Clare Martin is known and respected in the astrological community for her wide and deep knowledge and understanding of her subject. Together with this she has a rare capacity to communicate these understandings to raw students and eminent colleagues alike. “Alchemy and Astrology “ is a fine example of this. It should find a place on every astrologer's bookshelf.
There is an immediate problem of definition with the word “Alchemy.” – six dictionaries have six different definitions, mainly involving chemistry, less often relating to the esoteric.
The introduction to “Alchemy and Astrology” says “when two entities or energies come into contact, both are changed by the encounter, and a new entity, or third force, is created.” This goes straight to the heart of the matter.
One, two and Three. This is succinct, defines a process not the desired result, and makes a clear starting point. . Number symbolism is key in the birth chart and also informs the alchemical “magnum opus”. Essential to both also are Sun Moon and Planets. Throughout the book the two systems repeatedly interlock and create a complex picture extending into areas of psychology, philosophy and the heart of many kinds of spiritual practice.
The book is densely researched and vividly illustrated, and enriched with black and white engravings of the time like an “Illustrated guide to the Spiritual Path” – but this is no jolly Cook’s tour. The path is clearly not for the fainthearted - but then that's life and there is no way out! There are fascinating and definitely sinister images here that show men, women planets and magical beasts encountering each other in very scary ways. States of the soul under particular planetary influences - identified as calcinatio, sublimatio, solutio – are fleshed out with story and allegorical depiction which can illuminate human experiences which today are negated - medicalised or simply ignored, so denied existence. These images work profoundly and repay intense scrutiny.
This book is enormously provocative of thought – questioning, discovery, recognition, and should be equally provocative of discussion, or meditation. It touches on many areas of psychology, astrology, and spiritual exploration, and is worth revisiting, time after time.
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TheatreTeresa
Should find a place on every astrologer's bookshelf
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 24 September 2020Verified Purchase
Graeme
Great little book. Very well written. Gold.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 26 September 2021Verified Purchase
Red chicken
This book is a revelation!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 5 February 2022Verified Purchase
Red chicken
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 5 February 2022
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Sharon Hall
A must for anyone interested in alchemical astrology
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 4 May 2022Verified Purchase
The Court Jester
Accessible to the novice
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 9 January 2022Verified Purchase
