What is Spagyrics?

“Therefore, learn Alchimiam, otherwise called Spagyria, which teaches you to separate the false from the true.” ~ Paracelsus

Spagyrics is a branch of Alchemy that was rebirthed in Europe by Paracelsus, an early 16th century physician and alchemist. Nonetheless the origin of this alchemical tradition extends much farther back into time. We find traces of this Alchemical tradition in Ancient Egypt, China, and India. There were many parallels between the alchemical medicine of Ancient China and India. In India we see this work mainly as part of Unani medicine which has its origins in Ancient Greece. Western Alchemy is primarily based off of the teachings of the Egyptian tradition. In Egyptian mythology Thoth was said to have brought the knowledge of the Heavens and the Earth to the Egyptians which led to the development of their spiritual sciences, systems of medicine, astrology, and magic. In ancient Egypt there were hermetic schools- Hermeticism is an ancient philosophy and science derived from Alchemy. These teachings were passed down orally and to divulge of these teachings to the public was against the law.

The somewhat secretive nature of the Alchemical Arts has led them to be more hidden and obscure, especially in the modern age. Nonetheless I believe it important to point out that this was medicine in Ancient times. The physicians were alchemists and vice versa. The more I study, practice, and intake these medicines the more I realize that this is truly the medicine humanity needs.

In Greek Spao translates to (to draw out) and agerio to (to gather). In Alchemy there is said to be three philosophical principles also called the three essentials or the three substances that make up everything- “the entire manifestation of matter is said to be maintained through their cooperation.” 

These three substances are Mercury (Spirit), Sulfur (Soul), and Salt (Body). In plant alchemy the Soul translates to the essential oils, organic acids, and other medicinal compounds, the Spirit is the alcohol, and the Body is the mineral salts of the plant. 

Purified Mineral Salts of Lady’s Mantle

In Spagyrics one is essentially separating, purifying, and recombining these three substances. When preparing a Spagyric tincture- one takes the plant material that has been extracted or tinctured and incinerates it completely into ash and then the ash is put through the process of calcination by being exposed to low steady heat.

This process is freeing the body (salts) and allowing them to be further purified and eventually recombined with the soul (sulfur) and spirit (mercury). When the oils combine with the minerals- a powerful reaction takes place. In Alchemy this is known as the alchemical marriage. From a chemistry perspective the oils, organic acids, and other compounds are acidic whereas the minerals are basic- as a result when the two combine an acid base reaction takes place.

In terms of medicine- Spagyrics creates a much more powerful and complete medicine as opposed to a simple herbal extraction. The addition of the mineral salts (body) creates a much more bioavailable medicine that is far more potent and effective by making compounds that were once oil soluble now water soluble. Nonetheless to only measure the potency and power of these medicines using principles of chemistry and pharmacology would do a disservice. After all Spagyrics and Alchemy as a whole is a another way of looking at nature and its powers, it has for more depth and seeks to encompass all of creation in its interpretation and practice. Spagyric medicines as a result differ from standard herbal extractions in a multitude of ways. In Spagyric preparation the plant is opened up through the alchemical processes and its curative powers are liberated and activated- creating a far more potent medicine.

There is so much more to explore in the world of Spagyrics and Alchemy. I am merely a novice in this work. As an herbalist I simply want to create and provide the best medicine I can to my community. As a humble student devoted the wisdom and teachings of nature I was naturally drawn to this ancient practice and I look forward to deepening both my knowledge and practice of it.

Special thanks to my many mentors and those who have worked steadily with devotion to rebirth this practice and ancient form of medicine.

Extracted plant material burning