Dragons in AlchemyAlchemy is a mixture of art, science and philosophy. Although it is often associated with magic, it was a serious attempt to understand the universe. As such it was an early forerunner of modern sciences such as chemistry.Lacking our modern vocabulary of science, the alchemists had to invent their own which naturally reflected the beliefs of the time. It was deeply symbolic and revolved around concepts such as the "four elements". The creation of a new, allegoric vocabulary of symbols also allowed the alchemists to preserve their secrets from outsiders. Because there was no standard, concrete terminology for alchemy, symbols often had multiple meanings and were used in different ways. There is no single "meaning" of the dragon in alchemy, it was used for a variety of different purposes. In addition, alchemy was based around a synthesis of symbols to form a whole rather than the analysis of individual symbols. With that proviso, here are a few reputed interpretations of the dragon in Western alchemy:
Elements & ModalityAlchemy was closely linked to astrology. Like astrology it used the four classical elements - Earth, Air, Fire and Water. The dragon was, of course, usually associated with the element of Fire. In an experimental context the dragon could also represent the application of heat or fire to produce transformation.Astrology also uses "Modalities": Fixed, Cardinal and Mutable. A winged dragon was sometimes used to represent Mutability (change) , a wingless dragon Fixity (stability).
OuroborosThe serpent Ouroboros eating its own tail is frequently found in alchemy. It represents the unity of all things and the circular nature of the universe.Ouroboros also represents the unity of duality, the bringing together of opposites to form a coherent whole. More information about Ouroboros
CaduceusWe are familiar with the caduceus today as a symbol of the medical profession. It is shown as two serpents entwined around a staff. This depiction comes from the legend of Mercury, the messenger of the gods, intervening in a fight between two serpents.As always, the symbol didn't necessarily represent the physical element of mercury itself. It could also be used to represent the attributes of mercury such as volatility.
Dragon's BloodThe dried resin of the dragon tree was often referred to as "dragon's blood".
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