A concise guide to the history, theory, and practice of alchemy (the "great work")--the art of working with the energies of nature for spiritual development, healing, and transformation. Alchemy is a means of understanding and working in concert with the energies of nature for spiritual development, healing, and transformation. In this book, Brian Cotnoir offers a step-by-step introduction that explores alchemy's mysteries while illustrating its use as a modern spiritual system of attainment.
He provides an overview of the history of alchemy, from the first meldings of Egyptian technology to the Middle Ages--the golden age of alchemy--to contemporary techniques. He demystifies the relationship between alchemy and chemistry, and provides evidence that alchemy is much more than a medieval form of psychotherapy. The guide also includes practical laboratory experiments that safely and intelligently lead readers to an understanding of this ancient art and spiritual practice.

• Provides step-by-step instruction for beginning a practice in alchemy
• Explains the theory underlying the art and science of alchemy and how it works
• Demystifies the relationship between alchemy and chemistry, while going well beyond the "psychological interpretation" advanced by nonscientists
• Introduces the practice of alchemy to students of the Western magical arts

This book was previously published as The Weiser Concise Guide to Alchemy. This new edition includes a foreword by Robert Allen Bartlett, author of Real Alchemy.