Introduction

Imagine a conversation between a real, modern-day alchemist who summons the dead and uses arcane magic to uncover the secrets of divine transformation, and a photography professor fascinated by what the camera can’t capture and what the eyes can’t see. The alchemist explains how he uses ancient Egyptian rituals and photographs from that time to conjure helpful spirits. The professor asks probing questions, eager to learn more about this hidden, esoteric world. He inquires about clandestine spells and necromantic rites used to call on invisible allies.” Reading these words aloud, I captured the attention of my colleagues. 

“When the alchemist reveals that photography is foundational to his practices and philosophy, the professor’s whole face flashes with excitement. ‘I get it! For you, the light, vantage point, and timing are more than technical concerns. They are intentional acts that cross the threshold between the visible and concealed realms. Each photograph, when made with intent, becomes a kind of invocation, a portal through which perception, life force, and essential energy can travel’”.

“The scholar, captivated by these ideas, wonders whether the darkroom could be regarded by Kingswood as a sanctuary, a space where shadows hide truths, and images not only develop but also hold the power to awaken a viewer’s latent spiritual aspects.” 

Then I point out, “In this overview, I am the photography professor, and George Kingswood, the subject of the book, is the alchemist.” A faculty member asked about the purpose of the book. “I want to clarify my intention. It isn’t to persuade others to believe in or adopt Kingswood’s beliefs on alchemy or photography. I aim to share with readers what I’ve discovered about Kingswood’s alchemy, his ancestors’ magical traditions, and a unique metaphysical perspective on photography.”

Over six years, I interviewed and learned from Kingswood, whom I will now refer to as GK. The self-proclaimed philosopher of spiritual alchemy spoke at length about his mystical experiences, knowledge, and way of life. He recounted how the invention of photography improved his family’s transcendent path. Initially, I had an academic curiosity about the mystique around the alchemical arts. But that curiosity turned into enthusiasm when I faced a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn about this shadowy branch of photography’s history.

On one hand, the Kingswood lineage has always adhered to the principles and traditions of an ancient alchemical discipline. On the other hand, their spiritual journey of inner transformation has been advancing. It now includes the modern art and science of photography. Despite this, GK claims the Kingswood story doesn’t start in the 1800s. Instead, it traces back to the dawn of the universe. The alchemist discussed Egypt in 2400 BCE, the origin of the sun god Ra, the legendary mystic Hermes Trismegistus, and the earliest claims of alchemical transmutation. For GK, this history is deeply connected to the life and teachings of his great-grandfather, the Son of Ra Abraham Kingswood.

The late 19th-century patriarch experimented with ways to integrate photography into his alchemical applications. Today, Abraham’s great-grandson, GK, is still using those methods in the sanctuary of his home. He is the fourth and final generation of Kingswood alchemists. Accordingly, one of this book's themes focuses on George Kingswood's contributions to his bloodline. It also details his family's mystical journey as they climbed toward their lofty goals over the past 140 years.

GK describes the Egyptian religious culture that flourished around Ra, the god of the sun and light. He explained the Kingswood family’s theory and practice of Hermetic magic. Their narrative can also be read as a philosophical treatise centered on the search for ultimate truth. Overall, this account covers a wide range of topics. Photographer Gerry Phillipson noted that this "book seems to range across the sum of human knowledge, collective and individual spiritual quest, in short it seems to endeavour to include absolutely everything” (Phillipson, 2023).

Along with the story, GK reveals that the words on these pages are magical tools. Each physical copy serves as one end of a supernatural filament, with the other end connecting the reader to GK and his predecessors. Through this book, he intends to inspire those who want to push beyond their creative limits. He seeks out photographers, philosophers, and mystics, particularly artists, seekers, believers, magic users, and students of the occult arts. GK wants to reach out to anyone curious about expanding their imagination. To those readers, GK offers an invitation of support. To accept, simply keep reading.