The Witch's and Druids Den

Awen Inspired, Pagan Mysticism

Alchemy Texts

These texts represent a variety of alchemical traditions, including ancient Egyptian, Greek, and Islamic alchemy, as well as Western European alchemy from the Middle Ages through the Renaissance. They offer insights into the philosophical and practical aspects of alchemy, as well as its mystical and spiritual dimensions. Most of the text below can be found free online.

  • The Papyrus of Ani (c. 1250 BCE)
    • “The Papyrus of Ani” is an ancient Egyptian funerary text, known for its alchemical and spiritual significance. It contains illustrations and spells aimed at guiding the soul through the afterlife.
  • The Ebers Papyrus (c. 1550 BCE)
    • This ancient Egyptian text is primarily a medical document but also contains references to alchemical processes and substances. It reflects the intertwined nature of medicine and alchemy in ancient times.
  • The Greek Alchemical Corpus (various authors)
    • This collection features a variety of alchemical works from ancient Greece, offering insights into the Greek contributions to early alchemical thought.
  • The Demotic Magical Papyrus (c. 4th century BCE)
    • An Egyptian text with alchemical and magical elements, the Demotic Magical Papyrus reflects the fusion of spiritual and practical aspects of alchemy.
  • The Leiden Papyrus (c. 4th century BCE)
    • The Leiden Papyrus is an ancient Egyptian manuscript that touches upon both alchemy and medicine, demonstrating the ancient belief in their interconnectedness.
  • The Zosimos of Panopolis Texts (c. 3rd-4th century CE)
    • These works by the influential alchemist Zosimos provide valuable insights into the early evolution of alchemical ideas and practices.
  • The Secrets of Hermes by Pseudo-Apollonius (c. 4th century CE)
    • Attributed to Pseudo-Apollonius, this Greek alchemical text delves into Hermetic and alchemical concepts, reflecting the fusion of philosophical and practical aspects.
  • The Chrysopoeia of Cleopatra (c. 3rd century CE)
    • This ancient text is attributed to Cleopatra, and it explores alchemical concepts, contributing to the broader alchemical tradition.
  • The Chemical Sermons of Basel (12 Keys of Basil Valentine) (c. 15th century CE)
    • Attributed to Basil Valentine, these sermons employ allegorical and symbolic language to convey alchemical wisdom, often discussing the transmutation of metals.
  • The Testament of Geber (attributed to Geber, 8th-9th century CE)
    • This work, attributed to Geber, discusses various alchemical processes and principles. It reflects the significant contributions of Islamic alchemists to the field.
  • The Book of Alchemy by Albertus Magnus (c. 13th century CE)
    • Contributions from the renowned scholar Albertus Magnus, this text explores various alchemical processes and principles within a broader context of natural philosophy.
  • The Golden Tractate of Hermes Trismegistus (c. 2nd-4th century CE)
    • An alchemical and Hermetic text, this work is attributed to the legendary figure Hermes Trismegistus, offering insights into ancient alchemical wisdom.
  • The Alchemical Writings of Edward Kelly (16th century CE)
    • Edward Kelly, known for his association with John Dee, left behind a significant body of alchemical writings that reflect both practical and spiritual aspects of the art.
  • Theatrum Chemicum (17th-century collection)
    • “Theatrum Chemicum” is a comprehensive collection of alchemical writings compiled in the 17th century, offering a diverse array of alchemical wisdom.
  • The Book of Crates (various attributed texts)
    • “The Book of Crates” is a collection of alchemical writings attributed to various authors, providing valuable insights into the diverse origins of alchemical thought.
  • The Alchemical Catechism by Paracelsus (c. 16th century CE)
    • Paracelsus, a prominent Renaissance alchemist, penned this text, which delves into the fundamental principles of alchemy, including the transmutation of base metals.
  • Liber Azoth by Paracelsus (c. 16th century CE)
    • In “Liber Azoth,” Paracelsus explores the relationship between alchemical processes and spiritual transformation, emphasizing the union of the material and the spiritual.
  • The Alchemical Wedding of Christian Rosycross, by Johann Valentin Andreae (c. 17th century CE)
    • This Rosicrucian alchemical text blends allegory and symbolism to describe the mystical journey of the soul toward spiritual enlightenment and alchemical transformation.
  • The Secret Symbols of the Rosicrucians (Rosicrucian texts, 17th century CE)
    • This collection of Rosicrucian texts features alchemical and mystical writings, shedding light on the Rosicrucian movement’s contributions to alchemy.
  • Ripley Reviv’d by Eirenaeus Philalethes (17th century CE)
    • “Ripley Reviv’d” contains works attributed to the English alchemist George Ripley and explores various aspects of alchemical processes and symbolism.
  • Aurelia Occulta by Thomas Vaughan (17th century CE)
    • The works of Thomas Vaughan, an English alchemist, touch on spiritual and mystical aspects of alchemy, emphasizing the union of the material and spiritual realms.
  • Tractatus Aureus by Count Bernard of Treviso (15th century CE)
    • “Tractatus Aureus” is a medieval alchemical work attributed to Count Bernard of Treviso, offering insights into the alchemical ideas of the time.
  • Veridicus Christianus by John Pordage (17th century CE)
    • “Veridicus Christianus” is a collection of alchemical and mystical writings by John Pordage, exploring the spiritual dimensions of alchemy.
  • The Art of Distillation by John French (17th century CE)
    • This text by John French delves into the distillation process, an essential technique in alchemy, and its role in the purification and transformation of substances.
  • The Turba Philosophorum (The Assembly of the Philosophers) (c. 12th-13th century CE)
    • “The Turba Philosophorum” is a significant alchemical text, often considered one of the foundational works of the Western alchemical tradition.
  • The Book of the Holy Trinity by Theophrastus Paracelsus (16th century CE)
    • Paracelsus’s “The Book of the Holy Trinity” explores alchemical principles and the unity of body, soul, and spirit, highlighting the interconnectedness of these realms.
  • The Twelve Keys of Basil Valentine (15th century CE)
    • Attributed to Basil Valentine, this work discusses various alchemical processes and stages in a symbolic and allegorical manner, with a focus on the philosopher’s stone.
  • The Aurora Consurgens attributed to Thomas Aquinas (c. 15th century CE)
    • Though attributed to the famous theologian and philosopher Thomas Aquinas, “The Aurora Consurgens” explores alchemical and philosophical themes, emphasizing the union of opposites.
  • The Book of the Composition of Alchemy by Jabir ibn Hayyan (Geber) (c. 8th century CE)
    • “The Book of the Composition of Alchemy” is attributed to Jabir ibn Hayyan, also known as Geber, an early Islamic alchemist. It explores alchemical processes and laboratory techniques.
  • Theatrum Chemicum Britannicum by Elias Ashmole (17th century CE)
    • Compiled in the 17th century, this work is a collection of various alchemical texts from the British alchemical tradition, offering insights into the evolution of alchemy in England.
  • The Crowning of Nature by Thomas Vaughan (17th century CE)
    • “The Crowning of Nature” reflects Thomas Vaughan’s exploration of alchemical and mystical themes, emphasizing the spiritual transformation of the practitioner.
  • The New Chemical Light by Michael Sendivogius (c. 16th-17th century CE)
    • “The New Chemical Light” contains works by Michael Sendivogius, an alchemist and philosopher who made significant contributions to alchemical thought and laboratory practices.
  • The Philosopher’s Stone by Albertus Magnus (c. 13th century CE)
    • Attributed to the renowned scholar Albertus Magnus, “The Philosopher’s Stone” is an alchemical text that discusses the pursuit of the philosopher’s stone and its transformative powers.
  • The Book of the Secrets of Alchemy by Razi (Rhazes) (9th century CE)
    • “The Book of the Secrets of Alchemy” contains contributions from the Persian alchemist and physician Razi, touching on alchemical processes and principles.
  • The Book of Alze by Ramon Llull (c. 13th century CE)
    • “The Book of Alze” reflects the alchemical and philosophical writings of Ramon Llull, an influential figure in the development of Western alchemy.
  • The Secret of the Golden Flower (a Taoist alchemical text) (c. 8th-9th century CE)
    • “The Secret of the Golden Flower” is an ancient Taoist alchemical text that combines Chinese Taoist and Indian Buddhist traditions, emphasizing spiritual awakening and transformation.
  • The Hermetica (a collection of Hermetic texts) (c. 1st-4th century CE)
    • “The Hermetica” comprises a collection of Hermetic texts that explore the teachings and wisdom attributed to Hermes Trismegistus, with a focus on spiritual and alchemical themes.
  • The Mirror of Wisdom by John of Rupescissa (14th century CE)
    • “The Mirror of Wisdom” is a work by John of Rupescissa, an alchemist who explored both alchemical and mystical aspects, emphasizing the spiritual path of the alchemist.
  • The Key of Solomon (attributed to King Solomon) (c. 14th-17th century CE)
    • “The Key of Solomon” is a grimoire with elements of alchemy, often attributed to the biblical King Solomon. It contains instructions for summoning spirits and practical alchemical rituals.
  • The Ripley Scrolls (attributed to George Ripley) (15th century CE)
    • “The Ripley Scrolls” are a set of works attributed to the English alchemist George Ripley, covering various alchemical processes and stages symbolically.
  • The Cosmopolite (various attributed texts) (c. 16th-17th century CE)
    • “The Cosmopolite” is a collection of alchemical texts attributed to different authors, representing a diversity of alchemical thought and practices from the 16th and 17th centuries.
  • Le Moyen Age et la Renaissance by Fulcanelli (20th century CE)
    • “Le Moyen Age et la Renaissance” is a work by Fulcanelli, a mysterious figure in the 20th century. It delves into the alchemical and esoteric aspects of the Middle Ages and the Renaissance.
  • De la Nature des Métaux by Nicolas Flamel (15th century CE)
    • Nicolas Flamel’s “De la Nature des Métaux” explores the philosopher’s stone and the transmutation of base metals into noble ones, making it a pivotal text in the alchemical tradition.
  • Lumen de Lumine by Robert Fludd (17th century CE)
    • “Lumen de Lumine” contains the works of Robert Fludd, who was a prominent figure in the Western esoteric tradition. His writings combine alchemical and mystical themes.
  • Theatrum Chemicum (multiple volumes) (c. 16th-17th century CE)
    • “Theatrum Chemicum” is a multi-volume collection of alchemical writings, providing a comprehensive overview of alchemical thought from the 16th and 17th centuries.
  • The Alchemical Wedding of Christian Rosycross by Johann Valentin Andreae (c. 17th century CE)
    • This Rosicrucian alchemical text uses allegorical and symbolic language to describe the mystical journey of the soul toward spiritual enlightenment and alchemical transformation.
  • Aurelia Occulta by Thomas Vaughan (17th century CE)
    • “Aurelia Occulta” reflects the mystical and spiritual dimensions of alchemy, as explored by the English alchemist Thomas Vaughan.
  • Liber Azoth by Paracelsus (c. 16th century CE)
    • “Liber Azoth” by Paracelsus explores the interplay between alchemical processes and spiritual transformation, emphasizing the unity of the physical and spiritual realms.
  • The Stone of the Philosophers by Edward Kelly (16th century CE)
    • Edward Kelly, an associate of John Dee, wrote “The Stone of the Philosophers,” which delves into alchemical processes and the pursuit of the philosopher’s stone.
  • The Emerald Tablet (c. 6th-8th century CE)
    • A short, cryptic text attributed to the legendary figure of Hermes Trismegistus. It is considered the most famous and influential of all alchemical texts, containing fundamental principles of alchemy, such as the famous axiom “As above, so below.”
  • The Book of the Law (1904)
    • A foundational text of the mystical and philosophical system of Thelema, written by the British occultist Aleister Crowley in 1904. While it includes elements of alchemy, it also integrates aspects of astrology and Kabbalah, making it a multifaceted esoteric work.
  • The Rosarium Philosophorum (16th century CE)
    • A 16th-century alchemical treatise in Latin, consisting of 20 woodcuts depicting the alchemical process. This work is considered one of the most significant alchemical works of the Renaissance, emphasizing the visual representation of the alchemical journey.
  • The Canon of Medicine (c. 11th century CE)
    • A comprehensive medical encyclopedia written by the Persian physician Avicenna in the 11th century. While primarily a medical text, it includes sections on alchemy and its connection to medicine, reflecting the historical link between these disciplines.
  • The Book of Lambspring (16th century CE)
    • A 16th-century alchemical treatise in verse that features 15 woodcuts depicting the alchemical process. Notable for its use of Christian symbolism, it explores alchemical concepts in a poetic and allegorical manner.
  • The Alchemical Writings of Edward Kelley (16th century CE)
    • A collection of works by the 16th-century English alchemist Edward Kelley, who claimed to have received instructions from angels. These writings provide practical recipes for creating the philosopher’s stone, making them valuable to alchemical practitioners.
  • The Bosom Book of Sir George Ripley (15th century CE)
    • An alchemical treatise attributed to the 15th-century English monk and alchemist Sir George Ripley. It describes the preparation of the philosopher’s stone and is accompanied by a series of symbolic drawings.
  • The Triumphal Chariot of Antimony (16th century CE)
    • A 16th-century alchemical treatise by the German alchemist Basil Valentine. This work explores the preparation of antimony and its significance in alchemical processes, shedding light on the practical aspects of alchemy.
  • The Mutus Liber (17th century CE)
    • A 17th-century alchemical work that communicates its message entirely through symbolic illustrations. Notable for its use of alchemical imagery to convey spiritual truths, it reflects the allegorical nature of many alchemical texts.
  • The Splendor Solis (16th century CE)
    • A 16th-century illuminated manuscript featuring a series of allegorical illustrations, accompanied by explanatory text. Regarded as one of the most beautiful and important alchemical works of the Renaissance, it provides insight into the symbolism and imagery used in alchemy.
  • The Mirror of Alchemy (14th century CE)
    • A 14th-century alchemical treatise attributed to the English alchemist Roger Bacon. This work describes the preparation of the philosopher’s stone and includes a series of symbolic drawings, revealing the mystical and practical aspects of alchemical practice.

Modern Books

  • “The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Alchemy” by Dennis William Hauck
    • This book offers a comprehensive introduction to the world of Alchemy, making it accessible to newcomers while providing depth for those with prior knowledge.
  • “Alchemy & Mysticism” by Alexander Roob
    • This visually stunning book provides an illustrated history of Alchemical symbolism, allowing readers to explore the art’s rich iconography.
  • “The Path of Alchemy: Energetic Healing & the World of Natural Magic” by Mark Stavish
    • Stavish explores Alchemy in the context of energetic healing and natural magic, providing practical guidance for aspiring Alchemists.
  • “Alchemy Unveiled” by Johannes Helmond
    • The book delves into the spiritual and practical dimensions of alchemy, providing insights into the historical and philosophical aspects of this ancient practice.
  • “Real Alchemy: A Primer of Practical Alchemy” by Robert Allen Bartlett
    • This book provides a hands-on approach to alchemical processes, laboratory work, and the creation of alchemical substances. It’s well-regarded for its practical instructions and insights into traditional alchemical practices.
  • “Practical Alchemy: A Guide to the Great Work” by Brian Cotnoir
    • This book provides practical guidance and insights into alchemical laboratory work, with a focus on both traditional and modern alchemical practices
  • “The Hermetic Science of Transformation” by Giuliano Kremmerz
    • Kremmerz’s book delves into various Hermetic and alchemical principles, including spiritual transformation and self-realization. It explores the Hermetic path to inner and outer transformation, drawing from ancient Hermetic teachings and alchemical practices.
  • The Secret Teachings of All Ages by Manly P. Hall (20th century CE)
    • While not an ancient text itself, Manly P. Hall’s work provides an overview of various esoteric traditions, including alchemy, making it a valuable resource for modern readers interested in the topic.

There are numerous books available in the world, unfortunately I have not had the opportunity of reading all of them lol.