What is the Great Work? 
"A Modern Painting" by Y. Y. Ts'ao depicting two Chinese alchemists in their workshop. There is a platform with the sword, a round mirror just above it. an oven is on the platform, two other ovens in the left foreground and a still at the right. From the Journal of Chemical Education, Vol. 11B, 1934, page 655 in a review article by William H. Barnes (McGill University, Montreal, Canada) of "The Apparatus, Preparations and Methods of Ancient Chinese Alchemists" by Y. Y. Ts'ao. Alchemy is thought to be a dead art by some and is often remembered as the art of the goldmaker in early chemistry and medicine. Alchemists obviously do continue the work today and can be found working behind health food, alternative medicine and herbal treatment places as well as in mainstream employment. Alchemical societies continue to exist today in many forms and is receiving some attention because of the recent Harry Potter rise in popularity. The current terms in the language of alchemy can often be confusing, and many people wonder if they are speaking of the same process. -
-
-
-
-
- The Philosopher's Stone
The Stone is the goal of the Great Work. The Philosopher's is though to be a magical touchstone that could immediately perfect any substance or situation. The alchemist, and their metals, will go through a certain process when the truth is revealed. First the base material will turn into The Black Stone, the Black Stone will be transmuted into the Yellow Stone, the Yellow Stone will become The White Stone and finally the pure White Stone will become The Red Stone, known as the Philosophers Stone. Historically, the Stone has been called simply "The Stone" or "The Philosopher's Stone." The Sorcerer's Stone The Philosopher's Stone and the Sorcerer's Stone is the same thing. The use of the term, "The Sorcerers Stone" has become popular because of changes made to the Harry Potter book. The early British edition of the first Harry Potter novel was called Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. The American edition of the book was changed to read the Sorcerer's Stone, probably as a marketing venture. It is thought that Sorcerer's would sell more books than philosophers. The original title, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, keeps the history of the alchemists correct. English: The ancient study of alchemy is concerned with making the Philosopher’s Stone, a legendary substance with astonishing powers. The stone will transform any metal into pure gold. . . . American: The ancient study of alchemy is concerned with making the Sorcerer’s Stone, a legendary substance with astonishing powers. The stone will transform any metal into pure gold. . . . The Elixir
The Elixir is also called Elixir Vitae, Grand Elixir or just The Elixir. The Elixir of the alchemists is essentially a liquid version of the Philosopher's Stone. It possesses the same ability to perfect any substance. The Elixir is thought to cure diseases and restore youth. The conditions under which the Elixir is made is quite rigorous--just as rigorous as making the stone. The process includes, according to the Chinese system, silence, fasting, bathing, shampooing, avoidance of dirt of any kind, the shunning of cruel, ignorant, bereaved, or married people. (!) Not an easy task! All plans had to be hidden from skeptical people so as not to have their energies working against them. The mountains were often sought as a place to hide away and work. The most important idea of alchemy, whether it is building the stone or completing the elixir, is that everything is evolving into a higher form. The alchemist speeds up time with intent. Everything will be more advanced in time. Children become adults, stones transmute into ore, which will become metals or gems. Lead will evolve into gold given time or energy. By mixing the proper substances the alchemist will change, and with this all matter will change. |
|
Free Forum Hosting
Important Announcement
