Alchemy

Air
Air
Earth
Earth
Fire
Fire
Water
Water

What is Alchemy?

Alchemy comes from the Arabic word "ALKIMYA" which consists of several sections. First, AL meaning 'the' and the Pre-Arabic noun most associated with the Egyptian word(s) Kamt, Quemt, or Chemi. This means "Black" or "Black Stuff." There are two theories that these words either refer to the mud of the Nile River or to the "Black Powder" produced in ancient Egyptian metalworking and foundries. This "powder" was usually associated with various processes involving quicksilver. Additional evidence for this second theory presents itself as the black powder produced during this metal manufacturing and was considered a basic component of every metal.

One definition of Alchemy states that Alchemy is the forerunner of chemistry and that Alchemy was an occult philosophy that sought to bring the Macrocosm (the Universe) into a close relationship with the Microcosm (the human being).

A second definition of Alchemy states that Alchemy is the investigation of the Universe and its relation to all objects (matter) and creatures. It also studies how those relationships can be changed and interchanged to alter and affect objects and creatures. The goal of Alchemy then becomes a search for a way to perfect the objects and (heal) the creatures.

It does not matter which definition of Alchemy is used, the ones above or any additional ones. The primary attribute of Alchemy is relationships is based on the Law of Sympathetic Magick. Simply put, all matter and creatures are related in some fashion and understanding that relationship gives the scholar dominion over them.

To an Alchemist (one who practices Alchemy), the ancient gods of Rome and Greece were probably very powerful Alchemists. When everything was bleak, one prayed to a god or gods and things worked out (sometimes).

Throughout the ages, Alchemy has contained components and aspects of Astrology, Religion, and Theosophy and the scientific method, as well as approaches and mysticism that were similar to as well as different from traditional mystical teachings.

Many sciences and scientific methods owe their origins to Alchemy. The designing and fabrication of apparatuses for the specific purpose to investigate and understand objects are evocative of modern research equipment and goals.

Alchemy of Alquennas

In the Living World of Alquennas, Alchemy is practiced by a precious few that desire to understand how the universe works together and their sympathetic relationships. The goal of the Alchemists on Alquennas is that once they understand how everything is related, they will be able to alter those relationships and change matter and energy itself.

The primary attribute of Alchemy is relationship, relationships which are based on the Law of Sympathetic Magick. Simply put, all matter and creatures are related in some fashion and understanding those relationships gives the scholar dominion over them. The alchemist desires to understand the relationships and the nature of all things. For once a material is understood, the alchemist goal is to be able to transform the material to another material.

In order to understand the nature of an item the alchemist keeps accurate and detailed notes on their observations. Additionally the alchemist throughout history has devised processes that allow them to identify and transform materials. There are different variations from one alchemist to another; however, they all have the same purpose. The ones listed here are common among several different alchemists from different parts of the world and from different times. These processes have become to be known as the 12 processes as there are 12 processes.

12 Alchemical Processes

The 12 alchemical processes are processes that allow the Alchemist to identify substances as well as take them a part as well as join them together. These processes are the core methodology of how an alchemist is able to perform their craft. These 12 processes are also the basic building blocks of modern day chemistry. One of the 12 or multiple processes is required to be performed on a material in order for the transformation of the material to occur. Each of the 12 processes is ruled or dominated by one of the 12 signs of the Zodiac. The processes can be broken down into four categories:

These categories are:

Decomposition
Modification
Separation
Union

Decomposition
There are three processes in the Decomposition category. The processes are:

Calcination
Calcination is ruled by the Zodiac sign of Aries.

Digestion
Digestion is ruled by the Zodiac sign of Leo.

Fermentation
Fermentation is ruled by the Zodiac sign of Capricorn

Modification
There are three processes in the Modification category. These processes are:

Congelation
Congelation is ruled by the Zodiac sign of Taurus.

Fixation
Fixation is ruled by the Zodiac sign of Gemini.

Ceration
Ceration is rule by the Zodiac sign of Sagittarius.

Separation
There are three processes in the Separation category. The processes are:

Distillation
Distillation is ruled by the Zodiac sign of Virgo

Filtration
Filtration is rules by the Zodiac sign of Scorpio

Sublimation
Sublimation is rules by the Zodiac sign of Libra

Alchemical Roses

In alchemy symbolism and the use of symbolic materials in the processes and determining the nature of other materials is an important part of the methodology of an alchemist. One of the symbolic materials is known as the alchemical roses. Each type (color) of rose has a different meaning and is used. The following is a list of some of the alchemical roses

Red Roses
Red Roses signify being alive and passionate. They symbolize the masculine aspect, being active or full of energy (energizing), the creative process or being creative and love.

White Roses
White Roses signify innocence, purity and purifying, feminine aspect initiations of members, passive energy, and building projects.

Black Roses
Black or Withered Roses signify disaster, problematic discussions, that love is over or has left, emergency rendezvous, death and termination.

Pink Roses
Pink Roses signify friendships, supportive friendships, gentleness or softness, awards and honors achieved and to be bestowed

Yellow Roses
The Yellow Rose signifies security and social affairs, lectures of an intellectual nature, compassion, camaraderie and free flowing exchanges of information as in a conversation.

Orange Roses
Orange Roses signify optimism, planning of meetings and rendezvous, fascination and enthusiasm for a subject.

Blue Roses
Blues Roses signify absolute devotion, longing for spiritual matters and fulfillment, a promise of a perfect world or relationship, group meditations.

Golden Roses
Golden Roses or Gilded Roses signify the perfection of one’s self, completion of important projects or completion of important matters, invocation of cosmic energies and invocation of past matters and unresolved matters.



Players of the Living World will have the opportunity to play Alchemists in 2010.