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Alchemy: Difference between revisions
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Just as the body grows and the soul passes through the initiations of the crucifixion and the resurrection into the perfectionment of immortal life, so the ancient alchemists saw how metals developed within the earth from the less perfect substances of lead, copper, tin, iron, and mercury to the flawlessness of gold. They observed that they could hasten the process of change by careful nurture and long heating—“killing” the metal and then reviving it in a more refined state over and over again until gold is produced. | Just as the body grows and the soul passes through the initiations of the crucifixion and the resurrection into the perfectionment of immortal life, so the ancient alchemists saw how metals developed within the earth from the less perfect substances of lead, copper, tin, iron, and mercury to the flawlessness of gold. They observed that they could hasten the process of change by careful nurture and long heating—“killing” the metal and then reviving it in a more refined state over and over again until gold is produced. | ||
These alchemists invented many types of laboratory apparatus (which, in modified form, are still used today by modern chemists). Essentially artisans, they wished to keep their alchemy a trade secret and so invented symbolic names which the uninitiated could not understand. They used astrological signs to denote the five metals, relating them in inherent characteristics to the five known planets. Gold belonged to the sun, silver to the moon. As Hellenistic philosophy shifted from the scientific viewpoint to an emphasis on divine revelation in Gnosticism, Neoplatonism, and Christianity, alchemical writings became more and more mystical. | These alchemists invented many types of laboratory apparatus (some of which, in modified form, are still used today by modern chemists). Essentially artisans, they wished to keep their alchemy a trade secret and so invented symbolic names which the uninitiated could not understand. They used astrological signs to denote the five metals, relating them in inherent characteristics to the five known planets. Gold belonged to the sun, silver to the moon. As Hellenistic philosophy shifted from the scientific viewpoint to an emphasis on divine revelation in Gnosticism, Neoplatonism, and Christianity, alchemical writings became more and more mystical. | ||
== China == | == China == | ||
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<blockquote>We desire to see the original concepts about alchemy given new meaning, and we desire to see the meaning it acquired in the mystery schools brought to the fore. For the uses to which this science is presently put must be translated to a higher dimension if mankind are to reap the full benefits thereof.<ref>{{SGA}}, pp. 11–12.</ref></blockquote> | <blockquote>We desire to see the original concepts about alchemy given new meaning, and we desire to see the meaning it acquired in the mystery schools brought to the fore. For the uses to which this science is presently put must be translated to a higher dimension if mankind are to reap the full benefits thereof.<ref>{{SGA}}, pp. 11–12.</ref></blockquote> | ||
=== Alchemical symbols === | === Alchemical symbols === | ||
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<blockquote>If man expects to succeed in alchemy, which is in truth dependent on the higher laws of spiritual science, he must nurture the faith on which the strength of his invocation and concentration will rest.<ref>Ibid., p. 28.</ref></blockquote> | <blockquote>If man expects to succeed in alchemy, which is in truth dependent on the higher laws of spiritual science, he must nurture the faith on which the strength of his invocation and concentration will rest.<ref>Ibid., p. 28.</ref></blockquote> | ||
<blockquote>The now of the present hour must be utilized as a chalice of spiritual opportunity.... Each man must become aware of his choices and select either freedom | <blockquote>The now of the present hour must be utilized as a chalice of spiritual opportunity.... Each man must become aware of his choices and select either freedom or fetters as he explores the chemistry of his present state, brings it into focus upon the mirror of truth, and then determines to alter each base condition.<ref>Ibid., p. 32.</ref></blockquote> | ||
<blockquote>Consider all the beauty of life which can be. Perceive this as pure gold. All causes of unhappiness, every vibration of discord, fear, doubt, suspicion, condemnation, criticism, judgment, self-righteousness, and all negative traits are part of either the human mold or the mowlde which must be purged as dross before purity can so regenerate a lifestream as to enable the individual to partake of the waters of Life freely.<ref>John 10:10.</ref></blockquote> | <blockquote>Consider all the beauty of life which can be. Perceive this as pure gold. All causes of unhappiness, every vibration of discord, fear, doubt, suspicion, condemnation, criticism, judgment, self-righteousness, and all negative traits are part of either the human mold or the mowlde which must be purged as dross before purity can so regenerate a lifestream as to enable the individual to partake of the waters of Life freely.<ref>John 10:10.</ref></blockquote> | ||
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<blockquote>It is not enough that men come to drink when the invitation from higher sources has gone forth. They must make new skins to retain the new wine of infinite goodness and purpose.<ref>I Cor. 15:54.</ref> This is spiritual alchemy; and wise are they who first master it in themselves before attempting to govern the elements in others or in nature, for thus is karma justified by wisdom and rendered benign....</blockquote> | <blockquote>It is not enough that men come to drink when the invitation from higher sources has gone forth. They must make new skins to retain the new wine of infinite goodness and purpose.<ref>I Cor. 15:54.</ref> This is spiritual alchemy; and wise are they who first master it in themselves before attempting to govern the elements in others or in nature, for thus is karma justified by wisdom and rendered benign....</blockquote> | ||
<blockquote>So-called physical death does not represent the end of being. It merely divides eternal life into compartments of identity and experience whereby expansion and opportunity can be utilized to the fullest and each outworn mold discarded.<ref>{{SGA}}, pp. | <blockquote>So-called physical death does not represent the end of being. It merely divides eternal life into compartments of identity and experience whereby expansion and opportunity can be utilized to the fullest and each outworn mold discarded.<ref>{{SGA}}, pp. 45–47.</ref></blockquote> | ||
In “Intermediate Studies in Alchemy,” Saint Germain explains that man is not truly free until he has the power to create. “Matter that presents so hard an appearance to the eye is actually composed of the whirling energies of Spirit,” the Master Alchemist says. “Its density can be calculated and comprehended by the self; and with the speed of light, the consciousness can reach out and pass through dense substance as easily as the swimmer cuts through the water with his arms in motion.<ref>Ibid., pp. 178–79.</ref> | In “Intermediate Studies in Alchemy,” Saint Germain explains that man is not truly free until he has the power to create. “Matter that presents so hard an appearance to the eye is actually composed of the whirling energies of Spirit,” the Master Alchemist says. “Its density can be calculated and comprehended by the self; and with the speed of light, the consciousness can reach out and pass through dense substance as easily as the swimmer cuts through the water with his arms in motion.”<ref>Ibid., pp. 178–79.</ref> | ||
=== Creation of the cloud === | === Creation of the cloud === | ||
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1978 ''Pearls of Wisdom'', notes on alchemy. | 1978 ''Pearls of Wisdom'', notes on alchemy. | ||
{{SGA}}. | |||
<references /> | <references /> | ||