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Celestial wisdom for the soul's ascent: astrology, alchemy, magic & gnosis
ALCHEMY
The Royal Art of Transformation
The most general use of the term "alchemy" refers to the art of transformation and the processes of purification and transmutation. Alchemy is often described as a mystical and philosophical tradition that seeks to transmute base substances into gold and attain spiritual enlightenment. However, it extends far beyond mere metallurgy. At its core, alchemy is a symbolic and allegorical system that explores the process of inner and outer transformation. It delves into the profound idea that by refining and purifying the self, one can reach a state of higher consciousness and spiritual perfection. This transformation involves the union of opposites, the integration of the mundane and the divine, and the quest for the philosopher's stone, or the inner golden elixir which symbolizes the ultimate goal of enlightenment and the realization of the true divine nature of reality. Alchemy is a universal and metaphorical journey of personal and spiritual growth, an enduring symbol of humanity's eternal quest for self-discovery and transcendence.
True alchemy, which can be found hidden in allegories and symbolic mythologies among many different religions and ancient cultures, is a living tradition... A living tradition which is not the mere worship of ashes, but the preservation of fire.
ALCHEMICAL TRADITIONS
Western Alchemy
Western Alchemy unfortunately has become misunderstood by psychological interpretations popularized by Carl Jung. Although these play a big part, it lacks practical application.
Jungian psychology popularized the idea that alchemical processes are primarily symbolic representations of inner psychological transformation. While this interpretation has offered valuable insights into the human psyche and the journey of self-discovery, it has also led to a perception that Western alchemy is purely a mental or symbolic pursuit.
The transmutation of base metals into gold, for instance, was not only seen as a literal process but also a metaphorical one for the transformation of the alchemist's soul or spirit. This dual nature of alchemy as both an inner and outer journey has sometimes been lost in modern psychological interpretations.
Eastern alchemy, called neidan in Daoist traditions, is by far the most practical system for attaining real alchemy. Unfortunately, much of this ancient knowledge has been lost and the few popular teachers of these traditions have watered it down. In contrast, Western alchemy, especially in its modern interpretations, may indeed lack the same level of practical techniques for achieving specific spiritual or physical goals. Instead, it's often viewed as a more intellectual or symbolic pursuit.
However, it's important to note that there is a rich diversity within Western alchemy, and some contemporary practitioners still engage in practical laboratory work while incorporating the symbolic and psychological elements. Ultimately, whether one finds more value in Western or Eastern alchemical traditions depends on their personal beliefs and goals for spiritual or personal growth. Both traditions offer unique insights into the art of transformation, albeit with different approaches.
Egyptian, Hermetic, Kabbalistic & Gnostic Alchemy
These systems are related, and the overall process and aims of alchemy are the same, yet very different in practice and application.
"Take it not amiss, that the alchemy I teach yields neither gold nor silver; but look upon it as the key which opens the arcana of medicine to you."
Paracelsus
EASTERN ALCHEMICAL TRADITIONS
Neidan (Taoist Alchemy)
Eastern alchemical traditions, such as neidan in Daoism, are often viewed as more practical because they provide specific techniques and exercises aimed at achieving spiritual transformation and immortality. These practices include various forms of meditation, different breath techniques and energy cultivation practices, which have a very direct and immediate impact on one's physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. However, for a westerner some of the symbolic imagery and philosophical concepts can be hard to understand at least in the beginning. This is where a combination of both Western and Eastern Alchemy can take someone very far along in their journey.
Much of the neidan work consists of practices and techniques that cultivate the post-natal energies and through purification and unification processes (the same as the Western version of solve et coagula) can attain the pre-celestial essence (the divine spark of "immortality") that drives very powerful and very real transformations that lead one to spiritual transcendence and liberation, and creation of the immortal elixir, the secret of the golden flower.
Sometimes neigong training is taught first to bring someone's overall state into balance and harmony before attempting to cultivate powerful energies that one would encounter in neidan.
Yogic & Tantric Alchemy
In yogic and tantric traditions, alchemy is similar in the overall process yet may differ in minor details among various practices, rituals and philosophical ideas. Alchemy in these traditions typically describes a profound spiritual and transformative process aimed at the union of opposites, often symbolized as the divine feminine (Shakti) merging with the divine masculine (Shiva). This union signifies the harmonization of Prakriti (the material world) and Purusha (the transcendent consciousness), leading to spiritual awakening and enlightenment. The central force driving this alchemical process is Kundalini, a dormant cosmic energy represented as a coiled serpent residing at the base of the spine. Through rigorous practices, rituals, and meditation, practitioners seek to awaken and elevate Kundalini energy through the body's energy centers or chakras, ultimately guiding it towards the crown chakra to attain a state of divine union and realization.
Kundalini - The Secret Fire of Alchemy
Alchemy in these traditions is directly connected to the rising of the kundalini – the Sanskrit term for the coiled serpent that lies asleep at the base of the spine waiting to be awakened. As one of my most cherished teachers of inner alchemy would always say, the real work of alchemy does not even begin unless the kundalini is activated first - this is the real secret fire of alchemy that is used for all the alchemical operations. And contrary to popular opinion, the awakening of kundalini is quite rare. A lot of people mistake its activation with the mere movements of what is called “post-natal” energy in Daoist traditions, associated with the acquired jing and qi (or what is commonly called prana) or with the bursts of postnatal sexual energy charges and releases. Yet these are just effects of the nervous system and energetic subtle bodies releasing obstructions in a purification process, usually through friction. This is not the activation of kundalini, which is a pre-celestial force (which means it is the very force of creation itself). When the holy flame is awakened there is no doubt about it, one will know with utmost conviction. It often comes with fear, terror and trembling, the roaring of thunder and flashes of lightning, with extreme openings and transformations in consciousness that often leave one questioning their sanity, feeling as if they are on the verge of some kind of psychosis, especially if there are pre-existing physical or energetic imbalances.
The activation of kundalini is the real secret fire of alchemy and this fire is what is needed just to accomplish the first stage of alchemy, calcination. The full rising and ascent and the culmination of the awakening process is the kindling of this fire, the holy flame, and is much more complex than most modern-day yogis are even aware of, and much of this work is hidden for a reason: because it’s meant to be embodied and the various unfolding processes to be experienced directly, its inner mysteries revealed only to the initiates of the real work.
Universal Alchemy
Secret teachings of alchemy and the entire process of the great work are hidden within many major spiritual traditions and religious myth. We find the secret teachings of alchemical processes all throughout the Bible in stories such as Noah's ark, Jacob's ladder, Sodom & Gomorrah, Ezekiel's Prophecy of the Dry Bones, Daniel & The Furnace with Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego, and even in the details of the story of Jonah in the Whale. The entire Bible from Genesis to the Book of Revelation is an alchemical map. Similar alchemical teachings can be found in all religious scriptures and mythologies and can be demonstrated in their corresponding rituals and practices. There are even alchemical teachings encoded in modern myths such as fairy tales and other stories from pop culture which hide these alchemical processes in allegory.
The Alchemical Process
No matter what tradition or alchemical system one studies, the overall alchemical process is the same. Some systems and traditions merely describe certain aspects of it more clearly, or provide more detailed practices and an approach that is easier to follow. Yet it's best to understand alchemy in terms of how it relates to the forces of creation and destruction, and then one can see it revealed in any place they look, any religious system or esoteric tradition.
It's crucial to recognize that alchemy is not merely an intellectual pursuit. It is an initiatory tradition that demands direct experience through dedicated practice. One cannot fully grasp its mysteries by theory alone; it requires active engagement, meditation, rituals, and personal transformation. Through this direct engagement with the alchemical processes, practitioners come to understand the profound spiritual truths and attain higher states of consciousness. Alchemy, whether in the East or West, ultimately serves as a path towards inner illumination and self-discovery, transcending cultural boundaries to uncover universal spiritual wisdom.
