The Alchemical Imagination

By: Eliza Swann

Published by Red Wheel/Weiser, 2026-05-04

The Alchemical Imagination, by modern alchemist and artist Eliza Swann, liberates alchemy and offers a revolutionary set of histories, exercises, and techniques to allow readers to renew their creativity and themselves. The Alchemical Imagination is the first book of its kind to address the ancient subject of alchemy through the lens of contemporary creativity. 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. 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. The Alchemical Imagination brings the alchemical worldview to 21st-century artists in pursuit of expanding their creative life and practices. Swann brings a modern, queer, femme perspective to alchemical theory in a voice that is lively, fresh, and grounded in their fifteen years of teaching alchemy in universities and community organizations.