THE ALCHEMICAL IMAGINATION

“The Alchemical Imagination” is a year-long online immersion that meets monthly, guiding participants through the twelve stages of transformation outlined by the alchemist George Ripley in his teachings on the Philosopher’s Stone.

Running from May 2026 through May 2027, the course gathers on the first Sunday of each month. All sessions are recorded, making it possible to participate live or asynchronously.

The program follows Eliza Swann’s forthcoming book, The Alchemical Imagination, publishing in May 2026.

Using Ripley’s stages as a framework, we draw on metaphors from ancient alchemy to illuminate the deeper structures of the creative imagination, engaging alchemical symbolism as a catalyst for personal and imaginative expansion. Together, we study alchemical texts and images from the healing traditions of ancient China and India, theurgical and magical practices of the Hellenistic world, the artistic and philosophical practices of Egyptian alchemists, the laboratory techniques of Arabic alchemy, the astrological systems of the Greeks, Medieval European magical traditions, and modern alchemical art and literature.

Each month, participants are invited—though not required—to produce an artwork or creative response related to the alchemical stage under study. This may take the form of writing, drawing, performance, contemplative practice, or any medium of choice. The program culminates in a collective sharing and an online exhibition on the Golden Dome website in 2027.

By the end of the immersion, participants will gain a grounded understanding of how to apply alchemical methods of transformation to their own creative processes, bringing them into deeper contact with their personal “Philosopher’s Stone.”This course welcomes participants at every level of experience or curiosity about alchemy; no prior knowledge is required, and you do not need to identify as an artist to take part.

Logistics:

The 2026 “Alchemical Imagination” session takes place from May 2026 - May 2027, meeting once a month, on the first Sunday. All sessions are recorded for asynchronous attendance. We use Google Classroom to host course materials, videos, and class correspondence.

Schedule:

5/3/26, 11:00am - 12:30pm EST: Introduction to Alchemy

6/7/26, 11:00am - 12:30pm EST: Calcination

7/5/26, 11:00am - 12:30pm EST: Dissolution

8/2/26, 11:00am - 12:30pm EST: Separation

9/6/26, 11:00am - 12:30pm EST: Conjunction

10/4/26, 11:00am - 12:30pm EST: Putrefaction

11/8/26, 11:00am - 12:30pm EST: Congelation

12/6/26, 11:00am - 12:30pm EST: Cibation

1/3/27, 11:00am - 12:30pm EST: Sublimation

2/7/27, 11:00am - 12:30pm EST: Fermentation

3/7/27, 11:00am - 12:30pm EST: Exaltation

4/5/27, 11:00am - 12:30pm EST: Multiplication

5/4/27, 11:00am - 12:30pm EST: Projection

Instructor:

Eliza Swann, aka Emerald, is an interdisciplinary artist, writer, and scholar based in New York. They are the author of The Anatomy of the Aura (St. Martin’s, 2020), Green Mary (Cosmic Dog House Press, 2024), and The Alchemical Imagination (Weiser/Red Wheel, 2026.) Their writing has appeared in many places, including BOMB, Arthur, Contemporary Art Review LA, and Momus. Eliza received a BA in Painting from the San Francisco Art Institute and an MFA from Central St. Martins in London. Eliza is also the founder of Golden Dome and now Emerald School of Alchemical Arts, mystery schools that explore the mystical dimensions of art. Emerald School produces exhibitions, performances, classes, and publications throughout the year.