Hermetic Herbalism

The Art of Extracting Spagyric Essences

By: Jean Mavéric

Narrated by: Robin Douglas

Length: 7 hrs and 51 mins

Publisher's Summary

A never-before-translated occult classic that brings the science of herbal medicine back to its Hermetic roots 

• Includes a large collection of recipes for spagyric medicines and quintessences, with detailed step-by-step instructions, adapted from celebrated spagyrists such as Paracelsus, Pseudo-Lull, Philipp Ulstad, and Nicaise Le Fèvre 
• Provides botanical and medicinal classifications of over 600 plant species along with their astral natures, elemental qualities, and planetary and zodiacal signatures 
• Explores advanced methods and techniques and shares the author’s secret formula for a universal circulatum 

First published in French in 1911, this practical guide to the art of spagyrics begins by outlining the ancient yet often forgotten Hermetic foundations of herbalism. Author Jean Mavéric provides botanical and medicinal classifications of over 600 plant species along with an in-depth study of their astral natures, elemental qualities, and planetary and zodiacal signatures as well as practical advice on the appropriate times to harvest plants and administer herbal remedies and quintessences. 

Reviewing the general principles and procedures of premodern chemistry, Mavéric then explores the secret doctrines and operations of the spagyric art. He offers a large collection of recipes for spagyric herbal preparations adapted from celebrated spagyrists such as Paracelsus, Pseudo-Lull, Philipp Ulstad, Jan Baptist van Helmont, Oswald Croll, and Nicaise Le Fèvre, providing detailed step-by-step instructions for a veritable pharmacopeia of spagyric extracts, tinctures, elixirs, liquors, oils, unguents, salts, aquae vitae, and quintessences. Mavéric also shares his intricate theory of astral medicine and advocates a seasonal “Hermetic diet” designed to keep the humors of the body in equilibrium and prevent the onset of illness. In the final section of the book, Mavéric focuses on the more advanced methods and techniques of Paracelsus, Helmont, and George Starkey, unraveling the mysteries of manufacturing alkalis, alkahests, and menstrua and divulging his own secret formula for a universal circulatum. 

Available now for the first time in English, this occult classic unveils the art of extracting spagyric essences to a modern audience while also bringing the science of herbal medicine back to its Hermetic roots.

©2020 English edition and translation by R. Bailey. All Rights Reserved. (P)2020 Inner Traditions Audio. All Rights Reserved.

Critic Reviews

“A must-have textbook for any student of alchemy, herbal astrology, and esoteric herbalism. A pivotal addition to the library, as both reference and operative, giving the reader a strong and comprehensive journey into the underlying auspices and elements of the Hermetic arts.” (Catamara Rosarium, master herbalist, alchemist, and ritual artist) 

“Hermetic Herbalism comes to us at a time when esoteric herbalism is regaining consciousness. The verdant wisdom in this book is needed to lead us out of the fog of our waking.” (Marcus McCoy, cofounder of the Viridis Genii Symposium) 

An additional wonder

As a herbalist I loved this book, it is a very complex subject and needs to be studied in great depth to fully understand it’s wonders. A great overall introduction to the possibilities of plant clarification and spirit harvest. We used to look at the starts to guide as and this book show it’s importance for a pure medicine beyond pharmaceuticals. I am in love with the subject and this book just amplified my interest.