To print this page properly - use Print icon located on the page.
Please note that JavaScript has to be enabled.
tXjKZOpO thahsii
Alchemy Guild

CERTIFIED TRAINING in ALCHEMY

Initiation.jpgGuild members who are interested in initiation into the mysteries of alchemy can apply for apprenticeship and certification in the ancient craft. Reputable trainng by master alchemists is available in both Practical and Spiritual alchemy.

There is also a free Youth Apprenticeship program for persons 12-18 years of age. See (2) below. Donations can be earmarked for this program.

Alchemy Guild approved training is offered through the following public programs:

(1) ALCHEMY HOME STUDY PROGRAM

In this correspondence course, the initiate gains a solid foundation in the principles and operations of both spiritual and practical (laboratory) methods. All work is carried on at home, and all manuals, CDs, DVDs, herbs, and lab supplies are included. The program consists of seven modules that take about 2 months to complete. Complete enrollment information is at the Alchemy Home Study website.

(2) YOUTH APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM

Young people (aged 12-18) may apply for free apprenticeship in alchemy and undergo training with volunteer master alchemists certified by the International Alchemy Guild. Send an email with your reason for wanting to become an alchemist, your birthdate, your state or country, and any other relevant information using the Contact form. Please consider making a Donation to support young people gain wisdom in this ancient discipline and acquire powerful tools for living healthier, more adaptive, and more productive lives. Complete info at Youth Apprenticeship Program.

(3) INSTRUCTION at an ALCHEMY SCHOOL

During on-site instruction at several independent alchemy schools around the world, students can gain hands-on experience in both practical (laboratory) or spiritual techniques depending on their preferences. Sessions usually last 1-2 weeks at various times during the year. Only schools inspected and approved by the Alchemy Guild will be offered for on-site instruction. See complete list below.

(4) PERSONAL INSTRUCTION

In the final phase of the apprenticeship, the initiate will engage in a one-on-one instruction with a master alchemist. Ideally, this phase of the teaching is in person, although different venues may be arranged in some cases. Sessions last from 3 to 7 days or more and focus on the creation of the stones of alchemy. These personal initiations sometimes take place in conjunction with the annual Alchemy Conference or during alchemical retreats and workshops sanctioned by the Guild. Check our Lectures & Workshops section.

(5) ALCHEMY GUILD MYSTERY SCHOOL

The Alchemy Guild mystery school is organized as a church chapter in the state of California. The focus is on personal initiation into the deeper mysteries at the heart of alchemy through the development of a reverential and personal relationship with the One Mind of the universe. This deistic philosophy is put into spiritual practice through the church meetings. The liturgy and rituals are part of the perennial philosophy and the Hermetic teachings that were incorporated into the founding of America. The church website is at www.EmeraldTablet.net or www.AzothAlchemy.com and it operates strictly on the donations of its members. 

 

What is initiation?

Initiation in alchemy is the systematic unveiling of universal patterns of transformation and the alchemical operations involved in the process of transmutation. Initiation marks the aspirant's entry to this level of knowledge and empowerment on which the Great Work of spiritual evolution takes place.

The first level of alchemical initiation is equivalent to the "Outer Court" in the Egyptian teachings or the "Philosophorum phase" in Hermetic education. This level of work consists of open or public teachings and is conveyed through books, lectures, videos, and similar common methods of communication. The goal is purification and enlightenment.

In alchemy, the work here begins in the Nigredo or Black Phase and is associated with fiery Sulfur and the destruction of the old Salt. The goal is to reduce everything to its essential nature or First Matter. The Nigredo is a period during which the philosophical and historical underpinnings of alchemy are presented in an effort to lead the initiate out of the darkness of everyday life. This process of enlightenment begins with ancient teachings of the perennial philosophy and concludes with the dissolution of previous beliefs and habitual thinking patterns in which the initiate had been indoctrinated by traditional culture.

The second level of apprenticeship is equivalent to the "Inner Court" teachings in the Egyptian tradition or the "Theoreticum phase" in Hermetic education. This level of work consists of secret materials conveyed in scrolls, proprietary manuals and books, sacred math and geometry, and symbolic drawings.

In alchemy, this phase is known as the Albedo or White Phase and is associated with liquid Mercury. The Albedo is a period during which the spiritual and practical principles of alchemy are revealed to the purified initiate. The result is a natural, free-flowing, independent, and fully aware state of mind.

The third level of apprenticeship is equivalent to the "Holy of Holies" in the Egyptian teachings or the "Practicum phase" in Hermetic education. This is the phase during which the philosophical and theoretical teachings come to fruition within the individual. It is a period of grounding and empowerment based on the direct experience of reality. No written materials of any kind are used at this level. Instead, the initiation takes place during oral teachings, question and answer periods, private retreats, and meditation. These teachings unfold within the initiate during personal reflection and alchemical meditation.

In alchemy, this final period of initiation is called the Rubedo or Red Phase and is associated with the new Salt or higher level of incarnation. The Rubedo is a period during which the philosophy and principles of alchemy are demonstrated in the real world and the initiate is empowered with magical insight into the universe. This is the level at which the Philosopher's Stone is created.

 

 

CURRENT SCHOOL LOCATIONS

  • California (USA): Dennis William Hauck  holds classes in both spiritual and laboratory alchemy in Sacramento. For more info, go to http://www.meetup.com/AlchemyGuild/ .
  • Oregon (USA): The Al-Kemi School offers several courses in spagyrics and practical alchemy in the Ashland area. For more information, go to http://Al-Kemi.com/alchemy/school/ .
  • Washington (USA): Robert Bartlett offers traditional spagyrics and practical alchemy courses in the Seattle area. For more information, contact spagyricus@aol.com or visit www.RealAlchemy.org .
  • Sydney (Australia): Forming.
  • Vienna (Austria): Forming.
  • ... more coming!

 

 

 
 

 © Alchemy Guild. All Rights Reserved. Copying strictly prohibited.

 "Alchemy Guild" is a trademark of the International Alchemy Guild (IAG).

The Guild is a federally tax-exempt public charity under section 501(c)(3).