Alchemist's Handbook: Manual for Practical Laboratory Alchemy - Softcover

Frater Albertus

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0877286558 ISBN 13: 9780877286554

Publisher: Red Wheel/Weiser, 1987

Synopsis

Formerly handed down under oath of secrecy, this clear, concise handbook discusses: the fundamental principles of alchemy; directions for the formation of an inexpensive home laboratory, with illustrations of the necessary equipment; stepbystep instructions for the work of the Lesser Circulation, the alchemical transformation within the plant kingdomthe necessary prerequisite for any work in the mineral kingdom.

About this title

About the Author

<div> <p>Frater Albertus Spagyricus (Dr. Albert Richard Riedel) (1911-1984); founder of the Paracelsus Research Society in Salt Lake City, which later evolved into the Paracelsus College. Based on the Paracelsian concept of three essentials, Body, Soul and Spirit, Frater Albertus developed a system of teaching alchemical concepts using the spagyric technique of separation and cohobation. The unique gradated courses allowed students to explore aspects of the vegetable, mineral and animal kingdoms in an understandable and accessible way. Previous to this, one had to be a member of a fraternity or secret society in order to gain access to structured teaching. After his death in 1984, the college ceased operations in the United States but continued to carry on the tradition in Australia. Frater Albertus had a profound effect on the way Alchemy and particularly the Spagyric method was disseminated and understood in the mid to late 20th century. His works were translated into many languages.</p> </div>

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

The Alchemist's Handbook

(Manual for Practical Laboratory Alchemy)

By FRATEER ALBERTUS

Red Wheel/Weiser, LLC

Copyright © 1974 The estate of Frater Albertus
All rights reserved.

ISBN: 978-0-87728-655-4

Contents

Foreword
Preface to the First Edition
Preface to the Second Revised Edition
Chapter I Introduction to Alchemy
Chapter II The Lesser Circulation
Chapter III The Herbal Elixir
Chapter IV Medicinal Uses
Chapter V Herbs and Stars
Chapter VI Symbols in Alchemy
Chapter VII Wisdom of the Sages
Conclusion
Appendix
Alchemical Manifesto

CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION TO ALCHEMY

What is Alchemy? This is the first and most vital question to be answered before a studyof the following pages should be undertaken. This question can be answered to thesatisfaction of the inquiring mind, but all careless paging through this book will be to noavail. If the reader has no previous knowledge of Alchemy and, moreover, no knowledgethrough conscientious study concerning mysticism, occultism, or related subjects, theanswer to the above question will have little meaning. What, then, is Alchemy? It is "theraising of vibrations".

For this reason it is wise not to attempt to experiment with the laboratory outlines thatfollow. These experiments are only for those who have spent considerable time inspagyric research and who have proven to themselves that an honest endeavor hasprevailed and that this same endeavor still motivates their true search for the highestArcana, the lapis philosophorum. As all students of alchemystical literature have come torealize that the exact process for the opus magnum has never been completely revealedin simple language or put into print, they will appreciate the fact that here is given adetailed description of the lesser circulation.

In Alchemy there are the lesser and greater circulations. The former pertains to the herbalkingdom and the latter to the most coveted of them all, the mineral (metallic) realm. Acorrect understanding, and not just knowledge, of the herbal process will open the gate tothe great Arcanum. Months and years of experimentation in your alchemical laboratory willprove the truth of this statement. The fact that Alchemy is a life's work will be accepted bythose who have spent months and years behind books and retorts. It is this significant factwhich provides our spagyric art with such an armor that no materialist can pierce it. If itwere not for the cleansing, purging, and aging of the alchemist-to-be over a great length oftime, like the subjectum he is working with, how could it be kept from the profane and theunworthy? Only that which has stood the test of fire has been purified. That there is still acloak of secrecy covering alchemical processes, and that this must yet remain so will haveto be accepted by all aspiring alchemists. For personal greed has no place in Alchemy.The aim of all true Adepts is to help relieve a suffering mankind in its physical and spiritualmisery. A nonacceptance of this excludes one automatically from the circle of Adepts.

My friends of the medical profession, as well as the pharmaceutical chemists, will readilydisagree with me when reading what follows. This must be taken for granted and, in fact,has been so since what is presented here is so foreign to the standardized teachings inpresent day medical colleges. Since I agree with them, on their terms, it is only fair to askthat they think of the contents of this book in the terms of an alchemist. If this isimpossible, then the book should be laid aside for the time being and forgotten until it canbe examined by an open mind free from prejudice.

No attempt is being made here to write on allopathic therapeutics. This shall be left tothose versed in this particular branch of healing. I am writing here about Alchemy becauseof the years of studies and experiments that have preceded this book, and because of thework that shall in all likelihood continue to follow. Since the scope of Alchemy is soimmense, one earthly incarnation in many, if not most, cases is an insufficient time for thefull completion of the work. In climbing the alchemist's ladder, there are many tribulationsto consider involving time, money, heartaches—to mention only a few of the difficult steps.The aspirant then should think long and well before undertaking such an ordeal, for if he isnot prepared all will prove unsuccessful.

The process in both the lesser and greater circulation is basically not expensive. In fact, itis relatively insignificant. But before this state can be reached much money, time, andeffort can and, most likely, will be spent. It is for these reasons that an urgent appeal ismade not to venture rashly into Alchemy, not to see oneself sitting in perfect personalhealth at the end of a rainbow with the world at one's feet and with full pots of glisteninggold. These are only illusions and will prove to be but sensational and glamorous fatamorgana; they will not satisfy the soul. There is more to be gained in Alchemy thanvainglory. This, in fact, cannot be obtained in Alchemy. Such vainglory is as far from thetrue goals of Alchemy as night is from day. This brings us back to the simple statementmade at the beginning of this chapter: "Alchemy is the raising of the vibrations." He whosees no meaning in this seemingly unimportant sentence has no right to attemptalchemical experimentation. Such a person is like one who claims that since he knows allthe letters of the alphabet he can, therefore, read any language as they are all composedof letters from the same alphabet. But does he read with understanding when the lettersare interchanged, forming words in different languages? A chemist may know all theformulas and all the abbreviations of chemical terminology, but does he also understandwhat they really are? Their true origin? Their first state? This we shall leave for those whoare concerned to answer. If all the foregoing statements do not discourage the aspirantand make him clap the book shut and put it away with disgust, perhaps then it will helphim to find himself in this universe and to give peace and contentment to his soul.Hermetic philosophy, with its practical arcanum, repeats itself over and over again in theancient axiom: "As above, so below. As below, so above."

It is questionable whether or not historical references to Alchemists of the past have aplace in these pages. There have been so many books published already that have madeit their business to elaborate on the history and romance of Alchemy. For this reason, noattempt is being made here to add to the wealth of biographical material supplied by suchbooks. Our emphasis falls, rather, on present-day alchemystical experimentation,conducted in accordance with age-old practices. Our aim in these pages is to attempt todemonstrate and to reveal the truth of Alchemy in contemporary language, while stillremaining in harmony with ancient rules and rituals, according to the Alchemist's Oath.The practice of Alchemy, not only in earlier times but in our own day as well, should beundertaken only with the greatest solemnity. This can best be illustrated by the followingoath from Theatrum Chemicum Britannicum (London, 1652). This oath, in only slightlymodified form, is still being used by present day Adepts:

"Will you with me tomorrow be content,
Faithfully to receive the blessed Sacrament,
Upon this Oath that I shall heere you give,
For ne Gold ne Silver as long as you live,
Neither for love you beare towards your Kinne,
Nor yet to no great Man preferment to wynne:
That you disclose the secret that I shall you teach,
Neither by writing nor by no swift speech;
But only to him which you be sure
Hath ever searched after the seacrets of Nature?
To him you may reveale the seacrets of this Art,
Under the Covering of Philosophic before this world yee depart."

Sooner or later, most students experience a desire to find an Adept in order to become hispupil or disciple. But no matter how sincere such a desire is, it is futile for the student toattempt to locate a teacher versed in the Grand Arcanum. "When the pupil is ready, theMaster will appear." This ancient precept still holds true. One may search, one may aspire,one may work and study hard until the wee hours of the morning, and yet it will not beevidence that he or she will ever attain that priceless jewel: the Grand Arcanum. For ittakes more than mere study. An honest heart, a clean heart, a true heart, a benevolentand contrite heart accomplishes more than all the book learning can ever do. Yet,strangely enough, learning must accompany the virtues just cited. Without a knowledgeand an understanding of natural laws and their corresponding spiritual parallels, no onecould ever truly be called an Alchemist or a Sage.

I am not attempting to vindicate Alchemy. It needs no vindication. I am advocating thetruth in Alchemy, for it is a most wonderful experience to have come to a realization. Toexperience! To realize! To have found "the light that shined in the darkness."

All the foregoing may seem so discouraging. Perhaps a heavy doubt may weigh upon theheart of the lover of Alchemystical Research. Whatever the cause or whatever its effectsmay be, a tremendous responsibility is connected with it. He who has read about the livesof the Alchemists has found that most often many years had to elapse before their goalwas reached. Not everyone was as fortunate as Eirenaeus Philalethes who writes that inhis 23rd year that great blessing in the form of the lapis philosophorum was attained.Many had to await another incarnation before they proved themselves worthy and ready toreceive it. But, if all doubts are put aside and if a firm Belief has grown into a strong Faith,then that quickening moment that produces knowledge will eventually help one to come to"Understand," to "Realize" the oneness of the universe, the secret behind Creation and theunfolding of cosmic consciousness.

This brings us to the natural questions: "What is the secret of creation? And whatconstitutes life force?" These questions must be answered before the would-be Alchemistcan accomplish anything in his laboratory.

Since everything that grows comes from a seed, the fruit must be contained in its seed.Mark this well, for here lies the secret of creation. The raising of specimen, as said before,is the raising of vibrations. Herbs, animals, as well as minerals and metals, grow fromseed. To understand this secret of nature, which is only partly revealed to mankindgenerally, constitutes the main theoretical subject in Alchemy. Once this is known, thenonly the proper understanding is necessary in order to obtain results in the raising orelevating of specimen, which is nothing else but transmutation. If we can help nature inher ultimate goal, that of bringing her products to perfection, then we are in harmony withher laws. Nature does not resent an artificial effort, or a shortcut, to bring about perfection.To illustrate: the seed of a tomato may be put into the ground late in the fall. Snow and icemay cover it during the winter. But no tomato plant will grow during this time, outdoors infreezing temperatures. However, if the same seed is planted inside where sufficientwarmth and moisture is provided, and if it is placed in the proper matrix it will grow into aplant and bear fruit. This is not contrary to nature. It is in harmony with the natural laws.For fire (heat), water, air, and earth are all that are necessary to cause a seed to grow andbear its predestined fruit. The life force originates not in fire, earth, air, and water. This lifeforce is a separate essence which fills the universe. This essence, or fifth essence(quintessence), is the truly important object that alchemists seek. It is the fifth of the four:fire, water, air, and earth, and is the most important one for the alchemist to find and thento separate. After such a separation has taken place, the answer to what lies behind thesecret of creation will then manifest itself partly in the form of a dense smoke-like vaporthat settles, after passing through the condenser tube, into a water-like substance of ayellowish color carrying with itself something oily which gives the tinge to the extractedwater. This oily substance, or alchemical Sulphur, is just as essential to alchemicalpreparations as Salt and Essence. I do not wish to go into this any further at this point, asthis will be treated more explicitly later on.

A repetition of certain phrases and sentences may be found throughout this book. This isnot arbitrary; they have been purposely inserted in order to emphasize certain importantpoints more strongly. Much that is written here must be reread many a time in order to liftthe veil. This only can be accomplished individually by each student. That which followswill be discovered when the practical experimentation takes place in the laboratory.

Now to the alchemist's laboratory. This usually takes on a sinister coloring as one'simagination runs wild. Even today, so-called religious people are inclined to discussAlchemy in rather subdued whispers because, so they claim, it is the devil's work.Ignorance is bliss to some, and no one has a right to take another out of his or her bliss.We must ignore those that have religious scruples against Alchemy, as we do not intendto convert anybody. The aim laid down here is to help the alchemical aspirant on hislaborious road. This road begins in the laboratory. Everything in the laboratory revolvesaround the fire or its emanation: heat. The rest is composed of a few flasks, a condenser,and some ingenuity. It sounds rather simple and really is so. What about all the otherinstruments that clutter up an alchemist's laboratory, as pictures would have us believe?Just as an artist needs only canvas, paint, and brushes to paint a picture, but may add anindefinite number of other related objects to his studio, so may an alchemist add otherrelated equipment as he sees fit. No doubt he is going to experiment and probe deeperinto the mysteries to unlock one after another. Once the soul hungers and thirsts for truthand the unfoldment of nature's laws, there is no end to its search until the ultimate hasbeen reached.

Where should a laboratory be located? How can one practice Alchemy in a crowded city?Such questions will have to be answered individually by each student. A corner in an atticor a place in the basement is sufficient, as long as there is a continuous source of heatavailable. He who wishes to practice our spagyric work will have to do all the work himself.How fortunate! How else could it be? How else can one appreciate the experience if hedoes not arrive at the crucial point of knowledge by his own individual efforts? Enough hasbeen said now concerning the hardships and disappointments that undoubtedly will beencountered. If the student, in spite of these difficulties, still wishes to enter the portals ofthe spagyrist's holy temple, he will find a welcome guide in the following pages. Theseunfold, in simple language, the process of the lesser circulation.

Those who wait for a complete description, in similar language, of the Grand Arcanum willwait in vain. It cannot be given. It is not permissible. But—and this is of utmostsignificance—he who can accomplish in his laboratory what the following pages presentby way of instruction, can surely accomplish the Grand Arcanum, if he is ready. Thepreparation may take years or even tens of years. No time limit can be set. Some have anatural or inherited tendency, or gift, to delve into the mysteries. Some can never evenenter. The "why" for this has no place here. But to those who are ready to travel the royalroad of Alchemy, I say, "Patience! Patience! Patience! Think and live cleanly andcharitably and dwell always in truth—that which you honestly consider and believe to bethe truth." Such a neophyte cannot fail then. Remember, "Seek and ye shall find; knock,and it shall be opened unto you."

The wisdom of the Sages represents a culmination of all that is essential for men to havefaith in, knowledge of, and understanding about. He who has attained such a state ofillumination is indeed in harmony with the universe and at peace with the world. To reachthis goal of enlightenment, the struggle in this mundane shell need not be of a violentnature, as some want us to believe; rather it should be a constant alertness to thepossibilities that confront us in our daily lives, to raise our thought world above thedrudgery of this everyday life, and eventually to find the peace within us. If one has notundergone the Alchemy of the inner self, or transcendental Alchemy, as it has beentermed, he will find it extremely difficult to obtain results in his practical laboratoryexperimentation. He may produce things he knows nothing about, consequently passingthem up as worthless. It is not sufficient only to know; it is understanding that crowns ourwork. It is here the wisdom of the Sages and Adepts helps to bring about anunderstanding within the individual concerning that which he knows but does notunderstand.

(Continues...)

Excerpted from The Alchemist's Handbook by FRATEER ALBERTUS. Copyright © 1974 The estate of Frater Albertus. Excerpted by permission of Red Wheel/Weiser, LLC.
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site.

Edition details

• Publisher: Red Wheel/Weiser
• Publication date: 1987
• ISBN 10: 0877286558
• ISBN 13: 9780877286554
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 124