Alchemy is an ancient philosophical and proto-scientific practice that originated during the Hellenistic period and continued to evolve over centuries. It was primarily concerned with transforming and purifying substances, with an ultimate goal of achieving spiritual enlightenment or creating the philosopher's stone, which was believed to possess extraordinary properties.
The alchemical process is often symbolized by the phrase "solve et coagula," meaning "dissolve and coagulate." It describes the process of breaking down and separating the components of a substance (solve) and then recombining them to create something new and refined (coagula). This process was seen as a metaphor for personal transformation and spiritual growth.
To understand the alchemical process better, it is helpful to delve into the symbolic language used by alchemists. They employed various symbols and allegories to represent different stages of transformation, such as the blackening, whitening, and reddening processes. These stages symbolized the purification of both physical and spiritual elements.
Although alchemy is often associated with attempts to transmute base metals into gold, it had broader implications. Alchemists sought to discover the underlying principles and secrets of nature, exploring concepts like the four elements (earth, air, fire, water), the three principles (sulfur, mercury, salt), and the idea of the microcosm/macrocosm relationship (the belief that the universe is reflected in miniature within the human being).
It is worth noting that while alchemy contributed to the development of modern chemistry, it was also intertwined with spiritual and mystical pursuits. As you mentioned, tarot readers often refer to the alchemical process because it aligns with the idea of personal growth and transformation, as reflected in the symbolism of the tarot cards.
In summary, alchemy was an ancient practice that focused on the transformation and purification of substances to achieve spiritual enlightenment. Understanding the alchemical process involves deciphering the symbolic language employed by alchemists to represent different stages of transformation and exploring the broader philosophical concepts it encompasses.