What is Alchemy?

What is Alchemy?

Author: Filip Holm November 5, 2025 Duration: 1:03:12

Discover the fascinating history of alchemy — the ancient art that aimed to turn base metals into gold. From mystical experiments to the birth of modern chemistry, this video explores how alchemists shaped science, philosophy, and the human quest for knowledge.


Find me and my music here:

https://linktr.ee/filipholm


Support Let's Talk Religion on Patreon:

https://www.patreon.com/letstalkreligion

Or through a one-time donation:

https://paypal.me/talkreligiondonate



Sources/Recommended Reading:


Abt, Theodore (ed.) (2007). "Corpus Alchemicum Arabicum: Book of the Explanation of the Symbols Kitab Hall Ar-Rumuz". Psychological Commentary by Marie-Louise Von Franz. Living Human Heritage Publications.


Adamson, Peter (2021). "Al-Rāzī". Great Medieval Thinkers. OUP USA.


Corriente, Federico & Ed Emery (translated by) (2004). "Twenty-seven Muwashshashaat and One Zajal by Ibn al-'Arabi of Murcia (1165-1240)".


Dodge, Bayard (translated by) (1998). "The Fihrist: A 10th Century Ad Survey of Islamic Culture". Kazi Pubns Inc.


Grimes, Shannon (2018). "Becoming Gold: Zosimos of Panopolis and the Alchemical Arts in Roman Egypt". Rubedo Press.


Hirtenstein, Stephen (translated by) (2018). "The Alchemy of Human Happiness (Mystical Treatises of Muhyiddin Ibn 'Arabi)". Anqa Publishing.


Principe, Lawrence (2013). "The Secrets of Alchemy". University of Chicago Press.




Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


Hosted by Filip Holm, Let's Talk Religion is a deep, accessible exploration of belief systems that have shaped human history and continue to define cultures. This isn't about preaching or debate; it's a thoughtful journey grounded in academic rigor and genuine curiosity. Each episode serves as a guided conversation, peeling back the layers of major world religions and lesser-known spiritual paths to examine their core tenets, historical development, and cultural impact. You'll hear detailed profiles of pivotal figures, from foundational prophets and philosophers to mystical poets and reformers, all placed within their rich historical context. The goal is to build a foundation of understanding, moving beyond headlines and stereotypes to appreciate the complex narratives and lived experiences within each tradition. By approaching religion as a multifaceted subject worthy of serious study, this podcast creates a space for listeners to reflect on the profound questions and diverse answers humanity has offered. Tune in for a consistently enlightening experience that treats religious thought with the depth and nuance it deserves, making each topic resonate with both intellectual and personal significance. This is a podcast for anyone who wants to listen and learn, to find connections and contrasts in the stories we tell about the divine, the sacred, and our place in the world.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Let's Talk Religion
Podcast Episodes
The Gospel of Mary - A Lost Gnostic Text? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:50
We celebrate Easter by looking at one of the most interesting non-canonical texts from the early development of Christianity.Sources/Suggested Reading:Asgeirsson, Jon (2005). "Thomasine Traditions in Antiquity The Social…
What is Ramadan? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:00
In this episode, I share some thoughts about the month of Ramdan, its basic features and some perspectives from scholars on the philosophy behind it.#Ramdan #Islam #Fasting Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more…
Pythagoras & The Music of the Spheres [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:36
We continue our exploration of Pythagoreanism by diving into the music of the spheres, and how this idea has influenced thinkers across history.Sources/Recomended Reading:Cooper, John M. (ed.) (1997). "Plato: Complete Wo…
Neoplatonism in Islamic Thought [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:50
It's time to talk about a few ways that Neoplatonic ideas have shown up in the history of Islamic thought.Sources/Recomended Reading:Adamson, Peter (ed.) (2005). "The Cambridge Companion to Arabic Philosophy". Cambridge…
What is Neoplatonism? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:54
Sources/Recomended Reading:Cooper, John M. (ed.) (1997). "Plato: Complete Works". Hackett Publishing Company.Dillon, John (1996). "The Middle Platonists". Bristol Classical Press.Gerson, Loyd P. (ed.) (2019). "Plotinus:…
What is the Gospel of Judas? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:14
Sources/Recomended Reading:Asgeirsson, Jon (2005). "Thomasine Traditions in Antiquity The Social and Cultural World of the Gospel of Thomas". Brill.Brakke, David (2012). "Gnostics: Myth, Ritual, and Diversity in Early Ch…
What is Shia Islam? - The Isma'ilis [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:42
In this second part in our series about Shia Islam, we explore the esoteric Isma'ilis, their history and Neoplatonist-influenced theology.Thanks to Dr. Khalil Andani for the help. Check out his channel here:https://www.y…
What is the Gospel of Thomas? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:39
Sources/Recomended Reading:Asgeirsson, Jon (2005). "Thomasine Traditions in Antiquity The Social and Cultural World of the Gospel of Thomas". Brill.Brakke, David (2012). "Gnostics: Myth, Ritual, and Diversity in Early Ch…
The Essenes & The Dead Sea Scrolls [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:12
In this episode, we explore the Dead Sea Scrolls, the Qumran community and ask the question whether or not this group can be identified as the Essenes.Sources/Recomended Reading:Klawans, Jonathan (2016). "The Essene Hypo…
The Pagan Jesus? - Apollonius of Tyana [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:08
In this episode, we explore the fascinating life of Apollonius of Tyana, a Neopythagorean philosopher whose life in many ways mirror that of Jesus.Sources/Suggested Reading:Dzielska, Maria (1986). "Apollonius of Tyana in…