Leonardo da Vinci born April 15, 1452, in Vinci, Italy, just outside Florence. At age 15 his father apprenticed him out to the creative workshop of Andrea del Verrochio, where he showed remarkable talent. By 1482 Leonardo da Vinci had aquired a position in the court of the Duke of Milan, during which time da Vinci reached new heights of scientific, as well as artistic achievement.

In an era when left-handedness was considered the devil's work and lefties were often forced to use their right hand, Leonardo da Vinci was an unrepentant southpaw. It has been suggested that this "difference" was an element of his genius, since his detachment allowed him to see beyond the ordinary. He even wrote backwards, and his writings are easily deciphered only with a mirror.

In addition to being just about the smartest person ever, Leonardo da Vinci was reported to have been a handsome man with great strength and a fine singing voice. And unlike his fellow 15th-century Italians, he was a vegetarian and followed strict dietary rules. In fact, he loved animals so much that he would often buy caged animals at the market just to set them free.

From 1485 to 1490, Leonardo produced a mass of studies on a variety of subjects, including nature, flying machines, geometry, mechanics, municipal construction, canals and architecture. During this period he created designs for advanced weapons, including a tank and other war vehicles, various combat devices, and submarines. Also during this period, Leonardo produced his first anatomical studies. His Milan workshop was abuzz with activity, with apprentices and students learning from the master.

Leonardo da Vinci's interests were so broad, and he was so often compelled by new subjects, that he usually failed to finish what he started. This lack of "stick-to-it-ness" resulted in his completing only about six works in these 17 years.

Leonardo da Vinci died on May 2, 1519 in Cloux, France. where he was Premier Painter and Engineer and Architect of King Francis I in France. His last and perhaps most generous patron, Francis I provided Leonardo with a cushy job, including a stipend and manor house near the royal chateau at Amboise.

Ancient Alchemy Symbols and their oft times cryptic meanings began out of necessity as alchemists disguised their practices from the hugely powerful European church. At the height of its practice, alchemy was considered heretical craft by the church, punishable by death (or worse, torture). The church body at the time viewed alchemy as a way for the practitioner to ascend to salvation outside of the "traditional" church methodology.

Although ancient alchemy symbols were born out of this necessity, the foundation of practice of alchemy is based on inner transformation and the achievement of that transformation. As a means for this transmutation, the alchemist utilized the changing properties of matter in addition to the philosophical meanings of the symbols themselves.

The very act of turning base metals to gold is a symbol of (wo)mans ascension and achievement of enlightenment. All things, no matter how banal, hold deeper spiritual symbolic meaning to the alchemist in all of us.