Since September 2025
Instructor since September 2025
Fundamentals of Western Alchemy: History,
From 36.27 € /h
Alchemy is often dismissed as myth or metaphor, but in truth it was a practical science that shaped chemistry, medicine, and natural philosophy for centuries. This course introduces you to the real fundamentals of Western alchemy, taught by a practitioner who has studied and worked with traditional methods firsthand.
We will cover:
• The Four Elements and the Three Philosophical Principles (Sulfur, Mercury, Salt).
• The core laboratory operations: calcination, distillation, sublimation, and more.
• The great sources of alchemy, from the Emerald Tablet to Paracelsus.
• How alchemy functioned as a genuine experimental discipline, not just allegory or “spiritual symbolism”.
This is a class for serious beginners and curious minds who want to understand alchemy as it truly was: both a practical art and a living tradition.
No prior knowledge required, only curiosity and respect for the subject.
We will cover:
• The Four Elements and the Three Philosophical Principles (Sulfur, Mercury, Salt).
• The core laboratory operations: calcination, distillation, sublimation, and more.
• The great sources of alchemy, from the Emerald Tablet to Paracelsus.
• How alchemy functioned as a genuine experimental discipline, not just allegory or “spiritual symbolism”.
This is a class for serious beginners and curious minds who want to understand alchemy as it truly was: both a practical art and a living tradition.
No prior knowledge required, only curiosity and respect for the subject.
Extra information
To get the most out of this course, students may find the following helpful:
• Notebook or journal – for recording key concepts, symbols, and your own reflections.
• Laptop or tablet – optional, but useful for accessing digital source texts, images, and diagrams during lessons.
• Alchemy symbol chart – highly recommended, as it will help you quickly recognize the classic signs for elements, planets, and processes. (I will suggest good versions to use.)
• Curiosity and patience – alchemy is a layered subject, and building familiarity with the language and symbols makes it much easier to grasp.
No special laboratory equipment is required for this introductory course. First, we will be focusing on understanding theory, symbolism, and process.
• Notebook or journal – for recording key concepts, symbols, and your own reflections.
• Laptop or tablet – optional, but useful for accessing digital source texts, images, and diagrams during lessons.
• Alchemy symbol chart – highly recommended, as it will help you quickly recognize the classic signs for elements, planets, and processes. (I will suggest good versions to use.)
• Curiosity and patience – alchemy is a layered subject, and building familiarity with the language and symbols makes it much easier to grasp.
No special laboratory equipment is required for this introductory course. First, we will be focusing on understanding theory, symbolism, and process.
Location
At teacher's location :
- Cedar City, UT, USA
Online from United States
About Me
I’m an artist and student currently completing my BS in Art, with a passion for creativity, and the hidden traditions that shaped our world. Alongside my work in the arts, I’ve spent years studying and practicing Western alchemy.
My teaching style is relaxed, conversational, and curiosity-driven. I like to create an environment where students feel comfortable asking questions and exploring ideas. Whether we’re looking at the symbolism of an old manuscript or discussing the stages of alchemical work, I make sure lessons are both engaging and practical.
I especially enjoy teaching students who are curious, creative, and eager to learn beyond the surface—those who want knowledge with real depth.
My teaching style is relaxed, conversational, and curiosity-driven. I like to create an environment where students feel comfortable asking questions and exploring ideas. Whether we’re looking at the symbolism of an old manuscript or discussing the stages of alchemical work, I make sure lessons are both engaging and practical.
I especially enjoy teaching students who are curious, creative, and eager to learn beyond the surface—those who want knowledge with real depth.
Education
Currently completing BS in Art at Southern Utah University.
Independent study of Western alchemy (focus on texts like the Emerald Tablet, Agrippa, and Paracelsus).
Research into Renaissance philosophy, symbolism, and the development of early chemistry.
Background in traditional herbalism and natural philosophy.
Independent study of Western alchemy (focus on texts like the Emerald Tablet, Agrippa, and Paracelsus).
Research into Renaissance philosophy, symbolism, and the development of early chemistry.
Background in traditional herbalism and natural philosophy.
Experience / Qualifications
Years of personal practice in Western alchemy and classical laboratory processes (distillation, calcination, sublimation, etc.)
Strong background in art and design, bringing a creative and fun approach to teaching.
Experience explaining complex topics in clear, approachable ways for beginners.
Strong background in art and design, bringing a creative and fun approach to teaching.
Experience explaining complex topics in clear, approachable ways for beginners.
Age
Adults (18-64 years old)
Seniors (65+ years old)
Student level
Beginner
Duration
30 minutes
60 minutes
The class is taught in
English
Availability of a typical week
(GMT -05:00)
New York
At teacher's location and via webcam
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun
00-04
04-08
08-12
12-16
16-20
20-24
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