Camino, alchemy and history of scallop shell symbol

[Pavel]

This spring one alchemy researcher and I were talking about Camino and alchemy. His theory is that alchemy came to Europe via Camino de Santiago around 1100 AD, when an Arabic alchemist met and taught a French pilgrim. He mentioned "a grey pilgrim with holy water sprinkler, staff and shell" (citation from Fulcanelli, probably some mistakes due to my translation from Czech) and maintained that legends of translation of Saint James to Compostela contain alchemical symbols, so they are probably not older then from the end of 11th century.
And now my question: do anyone know of any evidence of scallop shell symbol before last quarter of 11th century? Archaeological finds, mentions in history books, anything. My google-fu is not strong enough to anything on this topic on the net.

Link to original forum thread (in Czech, third reply from the top is where the grey pilgrim symbol was mentioned first):
RPG F?rum • Zobrazit t?ma - Tajemstv? katedr?l II
Goran is me, Argonantus is the alchemist.

EDITed: I moved this topic from general chat - it suits better here.

[toawakenothers]

Hi!

This is my understanding of the Santiago legend as it may also pertain to pagan symbology of shells in general.

It is known that in pre christian countries (such as Ireland and Scotland) where the Catholic Church converted "pagan" (non-christian) followers, that the places of non-christian worship were either rebuilt or christian elements (statuary, crosses, baptismal fonts) were added to the existing structure to convert it into a proper church.

Similarly, in pre-christian Spain, especially Galicia with strong Celtic ties to those aforementioned countries, non-christian symbols such as the feminine scallop shell symbolized Venus or Aphrodite, the Greek Goddess of the Virgin-Mother-Crone trinity. I find it odd and curious that the incorporation of a scallop shell, a female symbol representative of the Female Deity in pagan worship was subsequently tied to the legend of Saint James (Santiago).

Santiago's legend has it that as his stone ship was banked at a river near Padron (a town 16 km away from Santiago) a horseman's horse jumped into the water and emerged with the rider, both covered with shells. Then, the body of Santiago was transported to the city of present day Santiago AFTER ITS PAGAN QUEEN, LUPA, SUBSEQUENTLY CONVERTED, to bury the apostle. The shell symbol is again incorporated into Renaissance painting of Venus Rising from the sea on a SHELL, her symbol.

I would suggest reading any book on celtic and pagan symbology, including Greek mythology about scallop shells. It is all fascinating to me and I am Roman Catholic!

[Deb Groundwalker]

You may find this link to wikepedia usefull - scroll down to the shell of St James

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scallop...of_Saint_James

[Pavel]

Thanks, Toawakenothers and Deb! In the linked forum, we found reliable evidence connecting scallop with Venus in antiguity. But scallop as a setting sun is also an interresting symbol and the connection with Finisterre is obvious

[Birgitte]

the scallop shell is also a Christian symbol of baptism

[BGOOD]

Hi

An interesting book with a range of information is called 'The Scallop' which you can purchace from amazon easily. I am writing my disseration on the pilgrimage and would be interested to hear more about the theory of your friend and his sources. Did you manage to find any concrete information? The scallop shell is incorpareted into many of the designs of moorish art in southern spain. The alhambra in particular is covered in scallop shells. The fountain at the court of lions (a round basin held by 12 lions) alludes to an alchemical symbol (some scholars have suggested that due to its position this fountain is of particular importance). Interestingly the basin also contains the scallop design. Please let me know if you have any information, perhaps we could compare notes..?

Thanks
Basia

[Pavel]

Hi Basia!

My friend should be interested in your post.
His theory of the arrival of alchemy is based mostly on his interpretation of art in some cathedrals and other buildings. He tracked alchemical symbols back to Vezelay in 1120, so his previous theory of import with crusaders was rejected as improbable (too short time between return of the first crusaders and 1120). Some alternative theories were considered, including "zeroth crusade" at Barbastro (War of Barbastro - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia) and capture of an alchemist during conquest of Toledo. Camino theory was chosen as the most likely. Story of Nicolas Flamel and Abraham the Jew (Testament of Flamel) also played a role in acceptance of this theory.

Ask for more and I'll try to answer, and I'll try to push Argonantus to join this forum.

Pavel

[BGOOD]

Please email me on this and i will give you my private email. Thanks
bgood83@yahoo.co.uk

[LuisAlfredo]

This is a reply to the following Pavel's question: do anyone know of any evidence of scallop shell symbol before last quarter of 11th century? Archaeological finds, mentions in history books, anything.
Answer: A coin from Sicily, Messana. Circa 450-400 BC. Æ 17mm. Head of nymph Pelorias left; two dolphins before, sea-shell behind / Trident; scallop shells between points, two dolphins below.

See images at
Sicily, Messana - Ancient Greek Coins - WildWinds.com