The Alchemical Imagination
The Alchemical Imagination by modern alchemist and artist Eliza Swann reclaims alchemy as a living creative practice, offering readers a transformative blend of history, philosophy, and hands-on exercises to renew both their art and themselves.
In medieval Europe, alchemists referred to their combined scientific, mystical, and creative vocation as “The Great Art”—and for good reason. In alchemy, spiritual and material realities are inseparable, which freed alchemists to be interdisciplinary thinkers, leading to some of the most important technological advancements and creative breakthroughs of their era. The Alchemical Imagination traces the principles of alchemy through its applications in proto-chemistry, healing arts, psychology, visual art, and literature to help readers develop the tools to arrive at their own Great Art.
From an expert teacher of modern alchemy across disciplines, Eliza Swann distills this arcane science into an accessible series of philosophies and techniques to help readers find a deeper connection to their own creativity. Part workbook and part historical journey through the lives and practices of the great alchemists, The Alchemical Imagination highlights often-overlooked female alchemists and queer alchemical imagery and traces their many contributions to contemporary art, handing this ancient craft to a new generation.
You can now pre-order Eliza Swann's
The Alchemical Imagination.
"The very word 'alchemy' can inspire trepidation for even the most ardent of esoteric seekers, calling to mind arcane chemistry and hauntingly beautiful illustrations that are frustrating to decipher.
Dear reader, fear not. Eliza Swann's The Alchemical Imagination is going to be your golden key not only to unlocking a fundamental knowledge of alchemy's history and processes but also to harnessing its spiritual lessons."
from the foreword by Susan L. Aberth, Professor of Art History, Bard
"In the face of escalating violence, ecological collapse, and toxic systems of power, we need to return to sciences that embrace the impossible, reject greed as a driving force, and view the world as emanating from the sacred, worthy of care, attention, and devotion."
from the introduction by Eliza Swann
Book Tour Dates
2026
Chokechaka Artist in Residence, Cusco, Peru
The Alchemical Imagination Book, Red Wheel/Weiser, Published May 5th, 2026
2/22/26 The Tarot-Thon for Immigrant Justice, Golden Dome
5/3/26 The Alchemical Imagination, 12 lecture sessions over the course of one year, Golden Dome Online
9/6/26 Mary Magdalene and The Magic of Ascent, 3 lecture sessions, Golden Dome Online