Alchemy Symbols

In alchemy, symbols were utilized to represent various elements. Initially, the astronomical symbols of the planets were used. However, secret symbols were created due to the persecution of alchemists, especially during the medieval period. This creation resulted in confusion, as there were often multiple symbols for a single element and some overlap between them. These symbols were widely used through the 17th century, and some of them are still in use today. 

This blog will help you learn two things: ‘what are alchemy symbols’ and ‘how to use alchemy symbols.’

Alchemy and Alchemy Symbols

The art of alchemy was transmitted over the centuries from Egypt to Greece and Rome and eventually to Western and Central Europe. The term “alchemy” came from the Arabic phrase “al-kimia,” which means the preparation of the Stone by the Egyptians. The Arabic root “kimia” is derived from the Coptic word “khem,” referring to the fertile black soil of the Nile delta. Hieroglyphical, it alludes to the dark mystery of the primordial First Matter.

The goals of alchemists were to find the Stone of Knowledge (the Philosopher’s Stone), to discover the medium of Eternal Health and youth, and to achieve the transmutation of metals. Medieval alchemists believed that all elements were variations of the same original substance, differing only in purity, with gold being the purest and silver being the second purest.

Alchemists used the astronomical signs of the planets as symbols. However, during the medieval period of persecution and suppression, each alchemist developed their secret symbols. This led to the rise of fraud, causing alchemy to gain a reputation for deceit akin to sorcery. By the 18th century, scientists sought to extract genuine advancements in chemistry and medicine from the combination of science and magic.

Alchemy symbols created a graphic language representing the four elements, various chemical substances, and the Elixir (the Philosopher’s Stone).

Types and Uses of Alchemy Symbols

Some of the types of alchemy symbols include the following:

Earth Alchemy Symbols

Unlike the symbols for chemical elements, the alchemy symbols for Earth, fire, and water remained fairly consistent. These symbols were used to represent the natural elements until the 18th century when alchemy evolved into chemistry, and scientists gained a better understanding of matter. The symbol for the Earth was a downward-pointing triangle with a horizontal bar through it; essentially, the air symbol turned upside down. This symbol also represented the colors green or brown. The Greek philosopher Plato referred to the qualities of dryness and coldness with the earth symbol.

Air Alchemy Symbol

The alchemy symbol for air is designed as an upright triangle with a horizontal bar through the top half. It was associated with the colors blue and sometimes gray. Plato connected the qualities of wetness and heat to this symbol.

Fire Alchemy Symbol

The alchemy symbol for fire resembles a campfire or flame, depicted as a simple triangle pointing upward. It is associated with the colors red and orange and was traditionally viewed as male or masculine. According to Plato, the fire symbol also represents qualities of hotness and dryness. It is the opposite of the water symbol, which is a downward-facing triangle.

Water Alchemy Symbol

Appropriately, the symbol for water is the opposite of the symbol for fire. It takes the form of an inverted triangle, resembling a cup or glass. This symbol was often depicted in blue or associated with that color and was regarded as female or feminine. Plato linked the water alchemy symbol with the qualities of wetness and coldness. 

In addition to Earth, air, and water, many cultures also recognized a fifth element, which could be aether, metal, wood, or another substance. However, there was no standardized symbol because the concept of a fifth element varied across different cultures. The water symbol is often represented as something that holds water, such as a glass.

Mercury Alchemy Symbol

The symbol for mercury represented both the chemical element, also known as hydrargyrum and the swiftly moving planet Mercury. As one of the three primes, mercury symbolized the omnipresent life force and a state capable of transcending death or Earth. This symbol could represent both the metal mercury and the planet itself.

Salt Alchemy Symbol

In the Tria Prima, the symbol representing salt, a compound essential for life, was a circle with a horizontal line through the middle, signifying condensation and the essence of a body.

Copper Alchemy Symbol

In alchemy, copper, associated with Venus, was symbolized by either a female symbol or an X intersected by three lines, with diamond shapes at each end and hollow circles at each intersection. This symbol also corresponded to the kidneys.

Conclusion

The alchemy symbols are of several types, each representing a specific factor. Apart from the ones discussed above, several other types of alchemy symbols were used in earlier times. Explore and learn more about the different types of alchemy symbols with the experts at Turito, and engage yourself in interactive learning.

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