If in the search for the Philosopher's Stone, or in the process of discovering the secret of transmutation, if something could help, the alchemists would incorporate that. Although magic, or the evocation of planetary spirits, was condemned by the Church, it would show up in some alchemical practices. For example, Emperor Rudolf II, (1552-1612), Holy Roman Emperor, King of Hungary and Croatia, King of Bohemia and Archduke of Austria, used an alchemical made magical bell in his alchemical work, to summon the planetary spirits. This bell was made of Electrum magicum, containing the seven planetary metals. Electrum magicum was also used to make other ritual objects in Rosicrucian circles, among which were protective amulets. In those amulets we see a blend of alchemy and magic.

Such amulets are also an art form. Not only because of the usual design making and the minting that produces an artistic coin, but also because of the special way of making a magical object.

Some of those amulets contained symbols for the seven planets/metals, and the corresponding magic squares. Divine cosmogonic emanations, stellar and planetary spirits, lend their occult powers to these amulets which are engraved with their characters at the appropriate astrological moment. Worn, such talismans were employed for purposes of healing, protection, fertility, the mitigation of various worldly concerns.

It was believed that graven images of a talisman are capable of drawing down occult virtues from the celestial realm. A talisman can be considered to be a spiritual storage battery if appropriately charged by the right magician and at the right astrological time. A talisman is only effective when the person who makes it has performed meditations upon each of the symbols inscribed upon it, so that they are full of significance for him. In making these meditations, he builds up a thought-form in the astral light corresponding to each force thus dealt with. When he inscribes a symbol on the talisman, this thought-form he has made is associated with it. Thus it becomes charged, the thought-form in the astral light being a link with the cosmic force represented.

Here is text from Albertus Magnus (1193–1280), German Catholic Dominican friar, philosopher, scientist, and bishop, that shows how important astrology was in regard to imbuing the amulets with their appropriate powers.  In his De mineralis, or Book Of Minerals, Chapter 3: The reason why the carving of gems was originally recommended, and what help there is in the sigils themselves, page134-137 (of the Dorothy Wickoff translation), he explains:

And therefore also in considering the craft of making gems and metallic images in the likeness of the stars, the first teachers and professors of natural science recommended that the carving be done at duly observed times, when the heavenly force is thought to influence the image most strongly, as for instance when many heavenly powers combine in it. And they worked wonders by means of such images.

But the heavenly images are helped by many [things]. Nevertheless, there are five things that are especially to be regarded. [The first of these is] the image of the starless sphere, because this circle imparts motion to the constellations and to life. Second, help comes from the constellations, which must be properly observed. And third, from the position of the planets in [certain] Signs [of the Zodiac] which strengthen [other] Signs. Fourth, from the amount of elevation and elongation, according to the latitude and longitude measured from the equinoctial and the ascendant. And fifth, from the relation of all these to the latitude of the clime [where the observation is made]. And the last must be carefully observed, since from this and the preceding [arise] the variations in the size of the angle at which the rays strike the figure of anything produced by nature or by art. And it is in accordance with the size of this angle that the powers of heaven are poured into things. Few people make these observations, and fewer still know how to make them; and when they try, without such knowledge, to practise the art of images, their own failures cause them to believe that the science is a failure, and they bring it into disrepute. Such then are the recommendations, and the reasons [for them], concerning the carving of gems with the images of heaven.

[Clime (clima) is a belt on the earth's surface bounded by parallels of latitude {see n, iii, 4, note 3 ). Since the times of risings and settings of stars and their height above the horizon all vary, not only with the seasons but also with the latitude of the observer, it is necessary to make proper correction for latitude in using astronomical tables that were prepared for another place.]

Four Silver Magic/Rosicrucian Medals

The following four pieces are in the Germanischen National Museum in Nuremberg, Germany. They are described as alchemical medals. They were tested in an isotropic analysis, that revealed that the silver is entirely natural, that is from a silver mine, as thus not from alchemical transmutation.

 These are rather magical amulets made by an alchemist, as three of them are associated with a planet, and contain magic squares. This was typical for Rosicrucian amulets. The Rosy and Gold Cross at that time was also engaged in alchemy. The fourth amulet is clearly a Rosicrucian one, with alchemical symbols.

Nevertheless they are fine examples of what alchemists produced in those times as alleged transmuted silver and as works of art on the sides of the medals, with their occult or esoteric symbols.

Click on the images to enlarge.