The Kabbalah and alchemy are interrelated. The big alchemists were all kabbalists. The two go hand in hand as the Kabbalah is the backbone of alchemy. And most people don't know there is a big difference between the Kabbalah and what Madonna and the Hollywood trendies practice.
it also has strong ties to greek mythos. it has strong ties to any mythos they could get their hands on because that was lost wisdom to alchemists.
The notion of transforming base metals to gold has always been exoteric allegory. Its esoteric meaning is the basis of the Kabbalah, which is perfecting that which was left imperfect through the understaning of science and nature. It ties in with the notion of man as god. This makes up the core of the religion (the Kabbalah) that is behind high Freemasonry and which runs the world. This is what they believe.
