Introduction xvii
ONE Alchemy: An Introduction to the Royal Art 1
The Land of Khem: Where It All Began 4
The Key ofAll Magic: Separating the Gross from the Subtle 5
The Stages of the Great Work and Astrology 6
Qabala and Alchemy: A Fool c Journey 8
Qabala 101: Using the Tree of Life with Alchemy 9
Conclusion 13
The Three Essentials: Sulphur; Salt, and Mercury 17
The Three Essentials and the Elements 18
Experiments fir the Beginning Student of the Art 22
Calcination 28
THREE Creating a Plant Stone 41
A Plant Stone: Key to the Astral World 41
The Astral World and Alchemy 42
The Stone 52
Distilling Alcohol f-om Red Wine 63
Distillation and Creating a Plant Stone 70
Psychic Experiments with Water 82
Scented Water and Water Elixirs 86
Initiation 92
SEVEN Physical Health and Healing with Spagyrics 107
Salt Structures and the Tree of Life 115
Planets, Plants, and Their- Healing Qualities 116
EIGHT Ritual Use of Spagyric Products 127
Ora EtLabora 128
Ritual Charging ofAlchemical Products 135
NINE The Red and White Stones of Alchemy 147
The Stones of the Royal Art 147
The Role of Saturn in Alchemy 157
TEN Alchemical Symbolism and the Tarot 165
Symbolism: The Language of the Birds 170
Lucid Dreaming: Gateway to the Astral 172
Conclusion 183
Appendix A: Planetary Hours 185
Appendix B: The Longevity Formula of Comte de St. Germain 193
Appendix C. The Path of Nicholas Flamel and the Philosopher's Stone 195
Glossary 211
Alchemical Reading List and Resources 219
Index 225