Alchemy: The Power of Change
Alchemy often brings to mind the image of an elderly gentleman bent over scrolls or a work station; this is the romanticized image that was spread during the infancy of alchemy. Alchemy was the marriage of chemistry and esoteric idea’s, since its mysterious birth there have been many schools of thought on just what alchemy is.
Some believe that the alchemists of old truly only worked to turn lead into gold. Others believe that this was a “front” for these individuals to explore spiritual growth without reprimand from the Church. Since those days alchemy has continued to be and there are many routes one can take with it.
The mystery of alchemy is its greatest asset, it drives one to explore, to look deeper and to continue further and further seeking the truth. Alchemy is truly a great model of spiritual growth!
Spiritual Alchemy
Alchemy is a process, one that is occurring constantly within us. As you learn about each of the steps, think back over life and those big moments/experiences. Think about the process and how your felt as you went through the experience, how it changed you.
Alchemy is a constantly moving process, it is a circle and so the steps can occur at the same time. Also know that as you go through a transformative process, it is just the beginning of another cycle. We often do not end with a pure conjunction at the end, this is because Ego is difficult to completely silence.
Ego is part of our human experience; it is also our greatest challenge. Each cycle of transmutation takes us closer and closer! Awareness of the cycle will help you to appreciate all that you have accomplished!
The Phases of Alchemy
Calcination: the fire that sparks the change. Creating the ash from which growth will develop from. Think back to a time when life seemed to just disintegrate before your eyes, that was calcinations. These are humbling experiences.
Dissolution: purification through water. This is where the ash is placed in water and is further dissolved, removing ego from the consciousness. **often calcinations and dissolution occur at the same time
Separation: isolation of the essences of self, at this time there is an experience of opposites occupying one space.
Conjunction: the bringing together of the separate essences to try and form a united essence that is balanced. At this stage the essence of Self is being rebirthed
Fermentation: when conjunctions occur they are often not complete and strong. Fermentation occurs in 2 steps, putrefaction of the incomplete essence and then fermentation. This is another breakdown, sparked by spiritual awareness and desire to continue to grow.
Distillation: a point at which a finer purification occurs, ensuring that ego is completely removed from the union with High Self. If ego is still here, the cycle may pause here then return to calcination.
Coagulation: the marriage of your essence to your Higher Self. At this point, the transformation is complete. A sense of wellbeing, balance and harmony will fill you. ***this cycle never ends, we are always moving into higher and higher vibrations. Like Orobious the cycles never end!