Alchemy: What Is An Athanor?
Alchemy is an ancient science that aimed to transform metals into gold. It was practiced by alchemists, who were often philosophers and scientists.
Alchemy was developed in the Arab world in the Middle Ages, then it was adopted by Europeans. European alchemists created many symbols to represent the elements and processes of alchemy.
The athanor is one of these symbols. It represents an oven used for cooking metals, and it symbolizes purification and transformation.
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The definition of athanor
The athanor is a furnace used in alchemy. It allows maintaining a high and constant temperature for long periods, which is necessary to carry out certain chemical operations.
The athanor was traditionally built in a pyramidal or conical shape, with a broad base and a pointed top. The furnace chamber was lined with refractory material, often refractory brick, so that heat could be better retained.
Nowadays, modified industrial ovens are often used as athanors. However, it is also possible to build a small oven using a metal bucket and an oxygen tank.
The symbolism of the athanor
The athanor is a furnace used by alchemists to carry out their transformations. It represents one of the most important elements of alchemy and its symbolism is rich in meaning.
The term “athanor” comes from the Greek “athanao” which means “to burn without ceasing”. Or perhaps from the Arabic word “al-tannūr”, meaning “oven”.
In any case, this reflects the nature of the oven, which must be constantly lit so that the alchemists can carry out their preparations there. The athanor is therefore a symbol of constancy and perseverance, two essential qualities for success in alchemy.
Many symbols are associated with the athanor, including the Sun, Earth, Fire and Water. The Sun represents the heat necessary for the proper functioning of the oven, while the Earth symbolizes the solidity and stability of the latter. Fire, for its part, reminds us that the athanor must be constantly lit to be able to accomplish its mission, while Water represents the purification and renewal of the substances transformed in the oven.
In conclusion, the athanor is a central symbol in alchemy and has rich symbolic meaning. It represents in particular constancy, persistence, warmth, solidity and purification; so many essential qualities to succeed in this mysterious discipline.
The importance of athanor in alchemy
The athanor in alchemy is a kind of high-efficiency furnace used to carry out very large-scale cooking operations. It is considered one of the alchemist's most important tools, because it is in this oven that most of the transformation operations take place.
One of the most important aspects of the athanor is its ability to maintain a constant temperature for long periods of time. This thermal constancy is crucial for the success of certain alchemical operations, such as sublimation and distillation. Many athanors are equipped with an automatic temperature control system, allowing alchemists to work precisely and without fear of errors.
In the past, athanors were often constructed of stone or firebrick, but today they can be made from a variety of different materials. Regardless of shape or size, all athanors share a common goal: to help the alchemist successfully complete his work.
