Alchemy Of Food I

Hi guys, It's been quite some time since my previous post that's pretty much boring, I've come across something that's quite unusual and caught my attention. I've watched an anime called Full Metal Alchemist, and it has a really interesting topic in the show, which is pretty much what the title is about, Alchemy.

From what I know, alchemy is the process whereby people called alchemists try to transmute gold or silver from other elements and also the research of the elixir of life which is believed to give one eternal life which pretty much mean the cure to all kinds of diseases.(This is referring to the actual alchemy practiced, not the anime. And transmutation is the supposed transformation of base metals into gold by the alchemists) Alchemist all over the world failed to do this and it turned out that gave rise to the basis of modern day science called chemistry. Though I believe that some people still practice this old tradition even though technology's been here to stay.

Basically their thoughts and the transmutations in alchemy is based on the four elements they believe that are make up this entire world. The elements are earth, air, fire and water. Also, I just found out that they are really looking for an item called the philosopher's stone which will change a mass of molten lead into the purest form of gold. Some people today still actually try and perform alchemical experiments. Most of these people hope they can make healing remedies, though there are a very few amongst them who still think they can find a transmuting philosophers' stone.

Here's a bunch of examples from household ingredients used in everyday cooking:

Apple, known as the Fruit of the Gods, is a very powerful source of spiritual energy that encourages balance and harmony. The Wiccan Feast of Apples is celebrated on Samhain (Halloween), and in ancient Greece and Rome, apples were eaten at Diana’s Festival (August 13). If cut horizontally, the apple reveals the pentagram pattern, which is considered the gateway to occult powers as well as symbol of the quintessence. The Egyptians offered apples to their highest and most powerful priests, whom they considered guardians of hidden knowledge. In the Middle Ages, sliced apples were used to foretell the future and eating them regularly was said to enable a person to live over 200 years. Modern clinical studies have proved that eating apples reduces cancer risk. [Air] ( APPLE PIE!!!)

Allspice is made from a plant native to tropical America and got its name because its aroma and flavor resemble a combination of various cooking herbs. Considered a lucky spice, it is said to promote health in an individual and prosperity in a family. Allspice is burned as incense to attract money. [Fire +]( The all spice is actually a really important ingredient used in Jamaica cooking if I'm not mistaken and it taste a little like a lot of spices put together, hence the name.)

Broccoli is a type of cabbage grown for its flower heads. It is sacred to the god Jupiter, and the Romans believed it increased physical strength and leadership qualities. A chemical in the vegetable is known to retard cancerous growths in the body. [Water] (Be sure to eat more brocolli to live way longer! XD)

Cinnamon comes from the fragrant bark of an evergreen tree of the laurel family and is thought to increase spirituality and psychic insight by stimulating the Crown Chakra. The tree must grow for eight years before its thick bark is mature enough to be harvested. Cinnamon oil was used in the mummification process by the Egyptians and was applied as a holy anointing oil in ancient Hebrew rituals. Cinnamon was also sacred to the Greek god of ecstasy, Dionysus. When it is burned as incense or added to foods, cinnamon raises spiritual energy to a higher level. The spice is recognized for its healing properties and is used as an antiseptic and painkiller. It is also known to stop diarrhea, lower blood pressure, and increase insulin production. [Fire] (Also a must-have in apple pie!!!)

Honey is one of the oldest foods known to mankind and was gathered well before the cultivation of land. The nectar was sacred to many gods, including the Egyptian sun god Ra and the Greek earth goddess Demeter. Honey is synonymous with happiness and fulfillment, and it is added to food and beverages to emphasize the good mood associated with it. It is used to treat indigestion, colds, flu, and headaches. [Water] (One of my favourite raw food/ ingredient!)

Lettuce was sacred to the Egyptian fertility god Min, because the local variety was phallic-shaped and oozed a milky secretion. In most other cultures, lettuce is associated with female or lunar goddesses. Esoterically, lettuce invokes feminine energies for protection and psychic centering. It was called Sleep Wort in the Middle Ages, because people believed it enabled them to sleep better. Iceberg lettuce is a head lettuce, while romaine and red varieties are leafy and carry more Air Element. [Water] ( Great for sandwiches~)

Onions were worshipped in ancient Egypt for their ability to absorb impurities, and the Egyptians even swore to onions when they took oaths. American colonists hung onions over doorways to protect their families from infectious diseases, and onions are still used in exorcism rituals. Esoterically, onions stand for both physical and spiritual health and protection. Scallions and shallots are green onions with long stems and bulbous roots. Leeks are also a kind of onion. [Fire] (I bet it's all in the fart...)

Mango is sacred to Buddha, and it is considered one of the most spiritually charged and elevating fruits. [Air] (I see why Thailand has so much of these now...)

Sausages and hot dogs carry the power of the meat and herbs out of which they are made, although sausages of all types represent zestful, male energy. [Fire]

Also, there's a large bunch of information that needs to be carefully read before even talking about it so I'll just skip that part 'cause I myself have no understanding what-so-ever. Though I just read something about Chakra in the body and when awakening the right path you'll visualize an appropriate god or goddess-form (Shiva, Mohini, etc. or even succubi & incubi) doing the same, or a lover, or an ‘ideal type’ lover-image making love with you. This is under Alchemy of the Chakra. I think it's about the planets/Greek gods ( Venus, Mars etc.)

Anyway, this is all I have resourced today, and I hope that I'd be able to post more in due time.

Sources: http://www.8franklinsquare.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/aristotles-elements-Alchemy.gif, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alchemy, http://www.alchemylab.com/guideto.htm, http://www.levity.com/alchemy/.

Pieces out XD