Alchemical symbols on our labels

Alchemical symbols played a fundamental role in the practice and philosophy of alchemy, serving as a complex system of notation that encapsulated the knowledge, theories, and aspirations of alchemists. Alchemy, an ancient tradition with roots in Greco-Roman Egypt, the Islamic world, and medieval Europe, sought to transform base substances into noble ones, to discover the elixir of life, and to understand the hidden principles of nature. This ambitious and multifaceted pursuit necessitated a symbolic language capable of expressing both material and metaphysical concepts.

Substances and Elements

One of the primary uses of alchemical symbols was to represent substances and elements. Alchemists believed that all matter was composed of a few fundamental elements, each governed by celestial influences. For instance:
Metals: Alchemists associated metals with planets, believing that the properties of metals were influenced by the celestial bodies. Gold (☉), symbolized by a circle with a dot in the center, was linked to the Sun and considered the most perfect metal. Silver (☽), represented by a crescent moon, corresponded to the Moon. Mercury (☿) was associated with the planet Mercury and valued for its fluidity and transformative properties. Other metals like copper (♀), iron (♂), tin (♃), and lead (♄) were similarly connected to Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn respectively.
Classical Elements: The classical elements—earth, water, air, and fire—were fundamental to alchemical theory. Each element had a distinct symbol: a downward-pointing triangle for water , an upward-pointing triangle for fire , a downward-pointing triangle with a line through it for earth , and an upward-pointing triangle with a line through it for air . These symbols were integral to understanding the nature and behavior of substances, as alchemists believed that altering the proportions of these elements could transform one substance into another.
Other Elements: Oftentimes they would add symbols for specific elements the alchemists used. For example honey: 

Processes and Operations

Alchemical symbols were also used to denote various processes and operations, many of which are precursors to modern chemical procedures. These symbols provided a concise way to document and communicate complex experimental methods:
Distillation: Represented by symbols resembling an alembic  or a simple distillation apparatus , distillation was a crucial process for purifying substances  and extracting essences. Alchemists used this technique to separate and refine materials, seeking to isolate the purest form of a substance.
Calcination: Symbolized by a triangle with a horizontal line through the top , calcination involved heating a substance to a high temperature to drive off impurities. This process was often the first step in the alchemical transformation, intended to reduce a material to its fundamental form.
Fermentation: Fermentation, depicted by various symbols depending on the tradition, was seen as a transformative process that paralleled the natural processes of decay and regeneration. This operation was believed to be essential for creating the Philosopher's Stone, a mythical substance that could transmute base metals into gold and grant immortality.

Philosophical and Mystical Concepts

Beyond their practical applications, alchemical symbols conveyed profound philosophical and mystical ideas. Alchemy was not just a proto-science but a spiritual and philosophical system aimed at understanding the deeper truths of existence. Symbols were a means to express these higher concepts:
Philosopher’s Stone: The Philosopher's Stone, often symbolized by a red stone or the symbol for gold (☉), represented the ultimate goal of alchemy. It was believed to have the power to transform base metals into gold and confer immortality. This symbol encapsulated the alchemical quest for perfection and enlightenment.
Ouroboros: The Ouroboros, a serpent eating its own tail, symbolized the cyclical nature of alchemical processes and the eternal cycle of creation and destruction. It represented the unity of all things and the continuous renewal inherent in the alchemical work.
Phoenix: The phoenix, a mythical bird that regenerates from its ashes, symbolized rebirth and transformation. It was often used to illustrate the alchemist’s spiritual journey of death and renewal, mirroring the transformative processes they sought to master in their work.

Protection of Knowledge

Alchemical symbols also served as a means to protect and obscure knowledge. The practice of alchemy often carried significant risks, both from societal and religious authorities and from potential misuse of the knowledge. The symbolic language allowed alchemists to record their findings and share them with trusted colleagues while safeguarding their secrets from the uninitiated:
Ciphers and Codes: Alchemists frequently used ciphers and codes, embedding symbolic meanings within their texts. This esoteric language required extensive study and insight to decode, ensuring that only those with the proper training could access the deeper truths.
Pseudonyms and Allegories: Many alchemists wrote under pseudonyms or employed allegorical narratives in their works. These stories and characters often carried symbolic meanings, providing a layer of protection and deniability while conveying profound insights to those who could interpret them.

Influence on Modern Science

While alchemy itself was eventually supplanted by modern chemistry, its symbols and methodologies laid the groundwork for the scientific study of chemical processes. The rigorous experimentation and symbolic notation of alchemists contributed to the development of laboratory techniques and the classification of substances. Some alchemical symbols persist in modern esoteric and mystical traditions, highlighting the enduring legacy of alchemical thought.
In conclusion, alchemical symbols were an essential aspect of alchemy, encapsulating its practical, philosophical, and mystical dimensions. They allowed alchemists to document their work, convey complex ideas, and protect their knowledge. These symbols continue to fascinate and inspire, reflecting the rich and intricate history of alchemical practice.

Our interpretation

As we have mentioned in our blogpost about the philosopher's stone, we have made it our mission to bring people back to basics with products that are pure, fantastically delicious and which can be enjoyed.

Because we draw on the alchemists of old, we incorporated not just their ideas but also some of their symbolism in our labels.
Our logo is the , the alembic as we pointed out in this article. It is the crucible in which our most en best drinks will be made.
For our liqueur we decided on  which means to blend, because liqueur is a blend of alcohol  and other ingredients. 
Our mead has the symbol for honey , as honey is the main ingredient.

We are lucky enough to have a great graphic designer who not only has an eye for design but understands what we want to achieve and incorporates these and other symbols in our labels. Next time you’re looking at our bottle, try to see if you can spot the different symbols on the label and identify their meaning.