Alchemy Journal Vol. 2 No. 1

This document is the January-February 2001 issue (Volume 2, No. 1) of the Alchemy Journal. It serves as a periodical dedicated to the study of alchemy, covering both historical and practical aspects. The issue contains several articles exploring alchemical themes. Nanci Shanderá writes on 'Calcination,' the first of seven stages of alchemical transformation, framing it as a metaphor for personal spiritual growth and the ego's resistance to change. Maurice Aniane contributes 'Alchemy: the Cosmological Yoga,' which discusses the essential phases of the alchemical work—blackening, whitening, and reddening—and their connection to ancient traditions and the 'return to materia prima.' Jay Weidner explores the Egyptian concepts of the 'Ka' and the 'Ba' in 'Alchemy of the Afterlife,' arguing that these terms represent distinct aspects of consciousness that have been conflated in modern language, and discusses their relevance to the afterlife and spiritual navigation. The journal also includes practical 'Laboratory Notes' by Rubellus Petrinus regarding the construction and use of a 2- or 3-liter alembic for distillation. Additionally, the issue features an editorial by Dennis William Hauck, who announces the journal's transition to a bimonthly publication schedule and promotes his upcoming metaphysical expedition to Egypt. The document concludes with information on submissions, acknowledgments, and a list of alchemy-related resources, including the Alchemy Guild and Flamel College.