1) Magic is extremely different from alchemy because magic usually deals with the "art of producing illusions" and alchemy is more of a philosophy. Magic is for entertainment and there are secrets to how the tricks are done. Any one can learn to do magic however alchemy was much more of involved with chemistry .Its a way of changing substances into another of different value. Traditional science deals with natural or laboratory experiments with scientific methods. Although magic and alchemy are both art forms they have different purposes and philosphies.
2) Holistic medicine is medicine that does not require actual prescriptions, but a natural process to fix your illness. Holistic medicines work on strengthening the mind, body and soul. This is similar to the alchemical 2 principle because it describes the connection that an individual share with God. It states that if all things below which means on earth, and all things above which is the heavens are alike both are able to create miracles. When people are cured of an illness without the use of conventional medicine it is described as a miracle. The principle has a strong belief in nature that if anything or anyone is able to cure you it is your faith in God.
3) Although alchemy isn't as commonly practiced in todays society many doctors and researchers today still study and use alternative medicine to cure illness and rehabilitate people. In the Indian culture people practice Ayurveda which is basically natural herbs, meditation and yoga to help maintain and restore health. Also in the Chinese cultures acupuncture is very commonly used for rehabiliton, skin problems, stress, and addictions. American culture have also adopted the acupuncture methods. These practices focus on strengthening the mind and body naturally without the use of chemical substances or prescription; in the belief that the mind and spirit can cure physical illness.
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.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
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2 comments:
You hit the nail on the head when you said that magic is basically entertainment. Not everything is shown, only what the magician wants you to see. Alchemy and traditional science cannot take into account assumptions or guessing.
It is great that you noticed the connection to God as the power and healer. However, in my research it seems that part of the references used may have been intentionally vague. It may have been done in order to placate all who believed in God. What I mean to say is that it may not have been the primary intent, but rather allows for interpretation by the reader from outside the group just as we are now doing.
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