Symbolic alchemy and Hermetic drawings
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Levels of meaning in symbolic images
Ancient manuscripts and paintings with symbolic drawings and diagrams are filled with mystery and intrigue which captured the interest of the public recently with bestselling books and popular movies about esoteric science, code breaking and symbols. It's easy to simply appreciate these works of art for the technical skill required to create such beautiful drawings, long ago.
Contents at a Glance
The Key of Alchemy
Allegorical images
Authorities believe the book was actually published in the 17th or 18th century, and these fantastic watercolor illustrations may be from that period, added by an unknown artist, along with commentary about the alchemical text.
Author Dan Brown
Alchemy Lab
Natural science and the dawn of chemistry
These were the great philosophers of the medieval period, healers and pioneers like Paracelsus, who was the model for the modern medical doctor. So, next to the herbs and glass beakers, the simmering tinctures and and medieval cookbooks, rests the symbols for contemplating the eternal mysteries. The human skull to remind us of the one inevitable truth of existence. A raven with outstretched wings can be a metaphor for many things (that's the beauty of symbols).
The search for the "Philosophers Stone" is also a journey of self-understanding and discipline for the aspirant. By observing the behavior of the natural world, we may come to understand ourselves: As above, so below. The noted psychiatrist, Carl Gustav Jung (1875-1961) was deeply influenced by the writings of the alchemists and the ancient mysteries as it applies to human behavior and the common "archetypes" of human civilization. The author was a disciple of Jung and well qualified in esoteric studies and symbolism.
Alchemy: An Introduction to the Symbolism and the Psychology (Studies in Jungian Psychology)
Amazon Price: $21.39 (as of 05/27/2012)
Ouroboros dragon biting it's own tail symbolizes the endless cycles of birth and rebirth. There are many deeper levels of meaning with all true symbols.
Manly Palmer Hall
Secret Teachings of all Ages by Manly P Hall
Amazon Price: $17.95 (as of 05/27/2012)
Single greatest introduction to esoteric philosophy, with an objective description of symbolism, alchemy, Kabbalah, numerology, secret societies and spiritual beliefs.
Mercurius and the moon goddess Luna
Fools Gold
You never gain in a bargain
A wealthy money-lender is upset about the price he has to pay the skeleton who's making off with all his gold florins.
Hard to imagine why he's making such a fuss. There are more bags of gold everywhere in the room - under the table, in big wooden treasure chests. The security is tight at this place, with two sets of bars on the window.
The Eternal Hermes: From Greek God to Alchemical Magus
Amazon Price: $11.64 (as of 05/27/2012)
Follow the Egyptian god Thoth as his legend evolves into Hermes and the Hermetic tradition
Alchemy at Amazon
Hello Sunshine
Hello Sunshine Jr. Spaghetti Tank
Beaming sunshine wherever you go
Double shot of sunshine with a yellow sun on a yellow tee (and other colors). This illustration of the sun with a glowing human face is from a 15th C. woodcut.
Price:
20.95'
Sunny Toddler T-Shirt
Baby beaker t-shirt for the alchemy of growing up
10 different outfits from infant to teen sizes
Image of the sun with a glowing human face from a 15th C. woodcut. This "see-through" image of sunshine looks best on light colored fabric - but this sunny picture can be printed on dark col
Price:
10.95'
Sunburst Image standard T-Shirt (3 colors)
T-shirts in 10 different styles and colors
This "see-through" sunburst image looks good on your choice of background colors. Illustration of the sun with a radiant human face from a 15th C. woodcut.
Price:
20.95'
Medieval Sun iPad Case
Rays of sunshine, even in the clouds and rain
Medieval image of the sun with a radiant human face, from a 15th C. woodcut. This "see-through" image around the yellow sunbeams looks best on light colors, and can be printed on dark colors
Price:
38.95'
Image of sun Tote Bag
This is 1 of 4 different totes for the beach or the laboratory
Image of the sun with a glowing human face from a 15th C. woodcut. This "see-through" image of sunshine looks best on light colored fabric - but this sunny picture can be printed on dark colors too.
Price:
17.00'
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Reader feedback
What you think of these beautiful drawings?
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RenaissanceWoman2010
Feb 2, 2012 @ 10:35 am | delete
- The alchemy images are exotic and exquisite. Appreciated this collection. Thank you.
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shermanmorrison
Jan 31, 2012 @ 7:52 am | delete
- I love stuff like this! Thanks for a great lens!
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by dotpattern
Symbols of Alchemy from dusty old books, with hidden meanings and strange beasts that make a unique gift on t-shirts and greeting cards. dotpattern: the... more »
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