'The practice of alchemy is not, as many of us were taught in school, some sort of get rich quick scheme in which wrong-headed science was applied in the futile attempt to turn base metals into gold. Alchemy is instead a symbolic language, which like its descendent Freemasonry contains the transformative wisdom of western esotericism. Alchemy and Freemasonry are experiential arts, practiced in the lab and in the lodge. The symbolic message of these two disciplines are imprinted through physical experience. Just as you can't learn to ride a skateboard through reading a book or playing a video game simulation, symbolic journeys must have a physical component.
'But you need not be a Freemason or esotericist to bring the wisdom of alchemy into your home. You can experience the power of transformation by practicing the near-lost art of fermentation.' (Reality Sandwich article).
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