Alchemical

While commonly viewed as the historical root of chemistry, alchemy was seen by many of its practitioners as a spiritual discipline, its formulas and symbols being keys to unlocking inner transformations. The transmutation of base matter (ignorance) into gold (enlightenment) became thus a life process of inner workings, involving subtle mystical processes and meditations upon the nature of spirit and matter. As with the study of mythology, the study of the symbols of alchemy can help people today explore hidden aspects of their own psyches.