Alchemy is most known for greedy gold-seeking "chemists," there were a handful of real Alchemists, men and women who learned how to conquer death, spontaneously generate precious metals and gems, and cure incurable diseases; most of all, they were known for creating the Philosopher's Stone: a magical item which could work miracles and bestow eternal life. These stories are identical to the tales of yogis and monks of the East who walked upon the winds and performed all manner of miraculous acts.
Alchemy: Al (Arabic, as in Allah) means "God." Also El (Hebrew) for "God." Chem or Khem is from kimia (Greek) which means "to fuse or cast a metal." Also from Khem, the ancient name of Egypt. The synthesis is therefore Al-Kimia: "to fuse with God."
Tantra: Sanskrit for "continuum" or "unbroken stream." This refers first (1) to the continuum of vital energy that sustains all existence, and second (2) to the class of knowledge and practices that harnesses that vital energy, thereby transforming the practitioner.
The Tree of Knowledge (Alchemy or Tantra) is Daath (Hebrew for knowledge), which is the same as Gnosis (Greek for knowledge).
This science was known and practiced by the ancient Egyptians, Aztecs, Mayans, Chaldeans, Greeks, Tibetans, Indians, Zen and Chan Buddhists, Zoroastrians, Sufis, and many, many more.
More information about the light on Alchemy:
http://www.gnosticteachings.org/the-...ets-of-alchemy
http://www.gnosticteachings.org/the-...exuality?scf=1
http://www.gnosiscentral.com/english...al_Alchemy.pdf