Dictionary of Alchemy: From Maria Prophetessa to Isaac Newton

By Mark Haeffner

Book Overview

An in-depth reference book detailing the material and spiritual aspects of the complex esoteric tradition of alchemy.

Alchemy is a rich and complex esoteric tradition that has flourished world-wide since the beginning of recorded history, if not earlier. There are three main traditions: Western Christian, Indo-Tibetan and Chinese Taoist. Within this diversity there are many common features, which are analysed, organized, and brought together in this comprehensive dictionary of terms, symbols, and personalities.

This dictionary is the distillation of many years' research into the extensive arcane literature. It is a reference work to guide the readers throught the labyrinth of pre-Newtonian science and philosophy. The dictionary covers not only the materialist dimension of the search for the elixir of life and the transmutation of metals, but also the inner search for the gold of mystical illumination. Jung called alchemy 'the projection of a drama both cosmic and spiritual in laboratorty terms'.

This opus alchymicum goes beyond the bare analysis and interpretation of terms to present a harmonic, integrated vision of man and nature, which may help to heal the fragmented world view of modern science.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1904658121
• ISBN13: 9781904658122
• Release Date: August 1970
• Publisher: Aeon Books Limited
• Length: 272 Pages
• Weight: 1.03 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 6.4" x 9.1"

Customer Reviews

Opus Alchymicum

I am sure that the classical alchemists would have regarded this book with outrage- not because it does not contain their deepest secrets, but because it makes them so easily accessible. You see, this book is more than a mere dictionary of the terminology of the Sacred Science, it is a virtual one-volume encyclopedia covering in detail the processes, principles, and history of the craft. The twenty-one-page introduction alone is one of the best brief histories of the subject that I have seen. Haeffner is an excellent writer that obviously has true understanding and sympathy for his subject. This is not just another dry, hostile, academic historical survey. The material covered is exhaustive and comprehensive. The Gnostic and Hermetic roots of the western tradition are examined in detail. Of course, there is a thorough coverage of the golden age of the Art during the Renaissance. In addition, modern rediscovery and interpretation is also covered (chiefly through Jung's work.) If this wasn't impressive enough, the author also delves into the Arabic, Indian, Tibetan, and Chinese traditions. Further interconnections are shown with the subjects of astrology, mythology, numerology, natural magic, and prophecy. Indeed, this volume can serve as a grand survey of all of metaphysics.In reading this book you gain deeper respect of the value of gaining mystical insight into the divine secrets of nature through a rigorous course of study involving both laboratory experimentation and religious meditation. You realize that the physical universe is not a dead and meaningless place. You begin to see that all of nature contains profound spiritual and moral lessons put there by the creator. It isn't that modern, conventional science is incorrect; it is just that it makes a mistake in assuming that the lower physical aspect of nature is the totality of existence. It makes a mistake in refusing to recognize the inherent meaning existing in world. After all, Ashmole, both Bacons, Keplar, and even Newton knew this.There is an extensive seven-page bibliography for further study.My only criticisms of this volume are that while it has an attractive and artistic cover, it is otherwise bereft of illustration. A subject as heavy with symbolism as alchemy benefits greatly from visual examples. There is also the fact that the cheap grade of pulp paper is unworthy of such an otherwise fine volume, though I have noticed that this is a common problem with books printed in Britain.

another good one out of print...

....easy-to-use dictionarylike reference book on alchemical symbolism. Pick it up if you see it somewhere. Not hugely comprehensive but a good quick resource.