alchemy

noun

1. the medieval forerunner of chemistry, concerned with the transmutation of matter, in particular with attempts to convert base metals into gold or find a universal elixir.

"occult sciences, such as alchemy and astrology" 

Similar: chemistry • magic(k) • sorcery • witchcraft • enchantment

• a seemingly magical process of transformation, creation, or combination.

"finding the person who's right for you requires a very subtle alchemy"

Gold is one of the seven metals of alchemy (gold, silver, mercury, copper, lead, iron & tin). For the alchemist, it  represented the perfection of all matter on any level, including that of the mind, spirit, and soul. The symbol for gold could also be used to represent the sun in astrology.

In alchemy, gold represented the perfection of matter and the sun, and was a key material in the pursuit of turning base metals into gold. 

Meaning

• Perfection: Gold represented the perfection of matter, including the mind, spirit, and soul. 
• The sun: Gold's color suggested the sun, and it was associated with warmth and light. 
• Resistance to corrosion: Gold was resistant to corrosion and could not be dissolved by ordinary acids. 

Alchemy and gold

• Chrysopoeia: The making of gold was one of the defining ambitions of alchemy, and was the subject of the alchemical work Chrysopoeia of Cleopatra. 
• Symbolism: The symbol for gold could also be used to represent the sun in astrology. 

Alchemy and science: Although alchemists' techniques are now considered pseudoscience, they did play an important role in laying the foundations of modern science. 

Alchemy and literature: In The Alchemist, gold represents the knowledge, work, and time necessary to achieve something desired. 

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In alchemy, salt represented the body, stability, and the Material World. It was also a key part of the alchemical process of purification and change. 

Symbolism

• The body: Salt represented the physical body that houses the spirit and mind. 
• Stability: Salt was the densest and most substantial of the four elements, providing a physical foundation for spiritual goals. 
• Purification: Salt was a metaphor for the human soul's journey from impurity to enlightenment. 
• Preservation: Salt was the corporeal substance that survived death to reinaugurate new life. 
• Coagulation: Salt coagulated and crystallized, bringing stability to the volatile sulfur and fluid mercury. 

Alchemy was a centuries-old natural philosophy that was the precursor to modern-day chemistry and science. 

DON'T LOOK BACK 123

"Don't look back, turn to salt" refers to the biblical story of Lot's wife, where she was told not to look back as she fled the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, but when she disobeyed and glanced back, she was transformed into a pillar of salt. 

Key points about the story:

• The command: When fleeing, the angels warned Lot and his family, including his wife, "Do not look back". 
• The consequence: Because she looked back, Lot's wife was instantly turned into a pillar of salt. 
• Symbolic meaning: This story is often interpreted as a warning against dwelling on the past and the importance of fully committing to moving forward. 

WHILE WE'RE HERE 144 WHILST WE'RE HERE 178

Matthew Vines

This ones for the closeted hypocrites that live and die by haute couture x

Aurum is an obsolete Latin word that means "Gold". 

It can also refer to wealth, purity, and transformation.

Etymology

Aurum is related to the Greek word Aurora, which is the name of the goddess of dawn. The word aurum is thought to have inspired the idea of radiance and splendor that are associated with gold. 

Symbol

The chemical symbol for gold, "Au", comes from the Latin word aurum. 

Aurum can also mean:

• Money or wealth
• Something precious or beautiful, such as "heart of gold"
• A deep yellow color, sometimes with a brownish tinge
• In archery, the bull's eye of a target, scoring nine points
• Short for gold medal

Cultural significance

Aurum has left a lasting legacy in scientific and cultural contexts. It reflects the historical and cultural reverence for gold across various civilizations.