ALCHEMY
Alchemy is the process by which each of us moves from our primal state of unconsciousness, through the various alchemical stages represented by our most elemental experiences to the realization of full awakening, or enlightenment. In alchemical terminology, it is called The Opus, or Great Work. The higher state of consciousness and self-understanding that results includes recognition of our connection to the spirit world and awareness of all beings. The goal of the Great Work is the Philosopher's Stone, the universal medicine, the alchemical gold, and the elixir of life. It is the interpenetration of spirit and matter, the spiritualization of our material selves, and vice versa.
The development requires a breakdown of the ego through a process of decomposition and remembering in order to find personal power and abilities. In Alchemy our body and psyche are the laboratories and through initiatory experiences, we develop power and humility. I read somewhere that " First we bring together, then we purify, we break down what has been putrefying, we purify the divided, we unite the purified and harden it".
In The Great Work, the transmutation of metals is an allegory veiling the true goal. This goal is a superior and interior achievement, the alchemical gold of enlightenment, through which we transcend duality and illusion and become one with creation.
The Work can only be achieved by starting at the source and using the same basic ingredients of the desired result. This ingredient is the Primal Materia, the base metal, or the unconscious mind. I was observing the alchemical process in a diamond, and I think it is a great example found in nature. The transformation occurs over time in the creation of a diamond, and the matter starts as carbon, deep within the earth. Through elemental interaction and the appropriate amount of heat and pressure, transmutation occurs. The soft black material becomes the exquisite, clear, hard brilliant diamond. I believe that pressure is a fundamental part of the process and we can explore that in our lives. It is through the management of pressure that we achieve personal mastery. I found out that it is not about the kind of experiences that come in our lives but rather how we respond to them that indicates our level of mastery. It is the goal of the alchemist to bring spirit and matter into alignment and harmony. I realize that the language used to convey ancient alchemy was purposely misleading, encoded in terms so difficult to understand that the majority of those who tried to decipher were forced to give up. I think that it is not only through application and study hard that we can understand the purpose of alchemy, and I learned to let go and open my mind and spirit when I feel that logic has no part in this.
Kabalistic Tree of Life
Alchemy describes the transformation of the chaos of the mind into a realization of the true essence of being. Powerful to perfect imperfect metals and heal sick and decayed bodies. The Light of this knowledge is the gift of GOD, and we can achieve our goal only if we clear and purify our hearts and soul, and devote ourselves completely to Him.
The number of operations in the alchemical process varies according to the source. Although I have seen them expressed in many ways, most of the books I have consulted suggest that there are seven operations in the Great Work. Calcination, Dissolution, Separation, Conjunction, Fermentation, Distillation, and Coagulation. I can see the connection of the seven operations with the seven Sephiroth, the seven ancient planets, and our path through the Tree of Life. We are the alchemical vessel within each transmutation that happens. I believe that in the first stage of the work the corporeal elements themselves, Earth, Air, Water, and Fire, work their magic on the body and soul.
The process of transmutation displays a series of colors symbolizing the blackness of the Night, the rainbow of the down, the whiteness of noon, and the red glow of the evening. The first stage alludes to the darkness of ignorance leading to the white Light of Wisdom.
The wise man approaches everything with centered Light to all that he meets in his journey because he contains the image of the highest joy himself.
Calcination is purification by fire. It is like the fire burns away all but what remains of substance, the ash.
Most of us have experienced moments when life disintegrated and we were in search of something to cling to that is solid. It is the destruction of the ego and our attachments to material possessions. It is a natural humbling process as we are gradually assaulted and overcome by the trials and tribulations of life, which starts the fire of introspection and self-evaluation.
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Calcination
Dissolution is the purification by water and it is the unconscious process in which our conscious mind lets go of control to allow the inner-self to come out. It is the dissolving of the ashes from calcination in water. Dissolution is the continuance of the kundalini experience, the opening-up of energy channels in the body to recharge and elevate every single cell. Dissolution takes place in the Genital or Tin Chakra and involves changes in the lungs and spleen. On the planetary level, Dissolution is the Great Flood, the cleansing of the earth of all that is inferior.
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Dissolution
Separation is the chemical isolation of the components of dissolution by filtration and then discarding any impure or unworthy material. In more simple words, it is the process of rediscovery of our essence. It is, for the most part, a conscious process in which we review formerly hidden material and decide what to discard and what to reintegrate into our refined personality. Much of this shadowy material is things we are ashamed of or were taught to hide away from our parents, churches, etc. Separation is letting go of the self-inflicted restraints to our true nature, so we can shine through.
Separation
It is following and controlling the breath in the body as it works with the forces of Spirit and Soul to give birth to new energy and physical renewal. At this stage, the saved elements are pure but opposite and are often seen at war or struggling with each other. It can be a tortuous time that demands will and determination. To keep the fighting essences alive yet separate, the alchemists made use of ascending and purifying operations associated with Air.
Conjunction
Conjunction is the recombination of the saved elements from Separation into a new substance. It is the empowerment of our true self, the union of both masculine and feminine sides of our personality. The alchemist referred to it as the lesser stone and after it is achieved, the Adept can discern what needs to be done to achieve the last enlightenment. Conjunction is the union of the forces of spirit Above and matter Below. It is a turning point from working with the first three operations Below (in the matter) and working with the last three operations Above (in spirit).
This operation is an attempt to balance the masculine consciousness of the King with the feminine consciousness of the Queen. Conjunction marks the balancing point between the forces of the Anima (Soul) on the alchemist’s right side to the forces of the Spiritus (Spirit) on the alchemist’s left side.
Fermentation is the process that starts with the inspiration of spiritual power from Above that, energizes, and enlightens the alchemist. It is the introduction of new life into the product of Conjunction to completely change its characteristics, to completely raise it to a whole new level of being. Its arrival is announced by a brilliant display of colors and meaningful visions called the "Peacock’s Tail." Fermentation can be achieved through various activities that include intense prayer, desire for mystical union, breakdown of the personality, and deep meditation. Fermentation is living inspiration from something totally beyond us. Fermentation is a two-stepped process that begins with Putrefaction, in which the matter is allowed first to rot and decompose and then to ferment or come alive again in spirit.
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Fermentation
Distillation is a key process on all levels of alchemy. It involves releasing volatile essences from their prison in the matter and condensing them in a purified form. It is the movement or agitation and sublimation of psychic forces necessary to ensure that no impurities from the inflated ego are incorporated into the next and final stage. Personal Distillation consists of a variety of introspective techniques that raise the content of the psyche to the highest level possible, free from sentimentality and emotions, cut off even from one’s personal identity. Distillation is the purification of the unborn Self, all that we truly are and can be. It is about raising the life force repeatedly from the lower regions in the cauldron of the body to the brain, called the Circulation of the Light, where it eventually becomes a wondrous solidifying light full of power. Distillation is said to culminate in the Third Eye area of the forehead, at the level of the pituitary and pineal glands, in the Brow or Silver Chakra.
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Distillation
Coagulation is first sensed as a new confidence that is beyond all things, though many experience it as a Second Body of golden coalesced light, a permanent vehicle of consciousness that embodies the highest aspirations and evolution of the mind. Coagulation incarnates and releases the Ultima Materia of the soul, the Astral Body, which the alchemists also referred to as the Greater or Philosopher’s Stone. Using this magical Stone, the alchemists believed they could exist on all levels of reality. In society, it is the living wisdom in which everyone exists within the same light of evolved consciousness and knowledge of Truth.
Coagulation
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The Philosopher's Grand Secret is beyond the powers of Nature and Art and we cannot ignore the forces of the Sun and the Moon, Sol, and Luna, because it is through them that we can perfect all imperfections, in metals and bodies.
I believe that it is easy to fall into deceitful teachings by philosophers that have sophisticated and destroyed the truth, but if our heart is pure and connected with the Source we will know the difference.
Most Philosophers have affirmed that their work was completely composed of Sol and Luna, the union of male and female. Sol with his masculine essence is active and energizing, Luna is feminine and she is the Matrix of Nature because she received the seed from Sol.
Something starts to make sense when I think about sulfur in Sol and mercury in the Philosophic Luna. The composition of the Stone. The source material for the Stone I believe can be found in everything, in the Earth, on the mountains, in the Air, and the nourishing Water.
The first chapter of the Hermetic Arcanum describes our fears, maybe because we feel unworthy and our blindness creates a void between us and the Source. We are not able to see the Light yet, because it is too bright and powerful. Awareness is waiting for us to connect by will.
It is not easy to describe the beauty of the Work. At this point becomes a joy because doesn't matter how much pain we are going through, and how many transmutations require, it becomes pure happiness and completeness because we are reunited with who we truly are.
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Paola Luciani Fulbright
