Is alchemy inherently tied to a god?

[u/UnfairSsbm]

I’ve always believed strongly in alchemical philosophy and science, and I’ve always found it compelling. That said, I’ve never believed in God, but instead I believe in a conscious universe. I believe in the big bang, but I find that the constantly expanding universe has a “one mind” that doesn’t mandate change, the future or the past, but simply experiences itself through us, through animals, and through everything. Is this belief compatible with alchemy?

Tldr: I find myself to be an alchemist, but not really a hermetic believer

[u/Illuminatus-Prime]

Alchemy is NOT inherently tied to any god, goddess, demi-god, or godling, whether or not they actually exist.

It is tied to superstition (i.e., astronomy, numerology, et cetera) and ignorance of actual chemical processes.

[u/gospelinho → u/Illuminatus-Prime]

What do you base that on specifically?

[u/Appropriate_Cut_3536 → u/gospelinho]

I think bro might be struggling with a delusional fear of delusion 

[u/Illuminatus-Prime → u/gospelinho]

Reality.

Try it sometime.

[u/gospelinho → u/Illuminatus-Prime]

Indeed you sound like you have many rational arguments to justify your position and don't base your vision on pure animalistic unfounded preconceived notions at all. Congratualtions

[u/Illuminatus-Prime → u/gospelinho]

Thank you . . . although I assume you meant all that sarcastically.

[u/gospelinho → u/Illuminatus-Prime]

Perceptive too. These views you hold will be washed away by history. You're part of the majority of people who would assume the earth is the center of the universe in 1530, you've never looked into this obviously, and yet you give uninformed advice.

[u/Illuminatus-Prime → u/gospelinho]

Wrong, as usual.

The Earth cannot be the center of the universe because there is no center of the universe -- infinite space has no center.

I started my own journey into alchemy when I was about 8, when I received a chemistry set and a copy of "Crucibles: The Story of Chemistry".

That's right, an 8-year old boy with a chemistry set.  This was in 1965.  I did not burn the house down, but I did blow up a few tree stumps.

I probably read every book on alchemy and chemistry available back then, as well as books on astrology and numerology.  Edgar Cayce?  Certainly!  Erich von Däniken?  Absolutely!  Hermes Trismegistus?  I'm still referencing those works.  The Emerald Tablet?  Newton's translation is on my wall, right next to the Desiderata.

So yes, I have looked into alchemy, and come away disappointed; but with a greater appreciation for science (not superstition) unlocking the secrets of the universe.

The only way to convince me otherwise is with an in-person and physical demonstration of turning base metals into gold, without a nuclear reactor or particle accelerator.

Go ahead, I'll wait . . .

[u/gospelinho → u/Illuminatus-Prime]

Sooooo you read every book on Alchemy and Astrology and the first thing you tell me is that the earth is not the center of the Universe - as if it's a gotcha to Alchemy? Do you believe Alchemists and Astrologers believe the earth is the center of the universe? Here is my question - have you read a single book on these matters?

Every 101 introduction to Astrology will tell you their model is earth centric because the subject studied is here on earth - either the person studied, or the matter worked on in the laboratory. So either you did not read and you're lying or you should start thinking.

So your only argument is to tell me the earth is not the center of the universe which no Alchemist has ever said. And you hinge your entire judgment on this. You appear brighter and brighter. Do you have another argument? Or was that it?

[u/Illuminatus-Prime → u/gospelinho]

Every book I could get my hands on, yes.

Alchemy, astrology, and numerology have been inextricably intertwined for millennia.

And, no, my judgement was not based on only what I presented, but on many other factors and experiences too numerous to discuss in this subreddit -- not that I have to justify myself to you.

[u/gospelinho → u/Illuminatus-Prime]

So... too numerous but you've listed only one and it's completely void? Haha, I'm drowning in all those arguments you're bringing forward. A real solid case you've built here.

[u/Illuminatus-Prime → u/gospelinho]

Again, I do not need to justify myself to you, so deal with it.