Alchemy is a combination of philosophy and chemistry. Alchemy was basically used to find out more about nature and the world and how it works. Alchemy was a more common practice long ago in ancient times to seek the Elixir of Youth and the Philosopher’s Stone. Since then, alchemy some how influenced magic and traditional science. However, alchemy, magic and traditional science is three distinct categories.
Magic, is basically a form of hypnosis. In other words, magic persuades and manipulates an individual’s perception of things such he/she believes in some supernatural or impossible act which in reality can be explained. On the other hand, traditional science is knowledge gained through study and is tested through scientific methods and it is concerned with the physical world.
Holistic medicine is definitely a practice which goes against the use of drugs as treatment and practical surgery. Holistic medicine tends to cling with nature and a spiritual and Supreme Being as well as the body and mind. When treating one’s illness, the body and mind as well as the spiritual being needs healing if the healing is to be complete. Similarly, alchemy principle two is really believing in the physicality of the body and the forces of natures in the world combined with the power of god to heal one’s sickness which is indeed considered to be a miracle.
Today, I do see, especially in the medical field, dermatologists and other doctors, scientists etc seeking to find the same two things that alchemists seek. For example, since 186 BCE, alchemists seek immortality such as the embalming of Lady Tal. Today, dermatologists seek to avoid signs of aging by manufacturing products such as youthful essence which is said to redefine the skin and eliminate 10 years of aging on a person’s physical body.
The Emerald Tablet
The Emerald Tablet of Hermes Trismegistus
The Precepts of Hermes, engraved upon the Emerald Tablet
1. Speak not fictitious things, but that which is certain and true.
2. What is below is like that which is above, and what is above is like that which is below, to accomplish the miracles of one thing.
3. And as all things were produced by the one word of one Being, so all things were produced from this one thing by adaptation.
4. Its father is the sun, its mother the moon; the wind carried it in its belly, its nurse is the earth.
5. It is the father of perfection throughout the world.
6. The power is vigorous if it be changed into earth.
7. Separate the earth from the fire, the subtle from the gross, acting prudently and with judgment.
8. Ascend with the greatest sagacity from the earth to heaven, and then again, descend to the earth, and unite together the powers of things superior and things inferior. Thus will you obtain the glory of the whole world, and obscurity will fly far away from you.
9. this has more fortitude than fortitude itself; because it conquers every subtle thing and can penetrate every solid.
10. Thus the world was formed.
11. Hence proceed wonders, which are here established.
12. Therefore, I am called Hermes Trismegistus, having three parts of the philosophy of the whole world.
13. That which I had to say concerning the operation of the sun is completed.
The Precepts of Hermes, engraved upon the Emerald Tablet
1. Speak not fictitious things, but that which is certain and true.
2. What is below is like that which is above, and what is above is like that which is below, to accomplish the miracles of one thing.
3. And as all things were produced by the one word of one Being, so all things were produced from this one thing by adaptation.
4. Its father is the sun, its mother the moon; the wind carried it in its belly, its nurse is the earth.
5. It is the father of perfection throughout the world.
6. The power is vigorous if it be changed into earth.
7. Separate the earth from the fire, the subtle from the gross, acting prudently and with judgment.
8. Ascend with the greatest sagacity from the earth to heaven, and then again, descend to the earth, and unite together the powers of things superior and things inferior. Thus will you obtain the glory of the whole world, and obscurity will fly far away from you.
9. this has more fortitude than fortitude itself; because it conquers every subtle thing and can penetrate every solid.
10. Thus the world was formed.
11. Hence proceed wonders, which are here established.
12. Therefore, I am called Hermes Trismegistus, having three parts of the philosophy of the whole world.
13. That which I had to say concerning the operation of the sun is completed.
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I do agree with you that hollistic medicine does go against the use of drugs for treatment and that is a good thing. I definitely think that the spirit and the mind do help the human body. Alchemy does impose this on us in tablet too when he says what's below is what's above...he does show a clear connection between the body and the mind as you have mentioned.
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