Transmutation circle

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Transmutation circles could be as simple as merely a square inscribed within a circle or as complex as this human transmutation circle.

"The basic strength of a transmutation circle is the nature of the shape itself. The circle represents the circulation of power. By drawing it, that power can be evoked. By understanding this circulation of power and the laws that govern it, you can harness it for yourself. And one who works within this system of flow to create new things, that is the true alchemist..." — Izumi Curtis, Fullmetal Alchemist, episode 27.

Transmutation circles are a fictional element of the anime series Full Metal Alchemist. They are the main source of alchemical energy in the series. The alchemist draws a transmutation circle, circuiting the energy of "See Spoiler below" into it, and adding the formula (or symbols) to it, he can control it and use it for a transmutation. The circle is required to have something in order to give something (equivalent exchange), so usually, the alchemist puts the matter he wants to transmute in front of or in the circle.

Their function is analogous to what a catalyst does in a chemical reaction. Because they are not consumed in the transmutation, they can be used repeatedly, and are often worn on items of clothing or as tattoos so they do not have to be drawn for each new transmutation. Such is the case with Roy Mustang, using a glove made of a material called ignition cloth which makes a spark when he snaps his fingers; by having a circle drawn on the glove he is able to use alchemy to tweak (increase) the oxygen concentration in the air to create his flame attacks. In most cases, transmutation circles that are on gloves or tattoos require the user to clap their hands together in order to initiate the reaction. While people with alchemically-adorned bracelets, pendants, or gauntlets may perform any of a number of different movements, depending on the article itself. An incomplete list of the transmutation circles seen in the series can be found here.

The complex array pictured here and displayed on the series' DVD's (USA) bears the English inscription:

The peacock's feathers in bright colors, the rainbow in the sky above,

The spotted panther, the green lion, the crow and beak, blue as lead,

These shall appear before you in perfect white,

Pale white and black with false citrine, imperfect white and red,

After the perfect white follows the grey,

And after these shall appear the substance

Some people, like the main character, Edward Elric are able to perform a transmutation without drawing a transmutation circle. This is due to the fact that he makes a complete circle when he claps his hands together. He has also seen "The Gate [of Truth]", which contains knowledge of everything, including the greatest secrets of alchemy. Those who have passed through the gate gain the ability to transmute without a circle because of the "True Knowledge" they gain from The Gate.

ENERGY FOR TRANSMUTATIONS- on the other side of "The Gate" there lies another world, the world that runs by the timeline of our world(Christianity, bombs, planes, etc.), and in that world the people who die, their souls supply the power for alchemy.

[edit] Possible inspiration

The transmutation circles used in Full Metal Alchemist are very similar to "magic circles" used in magical texts like the Key of Solomon.

This is one of many "magic circles" from the Key of Solomon.

[edit] See also

• Sigil (magic)

Edited by:~Kelaos 03:32, 10 December 2006 (UTC)