Double Headed Dragon Print, Elias Ashmole, Theatrum Chemicum Britannicum, 1652 – Alchemical Illustration, Occult Poster, Moon And Sun Print, Antique, Astronomical Home Decor, Witchcraft #285

This Double Headed Dragon Print is taken from Theatrum Chemicum Britannicum, first published in 1652 by Elias Ashmole (1617–1692). The monumental work compiled, annotated, and preserved a wide range of English alchemical texts, many of which had previously only circulated in manuscript form. Ashmole’s collection includes works by Thomas Norton, George Ripley, Edward Kelley, John Dee, Geoffrey Chaucer, and numerous others, making it one of the most important contributions to the survival of Renaissance alchemical literature.

The Alchemical Dragon Of Sun And Moon

The engraving depicts a dragon with two heads — one crowned by the Sun and the other by the Moon. Beneath its body, the dragon coils into a circle, forming a ring of eternity, a symbol of the endless cycle of death and rebirth. This image unites the celestial forces of solar and lunar energy, embodying the eternal polarity of masculine and feminine, day and night, active and passive principles.

This alchemical dragon is not merely decorative but a symbolic emblem used for meditation, initiation, and esoteric teaching. It represents the alchemist’s path of conjunction, where opposing forces are reconciled into unity — the foundation of the Magnum Opus, or Great Work.

Available as a fine art print on aged paper for historical authenticity, or on canvas for a striking esoteric presence. Delivered unframed, ready for custom framing to suit your occult, mystical, or academic décor.

Symbolism and Esoteric Meaning

• The Double Headed Dragon. – Represents the union of opposites, duality reconciled in the Great Work.

• The Sun. – Symbol of gold, consciousness, masculine energy, and illumination.

• The Moon. – Symbol of silver, subconscious, feminine energy, and receptivity.

• The Coiled Body. – Forms a circle, emblem of eternity, perfection, and the cyclical nature of time.

• Alchemical Conjunction. – The merging of solar and lunar forces, creating the Philosopher’s Stone.

• The Ring Below. – Suggests the eternal bond of spirit and matter, heaven and earth.

Together, these symbols form a visual mandala of Hermetic transformation, guiding the initiate toward the unification of opposites and the realization of inner wholeness.

Historical and Cultural Context

Published in 1652, Theatrum Chemicum Britannicum was Elias Ashmole’s great work, safeguarding the alchemical heritage of England. Beyond preserving manuscripts, the book provided emblematic illustrations such as this dragon, which served as teaching images for adepts and seekers.

In alchemical philosophy, the dragon is a central symbol — at once terrifying and sacred, destructive and creative. Here, with two heads joined to the Sun and Moon, it represents the Sacred Marriage (coniunctio oppositorum), a theme central to Hermetic and mystical traditions.

Why Choose This Print?

• Authentic reproduction of a 1652 alchemical engraving from Ashmole’s Theatrum Chemicum Britannicum.

• Features solar, lunar, and draconic symbolism.

• Available on antiqued paper or canvas.

• Delivered unframed – ready for custom framing.

• Perfect for occultists, Hermetic scholars, and collectors of rare prints.

• A cultural artifact linking alchemy, Hermeticism, and Renaissance philosophy.

Perfect For

• Collectors of alchemical and Hermetic prints.

• Practitioners of ritual magic, witchcraft, and mystical philosophy.

• Students of esotericism, alchemy, and English Renaissance literature.

• Decorators of occult, mystical, or academic interiors.

• Unique gifts for seekers of wisdom, transformation, and hidden knowledge.

More Than Just An Occult Print

This Double Headed Dragon Print (#285) is more than artwork – it is an emblem of the Great Work of Alchemy. With the Sun and Moon united upon a single body, the dragon symbolizes the reconciliation of duality and the birth of the Philosopher’s Stone. Displaying it connects you to the alchemical imagination of Elias Ashmole’s 17th-century masterpiece, linking you to the eternal wisdom of the Hermetic tradition.

Canvas vs. Hand-Made Paper — Print Comparison Guide