The Alchemy symbols are part of the scientific, occult and the ancient tradition. This tradition aims to perfect and purify certain objects. 

These spiritual alchemical symbols and signs represent the individual elements in Alchemy tradition and sacred geometry. It varied between chemists even though the system of alchemy element symbols was uniform.

Alchemy Symbols and their Meanings list

This is the list of the main elements and ancient egyptian alchemy symbols, the alchemical symbols and meanings which are present in the alchemical process.

The three principles 

According to Paracelsus, there are the three prime elements (tria prima) that compose the material substances of alchemy symbols:

Mercury  

(meaning Mind).  This alchemy symbol is one of the three heavenly substances as well as the seven metals of alchemy. To alchemists, the mercury alchemical symbol rises above both the liquid and solid states. Both heaven and earth, and even death and life.  

The Mercury element meaning symbolize the planet  “Mercury”. The symbol is a serpent or snake usually symbolize the metal.

Salt  

(meaning body). The Alchemist believes salt is a divine substance. With mercury and sulfur. Salt is sacred and is a religious and social symbol for ages. It represents:

• • Brothers and brotherhood.
  • Friendship.
  • Purity.
  • Good things of life.

Sulfur  

(Its meaning is Spirit). Alchemists use sulfur symbol widely in their practice. It is one of the three heavenly substances. You can see its symbol below.

The four elements

The four primary elements of life are multiple symbols: the Fire, the Water, the Earth,  and Air .

Fire alchemy symbol

The fire symbol is a universal symbol for the fire element, which has been used in various cultures around the world. It is often associated with the sun, and has been used as a motif in many different religions.

It is part of a larger series of symbols that includes the moon, earth and wind alchemy symbols. The series was created by Chinese philosopher and alchemist Li Shao-zhen during the Tang dynasty.

Water alchemy symbol

The water symbol is a symbol used in various occult practices. It is often used as a spiritual protection against evil and negativity.

It is usually found on the outside of buildings or other places where people gather, such as churches and temples.

Earth alchemy symbol

The earth symbol is a unique symbol that represents the alchemical process of transmutation. It is used to represent the transition of matter and transformation. The process starts with the base metal which is usually lead and ends with gold which is considered as a superior metal.

It has been used by many cultures throughout history. It has been found on ancient Egyptian pyramids, in medieval manuscripts, and in medieval jewelry.

Air alchemy symbol

The air symbol is the same symbol of earth but with a 180 degrees rotation. It is a symbol that represents the concept of air. It is an ancient symbol that has been used in many cultures and religions since ancient times.

The air alchemy symbol was first introduced by the Chinese Taoist philosopher, Lao Tzu, who described the concept of “air” as being able to transform anything into something else without any physical change taking place. It can be seen in many different forms, such as on a Chinese vase or on a painting depicting Taoist deities.

The Seven Planetary Metals

There are seven metals in alchemy that connect with the seven traditional planets and seven deities. All which recognized in alchemical symbolism.

The planets alchemical symbols are used for these metals even though each has an elemental symbol that represents it. These are the planet alchemy signs.

Lead:  

Lead is used to represent the Planet Saturn. It is the first and oldest of the seven metals of alchemic science.

Iron  

Iron is one of the seven metals of alchemy. It symbolizes the planet Mars in astrology.

Tin

Tin alchemical sign is used to mean the planet Jupiter in astrology. It is one of the seven metals of the alchemical process.

 Gold

Gold is one of the seven metals of alchemy. The alchemists believe gold is the perfection of all matter at all levels (including the spirit, soul, and mind). In astrology, the symbol for gold represents the sun.

Mercury  

Mercury is one of the seven metals of alchemy.  Other name for it is quicksilver. Quicksilver reacts with nitric acid as a thick red vapor floats over the surface. It dazzle red crystals forms rapidly at the bottom.

 Silver

In astrology, the symbol for silver is associated with the moon.

 Copper

Copper is used to symbolize the planet, Venus.

The philosopher’s stone

The philosopher’s stone alchemy symbol

The philosopher’s stone in alchemy is the substance that transmutes all of the base elements into gold.

Other alchemical elements, symbol and meaning

Antimony 

The metal antimony stands for the wild spirit of man and nature or the animal nature. The wolf sign usually represents it.

Arsenic

Arsenic was sometimes represented by the image of a swan.Early alchemists used it.

Bismuth

The role of Bismuth in alchemical process could not be ascertained. But there were some references in ancient alchemical texts.

Magnesium

The “Magnesia alba” (white magnesia) which was magnesium carbonate was used by alchemists. Other name is “mild magnesian earth.”

Phosphorus

Alchemists used light to represent the spirit. The light fascinate them. It seems to be in a matter such as phosphorus.

Platinum 

Alchemist refer to platinum as a combination of silver and gold.

Potash

Alchemists used Potash (the potassium carbonate) in many alchemical processes.

Zinc

Zinc oxide (Philosopher’s wool or nix alba) derives from burning zinc in the air.

Quintessence

It is also known as “the hermetic seal of light”. The quintessence has its roots in the ancient Pythagorean philosophy.

It is all the elements necessary for the alchemical transformation. It includes the triangle, the circle, and the square which are the spirit, the soul, and the body.

Diamond

The alchemists consider diamond powerful. They associate it with refracting light. Its sparkle and shine symbolize clarity, vision, understanding, keen perception, and awareness.

Frequently Asked Questions about alchemical symbols

What is The Alchemy Symbol for life

The symbol that represents life in alchemic science is the Mercury Sign, a circle and a cross.

The Alchemical Symbol for death

The Mercury element is also the alchemy symbol for death.

The Alchemy Symbol for Fire

The triangle is the alchemic sign for fire.

What is the Origin of the Alchemy Elements and signs

The art of alchemy started many years ago in Egypt and Arabia. Then later appeared in Rome and Greece. Finally it appeared in the Central and Western Europe.  

The word “Alchemy” has its origin from the Arabian phrase “al-Kimia”. It is the Egyptian tradition of preparing stone or elixir in witchcraft by an alchemist. The transmutation of metals from a base metal to other like gold.

“Kimia” itself is an Arabic root from the Coptic “Khem,” which fertile black soil of the Nile Delta.  Also, the word refers to the mystery of the first Matter (or the Khem). It is strongly related with sacred geometry and the philosophers stone.

How to use alchemy symbols

Alchemists have been using symbols for centuries to represent their work. The symbols are used in alchemical texts, paintings and engravings. They are also present in other areas such as heraldry and architecture.

The symbols can be used as a way of identifying an individual alchemist or a particular work of art. They can also be used to identify the period that an object was created in.

The alchemy symbols in tarot card readings have magic power because they represent the hidden meaning behind them. These symbols are often found in a card’s title, meaning, or imagery but sometimes you can find them in other places like on a card’s back as well.