Alchemy: An Introduction to the Great Work

Alchemy, most widely known for its practice of turning lead into gold, is among the most mysterious of mystical arts. What many think when they hear the word alchemy they picture an old man wielding ancient wisdom or perhaps even the most well known philosophers stone. However these obscure stories of alchemy hide a more deeper meaning in its actual practice.

Alchemy can help us understand the fundamental unity of the cosmos and to find our place in it by weaving together the occult disciplines as a cohesive whole. Alchemy is an ideal practice for solitary practitioners and those who do not have time to join a esoteric group.

There are many reasons why someone would want to become an alchemist. As with any spiritual path there are those who need to fill a void in their hearts where other spiritual practices miss their mark. Another reason also could be to gather and keep hidden knowledge not known by others Then there are others who do so out of pride for their own achievements and wish to share it with people. Whatever the reason, you should do so with dedication and research.

Alchemy is a bridge that goes over a chasm between earthly and spiritual delights. In short, alchemy offer us an opportunity to understand the spiritual world through the direct experience of physical correlation. In alchemy, inner transformation is accomplished by using a dual process of using the spiritual and material world. These processes are called transpersonal (spirit) and technical (matter) techniques. The transpersonal methods being meditations, prayers, studies, and the inner work.The technical methods are the physical actions and preparations the alchemist use to produce herbal and mineral tinctures,which can be used as ritual aids or as medicine.This dual approach develops the inner and outer transformation that the technical and transpersonal techniques reinforce.

Egypt has been said to have given the name to early alchemy, as Egypt is known as the "land of Khem" or the "black earth". Many alchemist attribute Egypt to be the home of where alchemy began, but China and India have also developed their kind of alchemy as well.

The key to all magic in alchemy are separating the gross from the subtle. That being said the material from the spiritual. These separations are energetically similar, if not identical, to the process of banishing and invoking in many magical practices. During this process once the part for separating (banishing) and recombining (invoking) the process will be repeated until the next part of the process is undertaken.

Astrology should be studied right along with alchemy for they are linked together for the astrological medicinal and ritualistic properties. Each part of the zodiac has a passive and active side to it. Meaning one is direct (active) and one is more submissive (passive). Each hour of the day is governed by an astrological correspondence and each transmutation should be done at one of these astrological hours.

Qabalah provides many keys into understanding alchemy, thus it should also be studied right along with it. Alchemy has many symbols and the goal to unlocking the secret from these symbols can be taken from research in Qabalah. Through dreams, meditations, and spontaneous insights, alchemist of the past unveiled the secrets and metaphors of these symbols.

Among the most useful tool in alchemy comes from Qabalah, which is the tree of life. Through its structure the entire cosmos can be explained and understood. Relationships can be made clear, and all manner of mental, physical, and psychological illness can be diagnosed and resolved. Ignorance can be turn to light, and death into life. Though people who practice Qabalah spend years studying the tree of life, beginner alchemist can utilize its most basic components to guide them along.

Though alchemy is not a religion, their is a common theme in western alchemy called the path of return. The path of return is where a human soul goes from gross ignorance to illumination. This path starts in the material world in which we take our consciousness to new heights to spiritual perfection. However, unlike spiritual systems where they seek to escape matter and see it as evil, alchemist use this inherent power to use in their journey. Alchemy says we perfect ourselves from the challenges material life offers us. We do not run into a fantasy land with our spiritual perfection. We know life is rough and we use it for our advantage.

Sources:

The Path of Alchemy by Mark Stavish