Thursday Dec 21, 2023

The Lightning Podcast S1 E11: Where Thunder Rumbles

This week, join Cyrus Palizban, Zohar Atkins, Stewart Alsop, Nicolas Sarian, and Anne Dudek as we discuss alchemy: its philosophical, psychological, and transformative concepts. Nicolas Sarian attempts to guide us through its stages: from dissolution to calcination to transformation, referencing the source of the episode’s chosen quote, Fulcanelli's ‘The Mystery of the Cathedrals’. We compare alchemical processes to Vedic principles, exploring the intersections of ancient wisdom and contemporary thought. Ultimately, we ask the question: is alchemy a mystical quest for transformation or a just precursor to modern science?

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:51 The Quote of the Week and Its Context

01:20 Understanding Alchemy: The First Agent

02:45 The Alchemical Process: Dissolution and Calcination

04:27 The Sufferings of Love: A Talmudic Perspective

07:40 The Alchemical Process: Humidifying and Dehumidifying

14:36 The Alchemical Process: The Peacock's Tail

15:38 The Mystery of Technology: From Tongs to AI

20:40 The Alchemist's Sacrifice: Understanding the Flame

21:31 The Dangers of Seeking Knowledge: Pandora's Box

21:59 The Alchemical Process: Dissolution and Beyond

22:32 The Alchemist's Humor: Lightening the Mood