Becoming Gold: Zosimos of Panopolis and the Alchemical Arts in Roman Egypt

FOREMOST among the alchemists of the Hellenized world, the “divine” Zosimos practiced a sacred art in which metaphysical and metallurgical realities were fundamentally intertwined. Rather than being an exclusive product of Alexandrian syncretism, however, the dual spiritual and material emphasis of this alchemy reveals much deeper roots than expected: roots which extend deep into the religious cultures of the Ancient Near East. Through the methods of “cultural biography” and “thick description”, Becoming Gold guides the reader deep into the temple culture of Roman Egypt, where the role of scribal priest intersects explicitly with the metallurgical craft traditions.
Going beyond generalizations, Grimes explores the metal-coloring techniques developed in Egyptian polychromic statuary, as well as the rituals of statue animation performed by the priests of the House of Life. In this light, Zosimos is increasingly revealed as a scribal priest responsible for preserving and translating ancient Egyptian metallurgical recipes; a high-ranking goldsmith who oversaw temple statue makers.
 Against the wider backdrop of late antique religion and philosophy, Grimes also details the fascinating connections between alchemy, theurgy, and gnosticism. Here, Zosimos’s spiritual attitudes are explored through the daimonic versus astrological influences upon alchemical operations; meditative practices using mirrors of electrum to attain divine gnosis; and the overarching imperative to transform the bonds of embodiment into vehicles for divinity. Zosimos reveals an alchemy in which spiritual and material realities are ultimately nondual; in which metals becomes living bodies for divine spirits; and in which the immortal soul—luminous and golden—radiates through its material forms.

History

Grimes, Shannon

Ancient Civilizations

Rubedo Press

FOREMOST among the alchemists of the Hellenized world, the "divine" Zosimos practiced a sacred art in which metaphysical and metallurgical realities were fundamentally intertwined. Rather than being an exclusive product of Alexandrian syncretism, however, the dual spiritual and material emphasis of this alchemy reveals much deeper roots than expected: roots which extend deep into the religious cultures of the Ancient Near East. Through the methods of "cultural biography" and "thick description," Becoming Gold guides the reader deep into the temple culture of Roman Egypt, where the role of scribal priest intersects explicitly with the metallurgical craft traditions. Going beyond generalizations, Grimes explores the metal-coloring techniques developed in Egyptian polychromic statuary, as well as the rituals of statue animation performed by the priests of the House of Life. In this light, Zosimos is increasingly revealed as a scribal priest responsible for preserving and translating ancient Egyptian metallurgical recipes; a high-ranking goldsmith who oversaw temple statue makers. Against the wider backdrop of late antique religion and philosophy, Grimes also details the fascinating connections between alchemy, theurgy, and gnosticism. Here, Zosimos's spiritual attitudes are explored through the daimonic versus astrological influences upon alchemical operations; meditative practices using mirrors of electrum to attain divine gnosis; and the overarching imperative to transform the bonds of embodiment into vehicles for divinity. Zosimos reveals an alchemy in which spiritual and material realities are ultimately nondual; in which metals becomes living bodies for divine spirits; and in which the immortal soul--luminous and golden--radiates through its material forms.

Translated into English for the very first time, the Hermetic Recreations is a uniquely lucid masterwork of French Hermetic philosophy. Set down in an anonymous hand at the turn of the Nineteenth Century, it provides critical insights into the operative arts of the western alchemical tradition. Illuminating both the traditional mediaeval practices which it inherited, and those of the Parisian alchemical revival which it would influence, this rare text forms an important bridge between alchemical epochs.Although the identity of the author remains a mystery, the text appears to have been composed sometime between the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Preserved in the manuscript collection of Muséum d'Histoire Naturelle in Paris, it was first brought to the attention of Bernard Husson by his friend, Eugène Canseliet (1899-1982), the French alchemist and only direct student of Fulcanelli. This eventually resulted in the first publication of Les Récréations hermétiques in 1964. Gilles Pasquier published a corrected edition in 1992, also in French, which included the Scholium or commentary. The text of the Scholium is a particularly revealing addition, for it presents 150 Hermetic "aphorisms" encapsulating the core principles of the alchemical process.Both texts, which clearly form a single work, are presented here in a handsome dual language edition, in French and in English, with copious scholarly annotations by Christer Böke, John Koopmans, Stanislas Klossowski de Rola, and Aaron Cheak.  A limited edition hardback version of this work, in a limited print run of 222 copies, is available exclusively through Rubedo Press.

Hermetic Recreations

Politics & Social Sciences

Böke, Christer

Koopmans, John

Klossowski De Rola, Stanislas

Philosophy

THE BASILIAN APHORISMS (Aphorismi Basiliani) consist of eighteen Hermetic Canons which cut to the heart of the triadic structure of the macrocosm and microcosm. Describing both the external world of nature, in which three kingdoms prevail, and the human trichotomy of spirit, soul, and body, the Basilian Aphorisms are designed for deep meditation upon the thrice-great Hermetic mystery: Sulphur, Mercury, and Salt.Composed in Latin under the ægis of a certain ‘Hermophilo Philochemico’ (a pseudonymous compiler whose name means ‘Friend of Hermes, Friend of Chymistry’) the Aphorisms were first published at Marburg, Germany, in 1608. They later appeared in the Theatrum Chemicum, after which they were translated into French and Italian. Presented here in English for the very first time, this Rubedo Press edition provides a facing-page translation alongside the Latin original, together with a historical introduction, and detailed commentary upon each canon by Dr. Mirco A. Mannucci and Dr. Aaron Cheak. 

The Basilian Aphorisms: Or the Hermetic Canons of the Spirit, Soul, and Body of the Major and Minor World

Europe

Messenger, trickster, psychopomp, Mercury’s myriad forms belie a genuinely complex character. And yet to most modern astrologers he remains a relatively one-dimensional figure. Caton’s Hermetic triptych is designed to ground you in the actual observation of Mercury as a living planetary phenomenon, and to bring the lessons of this planetary divinity back to the world of applied astrology.  Hermetica Triptycha is the first-ever comprehensive and integral treatment of Mercury’s retrogrades, with a one hundred and twenty-five year ephemeris to track the sequential pattern of the planet Mercury’s backward trickster medicine dance as it cycles through: three repeated degrees over forty days, three signs of one elemental triplicity each year, the four elements every six to seven years, twelve elemental returns over seventy-nine years. With additional analysis, lessons, and exercises including: the magical power of the image derived from Mercury’s cycle as a visible “star”, the philosophical, psycho-spiritual and practical ramifications of our views and attitudes toward Mercury retrograde, and individual chapters for using each of the four cycles of Mercury’s retrogrades to facilitate personal growth, psycho-spiritual transformation, and real-world magic.

Hermetica Triptycha: The Mercury Elemental Year, with Ephemerides 1925-2050

Religion & Spirituality

Caton, Gary P.

New Age & Spirituality

DEVELOPED UNDER THE SHADOWS of the Egyptian temples, Hellenistic astrology is an ancient form of divination inherited from Mesopotamian wisdom traditions. Distilled in Græco-Roman antiquity, and refined in the fires of philosophy and astronomy, it forms the bedrock of traditional western astrology (while also bearing profound similarities to Jyotish or Vedic astrology). Drawing on a body of Greek texts that have remained largely untranslated for almost two-thousand years, Demetra George brings the contemporary practice of astrology back to its ancient roots. Scholar, translator, and practitioner, her work reveals the potent cosmological veins that bear the lifeblood of traditional astrology. Ancient Astrology in Theory and Practice is, in essence, a training manual for the study and practice of Hellenistic astrology. In two volumes, it provides the complete foundations and detailed dynamics of ancient chart-reading techniques. Each volume and each technique is richly illustrated with diagrams, example charts, and practical exercises.
Volume 1: Assessing Planetary Condition
In ancient cosmology, the planetary divinities symbolised the hierarchy of forces that shape our lives in the sublunary world. Not all planets are created equal in a given nativity, however, and so the first step of the practicing astrologer is to assess the condition of each planet in a chart in order to determine its effectiveness (or lack thereof) in the native’s life. To this end, this volume provides a series of rigorous methods for evaluating the condition of each planet in a birth chart through the lenses of classification (sect, gender, benefic/malefic), signs and rulerships (residences, reception, exaltation, trigons, bounds), the solar phase cycle (speed, direction, visibility, phase, phasis), lunar considerations (course, phases, bonding, nodes, bending, eclipses, prenatal lunation), and aspects (configurations, witnessing, testimony, bonification, maltreatment, adherence, overcoming, rays). Finally, it brings all of these factors together in a powerful synthesis that unlocks the layers of a chart with unrivaled precision.

Ancient Astrology in Theory and Practice: A Manual of Traditional Techniques, Volume I: Assessing Planetary Condition

George, Demetra

Straddling the two lands of Upper and Lower Egypt, Hermopolis--the City of Hermes--marks the ancient and future capital of Middle Egypt. In this book, Dr. Nasser presents a much-needed introduction to the history and territory of Hermopolis, as well as the values that emanated from this cosmic city to shape our thinking throughout the ages. In particular, Nasser traces the Hermetic concepts of humanism, idealism, utopianism, and fraternity, and argues that these ideals inspire our dreams for a better world.
 Presented as a philosophy of hope, the influence of Hermeticism runs like a river through Egyptian, Hellenic, Suﬁ, Renaissance, and Romantic territories, before branching into the delta of twentieth century philosophical and psychological thought. Drawing on her experience as a practicing psychiatrist, Nasser shows how the existential pioneers of the last century not only acknowledged their debt to their Hermetic past, but also spoke to the emergence of a new Self capable of exploring and integrating its multiplicities.
 The principle of eternal renewal based on deep historical foundations also guides the author's own project of creating the New Hermopolis in Egypt today. While the intangible heritage of Hermopolis transcends its local territory, its legacy cannot be revived if its foundations are not studied, explored, and developed. In the ﬁnal chapter of this book, Nasser describes her own path of physically reviving this centre in the spirit of its past while simultaneously forging it in the vision of an integral future. Like the lotus that bears the newborn sun, New Hermopolis emerges as a cultural, ecological, and intellectual centre with the potential to breathe new life into its land and the wider world.

The Path to the New Hermopolis: The History, Philosophy, and Future of the City of Hermes

Nasser, Mervat

Inspired by the psychological dimensions of Anne Sexton's confessional poetry, Carabajal's collection, Hunger, emerges from an artistic ethic in which poetry is not simply a daily praxis, but a survival mechanism-a reason to live. Poetry is not only confessional in Carabajal's work, it is redemptive, charting the art of healing through a hunger that turns desire inside out to find language as the deepest form of intimacy. Blurring the line between journaling, confession, and refuge, Carabajal explores the process by which we refine the truths we can tell ourselves.

Hunger

Literature & Fiction

Carabajal, Maia Spring

Poetry

DEVELOPED UNDER THE SHADOWS of the Egyptian temples, Hellenistic astrology is an ancient form of divination inherited from Mesopotamian wisdom traditions. Distilled in Græco-Roman antiquity, and refined in the fires of philosophy and astronomy, it forms the bedrock of traditional western astrology (while also bearing profound similarities to Jyotish or Vedic astrology). Drawing on a body of Greek texts that have remained largely untranslated for almost two-thousand years, Demetra George brings the contemporary practice of astrology back to its ancient roots. Scholar, translator, and practitioner, her work reveals the potent cosmological veins that bear the lifeblood of traditional astrology. Ancient Astrology in Theory and Practice is, in essence, a training manual for the study and practice of Hellenistic astrology. In two volumes, it provides the complete foundations and detailed dynamics of ancient chart-reading techniques. Each volume and each technique is richly illustrated with diagrams, example charts, and practical exercises.\nVolume 2: Delineating Planetary Meaning 
If the planets are the essential forces ruling life in the sublunary world, the houses are the principles that bring them down to earth and ground them in our everyday reality. Volume two begins by exploring the ancient house system-the twelve topics or places of life-in order to provide a synthesis of planet-based and house-based approaches to distilling meaning from a chart. It then explores the different systems for delineating the rulers and lords of the nativity as a whole. Like the helmsman's rudder that steers the vessel through the waters of existence, the masters and lords of the nativity provide the overarching principles that guide the native's path through life.

Ancient Astrology in Theory and Practice: A Manual of Traditional Techniques, Volume II: Delineating Planetary Meaning

Composed in Middle French, and preserved in an eighteenth-century manuscript which strongly influenced Fulcanelli, The Key to the Hermetic Sanctum presents itself with a singular purpose: to unlock the symbolic philosophy of the Emerald Tablet in order to provide the foundations of alchemical practice.\nPreviously unknown apart from some captivating citations from Fulcanelli, this mysterious text recently surfaced among the manuscripts of the Gallatins, a family of Swiss provenance who rose to prominence among the founding fathers of the United States of America. Originating specifically from the personal collection of Albert H. Gallatin-a professor of chemistry, geology, and mineralogy who devoted himself to the study of ancient langauges in order to understand alchemical texts-this manuscript is of singular interest to scholars of religion, historians of science, and practitioners of the royal art.\nTranslated into English for the very first time, The Key to the Hermetic Sanctum (La Clef du Cabinet Hermétique) appears here in a dual-language edition featuring a carefully prepared edition of the French text alongside a clear English translation. This copiously annotated volume comes with an introduction exploring the figure of Gallatin and his possible connections to Fulcanelli-one of the twentieth century's most enigmatic alchemists-together with an appendix clarifying the relationship of this work to other texts known under similar names.

The Key to the Hermetic Sanctum / La Clef du Cabinet Hermétique

World Literature

See the best price to sell, buy or rent books by the Rubedo Press publisher. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Books by Rubedo Press

See the best price to sell, buy or rent books by the Rubedo Press publisher. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Becoming Gold: Zosimos of Panopolis and the Alchemical Arts in Roman Egypt

Becoming Gold: Zosimos of Panopolis and the Alchemical Arts in Roman Egypt

Hermetic Recreations

The Basilian Aphorisms: Or the Hermetic Canons of the Spirit, Soul, and Body of the Major and Minor World

Hermetica Triptycha: The Mercury Elemental Year, with Ephemerides 1925-2050

Ancient Astrology in Theory and Practice: A Manual of Traditional Techniques, Volume I: Assessing Planetary Condition

The Path to the New Hermopolis: The History, Philosophy, and Future of the City of Hermes

Hunger

Ancient Astrology in Theory and Practice: A Manual of Traditional Techniques, Volume II: Delineating Planetary Meaning

The Key to the Hermetic Sanctum / La Clef du Cabinet Hermétique