#ALCHEMIST SYMBOLS HOW TO#

Mercury (one of the seven planetary symbols) also known in ancient times as quicksilver, represents the mind, and was believed to be able to shift between life and death as it was able to shift between liquid and solid states. Meaning of the alchemy symbol for Mercury Often there were various different symbols for one element, because at the time one could be persecuted for this practice.

In the 17th century alchemists devised different symbols to identify various materials. goal being turning base metals into metals of value, primarily gold.

#ALCHEMIST SYMBOLS HOW TO#

Alchemical table of symbolsĢ2 Alchemy symbols with meanings and how to use themĪlchemy is the practice of studying the reaction each different element made when combined. Symbols were created to represent different elements and even astronomical symbols of planets were used, or the signs of the zodiac were also used. Eventually, it spread as different nations conquered Egypt from the Greeks and the Arabs who adopted this proto-science eventually spreading to Asia and Europe. The word Alchemy is derived from the Arabic phrase ‘Al-Kimia’ referring to the Egyptian preparations of elixirs and the fertile banks of the Nile river. Alchemists had three main objectives with these chemicals, immortality being one of them combining elements to create the mythical Philosopher’s Stone which allegedly could transmute metals like lead into gold and give the beholder eternal life and making elixirs for eternal youth, health, and beauty.

Ancient Egyptians were enthralled by their beliefs in life after death, and the procedures of mummification most likely gave rise to their basic understanding of chemical knowledge in the pursuit of immortality. The historical significance of alchemical element symbolsĪlchemy first originated in Ancient Egypt. The three primes or tria prima of these include salt (body – base matter)/ mercury (the spirit – mind)/sulfur (soul). What are Alchemical symbols?Īlchemical symbols are glyphs used to indicate the different compounds and chemical elements of which everything is comprised of. These symbols of this proto-science helped pave the way for new discoveries of new elements and alike, aiding humankind in its progress to the point of modern chemistry. mostly in the pursuit of eternal life, in attempts to create elixirs to prolong life, and in pursuit of creating precious gold out of simple metals through long arduous processes of slow-burning and mixture of other elements to make a new amalgam. Eventually, alchemical symbols were created in order to further refine the practice and help document the elements leading to new discoveries and mixtures. Alchemy has had a long history in our world has been starting off its infancy in Ancient Egypt, having been adopted by other civilizations over the centuries into more refined practices reaching new heights.

Alchemist symbols