Alchemical traditions

Alchemical traditions are early practices blending philosophy, mysticism, and proto-science aimed at transforming materials—most famously turning base metals into gold. They also sought spiritual growth and purification, viewing material and inner transformation as interconnected. Rooted in ancient civilizations like Egypt, Greece, and China, alchemy combined symbolic language, experimentation, and esoteric knowledge. While often misunderstood as mere chemistry, alchemy laid foundational ideas for modern science and emphasized the unity of matter and spirit, reflecting a holistic worldview that sought not just material change but personal enlightenment.