NATURE CHARMS NATURE: Alchemy, First Matter, and Coagulation – with Eliza Swann

What is the space between nothing and something, what impulse whisks things in and out of being, what is the space between zero and one? During this talk we'll look at the alchemical concept of the Materia Prima, the foundations of alchemical magic, as well as deities, myths and symbols that urge us to dissolve and re-create the self. We'll look in particular at some trans and gender non-conforming deities, alchemists, and myths that populate the European tradition of alchemy. This talk is designed to welcome everyone into a discipline that often seems inscrutable and outdated - all people of any level of interest or experience with alchemy are encouraged to join.

Eliza Swann (also known as Emerald) is an interdisciplinary artist, intuitive, writer, and educator based in New York City. Eliza received a BA in Painting from the San Francisco Art Institute, and an MFA from Central St. Martins in London. Eliza has contributed writing to BOMB, Arthur, Contemporary Art Review LA, and Perfect Wave Magazines. Their book The Anatomy of the Aura was released by St. Martin’s Press in April 2020. Eliza is the founder of The Golden Dome School, and currently teaches alchemy at Pratt Institute. Eliza is also a Contributing Lecturer for 2023 at The Philosophical Research Society.

Ticket Price: $25 (in-person and Zoom options available)