All Episodes

August 6, 2024 41 mins
Alchemy, with its promises of transmuting base metals into gold and discovering the elixir of life, has fascinated and confounded scholars and seekers alike. Behind its veiled curtains lies a realm of esoteric knowledge, mystical symbolism, and clandestine experiments that have sparked countless theories and legends. Join Sydney and Sara as we explore the shadows of history where alchemists toiled in obscurity, pursued by rumors of arcane rituals and hidden agendas. From ancient Egypt's alchemical roots to the Renaissance courts of Europe, and even to the laboratories of modern science, the allure of alchemy persists, shrouded in conspiracy and intrigue.

Sources for this episode:"The Alchemists: The Search for the Philosopher's Stone" (2007)
"The Science of Alchemy" (2011) - part of the Secrets of the Occult series
"The Perennial Journey: Alchemy's Art and Science" (2012)
The Alchemy Website (http://www.levity.com/alchemy/)
The Digital Alchemy Collection at the Getty Research Institute (https://www.getty.edu/research/special_collections/notable/alchemy.html)
The Internet Sacred Text Archive (https://www.sacred-texts.com/alc/)
Journal of the History of Ideas
Ambix: The Journal of the Society for the History of Alchemy and Chemistry
Aries: Journal for the Study of Western Esotericism
"Alchemy: The Philosophers' Stone" by Lawrence M. Principe (article in Chemical Heritage Magazine)
"The Golden Game: Alchemical Engravings of the Seventeenth Century" by Stanislas Klossowski de Rola
"The Alchemy of Happiness" by Imam Al-Ghazzali
"Alchemy & Mysticism" by Alexander Roob
"The Secret Teachings of All Ages" by Manly P. Hall


Have a topic idea for us to do in future episodes? Email us at letsbebriefed@gmail.comLike our content? Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=89475726
Find us here for podcast updates:Facebook page: Let's Be BriefedTiktok: Let's Be Briefed
Mark as Played

Advertise With Us

Popular Podcasts

Stuff You Should Know
Crime Junkie

Crime Junkie

Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.

24/7 News: The Latest

24/7 News: The Latest

The latest news in 4 minutes updated every hour, every day.

Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.