22
Feb
Mercury
Mercury is mentioned everywhere, in every alchemical work, and is supposed to perform everything – Mercury is the subject and matter of the Stone
A Lexicon of Alchemy
Archive for February, 2011
Getting through each day has been difficult. A sense of separation and mental fog or discontent fills the air. Our triumphs feel ephemeral, dream like. Yet, our expressions of compassion carry us through and leave us feeling restored. This compassion is founded on our ability to be both receptive and benevolent to others. A powerful force from outside ourselves fills us with energy now. A major cycle of completion has recently occurred, a phase, project or step we have been working on for a long time. However, we feel a sense of being pulled to take another step. Stay aware, do not fall asleep on your journey. Ask yourself two questions: What am I ready to release? What am I creating space for?
It’s not about our self – our little self. It’s all about our Self – our Higher Self. The ability to influence and even control important parts of our material world is present and available to us. This comes with a price. It is very seductive to have this control and we risk putting all of our energy into it. But, we are meant for larger things. Embrace inspiration. The emotional balance we are beginning to feel is a foundation on which to build. Courage is required to manage our thoughts which remain chaotic and unpredictable. Grounding ourselves in the here and now of our worldly experience will give us the clarity of mind that is required. We may feel energized but are unsure of what this means or how to use it. Look inside for inspiration from the Above. We’ve created a balance within us whether or not we feel this. Look for it. The foundation we have been resting upon has just shifted. Something significant has changed. Ask yourself: What is this? It’s time to transform. The inspiration we’ve been looking for is here. Reach for it. The next step lies within. See the answers to your questions there.
We’ve all heard alchemists change lead into gold. Some do it in their laboratory and others in their lives. Erik Weihenmayer is a blind adventurer and author who does it with adversity. He is also a motivational speaker and in one of his workshops reported by the Rome New-Tribune today he had this to say about alchemy in our daily lives:
“It’s not about what you want to do, it’s more about who you want to be. It’s a manifestation of our values.”
“Leadership isn’t necessarily spoken. It’s lived. When we live leadership every day, the people around us know it.”
“I think the world is crying out for alchemy. Each of you are the alchemist.”
What is this alchemy Weihenmayer is talking about? It is the alchemy of our DNA, the spark of light in each of us that if embraced releases our essence into the world. How can we embrace it? We have to stretch ourselves and then we must trust. And, how do we do this?
Poet/songwriter Leonard Cohen told us how in the lyrics of his song: Suzanne that we have to “travel blind.” Erik Weihenmayer is telling us as clearly and passionately: “Every time you reach, you’re climbing blind.”
The full article and more about Weihenmayer can be found here.
“Everything on the face of the Earth is constantly being transformed because the Earth is alive and has a Soul.”
The Alchemist
Something new is being birthed. It’s both an opportunity and a scary time. The focus now is: What about me? This question emerges from fear. The plans we are putting in place come from our knowledge that has helped us in the past. But changes are happening too fast to plan this way. What is necessary now is to go inside and find our emotional center. When we do, the opportunities for cooperation and even collaboration will appear within our reach. Anxiety has been present for some time. Its hold on us however is loosening. To make the changes we want, we must choose in the face of unpredictability. Keeping our focus on our feelings, we will become aware of the significant changes that have already been made. The next step? Build our road as we move forward. Continue to create.
If you’re curious about alchemy and want to learn how this ancient hermetic practice can make a difference in your life now, the newly created online version of the 15 year old Alchemy Study Program is worth checking out. More than 500 people from 17 countries are already participating in this learning community.
There are many advantages of exploring alchemy this way. You are able to choose your personal instructor from among several who are experienced spiritual and practical alchemists or, if you prefer, one will be assigned to you. This person is actually your guide and facilitator because your study of alchemy is self directed. While there are six modules of information and practice, you and your instructor create a personal program of study so you can focus on what you most want and need to learn. You can do this anywhere you have an Internet connection, on your own schedule at a comfortable pace.
The Program is resource rich with many features like: chat rooms, webinars, access to an alchemical library that includes ancient manuscripts, audio recordings, videos and art work, as well as meditation exercises and introductory laboratory practices you can do safely in your home.
Alchemy is ultimately a way of life that includes a personal initiation on a path of transformation. The Alchemy Study Program is an introduction to this path that will give you the opportunity to learn some of the principles of alchemy that you can put into practice right away as well as decide if further study and initiation are right for you.
How do I know all this? Well, I’m an alchemist and an instructor in the Alchemy Study Program. Want to know more. Go to www.alchemystudy.com and explore our site. A good place to start is the Course Catalog link on the home page.
I hope to meet you there.