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The Path of Alchemy: Energetic Healing and the World of Natural Magic
Alchemy offers tremendous insight into alternative therapies, new medicines, and the depths of the human mind. Illuminating a truly esoteric practice, Mark Stavish reveals how to create and apply "medicines for the soul" in this remarkable guide to plant and mineral alchemy.
The Path of Alchemy introduces the history and basic laws of this ancient practice, and explains how it ties into Qabala, tarot, astrology, and the four elements. Safe, modern techniques—based on spagyrics (plant alchemy)—for producing distillations, stones, tinctures, and elixirs are given, along with their uses in physical healing, spiritual growth, psychic experiments, initiation, consecration, spellwork, and more. Each chapter includes meditations, projects, and suggested reading as aids to "inner transformation," an equally important aspect of alchemy. Tools, rituals, lunar and solar stones, and the elusive Philosopher's Stone are all covered in this comprehensive guide to alchemy.
Finalist for the Coalition of Visionary Resources Award for Best Magick/Shamanism Book
The Path of Alchemy introduces the history and basic laws of this ancient practice, and explains how it ties into Qabala, tarot, astrology, and the four elements. Safe, modern techniques—based on spagyrics (plant alchemy)—for producing distillations, stones, tinctures, and elixirs are given, along with their uses in physical healing, spiritual growth, psychic experiments, initiation, consecration, spellwork, and more. Each chapter includes meditations, projects, and suggested reading as aids to "inner transformation," an equally important aspect of alchemy. Tools, rituals, lunar and solar stones, and the elusive Philosopher's Stone are all covered in this comprehensive guide to alchemy.
Finalist for the Coalition of Visionary Resources Award for Best Magick/Shamanism Book
265 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2006
57 people are currently reading
656 people want to read
About the author
Mark Stavish
44 books38 followersMark Stavish, the Director of Studies for the Institute for Hermetic Studies (which he established in 1998), is a life-long student of esotericism with over 25 years experience in comparative religion, philosophy, psychology, and mysticism with emphasis on Traditional Western Esotericism. His articles have appeared in academic, specialty, and mass market publications specializing in spiritual studies, making Mark one of the leading authorities in Hermeticism today.
In addition to being a member and officer of several prominent Rosicrucian and Martinist societies, he served as the Director of Research for the Occult Research and Applications Project, of the Philosophers of Nature (PON). The Philosophers of Nature was founded by Jean Dubuis in France in 1979 and for twenty years was the leading resource for practical information on mineral and plant alchemy, as well as qabala. ORA, a statistically based research wing of the American branch of PON performed detailed exploration into the validity and practicality of various traditional esoteric methods. Original research from the ORA Project was published in the organization's journal, The Stone.
A graduate of King's College, in Theology (B.A.), and Communications (B.A.), and Rhode Island College (Providence), with a Master's degree in Counseling emphasizing psycho-spiritual modalities and Psychosynthesis, he brings a unique blend of tradition with modern research to the application of esoteric philosophy.
In addition to being a member and officer of several prominent Rosicrucian and Martinist societies, he served as the Director of Research for the Occult Research and Applications Project, of the Philosophers of Nature (PON). The Philosophers of Nature was founded by Jean Dubuis in France in 1979 and for twenty years was the leading resource for practical information on mineral and plant alchemy, as well as qabala. ORA, a statistically based research wing of the American branch of PON performed detailed exploration into the validity and practicality of various traditional esoteric methods. Original research from the ORA Project was published in the organization's journal, The Stone.
A graduate of King's College, in Theology (B.A.), and Communications (B.A.), and Rhode Island College (Providence), with a Master's degree in Counseling emphasizing psycho-spiritual modalities and Psychosynthesis, he brings a unique blend of tradition with modern research to the application of esoteric philosophy.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
October 1, 2022
This was a clear, informative, and a good starting point to someone interested in learning alchemy. This was my first time reading something about this so all of it was new. Mark Stavish explained the history and basic laws of alchemy (sulphur, salt, mercury), spagyrics and plant chemistry, distillation, planetary alignment, and creating elixirs and tinctures. Stavish placed heavy emphasis on reading/rereading, note taking, meditating, and focusing and harnessing energy associated with alchemy. He explained it not just creating concoctions but it a lifelong spiritual practice that must be internalized to see real results. The overall goal of alchemy it create and promote physical health, spiritual growth, and psychic experiments, consecrations, and much more. He also explained the beauty of alchemy and spagyrics can be performed alone in your kitchen instead of in a group. This form of arcane work is path that focuses on the self and overall becoming better.
Thought this was a neat read and I may find myself looking through it again because I know there was stuff I missed the first time. Recommend for anyone interested in natural magic and holistic healing. Thanks!
Thought this was a neat read and I may find myself looking through it again because I know there was stuff I missed the first time. Recommend for anyone interested in natural magic and holistic healing. Thanks!
May 29, 2010
This is an engaging, entertaining book, very accessible and a pleasure to read. This, unfortunately, functions as a seductive allurement to misleading or incomplete laboratory alchemy instructions. I was willing to overlook certain odd techniques such as using sea salt as the basis for a plant stone (why would you do this? why use an animal salt as a substitute for a plant salt? the seed must be planted in its corresponding womb in order to grow and become an alchemical child, so that's like trying to mate an octopus with an orchid) or doing the cohobation of the spagyric tincture one pinch at a time (this would probably work, but it's more convenient to cohobate all at once and then filter the result after they have been well-mixed), but the section on Ens Melissa really got my goat.
It's so incorrect and incomplete that someone following these instructions would waste a lot of energy creating a poison. The deliquescence of potassium carbonate is not "angel water," it was called "oil of tartar per deliquiem" - its distillate is angel water. You should use the oil of tartar. The melissa must be removed from the oil of tartar before the alcohol is added. The alcohol must be 95% pure ethanol, or it will not separate, and then your solution will be half-lye and undrinkable!
Anyway, I really wanted to like this book, but considering the trouble it takes to make the deliquescence I was taken aback that the rest of the instructions for creating the Ens were slapdash.
It's so incorrect and incomplete that someone following these instructions would waste a lot of energy creating a poison. The deliquescence of potassium carbonate is not "angel water," it was called "oil of tartar per deliquiem" - its distillate is angel water. You should use the oil of tartar. The melissa must be removed from the oil of tartar before the alcohol is added. The alcohol must be 95% pure ethanol, or it will not separate, and then your solution will be half-lye and undrinkable!
Anyway, I really wanted to like this book, but considering the trouble it takes to make the deliquescence I was taken aback that the rest of the instructions for creating the Ens were slapdash.
December 17, 2007
Are you working the rites in the FOI Spiral of Alchemy? Do you wish you had a better understanding of alchemy, so that you could organize your studies appropriately as well as deepen your awareness of the message of each rite? This book can help bring you up to speed very quickly.
I own some wonderful books on alchemy that came highly recommended. Alas, I am still wading through them. I keep pausing to contemplate the theory and philosophy contained in them. I keep trying to put the concepts and definitions in my own words. But I keep going back to the drawing board. It is slow-going.
The Path Of Alchemy is the ideal prelude to the classic and key works on alchemy. It is a blessing for the person who wants a quick, coherent overview, because it provides a concise, concrete road map to alchemical terms and concepts. The high points of alchemy are clarified in manageable chunks for the beginner, as well as a great review for others.
The focus is on plant, rather than mineral, alchemy, which is more practical for the beginner as it is less expensive, and provides quicker feedback. This allows the student to experience first hand the processes and principles of alchemy.
What I liked best about The Path of Alchemy is its multifaceted approach, which takes into account different learning styles as well as acknowledging that we are multi-dimensional beings who live on levels other than the purely intellectual.
The Path of Alchemy engages the student on intellectual, imaginative, spiritual, and practical levels. Theoretical and philosophical discussions satisfy the intellect, while meditations and visualizations enable the student to identify with and experience each process from within. An alchemical activity and meditation accompany each concept. Clear step-by-step instructions encourage learning by doing. The student identify with process by internalizing its action.
Chapter One provides an overview of alchemy, from its beginnings in Egypt to the present. It identifies what is unique about alchemy, and explains its relevance to systems of magic and divination as well as to science. The next 8 chapters follow a format which involves the introduction of a key concept, definition, relating it to areas already familiar to the student, a hands-on experiment, review of the alchemical process and the result of the experiment, a meditation or visualization; and guidance for further study.
Topics include sulphur, salt, and mercury; the 4 elements; calcination; the stone; distillation; the ens; and other core concepts in alchemy. There are also discussions of initiation, healing, ritual, the role of the planets in alchemy, mystical symbolism, tarot, and more.
Other special features are grouped together at the end of the book. Three valuable appendixes contain information and charts on planetary hours, the longevity formula of St.Germain, and information about Nicholas Flamel. The glossary clarifies 38 alchemical terms and concepts. There is a selected bibliography of 19 books. There is also a very valuable resource list which provides guidance to the best resources in 8 categories of reading, courses, websites, seminars, and workshops.
I believe you will enjoy The Path of Alchemy, and that it will greatly enrich and enhance your experience of the rituals leading to the FOI Alchemical Degrees.
I own some wonderful books on alchemy that came highly recommended. Alas, I am still wading through them. I keep pausing to contemplate the theory and philosophy contained in them. I keep trying to put the concepts and definitions in my own words. But I keep going back to the drawing board. It is slow-going.
The Path Of Alchemy is the ideal prelude to the classic and key works on alchemy. It is a blessing for the person who wants a quick, coherent overview, because it provides a concise, concrete road map to alchemical terms and concepts. The high points of alchemy are clarified in manageable chunks for the beginner, as well as a great review for others.
The focus is on plant, rather than mineral, alchemy, which is more practical for the beginner as it is less expensive, and provides quicker feedback. This allows the student to experience first hand the processes and principles of alchemy.
What I liked best about The Path of Alchemy is its multifaceted approach, which takes into account different learning styles as well as acknowledging that we are multi-dimensional beings who live on levels other than the purely intellectual.
The Path of Alchemy engages the student on intellectual, imaginative, spiritual, and practical levels. Theoretical and philosophical discussions satisfy the intellect, while meditations and visualizations enable the student to identify with and experience each process from within. An alchemical activity and meditation accompany each concept. Clear step-by-step instructions encourage learning by doing. The student identify with process by internalizing its action.
Chapter One provides an overview of alchemy, from its beginnings in Egypt to the present. It identifies what is unique about alchemy, and explains its relevance to systems of magic and divination as well as to science. The next 8 chapters follow a format which involves the introduction of a key concept, definition, relating it to areas already familiar to the student, a hands-on experiment, review of the alchemical process and the result of the experiment, a meditation or visualization; and guidance for further study.
Topics include sulphur, salt, and mercury; the 4 elements; calcination; the stone; distillation; the ens; and other core concepts in alchemy. There are also discussions of initiation, healing, ritual, the role of the planets in alchemy, mystical symbolism, tarot, and more.
Other special features are grouped together at the end of the book. Three valuable appendixes contain information and charts on planetary hours, the longevity formula of St.Germain, and information about Nicholas Flamel. The glossary clarifies 38 alchemical terms and concepts. There is a selected bibliography of 19 books. There is also a very valuable resource list which provides guidance to the best resources in 8 categories of reading, courses, websites, seminars, and workshops.
I believe you will enjoy The Path of Alchemy, and that it will greatly enrich and enhance your experience of the rituals leading to the FOI Alchemical Degrees.
February 21, 2019
A detailed and thorough guide to Alchemy. The Paths of Alchemy was very interesting and detailed as it covers most of what you’d need to know and study. If you are interested in Alchemy, this is most certainly a good book to begin your journey with.
November 16, 2022
Had to DNF for now
I might come back to it
But the spagyrics recipe omits the very important fermentation and distillation process. This tincture version might be ok if you cannot distill alcohol because of your budget/tools or laws in your area but even fermentation can be done and a small batch wine or mead can be made with the chosen herb.
THEN
In chapter 3, Stavish goes into this section where he puts his own taboo against making money from your alchemical products/services on the reader. Many great alchemists throughout history have sold their products/services. Stavish himself is hypocritical about this just by selling this book. He says to do so is distracting from the great work. You know what's a distraction? Bills, stress, and a day job. This is just nonsense.
I had to DNF because the first chapters contain too much nonsense. Read at your own risk and check with other experts in the field.
I might come back to it
But the spagyrics recipe omits the very important fermentation and distillation process. This tincture version might be ok if you cannot distill alcohol because of your budget/tools or laws in your area but even fermentation can be done and a small batch wine or mead can be made with the chosen herb.
THEN
In chapter 3, Stavish goes into this section where he puts his own taboo against making money from your alchemical products/services on the reader. Many great alchemists throughout history have sold their products/services. Stavish himself is hypocritical about this just by selling this book. He says to do so is distracting from the great work. You know what's a distraction? Bills, stress, and a day job. This is just nonsense.
I had to DNF because the first chapters contain too much nonsense. Read at your own risk and check with other experts in the field.
August 20, 2022
This book is a good starting point for those who are interested in learning more about alchemy, which is still practised today. There’s so much information that it took a while to get through each of the ten chapters. The author wisely advises serious students to re-read sections several times, especially the instructions for making elixirs and tinctures. This book focuses on plant-based recipes using easy-to-find herbs and tools for healing.
Many of the chapters end with a summary of key points, assignments, and meditation exercises. Until reading this book, I didn’t appreciate the deep connection to astrology, and there are tables supplied in one of the appendices. There’s also an interesting appendix covering the life of the famous alchemist, Nicholas Flamel. For those interested in the topic, The Path of Alchemy is a worthwhile read.
Many of the chapters end with a summary of key points, assignments, and meditation exercises. Until reading this book, I didn’t appreciate the deep connection to astrology, and there are tables supplied in one of the appendices. There’s also an interesting appendix covering the life of the famous alchemist, Nicholas Flamel. For those interested in the topic, The Path of Alchemy is a worthwhile read.
September 13, 2024
This book has some relatively useful practical guidelines, but they are presented in that classic alchemical way where the author expects you to have a great deal of prior knowledge and does not offer any sense of explanation that gratifies the need to understand the distinct purpose behind anything. It also lists out a great deal of correspondences without context, so it expects you to have that prior knowledge as well. In all honesty, it was a painful book to read. It was intended to be a textbook to accompany a class or the class would provide all of the information that the text book was avoiding, and that's really frustrating. If you're going to write a book, write a book. Give your readers what they need and don't hold back.
September 16, 2024
I read this as an audiobook which was a challenge. Also I didn’t do all of the exercises. Each chapter had the same structure, an over view of the chapter, the main topic and then exercises along with meditations.
For many chapters there were instructions and material that is needed to make a small lab to do the main exercises on the specific topic of the chapter. My favourite chapter was Alchemical Symbolism and the Tarot.
For many chapters there were instructions and material that is needed to make a small lab to do the main exercises on the specific topic of the chapter. My favourite chapter was Alchemical Symbolism and the Tarot.
April 12, 2020
Practical and clear.
March 8, 2017
This is most practical and helpful book on alchemy I've ever read. It's a great introduction to the Path for beginners. And for those who have left the path, it's a great motivator to get back to work!
September 8, 2011
The three traditional pillars of the Hermetic arts are Alchemy, Astrology, and Qabalah. None of these are stagnant but are all living, growing and evolving arts which are completely compatible with both religion and science.
This amazing tome, written by one of the foremost living authorities on Alchemy, gives a guided path to anyone wishing initiation into the mysteries of this amazing process. It combines practical modern science with the ancient Alchemical sciences and gives working students a firm foundation on which to build their temples of ascendant light.
This book is truly a treasure which provides years of practice and work, and with it one could ascend to mastery in this both ancient and sacred art/science/religion/philosophy (collectively known as Magick.) For a deeper understanding of the philosophy I suggest "Sorcerer's Stone," by Hauck. And for a more scientific introduction to the subject, especially for students with a background in other schools of sciences, I suggest, "Real Alchemy," by Bartlett.
These three books I have called (semi jokingly but still in truth) the "Holy Trinity of Modern Alchemy." They compliment one another perfectly, each focuses in a slightly different manner and the combined information is a very nice place to start your journey in preparation for the actual process. Read all three, make sure you understand them well, and then patiently, and with utmost care begin your Great Work!
This amazing tome, written by one of the foremost living authorities on Alchemy, gives a guided path to anyone wishing initiation into the mysteries of this amazing process. It combines practical modern science with the ancient Alchemical sciences and gives working students a firm foundation on which to build their temples of ascendant light.
This book is truly a treasure which provides years of practice and work, and with it one could ascend to mastery in this both ancient and sacred art/science/religion/philosophy (collectively known as Magick.) For a deeper understanding of the philosophy I suggest "Sorcerer's Stone," by Hauck. And for a more scientific introduction to the subject, especially for students with a background in other schools of sciences, I suggest, "Real Alchemy," by Bartlett.
These three books I have called (semi jokingly but still in truth) the "Holy Trinity of Modern Alchemy." They compliment one another perfectly, each focuses in a slightly different manner and the combined information is a very nice place to start your journey in preparation for the actual process. Read all three, make sure you understand them well, and then patiently, and with utmost care begin your Great Work!
April 16, 2009
You would have to be interested in Alchemy, which I am, so if you are-I highly recommend it
January 28, 2010
Wow. Another life changer if you are ready. It's chemistry with the power of intention.
October 1, 2016
Exactly what I was looking for: a primer on Alchemy with history, detailed references and explanations, and symbolic comparisons. The practical experiments you can try are a bonus.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews