Unique 1 week course on Arabic Alchemy and Spagyrics

As practised in Al Andalus from the 9th til 15th century by the so called "hakims" or wisemen..... doctors, philosophers and spiritual advisors to both Sultans and ordinary folk. The course is based on knowledge recently uncovered and translated from manusripts written or translated in Al Andalus and guarded after the Reconquest in Philip the Second`s palace of El Escorial, itself constructed according to alchemical principals. The course will provide 20 hours of "classroom" theory and practise and numerous activities and excursions. Yoga clases and treaments are also offered.

Dates: 7-14th July 2012

• Saturday arrival. Course introduction and welcome dinner (bbq).
• Sunday. Early morning walk in the Sierra and full day tuition lunch included.
• Monday: Half day tuition and half day on a beach of the Costa (lunch included).
• Tuesday: Full day excursion to Granada including entrance to the Alhambra and tour of the Albaiycin (lunch included).
• Wednesday: Half day tuition and visit to an extraordinary botanical garden (La Concepcion) on the outskirts of Malaga. Lunch included.
• Thursday: Full day excursion to Cordoba with visit to the Mezquita (Mosque) and old town included, plus a 2 hour treat in the Hammam or Arab baths which includes various pools and massage. Lunch provided.
• Friday: Half day tuition plus evening guide visit to Malaga with options to visit the Alcazaba, Picasso Museum or Thyssen museum. Farewell dinner included.
• Saturday: Departure

Accomodation in self catering appartments (or equivalent) in the town of Alhaurin de la Torre which is situated 10-15 minutes by car from the airport, Malaga city and the beaches of the Costa del Sol.

Course tuition will take place in a typical Spanish villa where participants can enjoy the garden and swimming pool whilst attending classes.

Price includes self catering accomodation, one main meal per day, all tuition fees and excursions mentioned in the programme. It also includes transfers to and from Malaga airport, bus or train station.

Price: 600 pounds (720€) per person based on 2 people sharing accomodation.
Single room supplement: 150 pounds.
Discounts of 50 pounds (60€) per person for 3 or 4 persons sharing.
Course only: 460 pounds. (550€)

Academic and practical contents:

An historical overview of the practise of alchemy and medicine in the Arab world, with particular emphasis on practioners, mystics or philosophers from Al Andalus including the influence of big names such as Averroes and Ibn Arabi.

Sulphur, mercury and salt.

The 4 elements and 7 planets and their influence on and manifestation in both the natural world and in mankind.

The 28 Arabic letters and their manifestation in the plant kingdom and importance for understanding Creation.

Preparation of tinctures, dilutions and essences based on the letters and principals of the Hakim. Preparation of Spiritus Vini and dew as vehicles for the plant.

Theurgy and literary essences.

Therapuetic practise of the Hakim: diagnosis and medication. Naturopathic Treatments throught the senses of smell, touch, sound, taste and sight.

Underlying the whole course we will discover how the culture and society of Al Andalus through its cuisine, architecture, garden design, religion, folklore, science, art and mysticism contributed to the health, well being and illumination of Man and laid the foundation for the European alchemist in the decades and centuries that followed.

Course tutor:

Lawrence Body is a qualified holistic therapist and naturopath, specializing in aromatic and medicinal plants. He has over 20 years of practical experience working in natural health and healing centres and spas, both in England and Spain.

Lawrence leads regular courses on Alchemy (Spagyrics), Ayurveda, Bach Flowers, Massage, Aromatherapy, Business Awareness and is a master instructor of Integrated Energy Therapy.(www.naturaclass.net) Before becoming a therapist and after completing his degree in Economics and Geography he worked for 3 years with the homeless on the streets of London.

He has travelled extensively in India worked with Mother Theresa and studied yoga, Buddhism and ayurveda. His experience of pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela led him to write a book entitled "The Lotus that blossoms on the Camino" (www.santiagochakras.com) which studies the relationship between the chakras and the pilgrimage route. He is also an English teacher at Malaga University, co-ordinating study courses to his home town, Plymouth and leading students to pass the Cambridge examinations. (www.fguma.es/cidiomas).

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Course in alchemy and the Hermetic sciences (23rd-30th July 2011)