Alchemy
Generally, Alchemy is considered as a major branch of Western occult science. It is oftentimes used along with some other science-related studies of astrology and astronomy. However, ever since it was developed, many have actually considered it as something that has nothing to do with astrology and at the same time just a plain science of transforming metals, specifically of transforming base metals like copper and iron into gold.
Alchemy and Astrology
In real sense, alchemy is a special branch of science to the Western World and to some other locations where it was extensively exercised.
At first, alchemy was considered as a pure science dealing with some metal transmutations. Later on, it was intertwined with traditional Babylonian-Greek style astrology for the purpose of discovering some hidden knowledge or knowledge that is not usual. After which, because of Babylonian-Greek influence, classical elements were developed in relation to alchemy and astrology.
Generally, astrologers, particularly the most modern ones, use the four classical elements broadly, and even up to the present they still considered such elements vital in astrological interpretations.
Planets, Metals and Symbols
Astrologically, there are seven planets that belong to what is popularly known as “ancient planets”. These planets are the Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn. For some reasons not clearly known, these planets were believed to be rulers of a particular metal. As a proof, below is the list of the planets, the metals being ruled and the symbols associated to them as well.
| Planets | Metal Being Ruled | |
|---|---|---|
| Sun | Gold | |
| Moon | Silver | |
| Mercury | Quicksilver/Mercury | |
| Venus | Copper | |
| Mars | Iron | |
| Jupiter | Tin | |
| Saturn | Lead |
The Interpretations
In the alchemic planetary symbols, the circle in each symbol depicts the spirit, the semi-circle or crescent depicts the mind and finally, the cross or arrow depicts the physical as well as material nature.
Based on the representations, Mercury is a mind above spirit above material by which intellectual interactions and transfer of ideals or the like are both over the objects. Venus, on the other hand, is a spirit preceding matter, just as the goddess Venus depicts beauty and aesthetic above useful ways.
Mars, following Venus in the table, is matter above spirit, by which martial function and need are above state of peace. The next one, Jupiter, is a mind manipulating material just like the king of the gods ruling the entire mankind. Consequently, Saturn, is a material manipulating mind like the intruding of time with the works of mankind. Then, the sun, is sublimate spirit and finally, the moon is a sublimate mind.
Some Other Planets
There are actually some other planets being linked to the alchemic planetary symbols – the planets Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto. Modern alchemists or astrologers have implied that these planets, like the classical planets aforementioned, actually rules and held some sort of dominion over some metals. Basically, Uranus with Uranium, Neptune with Neptunium, and Pluto with Plutonium.