The Alchemical Imagination
“The Alchemical Imagination” is a year-long online immersion that meets monthly and guides participants through the twelve stages outlined by the alchemist George Ripley for the creation of the philosopher’s stone.
April 2026 - May 2027, meeting once a month. All sessions are recorded for asynchronous attendance.
“The Alchemical Imagination” is a year-long online immersion that meets monthly and guides participants through the twelve stages outlined by the alchemist George Ripley for the creation of the philosopher’s stone.
Using Ripley’s stages as a framework, we draw on metaphors from ancient alchemy to illuminate the deeper structures of the creative imagination, engaging alchemical symbolism as a catalyst for personal and imaginative expansion. Together, we study alchemical texts and images from the healing traditions of ancient China and India, the early chemical practices of Egyptian alchemists, the philosophies of Islamic alchemy, the astrological systems of the Greeks, Medieval European magical traditions, and modern alchemical art and literature.
Each month, participants are invited—though not required—to produce an artwork or creative response related to the alchemical stage under study. This may take the form of writing, drawing, performance, contemplative practice, or any medium of choice. The program culminates in a collective sharing and an online exhibition on the Golden Dome website in 2027.
By the end of the immersion, participants will gain a grounded understanding of how to apply alchemical methods of transformation to their own creative processes, bringing them into deeper contact with their personal “philosopher’s stone.”
This course welcomes participants at every level of experience or curiosity about alchemy; no prior knowledge is required, and you do not need to identify as an artist to take part.
The 2026 “Alchemical Imagination” session takes place from April 2026 - May 2027, meeting once a month. All sessions are recorded for asynchronous attendance.
