Tag: magick

Introduction to Alchemy

Chapter 1: An Overview

Welcome to the 12 Steps of the Alchemical Process course from Inner Mysteries. Today, we’re going to be going over the 12 steps of alchemy and showing how these 12 steps relate to:

  • The seasons
  • The 12 Zodiac signs
  • The 12 processes of alchemy
  • The alchemical lore

We’ll also explore how we go through these stages every year and on a grander cycle throughout our whole lives. We’ll separate the 12 months to the 12 Zodiac, the 12 cranial nerves, and the 12 alchemical processes of the human body.

Clearing Confusion in Alchemical Thought

In the ancient school of thought on alchemy, there has been some confusion. For example, some say that Dissolution is the second step, but we’re going to say that it is actually Coagulation. Upon further research, Dissolution should belong to Cancer, the Crab, and we’ll get to that point.

A Preview of Alchemical Terms

To begin, here’s a general preview of some alchemical terms:

  • Calcination: A purifying fire.
  • Separation: Separating the authentic from the conditioned.
  • Conjunction: The point of no return.

These are figurative terms representing the ideas that will be carried out in this course.

Aries: The Spring Equinox and the Beginning of the Alchemical Process

Aries (March 21st) in the Spring starts out with a bang. The Spring Equinox is the original New Year, marking the beginning of the alchemical process in Aries. If you’re watching this course in Spring, it’s a great time to start the alchemical process. You’ll learn how to go through the 12 Zodiac signs and apply it to inner alchemy from both a Jungian perspective and a Vedantic transmutation perspective.

The wisdom of the Ancients encoded these spiritual evolutionary processes in alchemical lore and ancient scriptures:

  • The Bible is alchemy, essentially.
  • The Upanishads are alchemy.
  • The whole system of this universe operates through alchemy.

God the Creator is considered the Master Alchemist, and within us, our divine spark is the Master Alchemist of our body, the original alchemical laboratory.

The Importance of Calcination

Calcination is believed to be one of the 12 vital processes required for the transformation of a substance. Alchemists distinguish two kinds of Calcination:

  1. Actual Calcination: Brought about by actual fire, such as wood coals or other fuel, raised to a certain temperature.
  2. Potential Calcination: Using the crude elements of the physical body, raising them to a certain temperature to begin the purification process.

The Spiritual Perspective:

Calcination involves activating our inner fire—not physically heating up but symbolically igniting our astral fire. This inner fire burns away the ego and purifies attachments to the animal nature of the body.

The Bible’s phrase “Be still and know that I am God” relates to this process:

  • I AM is the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end.
  • Through Calcination, you confront the ego and initiate purification in your astral body.

Coagulation: Taurus and Crystallization

The second step, Coagulation, aligns with Taurus. This step is about crystallization and materialization, where spirit takes form in matter.

Key Themes:

  • Crystallization: Spirit polarizes into matter, enabling form and materialization.
  • Realization: Meditating on the motto, “I HAVE,” reflects Taurus’ role in spiritual grounding.

In this process, the volatile and fixed elements become inseparable, and your state of awareness becomes fixed. Coagulation helps you prepare for further transformation.

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