The Alchemical Process

You may be familiar with alchemy as the precursor to modern chemistry and the archaic practice of turning lead into gold. However, while the physical transmutation of lead into gold may well be possible, the true meaning of alchemy may be better understood by reframing it as spiritual alchemy - transmuting the metaphorical lead in your life into gold. Therefore, one does not need any equipment or chemical knowledge to practice alchemy. All that is needed if your God-given Mind, Body and Spirit.

Calcination

"Burn away the dross of illusion."

The masculine principle of fire is the will to seek, to illuminate the shadows that do not serve you. This is the beginning of the alchemical process and spiritual evolution.

Reflected in the wands suit of the tarot, the metal lead and represented by the planet Saturn ♄ in astrology, Calcination is not concerned with the burning of limiting beliefs and fears, but rather shining a light upon them. In the light of the fire, the shadow ceases to exist.

Practice: You might choose to meditate on a limiting self-concept then mentally shine the light of the flame upon it. Observe what remains when the shadows fade.

Dissolution

"Wash the remnants in the moon’s tide."

The feminine principle of water is the collective subconscious mind, the knowing you do not know you possess. Here you will learn to receive gifts from beyond the veil.

Reflected in the cups suit of the tarot, the metal tin and represented by the planet Jupiter ♃ in astrology, Dissolution is concerned with washing your beliefs in the waters of the subconscious mind. Here they are cleansed and absorbed (or impressed upon) the subconscious.

Practice: You might choose to meditate on your desire, allowing it to sink below the water where it may be accepted and ready for manifestation.

Separation

"Divide truth from shadow with a blade’s edge."

The masculine principle of air is the discerner, the blade of action. Choose the parts of the self to discard and the parts to keep, to nurture.

Reflected in the swords suit of the tarot, the metal iron and represented by the planet Mars ♂ in astrology, Separation is concerned both with taking action and making space for the manifestation of your desire.

Practice: You might choose to meditate on you living your desire in the moment or make physical space for your desire to manifest - sell the old piece of furniture you wish to replace, make plans to quit the old job to make space for the new career.

Conjunction

"Wed sun and moon in the vessel of clay."

The feminine principle of earth is trust that the seed will grow once surrendered to the ground. Nurturing and patience will transmute any desire into gold.

Reflected in the pentacles suit of the tarot, the metal copper and represented by the planet Venus ♀ in astrology, Conjunction is concerned with the reintegration of the separated elements to create a refined outcome. This is the result of manifestation and also known as The Lesser Stone.

Practice: Patience and trust. Just as you plant the seed, hidden under the earth, you must plant your desire and allow it to grow.

Fermentation

“The death that leads to new life.“

The conscious mind leans to direct the subconscious and the magical work begins. The magical self is born from the remains of the physical self.

Represented by the planet Mercury ☿ in astrology and the metal quicksilver, Fermentation is concerned with death and the rebirth that follows. Like the phoenix, you must let your old self, old habits and old circumstances die in order to give birth to the version of you that you desire.

Practice: Meditate on the future version of yourself. Visualise the future you reassuring the old you that it’s safe to let go. Thank the old you for their service - they are no longer needed.

Distillation

“Liberate the Soul from the grip of the Ego.“

The threshold is crossed, the veil is open to you. Learn to live as the new self with conviction and peace. You walk in the waters of the subconscious.

Represented by the Moon ☽ in astrology and the metal silver, Distillation is concerned with purification of the spirit, making peace and learning to live as the new self. The unborn Higher Self is exploring its new potential, like a baby learning to walk.

Practice: Meditate on the on the formless you floating in the void - no one, no place, no time. You are the unveiled subconscious open to all possibilities and willing to explore any and all that you choose.

Coagulation

“The Philosopher’s Stone is achieved.“

Bring down and integrate the evolved self into permanent existence. The physical and astral bodies become one, inseparable. Oneness is achieved.

Represented by the Sun ☉ in astrology and the metal gold, Coagulation is the end of the road, the ultimate goal achieved; also known as the Philosopher’s Stone. In antiquity this was associated with physical immortality and the transmutation of lead into gold.

No further guidance can be given on this step on the process.

The practice of alchemy is not a race, it is a scenic drive through the uncharted backroads of life. Alchemy is a lifelong pursuit and well worth the time and effort it requires if you desire a more meaningful, connected life. I will not warn you against dabbling and many find their way to the Lesser Stone and live blessed, physically rich lives as a result. However, if you have a will for the final three steps of the process desire the Philosopher’s Stone nothing less than full commitment is required. Good luck on your journey, traveller. Take what resonated and discard the rest.