A conversation on Arabic Alchemy: Jabir ibn Hayyan (Geber) and the Mystical Tradition

Teresa Burns and Sarah Smaali converse about Arabic alchemy as the link between the Greco-Egyptian alchemy of the classical world and the alchemy of the Renaissance, and particularly about Jabir ibn Hayyan (Geber) and the internal, mystical tradition of Arabic alchemy. Jabir (died c. 806−816) wrote over 200 treatises concerning alchemy and chemistry, magic, and religious philosophy. refers to historical writers such as Zosimos Plato as well as legendary ones like Hermes. Sarah, having read his works in the original Arabic, offers the depth of her perspective into his mystical writings such the the Pearl, and introduces us to some of his concepts such as the philosophical theory known as "the science of the balance" (Arabic: ʿilm al-mīzān). The viewer should know that many classical alchemical ideas passed into Europe by being translated from Arabic into Latin. Sarah's Soul Star Temple substack: https://soulstartemple.substack.com/ Follow Sarah on Instagram:   / sarah_soulstar