NMR ISSUE 41

And Ye Harm None
Astrological Forecast 41
Candlemas Ritual
Editorial 41
Elephant
Esoteric Symbology of the Tarot
Flora Faery
Hummingbird
Letters 41
Moon
Mother Earth
Mythic Image
Perseverance
Spirit Doll Charms
The Big Book o' Shadows
The Kabalah in Everyday Use
The Legend of the Maiden
The Magic of Receiving
The Wise Woman Energy
Walking into Animal Presence
Weekend with Hans

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A Weekend With Hans: Alchemy the Old Fashioned Way

By Mark Stavish, M.A.

Are you looking to learn ceremonial magick, Kabbalah, or practical plant and mineral alchemy the old fashioned way—from someone who knows it? If so, consider giving Hans a call.

Hans Nintzel of Richardson, Texas, the self-described Boy Alchemist is a treat to work with. Just ask any of the 18 or so people who sat in his living room for a weekend last January to hear him talk, lecture, pontificate and joke (lots of jokes!) about his experiences and insights into the world of magick and alchemy. In this cozy, informal and, oh yes, highly affordable atmosphere (less than half of the going rate for similar length seminars), students did the introductory work of Kabbalah, magick and alchemy. Topics to which Hans is no dilettante.

Hans, has been studying alchemy for a long time, over twenty years, and across those two plus decades has known some of the best teachers there are. He studied with the renowned Frater Albertus (Albert Riedel) author of The Alchemist's Handbook (Weiser Publications) for seven years and knew Albertus until his death in the mid-'80's. For several years, Albertus' Paracelsus Research Society was the only place in the United States to study practical plant and mineral alchemy, aimed at the creation of what all alchemists dream—The Philosopher's Stone. The story doesn't end there.

Students of alchemy should pay close attention to the preface of Manfred M. Junius' Practical Handbook of Plant Alchemy (Inner Traditions). Hans was instrumental in the publication of its English translation, and continues a working relationship with the famous German expatriate `spagyrist' living down under in Australia.

Hans has also made his mark on another organization now teaching practical hermeticism, the American branch of the French alchemical organization known as The Philosophers of Nature. And that is just the short history of his credentials in laboratory alchemy.

Magick, another specialty of Nintzel's, is related to his study and teaching of the alchemical Path. For over twenty years he was a student, friend and traveling companion Dr. Israel Francis Regardie. Author of many books on psychology and magick. Regardie is most famous for his editing and subsequent publishing of the rituals and teachings of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn and having been for several years the personal secretary of Aleister Crowley before their break. Hans wrote an article on alchemy for the largest and newest version of the Golden Dawn ritual publications, The Complete Golden Dawn, (Falcon Press) when Regardie and others were updating the earlier work. Parts of Hans and his wife Jody's home look more like shrines to Regardie than living quarters. Frescoes of Egyptian gods decorate the walls of one room, and a table done in the style of the Hermetic Rosy Cross, all by Regardie himself, are prominently displayed.

But all this experience with some of the greats as Hans calls them hasn't gone completely to his head. When one of his long time students jokingly referred to him as the Master Nintzel quickly took advantage of the opportunity to point out to the class that he considers himself no master, I have something to share with you. I am farther on the Path than most of you here, that is why you are here. If you are more advanced than me, then please feel free to share, but I am no master, only a student with a little more experience.

For their money and time, students who attend his workshops get a massive amount of handouts, over 150 pages worth, taken from Hans' personal notebooks and research. Study guides, correspondences, directions on the preparation of plant tinctures (for this course), ritual materials, as well as what to do and what you need to know if you want to attend parts two and three of his weekend seminar series. Money isn't enough, you have to show that you've done the inner work necessary for more instruction—When you come for Part Two, I'll give you a test to see if you can identify the Hebrew alphabet, and the names of the spheres on the Tree of Life. If you can't, then you'll have to leave until you can. Also, if money is a problem, talk to Hans and work something out—dedicated students of the Art are what he is after, not just names on a mailing list. Something to remember: seating is scarce, Hans only does two to three workshops a year on an as needed basis. That means several month's worth of homework is given between each session.

So, if you want to learn magick, alchemy and Kabbalah the old fashioned way, from someone who knows as well as teaches, give Hans a call. It will be worth it.

Hans W. Nintzel can be reached at 733 Melrose Dr., Richardson TX 75080 and he does travel.

1995 Mark Stavish, M.A.