1. What are alchemical symbols?

They were originally conceived as part of alchemy or proto-science (pre-science), which later evolved into chemistry. Until the 18th century, the aforementioned symbols were used to denote certain elements and compounds. The symbols varied slightly in the markings of the alchemists, so the ones we know to this day are the result of the standardization of these marks.

2. What do alchemical symbols look like?

According to Paracelsus, these signs are known as the First Three:

salt - denoting the base of the substance - marked in the form of a circle with a clearly marked horizontal diameter,

mercury, meaning the liquid bond between high and low, is a circle with a semicircle at the top and a cross at the bottom,

sulfur - the spirit of life - a triangle connected by a cross.

The following are the symbols for the elements of earth, all in the form of triangles:

• The earth is a triangle with a base at the top, with a horizontal line crossing it,
• Water is a triangle with a base at the top,
• Air is a traditional triangle with a horizontal line,
• Fire is a traditional triangle.

Metals marked with symbols of planets and celestial bodies:

• gold - corresponds to the Sun - its symbol is the graphically depicted Sun with rays,
• silver - symbolized by the Moon - graphic form of the new moon - the so-called croissant
• copper - corresponds to Venus - this is a symbol of a circle with an attached cross - a symbol of femininity,
• iron - symbolizes Mars - a sign of masculinity - a circle and an arrow,
• tin - symbolizes Jupiter - a sign in the form of an ornament,
• mercury - the symbol of Mercury (described above),
• lead - corresponds to Saturn - the symbol looks like a tiny letter h, ending with a cross at the top.

Alchemical symbols also include:

Ouroboros is a snake that eats its own tail; in alchemy, it symbolizes a constantly renewing metabolic process; it is the twin of the philosopher's stone.

Heptagram - means the seven planets known to alchemists in ancient times; their symbols are shown above.