Spiritual alchemy uses the power of nature, psychology and metaphysical processes of alchemy to transcend the limitations of the mortal realm, tap into the collective unconscious and align with the Whole. Spiritual alchemy helps a person lead a better life.
Alchemy appears thousands of years ago in early Neolithic activities such as mead brewing. As a practice it endures from the first Golden Age in Greco-Roman Alexandria to the Renaissance, and into the 20th century with analytical psychology.
As a discipline traditional alchemy seeks to uncover the Philosopher's Stone, a substance needed to achieve the three major goals of alchemy:
To transmute base metals into noble metals (lead to gold)
To discover a panacea which will cure all disease
To create or discover an elixir of eternal life
Spiritual alchemy takes these concepts and applies them to the self. Through inner growth and transformation one develops a vibrant, vital connection to the quintessence of the Self. Aims may include:
To transform unwanted aspects of the self, such as bad habits or anger
To heal damage to the psyche, spirit or emotions, and nurture positive qualities
To develop happy, confident, fulfilling relationships with oneself and others
To transcend limitations, gain wisdom and connect with the divine
To live a better life
Early alchemists consider mercury and sulfur the major elements of which all things are made. Islamic alchemists add salt, and during the Renaissance Golden Age Paracelsus introduces the tria prima to the West.
Prolonged or repeated Inhalation of sulfur can cause brain damage, nervous collapse and death. The liquid metal mercury or quicksilver fascinates scientists and laypeople with its silvery flow but it's fatal if breathed or ingested, as the first Chinese emperor discovers.
Spiritual alchemy eliminates toxic minerals, metals, foods, plants, environments and people. Triads, threes, triangles and trios as well as number nine are significant numbers of alchemy.
Adapted to modern thought the tria prima triad is fundamentally a balance of elemental energies in harmonious interaction. Spiritual alchemy takes place in the conscious or unconscious mind, physical form of the body, and soul or spirit recognized as inner divinity.
In certain aspects the trinity reflects the mind/body/spirit analogy. It's a flowing interaction constantly in a state of change, effecting other changes within the Self and the worlds of conscious, unconscious and spiritual experience and meaning.
Aided by use of natural elements and practices such as meditation, the spiritual alchemist attunes to the divine energy flowing through all things. This infinite essence is a quality once attributed to quicksilver or liquid mercury.
At one time mercury is part of the poisonous potions as early alchemists seek the Elixir of Life, and its true effects aren't well known. It appears in ancient tombs and gardens of legend. In Mesoamerica pools of quicksilver are found beneath step pyramids.
Mercury is the only metal to be liquid at room temperature. The first Chinese emperor, he of the terracotta army, dies from drinking a mixture of mercury and powdered jade, which is supposed to be an immortality potion.
The concept of the tria prima is more important than the physical manifestation. For example mercury and sulfur also apply respectively to the female/male principles, mutable/combustible, moon/sun. Salt refers to the solid or fixed element.
Another fine aspect of alchemy is the ability to combine different substances or derivatives to effect changes. Alchemy, emerging from ancient metallurgy, is the philosophy from which modern chemistry evolves. Much remains unexplored.
All natural things from rocks to humans contain a bit of gold and some stardust. All living things are all connected to infinity. The sign of eternity or infinity is the horizontal 8, a symbol with no beginning and no end.
Spiritual alchemy recognizes the primordial connection, which psychologist Carl Jung calls the collective unconscious. Jung had a strong interest in alchemy, basing much work on its teachings. Cultivating spiritual and personal growth is one step closer to touching the divine.
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