Alchemical

Symbols
Angela Palumbo & David
Ventura
 Alchemy
• Alchemy refers to combining elements of
chemistry, physics, medicine, astrology, mysticism,
spiritualism, and art.

• In the course of the early modern period, alchemy

evolved into modern chemistry.

• Alchemy was one of the main contributors of

modern sciences, and many substances and
processes of ancient alchemy continue to be the
mainstay of modern chemical industries.

• Although alchemy takes on many forms, in pop

culture it is most often cited as the process used to
change elements into gold.
 Σψµβολσ
Basic
• Fire: Fire carries the archetypal properties of activity and
transformation. It is represented by the metal lead.

• Water: Water carries the archetypal properties of cleansing

and purification. It is represented by the metal tin.

• Air: Air carries the archetypal properties of spirit into the

manifested world. It is represented by the metal Iron.

• Earth: Earth carries the archetypal properties of

manifestation, birth, and material creation. It is represented by
the green ore of copper.
 Seven Planetary Metals
• Planetary metals were depicted by one of
the seven planets known by the ancients.

• Although they occasionally have a symbol of

their own, they were usually symbolized by
the planet's symbol.

• In the time of alchemy, planets Uranus,

Neptune, and Pluto had not yet been
discovered. Modern alchemists consider
them representative of Uranium, Neptunium
and Plutonium.
 METALS & planets

Gold  Sol ☼
Silver  Luna ☽
Copper  Venus ♀
Iron  Mars ♂
Tin  Jupiter ♃
Mercury  Mercury ☿
Lead  Saturn ♄
 Alchemical
•
Transformation
Calcination: The first operation in alchemical transformation. It is denoted
by the symbol for the first sign of the zodiac, Aries. ♈

• Dissolution: The second operation in alchemical transformation is

Dissolution. Represented by the sign for the constellation of Cancer. ♋
• Conjunction: Conjunction is the fourth operation in alchemical
transformation. It is the coming together of the opposing archetypal forces
of the Sun and Moon.
• Fermentation: The fifth operation in alchemical transformation is
Fermentation. It is represented by the sign for the constellation of
Capricorn. ♑
• Distillation: Distillation is the sixth operation in alchemical transformation.
Denoted by the symbol for the constellation Virgo. ♍
• Coagulation: The seventh and last operation in alchemical
transformation is Coagulation. This has no representing symbol.
Fin