Garin Horner may fast become the pioneer of where photography meets mainstream alchemy.
---Vincent Martin, Chief Executive Officer and President International Alchemy Guild
This groundbreaking book shines a light on an unexplored branch of photography within the realms of alchemy, magic,and mysticism.
---Dr. Glenn Rand, Professor Emeritus of Brooks Institute of Photography and author of over 20 books on photography
...a significant contribution to the firmament of photographic inquiry.
---Stephen Berkman, Author of Predicting the Past, Zohar Studios: The Lost Years
This is an important work—not only for the history of alchemy but also for its discovery of a photographic technique that captures the depths of human experience. Highly recommended!
---Dennis William Hauck is an author and lecturer on alchemy, spirituality, and consciousness studies. He has written over 25 books, including “The Monad Manifesto: Merging Science and Spirituality,” “The Emerald Tablet: Alchemy for Personal Transformation,” “The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Alchemy,” and “Sorcerer’s Stone: A Beginner’s Guide to Alchemy.”
If you aren’t a photo-alchemist yet, you may soon choose to be one after reading this book!
---Jill Enfield is a photographer, educator, and author of Jill Enfield's Guide to Photographic Alternative Processes: Popular Historical and Contemporary Techniques
What People Are Saying
Stephen Berkman
Author of Predicting the Past, Zohar Studios: The Lost Years
Like a latent image conjured from the dark chamber of a camera into the light, Garin Horner’s illuminating journey through the history of photography by way of its hidden alchemical underpinnings makes a significant contribution to the firmament of photographic inquiry.
Vincent Martin
Chief Executive Officer & President International Alchemy Guild
Garin Horner may fast become the pioneer of where photography meets mainstream alchemy. He offers a rare glimpse into the shadowy world of a modern alchemist where most serious alchemists shield their journey from the public eye. I am looking forward to adding this book to the Alchemy Guild’s archives as the reader should add it to their own library.
Phoenix Aurelius
Practitioner, Instructor, & Researcher of Practical Alchemy & Medical Spagyria. Founder & Director of the Phoenix Aurelius Research Academy.
This book consists of 10 scruples biography, 8 ounces Hermetic wisdom, 5 grains historical exposé, 13 drams spiritual insight, and 1 pound Photography; dissolved, circulated and coagulated into a Stone of Philosophical Excellence! Horner gracefully weaves together multiple literary styles all while creating a very engaging and entertaining read that took me on a Mental, Spiritual, and Artistic journey that I was not anticipating. The Photo-Hermetic Tradition of the Kingswoods and the Hermetic Order of the Silver Sun is absolutely fascinating, and the author has done an exquisite job of eloquently recording, relaying, and remitting the value of this unique tradition. The author not only researched the topic incredibly well, but it becomes clear that he also ascertained the essence of Spiritual Alchemy through the time he spent with George Kingswood and the subsequent authoring of this book. To the best of my knowledge, there is truly nothing else like this work in the scope of Alchemical and Hermetic literature, either of the Modern Day or of the Historical Past. It was an absolute pleasure to read and it deserves a place in the library of every modern day Alchemist.
Rebecca Zeiss
Educator and Experimental - Antiquarian Photographer/Artist
[This book is] an extraordinary spiritual journey into alchemical practices and their connections to the process of how we dream, imagine, invent, and create. Garin Horner shares his firsthand exploration and experiences while learning the teachings and knowledge of modern-day alchemist George Kingswood. Horner explores the alchemist’s discoveries, while “connecting the dots” of the little-known and seldom-shared contemporary alchemical practices, and their connections to the magical beginnings of the recording of light in the mid 1800s. The reader is guided from the origin of the Egyptian sun god Ra up to 21st century photography, all seen through the perspective of a photographer’s lens. This is important and exciting research for imagemakers!
Dr. Glenn Rand
Professor Emeritus of Brooks Institute of Photography and author of over 20 books on photography
Is magic real? Do alchemists exist? If you want to know, read A Feather on the Breath of Ra! This groundbreaking book shines a light on an unexplored branch of photography within the realms of alchemy, magic, and mysticism. Practitioner of the “Great Work”, George Kingswood confides in Horner, putting aside his own oath of secrecy to reveal spiritual wisdom and enlightening connections between alchemy and photography. Horner and Kingswood awaken the reader’s primal instinct to believe in magic! This work expands our understanding of what photography can be. It helps us rethink the art’s role in the transformation of the human soul. The field of photography is destined to become more imaginative and creative after these secrets are out there for everyone to see!
Dennis William Hauck
Author and lecturer on alchemy, spirituality, & consciousness studies. Writer of over 25 books, including “The Monad Manifesto: Merging Science & Spirituality,” “The Emerald Tablet: Alchemy for Personal Transformation,” “The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Alchemy,” & “Sorcerer’s Stone: A Beginner’s Guide to Alchemy.”
Avant-garde photographer Garin Horner has discovered an innovative path to spiritual transformation in his penetrating study of the work of the fourth-generation modern alchemist George Kingswood. The alchemists’ motto of Ora et Labora (“Pray and Work”) comes alive in Horner’s evocative photos of Kingswood’s altar and lab, and it feels as if we are experiencing the evolving soul of a real alchemist. This is an important work—not only for the history of alchemy but also for its discovery of a photographic technique that captures the depths of human experience. Highly recommended!
Jill Enfield
Photographer, Educator, & Author of Jill Enfield's Guide to Photographic Alternative Processes: Popular Historical & Contemporary Techniques
Most analog photographers are enthralled with the idea of alchemy and would like to think of themselves as alchemists. Yet, without any how-to resources on the workings of alchemy, it has been impossible…until now! With beautiful historical and contemporary examples, Garin Horner opens readers’ eyes and helps them understand the deeper, hidden meaning of alchemy. It also helps them discover why they make the photographs they do.
Horner’s powerful book digs deep to uncover obscure and important information on the history, processes, and techniques used by George Kingswood, a modern photo-alchemist. For what makes a photographer or an alchemist? It’s the practice of an art form by someone who is a visual storyteller, ever questioning, experimental, patient, and seeking the highest level of success. If you aren’t a photo-alchemist yet, you may soon choose to be one after reading this book!
Kelly J. Starkey
Contributing Writer for The College World
A Feather on the Breath of Ra: Conversations with an Alchemist on Photography, Light, and Magic is a thought-provoking and engaging read for anyone interested in the connections between art, spirituality, and alchemy. Horner's storytelling and Kingswood's wisdom make for an enlightening journey that encourages readers to think beyond the surface of things and delve deeper into the mysteries of life.