Alchemy & Spagyrics: The Living Art of Plant Transformation
A journey into the history and philosophy of Western alchemy — the mystical tradition that gave birth to modern chemistry, medicine, and herbalism as we know it. We’ll trace the thread from ancient Egypt through the great alchemical physicians, exploring how the quest to transform matter was always, at its root, a quest to transform the self.
Then we move from theory into practice: a live essential oil distillation in the Casa Curativa apothecary, followed by a guided tasting of spagyric preparations — the alchemical form of herbal medicine that works with the full body, soul, and spirit of the plant.
Led by Julia Bentley
Herbalist, alchemical student, and founder of Casa Curativa. Julia’s practice is rooted in the Vitalist tradition of Western herbalism, drawing from the lineages of Paracelsus, spagyric medicine, and the living intelligence of plants. She has spent over a decade studying plant medicine and eight years building an apothecary and education center on Lake Atitlán.
Alchemy & Spagyrics: The Living Art of Plant Transformation
A journey into the history and philosophy of Western alchemy — the mystical tradition that gave birth to modern chemistry, medicine, and herbalism as we know it. We’ll trace the thread from ancient Egypt through the great alchemical physicians, exploring how the quest to transform matter was always, at its root, a quest to transform the self.
Then we move from theory into practice: a live essential oil distillation in the Casa Curativa apothecary, followed by a guided tasting of spagyric preparations — the alchemical form of herbal medicine that works with the full body, soul, and spirit of the plant.
Led by Julia Bentley
Herbalist, alchemical student, and founder of Casa Curativa. Julia’s practice is rooted in the Vitalist tradition of Western herbalism, drawing from the lineages of Paracelsus, spagyric medicine, and the living intelligence of plants. She has spent over a decade studying plant medicine and eight years building an apothecary and education center on Lake Atitlán.