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.

"“The famous Swiss physician and alchemist, Paracelsus, said that Alchemy is the art of separating the pure from the impure, the true from the false and that is what Brian Cotnoir has done for us concisely. If you are new to the study of Alchemy, or even if you’ve been around it for a while and need some additional guidance or inspiration, this is a book for you.” —From the foreword by Robert Allen Bartlett, author of Real Alchemy: A Primer of Practical Alchemy" - Reviews

"“In this compact, digestible guide to alchemy, alchemist, artist, and filmmaker Brian Cotnoir offers step-by-step instructions for readers who want to begin alchemy as a practice of spiritual development and transformation. The book includes overviews of the history and theory of alchemy, as well as practical experiments that allow the reader a more concrete understanding of this practice.” —Patricia Thang, Book Riot
 " - Reviews