World of Alchemy: Spiritual Alchemy Fiction Books: READ: Cult of the Fire God - Bronze Age Quest Adventure READ: Lora Ley Adventures  - Germanic Mythology Fiction Series READ: Reiker For Hire  - Victorian Detective Murder Mysteries Back to Top

Xanthosis means "yellowness" . In alchemy and Jungian psychology, citrinitas is the solar day, the brightening and joyful spirit. Like other elements of alchemy and nature, it has a dark "opposite" side. The yellowing can bespeak health issues or moving ahead too quickly. READ: World of Alchemy: Spiritual Alchemy Alchemy Colors: Color Phase Therapy Depth Psychology: Search for Meaning Colors of Alchemy: Citrinitas Solar Yellow Sylvia Rose Books Citrinitas follows the alchemy color phase albedo , or whitening. The color phases are: nigredo - blackening, putrefaction, melanosis - abnormal darkness albedo - whitening, purification, leucosis - dark side: death (spiritual) citrinitas - yellowing, solar day, xanthosis - dark side: decay rubedo - reddening, Magnum Opus , iosis - dark side: clotting, rust, poison Yellow can be jaundice, deterioration, disenchantment, depression. This can happen if the practitioner moves ahead too quickly in the work. In this case the harmful elements or bad influences have not all been dealt with. Zodiac Alchemy - Metals & Planets Alchemy and the Art of Gold-Making Ancient Greek Alchemy: ios and iosis Sylvia Rose Books Hidden factors can cause the spiritual crisis of xanthosis . It can appear in a couple of ways: On moving into the citrinitas stage the solar aspect manifests in a sickly way. One should feel bright and optimistic going into this phase. During the citrinitas phase, outside issues can arise and trouble the mind. This can cause the golden rays to filter away as if through smog. Sometimes they come back. READ: World of Alchemy: A Little History This spiritual jaundice is not a disaster. The practitioner simply returns to the albedo phase, even the nigredo if necessary, to seek further and purge any psychic toxins, memories, traits or elements hindering a productive and prosperous life flow. Alchemy & New Thought in Ancient Alexandria Psychology: the Conscious Ego (Self) Immortal - Quest for the Elixir of Life Sylvia Rose Books In terms of human health , yellow skin and eye whites are a sign of jaundice, a condition which can have many underlying aspects. A small number of red blood cells die every day, replaced by new cells. The liver cleans out the old cells, creating bilirubin, a yellowish pigment. It helps break down bilirubin. Jaundice happens when too much bilirubin builds up in the body. Anima Animus Archetypes & Sexuality Active Imagination: Creative Therapy Honey Mead: Most Ancient Ambrosia Sylvia Rose Books Spiritually, it tells the practitioner there's still clutter to remove. During nigredo one purges to purify but other elements can enter the psyche at any time. It's difficult to describe the feeling of xanthosis. Symptoms might include: weakness or fatigue itching under the skin / surface defecation problems or feeling "plugged up" irritability Unity of Opposites: Spiritual Alchemy Numinous: Beholding the Divine Quintessence: Elemental Life Force Sylvia Rose Books In spiritual healing one doesn't turn yellow. It's a physical illness which should be immediately treated by a physician. However one has sympathetic symptoms or feelings: fatigue, blockage of energy flow, moodiness etc. Since the color phase therapy process is different for everyone, it's hard to tell when to move forward into the next phase. As intuition and familiarity develop, it becomes easier. Even the most expert practitioner sometimes has to bail and go back a step or two. Mugwort (Wormwood) Herbal Lore Alchemy: Processes Used by Alchemists Alchemy & Psychology: Hidden Meanings Sylvia Rose Books Non-Fiction Books: World of Alchemy: A Little History World of Alchemy: Spiritual Alchemy Fiction Books: READ: Cult of the Fire God - Bronze Age Quest Adventure READ: Lora Ley Adventures  - Germanic Mythology Fiction Series READ: Reiker For Hire  - Victorian Detective Murder Mysteries Back to Top

The Kunstkammer or Art Chamber of Rudolf II is a delight. A patron of arts, science, literature and occult the Holy Roman Emperor surrounds himself with curiosities, astrologers, poets, alchemists and naughty pictures. In the Renaissance his court at Prague is a happening place. READ: World of Alchemy: Spiritual Alchemy Writing in Letters of Gold: Ancient Alchemy Edward Kelley: Alchemy & the Angels Glass & Arts of Ancient Glass Making Sylvia Rose Books Rudolf II is Holy Roman Emperor 1576 - 1612, born in Vienna Austria. From 1583 his court is at Prague. A collector of art and literature he builds an impressive library and supports occult arts. People like John Dee travel from afar for his patronage, but don't always get it. Rudolf takes the throne in1576. In 1583, he moves the court to Prague. With a yen to unify Christendom, Rudolf starts the Long Turkish War (1593–1606) with the Ottoman. Sick of war, citizens in Hungary revolt, giving more authority to his younger brother Matthias. Nāgārjuna: Buddhist Mystic & Alchemist Rasayana: Alchemy & Health of India Roger Bacon: Medieval Science & Alchemy Sylvia Rose Books His reign sees tolerance of Hebrews and Protestants and a cultural flowering of these groups. Rudolf is famous for his collection of paintings. His love for art is so profound he's easily entranced by a new piece, perusing its beauty for hours. He's especially fond of erotica. READ: World of Alchemy: A Little History His collection is extraordinary. He spares no expense in acquiring masterpieces by renowned artists such as Dürer and Brueghel. Castle guests are welcome to explore. He also supports and commissions contemporary artists, nurturing a vibrant creative community around him. Colors of Alchemy: Citrinitas Solar Yellow Cleopatra the Physician of Greece Ancient Egypt Remedies: Ebers Papyrus Sylvia Rose Books Trying to do the right thing, he educates a boy borne by his mistress, sending him to another castle when he's old enough. The son lives in filth, abuses and murders a barber's daughter, refuses to bathe and dies of a ruptured ulcer. This feeds superstitions and courtly rumor mills. Rudolf patronizes astronomers Tycho Brahe and Johannes Kepler, and is so fascinated by Michael Maier he makes Maier a knight the day after meeting him. His interest in the occult, including astrology and alchemy, reflect the intellectual climate of the Renaissance era. Great Women of Renaissance Alchemy Alchemy & Astrology: Cosmic Connections Catherine de' Medici & the Occult Sylvia Rose Books Seeking and exploring the unknown, and discovering new lands are in demand. Curiosity chambers, art rooms or Kunstkammern are popular among collectors. They range from a few shelves to Rudolf's three-room extravaganza. Rudolf  commissions increasingly indiscrete artworks. The Emperor is the subject of rumors spread by enemies in his family, and the Catholic Church, in the years leading up to his ultimate deposition. Sexual allegations arise, more than just gossip. Witches & Witchcraft: Ancient World Robert Fludd & Renaissance Medicine Agathodaemon: Fire, Silver & Alchemy Sylvia Rose Books He never marries although more than once he uses himself as bait to close deals in business or politics. However, beneath his outward pursuits and intellectual endeavors, Rudolf II struggles with inner demons. Like many in the Habsburg family, he experiences bouts of melancholy, a condition we now recognize as depression. Episodes of despondency and introspection weigh heavily, gradually eroding his mental well-being. Colors of Alchemy: Black Nigredo Putrefaction Hair Loss: 9 Natural Cures of Physician Dioscorides Zodiac Alchemy - Metals & Planets Sylvia Rose Books When struck with these spells, he withdraws from the demands of public life. As his reign progresses, Rudolf II increasingly retreats into his personal interests, mystic and scholarly pursuits. Often during bouts of seclusion he has relationships with men in his employ. One lover influences his military and political decisions for years, to the indignation of courtiers. At the same time Rudolf is attracted to women, having several children with a mistress and numerous affairs with other women. Chrysopoeia - Turning Lead into Gold Hypatia: Scholar & Martyr Alexandria Khaos: Primal Goddess of Greek Myth Sylvia Rose Books Rudolf encounters alchemist Edward Kelley , who claims he can make gold out of base metals. He's the same Edward Kelley who cons John Dee into sharing wives, saying it's the wish of angels. When Kelley fails and can't pay back the cash deposit, Rudolf throws him in prison. Kelley makes a deal, saying he's ready to make gold. He persuades Rudolf to let him resume his alchemy work. This leads to Kelley's release and reinstatement. When again he fails to deliver, it's back to prison. Kelley tries to escape, breaks his leg and dies from his injuries. Edward Kelley: Alchemy & the Angels Alchemy and the Art of Gold-Making Theriac: Miracle Snake Venom Potion Sylvia Rose Books Besides art and curiosities, the collection of Rudolf II has a huge section of minerals like obsidian, geodes, precious and peculiar stones. It grows so vast he hires a caretaker, a keen minerologist, to care for the collection. He's considered the most active mineral collector of the Renaissance. Labeling and identifying stones help scholars and natural philosophers of the day recognize these stones in the field. For those inclined to mystic, stones are among the items used in Renaissance natural magic . Natural Magic of the Renaissance Jet Black - Ancient World Gemstones Amethyst - Divine Purple Quartz Gemstone Sylvia Rose Books Rudolf II comes from a long line of esteemed monarchs. In theory, emperors are elected. In practice, the position of Holy Roman Emperor has been held by the House of Habsburg since 1440. He continues to stubbornly push his war against the Ottoman Empire. The beleaguered citizens call his brother Matthias for help. Rudolf is forced to cede all his lands and titles except that of Holy Roman Emperor. In 1611 Matthias takes it too. Next year, Rudolf dies. His books and art are dispersed. What's left is later looted by Swedish troops. Pseudo-Geber: Medieval Alchemy Medici & Alchemy: Italian Renaissance Panacea: Goddess of Universal Health The troops take many of the treasures back to Stockholm, there to come under the seeking eye of Queen Christina of Sweden. She abdicates the throne, moves to Rome and becomes an alchemist. Sylvia Rose Books Non-Fiction Books: World of Alchemy: Spiritual Alchemy World of Alchemy: A Little History Fiction Books: READ: Cult of the Fire God - Bronze Age Quest Adventure READ: Lora Ley Adventures  - Germanic Mythology Fiction Series READ: Reiker For Hire  - Victorian Detective Murder Mysteries Back to Top

The alchemy of elixirs goes back to early mankind, when plants with known healing properties are combined, boiled or mashed. The mortar and pestle originates about 35,000 years ago. Here's info and tips to make your own elixirs. Soap & Medicine Herb of Ancients Isabella Cortese: Renaissance Writer, Alchemist, Entrepreneur Secrets of Renaissance Herbal Recipes Concocted as vitality tonics, detox or purification brews or spiritual potions, these mixtures are created or explored by medieval alchemists such as Donato d'Eremita, an herbal specialist. Friars are especially noted for developing alchemical herbal preparations for healing. Monasteries and convents have the distillation and other equipment, the literature or library and a quiet spiritual atmosphere. Alchemy for medicines and betterment of human life takes place in the houses of the holy. Naples Renaissance: Holy Alchemy Alkahest: Panacea & Solvent Alchemy Natural Magic of the Renaissance In the 16th century renegade Swiss physician Paracelsus  popularizes Spagyria , the alchemy of plants and herbal remedies. He studies herbal texts, collects and examines specimens, and takes long walks to secluded alpine villages to discover their medical treatments and lore. A fusion of botanical wisdom and mystical energy, an elixir can be a one-time experiment, a business or lifestyle. In early times, elixirs are often created to order. Proven potions evolve into folk remedies, bitters, patent medicines and herbal health or beauty treatments. Secrets of Mystical Alchemy: Unlocking the Unknown Sublime Vision of Hermes Trismegistus Hyssop (Hyssopus) - Plant of Mystic Lore Crafting these elixirs brings out an artisan flair. Early medicine is made of herbal and other natural parts and published in such tomes as de Materia Medica  (On Medical Material) by timeless physician Dioscorides . Dioscorides is a surgeon in the army of Nero. He dedicates himself to the study of plants, roots and other products for medicinal use. His works are revered by the Islamic alchemists and translated at the Arabic House of Wisdom . Turmeric (Curcuma longa): Ancient Uses & Medicine Moonwort (Botrychium Lunaria): Folklore, Magic and Medicine Avicenna (Ibn Sina) Medieval Islamic Scientist Mystical Properties of Herbal Elixirs Mystical herbal elixirs blend herbalism with principles of magic. Herbs can be fresh or dried. Some herbs have traditions - for instance moonwort should be gathered under a full moon. Historically, each ingredient in an elixir has health benefits and spiritual significance. For example: Sage:  Known for its cleansing properties, sage is often used in rituals to purify spaces, while its tea is believed to promote clarity of mind. Lavender :  Valued for its calming effects, lavender also carries associations with protection and love, often included in elixirs meant to attract peace and positivity. Rosemary :  Traditionally associated with remembrance and protection, rosemary is a common ingredient in elixirs crafted for insight and enhancing memory. Chamomile : mild, gentle on the stomach for recovering patients, calming, treats insomnia and nausea. Caraway : pungent spice, relieves dyspepsia, morning sickness, bloat, flatulence. It's said to improve memory. It boosts resistance to illness and thwarts evil magic. Women of Alchemy - Mary the Jewess Anqi Sheng & the Elixir of Immortality Remarkable Islamic Women in History Ginger : a tangy root. It's used to treat arthritis, depression, memory loss and heart disease. It strengthens the immune system, often included in Chinese elixirs of life. Cucumber: this refreshing fruit treats inflammation and heart problems. Cucumber ice cream is popular in Victorian natural health. Cucumber is potent in beauty and youth elixirs. Lemon: reduces risk of brain disease, treats high blood pressure, heart problems, cleansing and anti-toxic. Lemon also keeps evil spirits away. Rose: Rose water is made by simmering rose petals in water. This fragrant concoction can be used as scent, in drinks, cuisine, or potions of love. It can be mixed or used on its own. Rose is also the main ingredient in rosaceum , a medieval oil. Other ideas include peppermint, elderberries , linden flowers, mulberry and figs . Honey is often added to teas and elixirs, sometimes just so children will take their medicine. This golden sweet has its own medicinal properties including treatment for indigestion, relief of tremors, convulsions, anxiety and depression. It's not suitable for strict vegans. Honey Mead: Most Ancient Ambrosia Ephedra - Oldest Medical Stimulant Herb Song of the Loreley - Lethal Beauty The alchemical herbalist blends herbs, flowers, and other natural ingredients with precision and intention. The scientific process involves extracting the essence (oil, juice, specific properties, quintessence ) of each element to create harmonious blends for body and spirit. Unveiling the Mystical Properties Each herbal elixir possesses a unique set of properties that work in harmony to promote well-being and spiritual balance. From boosting immunity to enhancing clarity of mind, these elixirs tap into the mystical energies of nature to bring about holistic healing. Metal & Gemstone Dyeing in Alchemy Alchemy Processes Invented by Islamic Alchemists Democritus: Laughing Philosopher Ahead of His Time Basic Herbal Elixir Recipe Ingredients: 1 cup of water 1 tablespoon of dried herbs (e.g., chamomile, peppermint, or hibiscus) Sweetener of choice (like honey or agave) – optional Optional: a pinch of salt or a few drops of essential oils Instructions: Prepare the Herbs:  If using dried herbs, gently crush them to release their essence. Boil the Water:  In a small pot, bring the water to a boil. Combine:  Add the herbs to the boiling water. Allow the mixture to simmer and infuse for about 10-15 minutes. Strain and Sweeten:  Strain the mixture into a cup and add sweetener as desired. Infusion of Intent:  When consuming the elixir, meditate on intent, whether healing, clarity, or protection. Allow this energy to flow into the drink. Alchemy in the European Renaissance Asphodel: Ancient Dye & Medicine Plants Vinegar Cures of Physician Dioscorides Tips for Customization Experiment with Combinations:  Explore combining different herbs that resonate with intentions. For instance, mixing rosemary for clarity and chamomile for relaxation can create a balanced elixir. Essential Oils:  Add a drop or two to enhance the therapeutic properties, or for fragrance. Use of herbal elixirs can be traced back thousands of years to ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians, Greeks, and Chinese. These societies recognized the power of plants and herbs to influence health and well-being, leading to the birth of various medicinal practices. Egyptian Blue Lotus: Visionary Beauty Lucrezia Borgia: Exploring the Enigma Pope vs Alchemy 1317 AD: Falsification In ancient Egypt, herbs are integrated into spiritual practices and rituals. Goddess Isis uses herbs for healing, inspiring people to create their own potent brews. The Greeks, with a holistic view of body and spirit, craft elixirs of local plants for health and mental clarity. The Chinese tradition develops its own sophisticated herbal practices, with texts dating back to the 2nd century describing the use of herbs and roots in various potions. Chinese medicine emphasizes the balance of Qi (energy) within the body. Science of Onion Tears: Demystifying Acids Zodiac Alchemy - Metals & Planets Catherine de' Medici & the Occult Sylvia Rose Books Non-Fiction Books: World of Alchemy: Spiritual Alchemy World of Alchemy: A Little History Fiction Books: READ: Lora Ley Adventures  - Germanic Mythology Fiction Series READ: Reiker For Hire  - Victorian Detective Murder Mysteries Back to Top

Mystical alchemy, steeped in ancient wisdom and enigmatic practices, has long captivated truth seekers. Drawn into this absorbing discipline, people can spend their lives, or fortunes, questing for the cryptic ideal on the esoteric end of the alchemical spectrum. Alchemical Scientists: Secret Science of Alchemy Natural Magic of the Renaissance Chrysopoeia - Turning Lead into Gold Movements in alchemy tend to appear in conditions of intellectual fertility. Examples include ancient Alexandria, medieval Islam, medieval monasteries, the Renaissance and Enlightenment, a God-centric intellectual phase of 17 - 18th century Europe. The Alchemical Quest for Transformation Transformation is at the heart of mystical alchemy. Isaac Newton is still trying to turn lead into gold in the 18th century. Alchemy hints at transmutation while speaking in riddles. The mystic alchemist may be solitary or social but approaches the puzzle in holistic ways. Argyropoeia: Silver Making of Ancients Ge Hong: Teachings Alchemy Medicine Panacea: Goddess of Universal Health He writes poetry with esoteric meaning and obscure references to elusive subjects. She takes transcendental journeys and records dreams with awe. They transcend the practical and replace it with infinite theoretical possibilities. Stephanus of Alexandria says, “Put away the material theory, so you may be deemed worthy to see the hidden mystery with your intellectual eyes.” Stephanus of Alexandria: the Last Intellectual The Great Library of Alexandria Sublime Vision of Hermes Trismegistus Central to the practice of mystical alchemy is the symbolism woven through its practice and teachings. The philosopher's stone, the transmutation of elements, the union of opposites are all theories on which to write commentaries while at the cafe sipping distillation of wormwood. The mystic alchemist follows a path of enlightenment, seeking knowledge, learning the secrets of nature and encoding them in language unknown to the uninitiated. This esotericism, often in combination with religion, creates cliques and "inner circles". Isabella Cortese: Renaissance Writer, Alchemist, Entrepreneur Secrets of Renaissance Herbal Recipes Turmeric (Curcuma longa): Ancient Uses & Medicine Codes and secret language give a person a sense of belonging, of knowing that which others don't. 20th century depth psychologist Alfred Adler bases his work on the theory people need to feel significant in life. Traveling through the enigmatic realm of mystical alchemy includes obtaining the secrets of the lapis philosophorum or Philosophers' Stone. The substance is described by Greek philosopher Democritus in the 5th century BCE. Democritus: Laughing Philosopher Ahead of His Time Alchemists & Formulas: Pseudo-Democritus Alchemy in the Renaissance: Quest for Truth He says, " ... The stone is not formed until it has gathered all the colors that exist in the universe, and until it has been colored with all the simple and complex colors." In Alexandrian times it's described as "... a stone that is not a stone ..." . People have been philosophizing about this stone for thousands of years, making it truly a stone of philosophers. However it can also be a pill, powder or potion. Pill of Immortality: Chinese Alchemy Mugwort (Wormwood) Herbal Lore Gold - Precious Metal of the Sun Islamic alchemists believe in the transmutation of metals until c. 1025 when Avicenna explains it's not possible. Islam drops the idea and turns to more plausible pursuits, as Europe ardently embraces the Philosophers' Stone and sinks into a morass of myth and meaning. This is left to the mystic alchemist to figure out. Works of literature such as commentaries, theories and poetry circulate, as do ever more amazing pictures of alchemical references including Michael Maier's Atalanta Fugiens 1617, with images by Matthias Merian. Remarkable Islamic Women in History Michael Maier: Rosicrucians, Art & Alchemy Caraway Spice - Herbology & Folklore Alchemical mysticism also requires a lot of study. It's integral to understand not only the concepts of alchemy, including practical alchemy, but the viewpoints of others current and in the past. The better informed, the better to explore the mystic from an alchemical perspective. Thoughtful excursions into realms of immortality, the Philosopher's Stone, the details of sights yet unseen, come from the mystic alchemists. Questions of religion, the soul and the nature of existence are topics explored in detail. Every mystic finds a unique form of expression. Egyptian Alchemy - Power of Eternity Ambrosia: Divine Nectar & Immortal Gods Myth & Metallurgy - Metals of Antiquity Sylvia Rose Books Non-Fiction Books: World of Alchemy: Spiritual Alchemy World of Alchemy: A Little History Fiction Books: READ: Lora Ley Adventures  - Germanic Mythology Fiction Series READ: Reiker For Hire  - Victorian Detective Murder Mysteries Back to Top

Aisha bint Abi Bakr (c. 613 – 678 AD) is a medieval Islamic woman, a royal daughter, and the wife of the Prophet Muhammed. One of the most significant figures in Islamic history, she is instrumental in the early development of the Muslim community. Remarkable Islamic Women in History Avicenna (Ibn Sina) Medieval Islamic Scientist Turmeric (Curcuma longa): Ancient Uses & Medicine The Life and Times of Aisha bint Abi Bakr Born in approximately 613 AD in Mecca, she's the daughter of Abu Bakr, the first caliph of Islam, and Umm Ruman. Aisha is revered for her keen intellect, devotional commitment, and influential teachings. Her venture into scholarly pursuits is almost predestined. Blessed with a desire for knowledge, Aisha emerges as a luminary of early Islam. She makes her place in the realm of scholarship, an inspiration for those who seek enlightenment. Her teachings transcend societal boundaries and stories of her wisdom are legendary. House of Wisdom: Medieval Scholarship in Baghdad Islamic Alchemy: Abu Bakr al-Razi Alchemy of Islam: Medieval Golden Age Early Life and Marriage Aisha grows up in a household deeply involved in the early Islamic movement. Her father, Abu Bakr, is a close companion of the Prophet Muhammad and one of the first converts to Islam. In this environment, Aisha is exposed to the teachings of Islam from an early age. She develops keen understanding of its principles. In 620 AD, Aisha is married to the Prophet Muhammad when she's very young. The marriage gives her an integral role in the Prophet's personal and public life. She takes great interest in the events shaping early Islamic society. Alchemy of Islam: Medieval Golden Age The Great Library of Alexandria Caterina Sforza: Renaissance Alchemy Contributions to Islamic Scholarship Aisha bint Abu Bakr is a devoted wife and avid scholar of Islamic teachings. She's known for her sharp intellect and recognized for extensive knowledge of the Quran and Hadith (sayings and actions of the Prophet). Following the Prophet’s death in 632 AD, Aisha becomes an essential source of Islamic knowledge, transmitting numerous Hadiths to the early Muslim community. Her teachings encompass a wide range of topics, including Islamic law, ethics, and gender relations. Anima Mundi: Soul of the World Al-Mi'raj: Unicorn Hare of Arab Myth Avicenna (Ibn Sina) Medieval Islamic Scientist Aisha's contributions are particularly significant concerning the role of women in Islam. She advocates for women's rights, emphasizing a woman's responsibilities and roles in society, thus affecting the view of gender within Islam. The Reverence and Mystery Surrounding Aisha bint Abi Bakr Aisha bint Abi Bakr contributes significantly to the field of jurisprudence and has a strong influence on the teachings of Islam. In Sunni tradition, Aisha is depicted as learned, intelligent and curious. She spreads Muhammad's teachings and spends 44 years serving the Muslim community after his passing. Aisha is renowned for transmitting 2,210 hadiths, not only concerning Muhammad's personal life but also on topics like inheritance, pilgrimage, and eschatology. Metal & Gemstone Dyeing in Alchemy Alchemy Processes Invented by Islamic Alchemists Democritus: Laughing Philosopher Ahead of His Time Narrations and Teachings Many of her Hadiths are foundational to Islamic law and theology. Her narrations provide critical insight into the life of the Prophet Muhammad, offering perspectives on his character, ethical teachings, and interactions with his companions. Aisha is a proponent of reason and critical thinking in interpreting the Quran and Hadith. She encourages her contemporaries to engage deeply with religious texts, advocating for an understanding transcending simple memorization. Women Scientists of the Ancient World 3 Islamic Alchemists & the House of Wisdom Panacea: Goddess of Universal Health One of her notable teachings is her insistence on knowledge and education, particularly for women. Seeking knowledge, Aisha says, is an obligation for every Muslim, a view consistent with contemporary movements advocating for women's education within Islamic communities. Political Influence and Later Life After the death of the Prophet Muhammad, Aisha continues an active role in the politics of the early Islamic state. Her most significant political engagement comes during the First Fitna (656–661 AD), a civil war following assassination of the third caliph, Uthman ibn Affan. Isabella Cortese: Renaissance Writer, Alchemist, Entrepreneur Argyropoeia: Silver Making of Ancients Salt in Alchemy: Alchemical Uses & Lore Aisha emerges as a leader in the opposition against Ali ibn Abi Talib, the fourth caliph, advocating for justice concerning Uthman's murder. Despite the eventual defeat of her faction at the Battle of the Camel, Aisha's involvement shows her as a politically active figure and a voice for her beliefs. After the conflict, she withdraws from public life. She settles in her home, and continues to teach and share her knowledge until her passing in 678 AD. Status & Rights of Women in Imperial Rome Theriac: Miracle Snake Venom Potion Active Imagination: Creative Therapy Sylvia Rose Books Non-Fiction Books: World of Alchemy: Spiritual Alchemy World of Alchemy: A Little History Fiction Books: READ: Lora Ley Adventures  - Germanic Mythology Fiction Series READ: Reiker For Hire  - Victorian Detective Murder Mysteries Back to Top

Lady Isabella Cortese is born in the 16th century into a wealthy family in Italy. In Venice, she transcends conventional norms to shine as a writer, alchemist and entrepreneur. Through her work and ingenuity she becomes a culture heroine and brilliant star of the Renaissance. Great Women of Renaissance Alchemy Remarkable Islamic Women in History Ancient Traders & Buyers: Art of Testing Metals Born into aristocracy in the 16th century in Florence or Naples, Lady Isabella displays an insatiable thirst for knowledge from a young age. Unconventional pursuits like authoring literature, practicing alchemy and engaging in commerce set her apart from contemporaries. She escapes the normal fate of a well-born girl. Usually it's a strategic marriage to strengthen family ties, as in the case of Caterina Sforza and Lucrezia Borgia . Fourteen is the age of consent in Italy at the time but some girls are married off younger. Venice Italy: Jewel of the Renaissance Lucrezia Borgia: Exploring the Enigma Caterina Sforza: Renaissance Alchemy Thus her family has to have enough affluence and a liberal mode of thinking to let her follow her passions with the bright intellect she shows as a child. Lady Isabella will be the one to carry the torch into the future. By the time she starts to publish her work, she has already attained a unique identity as an alchemist. According her, she studies alchemy for thirty years. She explores works of renowned alchemists like Geber , Ramon Llull and Arnold of Villanova. Jabir ibn Hayyan: Alchemy of Islam Golden Ages of Alchemy: Renaissance Mercury: Miracle Metal of Madness Some of their contributions she scorns as "nonsense, rife with myths and impractical recipes that only waste time and resources." She feels she gains nothing from their teachings except a "higher likelihood of premature death." It is believed Isabella Cortese acquires a deeper understanding of alchemy through her global travels rather than relying solely on antiquated alchemical texts. She's an active student, full of curiosity and energy. Equipment Alchemists Need: Essential Tools of the Trade Women of Alchemy - Mary the Jewess Christine de Pizan: Medieval Writings Lady Isabella is best known for her seminal work, The Secrets of Lady Isabella Cortese , published in 1561. This treatise delves into the art of alchemy and herbalism, providing invaluable insights into the chemical practices of the Renaissance. Unlike many of her male counterparts who cloak their writings in esoteric language and obscure references, Cortese adopts a clear and accessible style. She aims not only to educate but empower her readers, providing medicinal remedies and recipes of natural ingredients. Secrets of Renaissance Herbal Recipes Sweet Wormwood: Malaria Miracle Cure Herbal Remedies in Medieval Alchemy She includes clear, easy to follow instructions to show her secrets are not a load of hypothetical blather. At a time many intellectuals write in Latin, Lady Isabella adopts the vernacular, a crucial element to the spread female literacy overall. Here she follows a course set by people like Swiss physician and alchemist Paracelsus (1495 - 1531), who gives his lectures in German instead of Latin so anyone can understand them. Lady Isabella appeals to the regular woman, not just a closely knit elite. Natural Health: Paracelsus & Hermetic Principles Status & Rights of Women in Imperial Rome Medieval Alchemy: Jean de Roquetaillade Her book is famous not only for clarity but also practical applications. Cortese writes about use of plants, minerals, and animals in alchemical processes. Her work bridges the abyss between mystical aspects of alchemy and the empirical nature of scientific inquiry. Cortese's writings reflected her philosophical views on nature and humanity. By advocating for a connection between the natural world and the human experience, she anticipates the later developments in chemistry and the eventual emergence of modern science. Albertus Magnus: Alchemy, Arsenic, Astrology Famous Women of Ancient Rome Renaissance Wars: Venice vs. Ottoman Alchemy and the Pursuit of Knowledge During the Renaissance, alchemy is natural philosophy, seen as a science. Its cloak of mystique comes from two things: people trying to hide what they know, and those trying to hide what they don't know. By this time, many alchemists have wandered into the trap of thinking metal transmutation is a) real or b) real enough to fool other people. The fraudulent gold-maker knows the truth about alchemy, while even legendary figures like Bernard Trevisan spend a lifetime seeking it. Silver - Queen of Precious Metals John Dee - Talking to Angels Bernard Trevisan: Legends of Alchemy Lady Cortese is a no-nonsense woman. She positions herself as a thinker to be taken seriously, engaging with both scientific and mystical realms. Books of Secrets eventually become a profitable trend. Some are even written by men under a woman's name, due to the odd logic women don't know enough about science to write a book on it. A few accuse Lady Isabella (unseen) of being a man with a pseudonym. Alchemists & Formulas: Pseudo-Democritus Pseudo-Geber: Medieval Alchemy Alchemy: Processes Used by Alchemists Her work contains practical recipes for elixirs, tonics, and remedies to enhance health and vitality. She markets to aristocrats and commoners alike. Her integration of practical instruction and philosophical discourse exemplifies the Renaissance spirit of inquiry. Entrepreneurial Ventures Lady Isabella's entrepreneurial acumen turns her passion for alchemy into a lucrative business. She crafts elixirs and tonics for vitality and longevity. Her keen eye for opportunity and innovation allows her to establish networks of clients and contacts. Avicenna (Ibn Sina) Medieval Islamic Scientist Verdigris: Volatile Blue Green Pigment Nature Spirits of German Mythology In an era when many women are excluded from business, she establishes herself with her breadth o knowledge and products to suit a diverse clientele. Isabella's success as an entrepreneur reflects the changes of the Renaissance. With her business sense and intellectual pursuits she's an example of the 'Renaissance Woman,' able to traverse and excel on multiple levels. Turmeric (Curcuma longa): Ancient Uses & Medicine Edward Kelley: Alchemy & the Angels Democritus: Laughing Philosopher Ahead of His Time Lady Isabella's legacy extends far beyond her time. Her writings continue to inspire generations of thinkers and creatives, while her alchemical pursuits challenge boundaries of traditional science. As an entrepreneur, she blazes a trail for women in business. More About Lady Isabella's Book of Secrets In 1561, the publication of I secreti della signora Isabella Cortese  or The Secrets of Lady Isabella Cortese  in Venice marks the introduction of alchemy to a wider audience, falling leading to the "books of secrets" genre popular in the 17th century. Shennong Primordial Farmer & Healer Titans of the Renaissance: Powerful Italian Families Pope vs Alchemy 1317 AD: Falsification Isabella Cortese's secrets ("secrets" is also another name for "experiments") are a collection of home remedies, medical and beauty treatments, household hints, everyday cures and instructions on turning metals to gold. Some of her recipes are valuable enough to be traded for goods or settling debts. Practical items like toothpaste, glue, polish, soap, and cosmetics could be made following the book's guidance. Notable concoctions included a "universal medicine" combining camphor, quicksilver, and sulfur for holistic healing, and a remedy for erectile dysfunction made from quail testicles, large winged ants, amber, musk, elder oil, and storax. Baltic Amber - Gold of the North Alchemy: How to Make Rosaceum Oil Spagyria: Botanical Science of Alchemy The book promises to reveal all its secrets if instructions are meticulously followed. It offers contemporary facts on medicinal uses of various natural elements. Her work contains recipes divided into four books catering to different genders. The first book focuses on medicinal recipes, addressing prevalent diseases in Europe like syphilis and any of several plagues, emphasizing alchemical healing methods. The second book explains substance production like gold and elixirs. Yliaster: Quest for the Magnum Opus Elixir Vitae: Giambattista della Porta Elixir of Life: Alchemy & the Emperor Cortese also outlines rules for readers, stressing aspects like working alone, using proper equipment and mastering alchemical practices. She emphasizes the importance of maintaining secrecy, seeking reliable allies, and expressing gratitude through charitable acts. The third book covers diverse topics like mirror-making, hair dyeing, and stain removal. The final book is addressed to women, exploring beauty enhancement through creams, powders, hair dyes, and oils. Care and Feeding of Your German Kobold Cosimo de' Medici & the Italian Renaissance Kohl: Eye Beauty Magic of Ancients Sylvia Rose Books Non-Fiction Books: World of Alchemy: Spiritual Alchemy World of Alchemy: A Little History Fiction Books: READ: Lora Ley Adventures  - Germanic Mythology Fiction Series READ: Reiker For Hire  - Victorian Detective Murder Mysteries Back to Top

Renaissance herbal recipes focus on health and medicine, but can also include dyeing, coloring and pigment making. Botanical knowledge from centuries ago is still vibrant today, thanks to ancient alchemists and other natural philosophers. Turmeric (Curcuma longa): Ancient Uses & Medicine Mugwort (Wormwood) Herbal Lore Caraway Spice - Herbology & Folklore The Alchemy of Nature The European Renaissance (c. 1350 - 1700) brings a widespread awakening in arts, science and philosophy. Insatiable curiosity about the natural world leads to revival of classical texts and integration of timeless herbs into culinary practices. Renaissance herbalists blend science with mysticism to release the power of plants. Many are friars hoping to make the world a better place, such as Roger Bacon and Donato d'Eremita. From salves to tinctures, Renaissance recipes are kept confidential until Lady Isabella Cortese takes the world by storm with her memorable book, "The Secrets of Lady Isabella". It's a runaway bestseller. Many more books of secrets by ladies appear, some written by men. Chamomile - Herbology & Folklore Isabella Cortese: Renaissance Writer, Alchemist, Entrepreneur White Pigments of Ancient Artisans   A Renaissance recipe book by Elizabeth Okeover Adderly (1644-1721), provides a good example of herbal cooking. One recipe reads "Take the green flagg which is like a sword flagg and growes in the water but be shure to take none but that wash drie and scrape the rootes very cleane, then putt them in a morter and beate them as fine as you can then mix it with live hon[e]y, as to make it like an Elec[tuary] ... Asphodel: Ancient Dye & Medicine Plants Natural Purple Dyes: Ancient & Medieval Alchemy in the Renaissance: Quest for Truth " ... take of it in the morning fasting as much as a wall nutt and fast an hour or more after it, take as much when you goe to bed this must be taken three months together. This cured one who had ten sores at one tyme upon hir, and none came after a fortnights takeing, but if any new sore arise then presently make a poultice, with milke and the rootes of figwort cut small and apply it to break it wch it will doe, then being broken lay uppon it both to draw and to heale it ye plaster Paracelsus (a plaster containing galbanum and frankincense, both of these aromatic resins favored by him) ... ... it is good notwithstanding this if any sores doe arise, to give the roots of figwort to the party eyther boyled and buttered, or fryed very often. (Note: ffigwort is by sume called small Celendine or Pilewort, the flag rootes be of a redish couler or flesh couler)." Celandine: Plant Toxins & Medicine Roger Bacon: Medieval Science & Alchemy Metal & Gemstone Dyeing in Alchemy Nature's Pharmacy Herbal medical recipes are either symptom oriented or for general health and well-being. During the Renaissance many natural brews are created due to the increased interest in herbal health. Some of these, such as bitters, are still prevalent today. With gold-making a dangerous hobby in the Renaissance, many alchemists turn to medicine. The Elixir Vitae or Elixir of Life is a common pursuit. Other medical mixes focus on headache remedies, such as walnuts, or salves to heal wounds, perhaps experimenting with zinc. Hair Loss: 9 Natural Cures of Physician Dioscorides Rasayana: Alchemy & Health of India Mandalas: Psychology & Art Therapy Ancient herbalists such as Dioscorides and Galen ( Four Humors Theory ) return to the spotlight during the Renaissance, the latter much to the horror of Paracelsus, who burns Galen's books. Paracelsus is the originator of botanical alchemy or Spagyria . “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.” -  Parcelsus (Philippus Aureolus Theophrastus Bombastus von Hohenheim) 1493-1531 AD Agathodaemon: Fire, Silver & Alchemy Democritus: Laughing Philosopher Ahead of His Time Natural Health: Paracelsus & Hermetic Principles Translated and rediscovered medical texts are primary resources for learning the qualities of plants. The printing press after 1440 disseminates knowledge like never before. The connection of food, health and spirituality is evident. Many dishes are crafted not only for flavor but also for their purported therapeutic effects. Or, in a time before refrigeration, to disguise the "off" taste of meat. At the same time their medicinal effects help purify the food from bacteria or unseen magic. Care and Feeding of Your German Kobold Spagyria: Botanical Science of Alchemy Dioscorides: Natural Medicine of Ancients Key Ingredients of Renaissance Herbalism Herbs are the cornerstone of Renaissance cuisine. Here are a few key ingredients defining this era: Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) : Esteemed for its aromatic qualities and believed to enhance memory, rosemary is used in meats, sauces, and even breads. Sage (Salvia officinalis) : Often associated with wisdom, sage is a common herb in salads, stuffing for meats, and medicinal infusions. Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) : Known for its antiseptic properties, thyme is valued in cooking meats and soups, as well as in herbal remedies. Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) : While primarily used for its fragrance, lavender also finds its way into desserts (see below) and beverages. It's believed to aid digestion and alleviate stress. Irrwurz or Mad Root: German Folklore Great Women of Renaissance Alchemy Olympiodorus of Thebes & His Parrot 1. Herbal Lavendula Pudding Ingredients : 2 cups milk 1/2 cup sugar 2 tablespoons dried culinary lavender 3 egg yolks 2 tablespoons cornstarch 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Instructions : In a saucepan, heat milk and lavender over medium heat until just boiling; then remove from heat and steep for 10 minutes. Strain the milk to remove lavender and return it to the saucepan. In a bowl, whisk together egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch. Gradually mix in the strained milk. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens. Stir in vanilla extract and pour into dessert dishes. Refrigerate until set. This pudding highlights use of lavender in dessert. Renaissance herbs are not limited to savory dishes. Remarkable Islamic Women in History Women Scientists of the Ancient World Alchemy & Renaissance Glass: Antonio Neri 2. Meat with Scented Herbs Ingredients : Assorted meats (lamb or chicken) 2 tablespoons of fresh rosemary, chopped 2 tablespoons of thyme, chopped 3 cloves of garlic, minced Salt and pepper to taste Olive oil Instructions : Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a bowl, combine rosemary, thyme, garlic, salt, pepper, and olive oil. Rub the herb mixture over the meat, ensuring it is evenly coated. Place the meat in a roasting pan and cook for about 1.5 hours, or until fully cooked. Allow to rest before serving, garnished with fresh herbs. This dish exemplifies the Renaissance approach of using aromatic herbs to enhance flavors while also promoting health. A brown butter sage combination is good for chicken dishes. Butter - Food of Peasants & Barbarians Quintessence: Elemental Life Force Elderberry Tree: Germanic Nature Lore Sylvia Rose Books Non-Fiction Books: World of Alchemy: Spiritual Alchemy World of Alchemy: A Little History Fiction Books: READ: Lora Ley Adventures  - Germanic Mythology Fiction Series READ: Reiker For Hire  - Victorian Detective Murder Mysteries Back to Top

Botrychium lunaria, lunary or common moonwort has a long history of use in folklore and medicine. It's found in the alchemy of Maria the Jewess in the 1st century AD. She calls it the white herb growing on small mountains, and gives it great praise. Botrychium lunaria connects to science, folklore, magic, alchemy and traditional medicine. A member of the family Ophioglossaceae , the adder-tongue ferns, this perennial is particular in biological characteristics and meaning. In folklore, moonwort holds a connection to the moon due to its leaves like lunar crescents. Harvesting this plant under a full moon heightens its healing powers. Moonworts die down at the end of summer and may lie dormant for several seasons. The moonwort said to make horses lose horseshoes if it's stepped on. Horseshoes are iron, which counteracts or protects against harmful magic in lore, so it could be a case of eldritch magnetic repulsion. This industrious plant can also open locks. Herbalists and alchemists seek out moonwort for medicinal or mystic properties. Spagyria is the alchemy of plants, promoted by Paracelsus . In nature magic moonwort enhances intuition, gives protection, and can reveal hidden secrets in the night. Spagyria: Botanical Science of Alchemy Natural Health: Paracelsus & Hermetic Principles Ambrosia: Divine Nectar & Immortal Gods According to historian Raphael Patai the herb of Maria ... " ... possesses a peculiar significance in alchemy because of its imagined "impregnation with a celestial vitality," and which was believed to be derived from the moon, whence its name, moonwort. "All kinds of healing and magical qualities were attributed to it, and it represented the white stage in the Great Work, that is, the first color transformation from the basic black, followed by yellow and red. The white and red fumes (or smokes) signify the mercury and sulfur of the philosophers." Women of Alchemy - Mary the Jewess Anqi Sheng & the Elixir of Immortality Avicenna (Ibn Sina) Medieval Islamic Scientist A symbolic interpretation of the herb corresponds to the five planets known in ancient times: Mercury, Mars, Venus, Jupiter and Saturn. These together with sun and moon can be seen with the naked eye and are the celestial bodies used by philosophers. Medicinal Properties Medicinal properties of Botrychium lunaria come from a trove of bioactive compounds. These include the familiar flavonoids and terpenoids, known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The medicinal compounds are of interest to practitioners and researchers exploring natural remedies. Moonwort extracts show potential in supporting respiratory health and improving digestion, traits already known to herbalists for centuries. Alchemy: Science, Philosophy, Magic Women of the Wild Hunt: Holle, Diana, Frigg Ouroboros Glyph: Snake Eating its Tail In history, various parts of the plant are used for a number of therapeutic purposes. The moonwort is a remedy for menstrual cramps and an external treatment for wounds and sores. Scientific Classification and Characteristics Botrychium lunaria is found in temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. It enjoys moist, shaded areas and lots of space, preferring higher ground or alpine terrain. Moonwort can be found in woodlands, meadows, and occasionally in disturbed sites. One of its distinguishing features is lobed leaves, resembling a delicate fan or a small, green moon or crescent. The height of the plant typically ranges between 10 - 30 cm (4 - 12 in). It's not considered edible. This species reproduces via spores rather than seeds, a characteristic aligning it more closely with ferns than flowering plants. The spore-bearing structures, or sori, are contained in a distinct cluster at the tip of the fertile fronds. Sylvia Rose Books Non-Fiction Books: World of Alchemy: Spiritual Alchemy World of Alchemy: A Little History Fiction Books: READ: Lora Ley Adventures  - Germanic Mythology Fiction Series READ: Reiker For Hire  - Victorian Detective Murder Mysteries Back to Top

The House of Wisdom in ancient and medieval Baghdad attracts scholars, philosophers, scientists, historians, writers and travelers, all with keen a thirst for knowledge. This ancient center of learning illuminates minds of students and sages until its destruction in 1258 AD. 3 Islamic Alchemists & the House of Wisdom Islamic Alchemy: Abu Bakr al-Razi The Great Library of Alexandria An the heart of the Abbasid Caliphate, the House of Wisdom or Bayt al-Ḥikmah is a beacon attracting light-seekers from far and wide. During the Islamic Golden Age (622 - 1258), the House of Wisdom is one of the most influential sites of learning. It's established in the late 8th century, either as a repository for the fifth Abbasid caliph Harun al-Rashid's collections, or as a private library. The second Abbasid caliph al-Mansur collects rare books and materials in Arabic. Avicenna (Ibn Sina) Medieval Islamic Scientist Turmeric (Curcuma longa): Ancient Uses & Medicine Ancient Traders & Buyers: Art of Testing Metals Under the reign of Caliph Al-Mansur and later his successor, Al-Ma'mun, Baghdad blossoms into a cultural and intellectual epicenter. And the bees do buzz. In the 9th century, the seventh Abbasid caliph al-Ma'mun opens it as a public academy and library. This period cultivates the desire to acquire wisdom from various cultures, particularly the Greek, Persian, Indian and Egyptian traditions. At the House of Wisdom scholars from diverse backgrounds gather. Alexandria: Jewel of Ancient History Alchemy of Islam: Medieval Golden Age Jabir ibn Hayyan: Alchemy of Islam Works by Aristotle, Galen, Zosimos and others are translated into Arabic, allowing for the preservation of ancient knowledge. The House of Wisdom attracts philosophers, scientists, translators, and researchers from across the world. Scholars congregate to talk theory, practice their ancient Greek, preserve and expand upon the vast reservoir of inherited knowledge. Ancient Arabic, Greek, Persian, and Sanskrit texts find a new home at the Grand Library. Zosimos of Panopolis: Father of Alchemy Aristotle: Intellect & Psyche the Soul John Dee - Talking to Angels During his tenure, Caliph Al-Ma'mun actively engages indaily affairs of the House of Wisdom, frequently meeting with scholars and inquiring about their work. He also mediates academic discussions. Al-Ma'mun's passion for seeking knowledge is due to a dream about Aristotle. Al-Kindi and Al-Khwarizmi Among the luminaries who grace the halls of the House of Wisdom, Al-Kindi and Al-Khwarizmi are pioneers in fields of mathematics, philosophy, and astronomy. They're both primary figures, and teachers to young and old, at the House of Wisdom. Anima Mundi: Soul of the World Panacea: Goddess of Universal Health Democritus: Laughing Philosopher Ahead of His Time Abū Yūsuf Yaʻqūb ibn ʼIsḥāq aṣ-Ṣabbāḥ al-Kindī ( c.  801–873 AD) is an Arab Muslim philosopher, mathematician, physician, and music theorist. Al-Kindi is the first of the Islamic peripatetic or traveling philosophers. He's known as the father of Arab philosophy. Muhammad ibn Musa al-Khwarizmi  ( al-Khwarizmi)  is a polymath born in Khwarazm, who contributes significantly to mathematics, astronomy, and geography. In c. 820 CE, he's appointed as astronomer and head of the House of Wisdom. His work leads to algebra. Alchemy Processes Invented by Islamic Alchemists Emerald Tablet - Sacred Alchemy Text Elixir of Life: Alchemy & the Emperor The Translation Movement A hallmark of the House of Wisdom is its great translation movement. Scholars systematically translate a vast range of ancient texts into Arabic, ensuring critical knowledge is accessible to the Muslim world and, subsequently, to Europe. This effort is significant in preserving the works of antiquity, and in synthesizing and building on this knowledge. The translation movement has a lasting impact, as it fosters inquiry and intellectual exchange. The proliferation of ideas leads up to the European Renaissance. Argyropoeia: Silver Making of Ancients Hair Loss: 9 Natural Cures of Physician Dioscorides Women Scientists of the Ancient World In 1258 the House of Wisdom is destroyed during the Mongol siege of Baghdad. The sun begins to set on the Islamic Golden Age. Sylvia Rose Books Non-Fiction Books: World of Alchemy: Spiritual Alchemy World of Alchemy: A Little History Fiction Books: READ: Lora Ley Adventures  - Germanic Mythology Fiction Series READ: Reiker For Hire  - Victorian Detective Murder Mysteries Back to Top