Alchemy—The Great Work

Alchemy is the art of transformation. At its simplest, the alchemist turns base metals into gold. However, this is only one dimension of alchemy—at a more sophisticated level the alchemist's "base metal" is symbolic of himself that needs to be worked upon and the "gold" produced is the alchemist himself in his or her quest to perfect his own nature. In short, true alchemy is a discipline involving physical, psychological and spiritual work aimed at producing wholeness and enlightenment.

From the origins of alchemy, both reputed and documented, Cherry Gilchrist's lively and sympathetic narrative takes the reader from the alchemical interests of the ancient Egyptians to the flowering of alchemy in the 17th century. She also elucidates the complexities of alchemical symbolism and examines the ways in which alchemy has developed in the 20th century.

Praise:
“This is a history and evaluation of the Western Hermetic Tradition and a concise history of the philosophy and practice of alchemy from its beginnings to the 20th century. So nice to have all this in one volume if one is not fully acquainted with the subject. Alchemy is the art of transformation, and this is what our age is all about.” --The New Humanity

Cherry Gilchrist has studied meditation, Tarot and Kabbalah since her early twenties. She has also been a lifelong member of the Nine Ladies association, concerned with renewing feminine spirituality. After gaining an MA from the University of Cambridge, Cherry has worked primarily as a writer, but also in a variety of roles, such as childbirth teacher, early music singer, lecturer, family historian, and owner of an arts and crafts gallery. As an author, and lifelong participant in the Western wisdom tradition, she has written definitive books on alchemy, Russian mythology, and divination. She lives in Devon, UK, with artist husband Robert Lee-Wade. Visit her at www.cherrygilchrist.co.uk.