The Inner Science of Alchemy: the Philosopher’s Stone and Gold

The Arabic term al-khimia also means ‘the art of transformation’, and this applies to both physical levels (thus being the basis of the later science of chemistry) in which the alchemist of old was interested in transforming base materials, like lead, into more exalted materials such as gold, as well as to the inner practice of alchemy, which involves the transformation of the individual from unconscious ‘raw material’ to the ‘finer material’ of self-realization and divine illumination. It is this latter science of alchemy, the inner art of transformation, that we are mainly concerned with here.

The prized goal of alchemy, in the more traditional sense, was the substance known as gold (and, on occasion, silver). Gold has some interesting chemical properties—it is the most ductile of all metals, meaning, it can be reshaped into endless forms without fracturing. It is also largely immune to most corrosive agents of air or water, and resistant to corruption by fire (which is why it was always valued in making jewellery). Thus its great strength, and brilliant color, makes it a powerful symbol for that which is both radiant and indestructible within us, i.e., our highest nature and true inner self.

However, according to alchemy, the manufacture of gold was possible only via the medium of the philosopher’s stone. When this latter was applied to base metals, then the transmutation, resulting in gold (or silver) allegedly could happen. On the level of psycho-spiritual symbolism, the formula…

Base metal (such as lead) + Philosopher’s Stone = Gold (or Silver)

…has not always been fully understood (and on the physical level, never conclusively proven to have been achieved). Typically, the end result (gold or silver) has been thought to represent the awakened self, but it is more technically correct that the Philosopher’s Stone is the awakened self. The gold or silver represents the transformation of one’s world, or the manifestation of one’s higher desires. The essential relationship between the two (Philosopher’s Stone and gold) is crucially important because they are ultimately interdependent. That is, transformation of self really only works when we also have an intention to transform our outer world, i.e., shine the light of our being outward in order to realize our highest callings in life.7 In other words, self-realization without involvement in the world (in some fashion) is incomplete.