Description
Book SynopsisA never-before-translated occult classic that brings the science of herbal medicine back to its Hermetic roots
• Includes a large collection of recipes for spagyric medicines and quintessences, with detailed step-by-step instructions, adapted from celebrated spagyrists such as Paracelsus, Pseudo-Lull, Philipp Ulstad, and Nicaise Le Fèvre
• Provides botanical and medicinal classifications of over 600 plant species along with their astral natures, elemental qualities, and planetary and zodiacal signatures
• Explores advanced methods and techniques and shares the author’s secret formula for a universal
circulatum First published in French in 1911, this practical guide to the art of spagyrics begins by outlining the ancient yet often forgotten Hermetic foundations of herbalism. Author Jean Mavéric provides botanical and medicinal classifications of over 600 plant species along with an in-depth study of their astral natures, elemental qualities, and planetary and zodiacal signatures as well as practical advice on the appropriate times to harvest plants and administer herbal remedies and quintessences.
Reviewing the general principles and procedures of premodern chemistry, Mavéric then explores the secret doctrines and operations of the spagyric art. He offers a large collection of recipes for spagyric herbal preparations adapted from celebrated spagyrists such as Paracelsus, Pseudo-Lull, Philipp Ulstad, Jan Baptist van Helmont, Oswald Croll, and Nicaise Le Fèvre, providing detailed step-by-step instructions for a veritable pharmacopeia of spagyric extracts, tinctures, elixirs, liquors, oils, unguents, salts,
aquae vitae, and quintessences. Mavéric also shares his intricate theory of astral medicine and advocates a seasonal “Hermetic diet” designed to keep the humors of the body in equilibrium and prevent the onset of illness. In the final section of the book, Mavéric focuses on the more advanced methods and techniques of Paracelsus, Helmont, and George Starkey, unraveling the mysteries of manufacturing alkalis, alkahests, and menstrua and divulging his own secret formula for a universal
circulatum.
Available now for the first time in English, this occult classic unveils the art of extracting spagyric essences to a modern audience while also bringing the science of herbal medicine back to its Hermetic roots.
Trade Review“A must-have textbook for any student of alchemy, herbal astrology, and esoteric herbalism. A pivotal addition to the library, as both reference and operative, giving the reader a strong and comprehensive journey into the underlying auspices and elements of the Hermetic arts.” * Catamara Rosarium, master herbalist, alchemist, and ritual artist *
“
Hermetic Herbalism comes to us at a time when esoteric herbalism is regaining consciousness. The verdant wisdom in this book is needed to lead us out of the fog of our waking.” * Marcus McCoy, cofounder of the Viridis Genii Symposium *
“Reading it is its own alchemical process, and the author guides the reader well from the beginning of this voyage.
Hermetic Herbalism thus does more than supply a summary of its subject matter; it offers a glimpse of the magical revival of the 19th century and how writers of the time sought to preserve and share esoteric knowledge, transmitted in premodern times by Paracelsus and his followers.” * Amy Heneveld, Indie Mystic *
Table of ContentsContents
Abbreviations and Symbols, Tables, and Figures
Translator’s Foreword
Author’s Preface Introduction
PART ONE Universal Generation, Plants, Hermetic Medicine, and Astral Influences
1 Synthesis of the Origins of Creation
2 Medicinal Classifications of Simples
3 Boerhaave’s Classifications of Medicinal Plants
4 Methods of Plant Preservation
5 The Year-Round Harvest
6 Plant Signatures: Correspondences of Plants to the Planets and the Signs of the Zodiac
7 Theory of Astral Medicine in Light of the Four Humoral Temperaments
8 Physiological and Psychological Analogies of the Four Temperaments
9 The Hermetic Diet
10 Planetary Natures and Their Analogies on the Physical and Mental Planes
11 Mechanical Theory of Astral Vibrations
PART TWO Elementary Chemistry, Spagyrics, and Secret Operations
12 Principles of Premodern Chemistry for Basic Preparations of Medicinal Plants
13 Plant Juices and Their Uses
14 Le Fèvre’s Chemical Preparations of Plants
15 Introduction to the Spagyric Art
PART THREE
Helmontian Medicine and the Preparation of Alkahests and Menstrual Vehicles 16 The Spagyric Medicines of Paracelsus and Helmont
17 The Art of Volatilizing Alkalis
Afterword
Notes
Bibliography
Index of Common Plant Names
Index of Scientific Plant Names
Index of Authors and Subjects
