The words preserved on the ancient Emerald Tablet contain the essence of the alchemical teachings, and have had an important influence on many Western spiritual and religious traditions. Ostensibly concerned with turning base metals into gold, alchemy is in fact dedicated to transforming the lead of self into the gold of spirit. This brilliant history of alchemy traces its sources and chronicles its evolution - and shows that alchemy is a useful, practical guide to spiritual growth. Each of the seven steps of alchemical transformation - Calcination, Dissolution, Separation, Conjunction, Fermentation, Distillation, and Coagulation - is presented with hands-on techniques and exercises. Drawing on the author's personal experiences and the testimonials of others, based in solid scholarship and illustrated with remarkable engravings, The Emerald Tablet provides access to a rich spiritual tradition.
