the philosopher's stone

It has nothing to do with turning lead into gold, but rather a transformation of the soul. Finding the "Gold" within through the attainment of gnosis.

I believe Brysing sums it up nicely. It was a myth a story.

So it's an allegory and the stone represent research, lead represents ignorance, and gold represents wisdom? If this is so then it makes a much more sense.

or is it just fiction all together?

There are many theories about alchemy and the philosophers stone. A great deal of people, primarily psychologists, I suppose, believe that the process of creating the philosophers stone is just a metaphor for psychological development and life. Others believe that the stone actually exists and does turn lead into gold, this idea is rubbish though, if splitting atoms is cause for nuclear explosions, one can only imagine about the consequences of altering the structure of an atom to fit ones need.

Anyway, others believe that the philosopher's stone is a power source, the reason why lamps in tombs thousand of years old are still lit today, although I have not researched this myself so I am unsure how factual that was! Some believe it symbolizes magical energy,the stuff we use to cast.

While I don't personally know what exactly the philosopher's stone is, I can agree with Brysing on his knowledgeable account of the alchemists true occupation! If alchemy and science was considered witchcraft, I can only imagine what scientific discoveries will be made on our craft in the years to come, if alchemy is considered science now!

Alchemy and witchcraft have always been akin to what we know call "Science". Alchemists studied the "visible" material things. The witch studied Life itself.Especially the life of plants; their different effects on Life; the healing powers of plants.
For instance, one of the earliest forms of witchcraft healing for pain was a mixture of Willow bark and the herb Meadowsweet.Only with the advances of "modern" science was it found that these two plants were rich in Salicylic Acid. And that, for the benefit of our young members. Is Aspirin!

I think alchemy is a very interesting topic, but i don't know or believe that the philosphers stone is real. I mean most of it just sounds mythical like most things are. But its fun to learn and read about it though. Blessed Be )O(

This thread has been moved to Misc Topics from General Info.

the stone is a tool that not only makes gold out of lead, but anything out of anything

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