Alchemy, Memory and the Architecture of Initiation
By Brian Cotnoir
Alchemy, Memory and the Architecture of Initiation looks at the role of memory and space in spiritual practice with a focus on the Neoplatonic concept of the ascent of the soul.
In these practices, memory isn’t for data retrieval but a way for the text to work silently inwardly on the soul. And space, both imagined and real, is brought into play in these practices. The zine provides a description of the neuroscience of memory of both contemporary and Renaissance models, to better understand the ars memoria – the art of memory from antiquity that, in many ways, articulates the tools and methods used in these practices.
[read more below]
By Brian Cotnoir
Alchemy, Memory and the Architecture of Initiation looks at the role of memory and space in spiritual practice with a focus on the Neoplatonic concept of the ascent of the soul.
In these practices, memory isn’t for data retrieval but a way for the text to work silently inwardly on the soul. And space, both imagined and real, is brought into play in these practices. The zine provides a description of the neuroscience of memory of both contemporary and Renaissance models, to better understand the ars memoria – the art of memory from antiquity that, in many ways, articulates the tools and methods used in these practices.
[read more below]
By Brian Cotnoir
Alchemy, Memory and the Architecture of Initiation looks at the role of memory and space in spiritual practice with a focus on the Neoplatonic concept of the ascent of the soul.
In these practices, memory isn’t for data retrieval but a way for the text to work silently inwardly on the soul. And space, both imagined and real, is brought into play in these practices. The zine provides a description of the neuroscience of memory of both contemporary and Renaissance models, to better understand the ars memoria – the art of memory from antiquity that, in many ways, articulates the tools and methods used in these practices.
[read more below]
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Khepri Press
Leaflet Zine, 36 pages.
About the Author
Brian Cotnoir is an alchemist, artist and Emmy award-winning filmmaker. His books include Alchemy: The Poetry of Matter, Practical Alchemy: A Guide to the Great Work, Alchemical Meditations, On the Quintessence of Wine and the Emerald Tablet. His film work has been screened at the Museum of Modern Art, Sundance Film Festival, HBO, PBS and other international venues.
Description
The zine looks at the spiritual practices developed in Hugh of St. Victor’s Noah’s Ark, Guilio Camillo’s Il Theatro Universale, Raymund Lull’s Ars combinatoria, and the works on image and memory of Giordano Bruno such as De umbris idearum and Ars memoriae.
Alchemy, Memory and the Architecture of Initiation also gives instructions on constructing a memory palace and the techniques used to develop this remarkable ability of memory.
In the practice of inner alchemy memory is critical as the ascent of the soul is grounded in remembrance. Alchemy, Memory and the Architecture of Initiation explores the elements involved in the art of memory in order to outline an integrated alchemical system akin to the Buddhist Kalachakra Tantra — itself a potential model for developing and working with the Microcosmic/Macrocosmic structures and practices of Neoplatonism.
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