Practical Alchemy: A Guide to the Great Work - Paperback

by Brian Cotnoir (Author), James Wasserman (Introduction by), Robert Allen Bartlett (Foreword by)

A concise guide to the history, theory, and practice of alchemy (the "great work")--the art of working with the energies of nature for spiritual development, healing, and transformation.

Alchemy is a means of understanding and working in concert with the energies of nature for spiritual development, healing, and transformation. In this book, Brian Cotnoir offers a step-by-step introduction that explores alchemy's mysteries while illustrating its use as a modern spiritual system of attainment.

He provides an overview of the history of alchemy, from the first meldings of Egyptian technology to the Middle Ages--the golden age of alchemy--to contemporary techniques. He demystifies the relationship between alchemy and chemistry, and provides evidence that alchemy is much more than a medieval form of psychotherapy. The guide also includes practical laboratory experiments that safely and intelligently lead readers to an understanding of this ancient art and spiritual practice.

• Provides step-by-step instruction for beginning a practice in alchemy
• Explains the theory underlying the art and science of alchemy and how it works
• Demystifies the relationship between alchemy and chemistry, while going well beyond the "psychological interpretation" advanced by nonscientists
• Introduces the practice of alchemy to students of the Western magical arts

Author Biography

Brian Cotnoir is an alchemist, artist, and award-winning filmmaker. He was a contributor to Frater Albertus's Parachemy and has presented workshops and seminars around the world on various aspects of alchemical theory and practice. He is the author of Alchemy: The Poetry of Matter and translator of The Emerald Tablet. To find out more about Brian's work visit www.khepripress.com.