FOUR KEYS of ALCHEMY

1.  The four elements (air, earth, water, & fire) are symbolic of different facets of one's mental energy
2.  An alchemist can progress mentally through each element to master control of those mental energies
3.  Through self-awareness, one can grow closer to the fifth element...Truth...The Spirit...The Almighty... 
4.  By mastering one's self and understanding the will of God, miracles will manifest in one's life

THE ELEMENTS

Aether (pronounced "ee-thur") is a Greek word that describes the substance of the universe in its entirety, transcending all that we know or think  we know about the material world.  It is sometimes known as "the fifth element."  Due to its all-encompassing nature, Aether is closely associated with the ultimate creative force of the universe and therefore is used to represent the qualities of God or God's power.  It also represents the  truth of all things, or things as they  really are, regardless of one's perception of reality.  

Alchemy is the art of mental transmutation, or in other words, transforming one's being from a lower material perspective to a higher spiritual perspective. Alchemist study thoughts and emotions, using the elements of the material world as a symbolic reference and a context for all mental and emotional states-of-being.  Working through a mental purification process, alchemists transform their own base human nature to an  elevated nature that is closer to truth, enlightenment, and God.  

This transformation is accomplished by examining the properties of one's mental and emotional states-of-being through the four properties associated with the basic elements of air, earth, water, and fire.  These four elements are not the actual elements represented, but  rather are emotions, thoughts and energies symbolized by those elements.  One interpretation of the elements and their corresponding states-of-being is as follows:

​EARTH =  BODY
WATER = HEART
FIRE =  MIND
AIR = SPIRIT
​

The above example represents an extremely simple overview of some of the elemental energies. By working through an individualized mental ritual that utilizes the essential characteristics symbolized by the four elements, a person can grow spiritually and come to know the true nature of God and our individual relationship with God.  By combining these properties in a balanced and harmonious way, students of alchemy can more readily feel the influence of God in their lives. Another word for this influence of God, to borrow from the Greek, is "ÆTHER".

​It is probably safe to say that all great teachers of religion have taught alchemy on some level, or they have at the very least borrowed and incorporated alchemic symbolism into their religious experiences.  It may surprise some people to learn  that Christianity is no stranger to this alchemic symbolism.   As an example, two references from the New Testament of the Bible can be found in Luke 3:16 and John 3:1-10.  In the  first, John the Baptist teaches about the  baptism of water and the baptism of fire.   Later, Jesus teaches about baptism of water, the spirit, and even references the wind (air).  John the Baptist and Jesus Christ were the first prophets of the Christian era, but they taught according to the Hebrew tradition. These early Judaeo-Christian texts are filled with alchemic symbolism and references. 

Interestingly enough, the alchemic process is generally understood to be a four stage process (one for each element).  Most world religions utilize a ritualized progression that takes their adherents through a symbolic purification process. For example, some modern Christians speak of the principles of faith, repentance, baptism, and confirmation (or the gift of the Holy Ghost).  These same principles might have been recognized anciently as being representative of air, earth, water, and fire, respectively.

While this author subscribes to a Christian mode of belief and has already cited examples of alchemy in Christianity in this text, this is not  an attempt to convert the readers to any Christian religion.  Rather, the intent is to show that the principles of alchemy predate Christianity and that the authors of the Christian religion and philosophy were well acquainted with the symbolism of alchemy.​ ​  It is safe to say that while all of Christianity is heavily influenced by alchemy, not all Christians are alchemists, and certainly, not all alchemists are Christian.

Incidentally, some medieval alchemists postulated that if it was possible to purify the human spirit through this process, that they could in theory transform baser materials into materials of higher chemical purity such as gold.  For one reason or another, this is the image that has persisted through the ages when someone speaks of alchemists or the art of alchemy.    It is unfortunate that the masses have misconstrued the intent of alchemy from its noble origins to the realm of superstitious magicians with materialistic ambitions.  

​The purpose of this site is to provide some insight about the principles of alchemy  as a catalyst of spiritual transformation, a miracle that far exceeds the ability to  create gold from lead. ​

​
​The adjacent chart shows an example of the four elements with corresponding mental or emotional characteristics that exemplify the particular element.

Under the heading of ELEMENTS below, you will find a discussion of the qualities of each element and how different temperaments  and dispositions correspond with each.  

The four dispositions associated with the elements can be described as intuitive (air), steadfast (earth), emotional (water), and creative (fire).

The four dispositions associated with the elements can generally be described as intuitive (air), steadfast (earth), emotional (water), and creative (fire).  You can see that these temperaments correspond well with the spirit, body, heart, and mind model described above. That is, the spirit fosters intuition, the body strength, the heart emotion, and the mind creativity.

Through the art of introspection, a student can identify key individual personality traits and identify which of the elements each characteristic aligns with.  An adept student can do this with good personal traits as well as with bad personal traits.  The sections below offer a few examples of both positive and negative attributes for each element.

Furthermore, once a student can identify his or her negative qualities, he or she can then identify the opposite characteristics and focus his or her attention and meditation on cultivating those positive characteristics.  In this way, a student of alchemy can remove all undesirable or negative traits and replace them with their positive counterparts.  

PRAYER & MEDITATION 

Being able to identify your own positive and negative qualities is a key step in the alchemic process.  You can and should create your own list of defining character attributes in order to establish a personal awareness.   This is a daunting and time consuming process that requires a great deal of honesty and humility.   Feel free to use the list above to jump-start your introspective process. I recommend starting your meditation with a prayer to the Almighty, asking God to bless you with patience, endurance and discipline in finding your true disposition.

One of the greatest hindrances to self-awareness is the exorbitant amount of neural noise that the average person experiences in today's modern world.  The brain has so much external stimuli that we can scarcely keep a continuous thought in our minds for more than a few seconds before we are off to the next random intrusive thought.  For this reason, it is good to practice quieting your mind.  Sitting quietly in your favorite meditative position, practice thinking about nothing for one minute.

This is difficult at first.  Set a timer with an alarm so you  don't have to think about the time and just practice breathing.  Concentrate on only  your breathing for the first minute.  Keep doing this until you can just think about your breathing for one minute without any intrusive random thoughts.  Once you can do it for one minute, practice for two minutes.  Then three, and so forth.  Once you can do this for five to ten minutes, try to meditate on nothing for one minute.  Once you can clear your mind without random intrusive thought for five minutes, you will be able to direct your thoughts with unparalleled discipline.  

This discipline is very helpful in identifying your  true nature.  Clear your mind.  Now you should have enough mental discipline to begin meditating on your personal character traits.  Imagine you are looking into  two mirrors.  One mirror, the dark mirror, reflects your negative categories.  The other mirror, the light mirror, reflects your positive categories.  The light mirror reflects the ideal you... the you that you want to become.  The dark mirror reflects you at your worst. 

EARTH
BODY
STRENGTH

REBELLION
Truth is relative to my perception.  Natural laws are there to be conquered.  Man-made laws are corrupt and represent an abuse of power.  I will disregard the alleged intrinsic consequences of my choices and I will denounce the extrinsic consequences imposed by society, religion and culture.  I am subject to no government or master.
 
ANGER
My desires are of the highest importance.  I have no tolerance for the irrational phases, cycles, or dispositions of others.  Those desires that do not serve my desires are a waste of my time.  Waiting represents a loss of  energy and resources.  Long term goals are futile.   I  live for the moment.

INDULGENCE
I often fixate on pleasure-seeking habits to cope with frustrations or disappointments.  My desires are focused on comfort and self-gratification as an escape from stressful conditions.  I am tempted at times to view people and things in terms of the pleasure they give me, often without regard for the associated negative consequences of my behavior.
 

OBEDIENCE
Truth is the universe as it actually is and not how we perceive it.  Truth is everything that ever has been, everything that is, and everything  that will be.  Truth  is everything, including all of the laws of the universe.  Within the parameters  of  these laws, we are free to choose our thoughts, words, and actions, but we are not free to choose the consequences of those choices.  Consequence of choice is based on the law of the universe.  We are all beholden to the law of the Almighty.

PATIENCE
Time is by divine appointment.  Change is the only constant in mortality.  There is a natural rhythm to  the motion of the universe.  Both things that act and things that are acted upon are part of the flow of these cosmic tides.  The momentum of the natural rhythm of the universe or any system within the universe can be utilized to magnify one's abilities with the right timing.   

VIRTUE
I can take command of my thoughts and learn to exhibit mastery of self and emotions.   I can choose to feel compassion, respect, and other positive emotions.  By the grace of God, I can direct the flow of energy around me in a manner that blesses my life and the lives of those within my sphere of influence.  

WATER
HEART
EMOTION

APATHY
Most people's suffering is a result of the law of cause  and effect.  People reap what they sow, and thus, their trials are not my problems.  I have my own concerns and only a limited amount of resources to take care of myself.  I cannot make a significant difference in the world and should not waste time or energy trying to help people who  probably do not deserve my attention anyway.

VENGEANCE
Life is unfair and enforcing justice is of the utmost importance.  Human nature is morally corrupt and people should be punished for their crimes.  If society will not punish those who offend me, I am justified in enacting my own terms of restitution.  People should be held accountable for their offenses and pay for their crimes with the same amount of suffering they have caused others.  I judge others by their actions; I judge myself by my intentions.
 
CONTEMPT
I am quick to find fault with others. I am often disgusted with how  rude and offensive people are.  I am frequently frustrated by the ignorance,  selfishness and pride of others.  People are generally immoral and unintelligent.  Those who profess morality are hypocrites, disguising their true nature behind a self-righteous facade.  Judgmental people are the worst hypocrites of all. 

CHARITY
I have genuine concern for the welfare of all people.  My compassion extends beyond just material needs, including both the emotional and spiritual  needs of mankind.  I may not sympathize or agree  with all people, but I strive to  empathize and see things from everyone's perspective.  I may judge an action to be evil, but I will uphold the dignity of all people and withhold judgment concerning the character of the offender.  I will treat others as I want to be treated.

FORGIVENESS
I will assume that all people are redeemable.  While I strive to act justly toward all people, I will extend mercy toward those who offend me.  Empathy teaches me that most offenses are the result of misinformation or misunderstanding and should be corrected with kindness.  While I may use force to defend myself or those within my sphere of influence, I will promptly pardon those whom I vanquish.  If my rights are infringed upon, I will transcend resentment and bear my afflictions with patience.

LOVE
I strive to see the best in all people within my sphere of influence at all times.  I am quick to overlook perceived character flaws in my loved ones and readily focus on their good qualities.  I will give my  time, talents, and energy to my loved ones to provide them with the best opportunities to achieve their true  happiness.  I will give unconditionally without expectation of anything in return except the satisfaction and joy that stems from serving my loved one. 

FIRE
MIND
CREATIVITY

IGNORANCE
The best source of knowledge is my own experience.  Other perspectives and opinions are irrelevant or second to mine.  No one can know things beyond the scope and range of their own senses and life experience, and no one can know what I am thinking or feeling.  My native culture, religion, and life choices are the only options of value or real significance. 

IDLENESS
Energy is a limited commodity and should not be expended on futile endeavors.  Fulfillment in life is found through comfort, relaxation and fun.  Time is best spent enjoying the good things that life has to offer in the company of people who do not expect unreasonable effort on my part.  

ENTITLEMENT
I have already paid my dues and earned my spot in the world.  I deserve the best luxuries, comforts and privileges that are available.  My status or the status of my community and family are enough  justification for my wants and needs.  

KNOWLEDGE
I am in the constant pursuit of self-improvement through the acquisition of knowledge.  Truth is often obscured in mortality by those who are ignorant and those who conspire to hide it. By keeping an open mind, studying the  perspectives of others, and relying on inspiration from the Almighty, I can elevate my present condition to higher planes of existence.  

DILIGENCE
I will always endeavor to put forth my best effort in all that I  do and I will not ever give up.  I will define my life goals and reassess my goals frequently.  I will pursue excellence in my chosen life work and provide guidance and service to others so that they can do the same.

GRATITUDE
I will feel and express  joy to the Almighty every day for the challenges, blessings and  inspiration that I receive in mortality.  I will acknowledge the hand of  the Almighty in all of my relationships, my successes, and my good health.  Every breath I take and every day I live is another gift from God.

AIR
SPIRIT
​INTUITION

FEAR
Pain and suffering abound and are inevitable.  God does not hear me, and I have no influence over the forces of the world.  I am nothing more than an accident of evolution and only the strongest, fastest, and smartest animals survive.  Death is the ultimate end.

DESPAIR
Trials are only full of pain, and there is no meaning in suffering.  Life is a series of coincidental accidents  that serve no purpose.  I am a victim of circumstance, and cannot be held accountable for my failures.  My past failures only lead to more failures.
​
ARROGANCE
I am strong and powerful without need of reliance on any  other person.  I am stronger, faster and smarter than most of my competition.  People and circumstances beyond my sphere of influence are inconsequential.  I will physically, mentally or spiritually dominate those who stand in opposition to my needs and wants.

FAITH
In the infinite universe, all things are inevitable.  By attuning myself to the will of God, I can achieve the greatest possible outcome within my sphere of influence in this mortal life.  I can, through the grace of God, increase my self-awareness to higher and higher planes of consciousness until I can withstand the presence of the Almighty.  

HOPE
By attuning my will to the mind of the Almighty, I can see the meaning of my trials and experience growth and joy.  I understand that all suffering serves some purpose that is the means to the end of a greater good.  I believe that my past failures will lead to future successes.

HUMILITY
I am a small part of an infinite universe, and I am interconnected in a meaningful  way.  My perception is generally limited to my five senses and God-given intuition.  I acknowledge that there are realities beyond the scope and range of my senses and that my mind can be opened to new understanding if I trust in possibilities.

FOUR STEPS TO SELF-MASTERY

Step 1:  Choose a positive attribute that you desire to cultivate... OR... Choose a negative attribute that you would like to overcome.  Define that trait clearly and concisely (see examples above positive and negative attributes listed above under "THE ELEMENTS."

Step 2:  Identify the corresponding negative trait of the positive trait you are contemplating or visa versa.  Contemplate both the positive and negative traits.  Remember a time that you succumbed to the negative trait.  Identify the negative consequences of the negative trait, including but not limited to emotional pain, physical pain, loss of relationships, loss of trust, loss of health, loss of security, etc.

Step 3:  Describe the blessing that comes from corresponding positive character trait.  Imagine yourself as the embodiment of that attribute and the recipient of that blessing. Identify the blessings that come from that positive trait, including but not limited to friendship, trust, peace of mind, confidence, increased health, etc.

Step 4:  Breath in the energy of that positive trait.  Visualize the blessings and positive energy filling your entire being.  Feel it becoming part of who you are.   Breath out the energy of the corresponding negative trait.  Visualize the negative energy leaving your body.  Feel your body, mind, and soul being freed from the influence of that negative energy.  

Repeat steps 1- 4 several times for each trait until you begin to believe that you are becoming the new positive trait and that the new positive trait is becoming you.

These four steps are an efficient way to remove negative subconscious programming that occurred earlier in your life.  Most if not all of this subconscious programming occurred without you realizing it was happening.  Some of these negative traits may have become your default response mechanism due to something as common as repetitive negative self-talk.  Other negative traits are rooted more deeply in trauma such as abandonment, emotional abuse or neglect, physical or sexual abuse, being sexualized as a child, fear of failure,  substance abuse, self-medication, or other trials that left psychological or emotional scars.   Some of these more serious causes may require the assistance of a trained therapist or counselor, but these five steps may be used in conjunction with any cognitive therapy.  

Repeat these four steps with every  positive attribute that you desire to become.  Do this everyday when you wake up and before you go to sleep at night.  Pick just one or two traits a day to work on.  Work on those traits as long as you need to in order to commit the trait and its definition (or at least a deep conceptual understanding) to memory.  Once you have mastered one, trait, replace it with a new trait.

Your self-awareness will increase quickly and dramatically.  You will notice a difference within days.  Soon, you will begin to see yourself very objectively.  You will see others reacting involuntarily to negative influences in their lives just as you once did.  Be careful.  Do not try to coach or train others in this method to overcome their problems at this phase.  They will find it when they are ready for it.   Quite possibly, they will notice a difference in you and you will be able to tell them about these five steps without preaching or appearing condescending.

Within a short period of time, you will be able to project yourself outside of your confined, reactionary perspective.  Once you identify what triggers a negative emotion within you, you will be able to replace that negative emotion with its positive counterpart.  As you master the use of the positive trait in difficult situations, you will find that solutions will present themselves like magic. 

As much as is possible, memorize as many of the negative traits that you possess.  Memorize their definitions.  You must memorize the corresponding positive traits and definitions as well.  When you sense a negative stimulus, recite the negative trait to yourself.  Then recite the positive trait and definition.  Like a wizard casting a spell, you will be able to call upon any positive energy you need to overcome any trial.  You will be able to do this on command.

There are additional steps to mastering yourself and the elements of the world around you, but creating this self-awareness and self-mastery is the most important step.  Do not attempt mastery of the elements without identifying all of  your negative character traits and replacing them with the corresponding positive traits.  This may take months or years.  Be patient.

CURRENT MOON

about the moon