Steps in Alchemy Every spiritual system has its steps or phases of development. The Qabalist has his book within the vegetables and the paths regarding the Tree of Life. Mahayana Buddhism teaches its adherents the different bhumis, or grounds that has to be passed; other traditions for example Sufism and Yoga similarly have designated the rungs regarding the spiritual ladder. The 33 degrees of Freemasonry has its prototype within the vetebrae regarding the person spine. Kundalini is supposed to climb 33 rungs prior to she is crowned within the sahasrara chakra.
The Patriarch Jacob was shown in a vision how to climb that spiritual ladder. In Alchemy, teachings differ as to the many stages required; some adepts propound 5, 7, 9, 12, or even 14 steps. We decide to deal briefly with the following seven steps: two Sanctification 3 Purification 4 Putrefaction 5 Fermentation six Combustion seven Regeneration 7 Atonement Sanctification Sanctification is the act of consecration, of rendering blessed an object; or within the case regarding the spiritual path, the act of committing or consecrating one's life to an occult, esoteric purpose and objective. This step is undertaken when one, like Kaspar or Melchior, who saw the Star, and was determined to follow it despite obstacles, obstructions and hindrances. Psychologically, the determination to follow and look a project to its ultimate conclusion shall be spoke about to be an expression of sanctification.
Sanctification is an initiation which offers a test of one's sincerity, of being true to one's Self, to one's principles, and to the vows undertaken at the time of sanctification, which shall atom structure be within the shape of a mystical ceremony. Once an lone is sanctified, the eyes regarding the spiritual hierarchy are focused upon him, guiding, guarding, inspiring, and strengthening his newly-born Jesus mind, as symbolised by the Nativity. Every step regarding the Method brightens the aura regarding the alchemist, expanding his consciousness and mind to greater frontiers, to greater realities; he develops a keener sense of awareness, comprehension, and appreciation of cosmic verities. The alchemist sanctifying his life not ever cease to disperse from his 4 decreased bodies the heavy particles that bind him below to mortality and limitation; and incorporating within his principles the atoms of an ethereal nature, conducive to his functioning in higher planes of consciousness. Purification Purification is the result regarding the diet, the spiritual discipline which the alchemist undertakes.
By strict adherence to the laws of a spiritual ethical code, the process of purification goes underway. Purification is processed below 3 principles: two The raising regarding the vibratory rates regarding the atomic structures and atoms within the decreased components of Man. 3 The dispersion of foul reason and toxins which corrupts the sheaths. 4 The prevention regarding the accretion of heavy atoms which densifies the sheaths and entombs the soul. In esoteric Christianity, purification is represented by the Baptism.
The soul being washed within the fluids regarding the Cosmic Sea, gradually changes its garments into Jesus substance, and emerges into an special world of Light. First Adam donned clothes of skin, the final Adam dons the apparel regarding the spiritual body. Purification is an on-going process. It not ever ceases as evolution not ever halts to the spot of non-progression. Impurity in Person conclusions in a negative attitude and behaviour-pattern, a tamasic expression that creates an lone sluggish in his ways.
Records of karmic sins lodge within the heart seed atom and within the 4 decreased principles. To the clairvoyant eye, these are seen as blackish-grayish clouds resembling the pollution emanating from an non-residential center. The alchemist purifies and purges these astral, physical, and mental toxins from his system by living in harmony with the Tao, and by undertaking spiritual exercises drafted to cleanse his being. It is the dark substances that prevents man's union with God, and with the freedom to function in higher planes of consciousness. Love, Life, and Light are detergents that washes and baptizes the soul within the River Jordon.
Such divine qualities should be allowed to unfold within one's nature. Putrefaction All things leave through the change called death, that is really a transformation into an special state of expression. The life ensouling the form, or which gave shape its expression can not ever be destroyed or annihilated. Molecules shall break from its mass, atoms shall disunite from one another and explode into a shower of electrons, but with all of this apparent destruction of identity, a law so profound operates which gives birth to an special being arising from the ashes regarding the old. Putrefaction is an intensification regarding the process already commenced within the previous steps.
Astral and mental toxins are dispersed from the spiritual structure of Person by the cleansing force, the Blessed Fire, and disintegrating and decomposing the effluvia regarding the decreased realms parasiting upon Man's fears and ignorance, creating it likely for the laying regarding the foundations for the transmutation of tomb into temple. Like the Freemason, the alchemist has to construct a temple not created with hands; a temple worthy enough for the occupation and procedure regarding the Ego. In this putrefying stage, the alchemist resembles a cocoon who works upon itself internally; habitual thoughts and emotions that are not of an Ascended Master quality are decomposed and released into the Cosmic incinerator. The principle of change is symbolised by the Transfiguration of Jesus. Elijah representing Fire, and Moses--Water, are the wisdom and like aspects of buddhi that impregnates and fertilizes the Seed of Gold within Man.
Focus upon the solar principle, God's living fire, is a sure method of burning the dross, the dispersal of impurities, and the transmutation of tamas-rajasic metals of man's principles into qualities of gold. Fire quickens the buddhic seed within our being, awakening it into activity; H2o purifies the seed giving it freedom to grow, and nourishing it at the similar to time. It is spoke about that putrefaction is the principle KEY to the process regarding the Transmutation. It is the agent which accelerates growth. The momentum is increased at each succeeding step regarding the way.
Fermentation Subsequent to undergoing the previous stage of putrefaction, one then undergoes fermentation, that is represented in Person of christ mysticism by the Passion, the agony of Jesus at Getsamene. Mystics regarding the Person of christ tradition call this spiritual condition, the Dark Night regarding the Soul. Chemically, fermentation is the breaking up of complex compounds, changing it into other structures with the aid of an agent for example yeast. Psychologically, it is a time of intense psychic activity where doubts assail one's deepest convictions and beliefs to their very root. A person not ever knows the stuff he is created of until tried and tested by life and his rebounding karma.
When person becomes fixed in his attitudes and outlook, denying the possibilities of soul-culture and development, when he gets complacent concerning his location within the scale of evolution and refuses to budge further, then Nature returns to the rescue acting as yeast should do in initiating a forced change in a compound, which in this case, is the complex being called Man. This forced change returns within the shape of tests and trials; and all of his previous beliefs and misconceptions are analyzed as to their purported price in sustaining his equilibrium, saneness, and comprehension of life. Students of Alchemy are advised by adepts to volatilize that that is fixed and to stabilize that that is volatized. Esoterically, this implies that one has to liberate one's self from all delusions, glamour, illusions, and the ignorance of not knowing; to shift one's focus from the unreal to the Real, and to live in eternity and Truth. This activity of conversion, or renewing regarding the mind, is the result of fermentation, and it is usually undertaken below the supervision of an adept-master who introduces the natural state, or the Clean Light to the initiate when judged to be ready.
Combustion Subsequent to experiencing the Dark Night regarding the Soul regarding the previous step, the alchemist is faced with a greater test, that regarding the Dark Night regarding the Spirit, where one feels forsaken and cut-off from one's source of being, from the encouragement, inspiration, and help from one's teachers and loved ones. Accumulated karma of past embodiments returns in full force with apparently no mercy, but by remembering that The god does not release more trials than Person can bear, the alchemist-initiate creates it through like Old Job. Within the state of crucifixion, which symbolizes combustion, the emotions and mind on their respective planes are literally on fire, or conflagration. One overcomes this period by being self reliant, dependent upon one's own resources. Consequently apparently neglected, the suffering initiate is not ever alone.
Combustion causes a reaction, an upheaval in Man's soul, that is accompanied by bliss and pain, symbolised by light and heat. Jesus expressed this paradoxical state when on one paw with agony he cried out, My God, my God, howcome hast thou forsaken me? Mark 15:34, and on the other, subsequent to recognizing his error in presuming separation, with total surrender he entered the blissful state by decreeing to the Supreme One that is supposed to have left him: Father, into thy hands I command my heart Luke 23:46. What causes combustion, alchemically speaking, is God's all-consuming fire. With its descent upon one's psyche, the intensity regarding the Light temporary induces spiritual blindness, causing the delusion that darkness had fallen upon the soul. While surrounded by Light, one gropes around in seeming darkness.
With the descent of Divine Fire, a conflagration is begun within the emotions and mind, generating pain and agony, that is later subdued by being accustomed to God's face. It is spoke about that no one sees the face of The god and live; what perishes are the final remnants regarding the false ego, and the active identification with the carnal self. Person dies to his decreased self but lives within the glory of his greater Self. The presence of fire prepares one for the next stage of regeneration, with which it plays a vital role. Combustion is the baptism of Fire and the Blessed Ghost as promised by Peter the Harbinger.
From the esoteric anatomical perspective, combustion is triggered by kundalinic activity. As the fiery serpent ascends in sushumna, sensations of heat, cold heat, is felt along the spine. Regeneration All religions fundamentally, are concerned with regenerating Man, in laying the foundations for the regenerative process to proceed. It is the esoteric side of religion that puts Person into active contact with higher forces and principles that activates the regenerative phase of Man's spiritual development. Misguided by dogmatic teachings regarding the Church, the average Person of christ believes in a literal resurrection from the grave at the Final Judgment; however, when interpreted esoterically, Paul's writings present a wealth of facts concerning the regenerative process.
For instance, he declared that for as in Adam all die, even so in Jesus shall all be created alive I Corinthians 15:22. Adam, or the carnal self, causes the incarnating entity to be dead to higher realities. He operates his bodies sluggishly like a zombie. By contrast, when the prodigal son absorbs the universal Jesus substance, and Jesus Consciousness emanating from his higher principles, he then functions below the direction of a higher intelligence. He commences his life living in Truth and in eternity.
Regeneration consequently, begins to occur within his 4 decreased bodies, even transmuting the corporeal shape into the Body of Light. To be created alive in Jesus requires a sure spiritual discipline to be exercised. But sadly, the average lone prefers believing rather than knowing and doing. It is the destiny of Person to attain what Jesus had attained within the resurrection, and thus Paul advised the Romans: But if the Heart of him that raiseth up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raiseth up Jesus from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Heart that dwelleth in you Romans 8:11. If the Heart should dwell in us for a quickening, then there should be a method for inviting the Heart to dwell in our bodies, mere beliefs and faith are insufficient to invoke the Paraclete, the Blessed Spirit.
When relied upon Nature's pace of evolution and development, the regeneration of Person shall need eons to accomplish. By entering the straight and narrow gate, the Path of Return, the Prodigal Som shall accelerate the regenerative process and quickly deify himself in his Father's arms. It is spoke about that good men don't ever die, they basically fade away. Enoch, the good antediluvian prophet was one such an lone who basically faded away. It is recorded in Genesis that he walked with The god and then he was not.
There exists basically 3 interpretations to this statement: one, the done elimination and non-identification with the false self, the false ego; and two, the etherealization regarding the physical body. Subsequent to successfully treading the different phases regarding the way, the alchemist returns to a spot where a greater influx regarding the rays regarding the Higher Self descends and takes active manage regarding the 4 decreased bodies. Every cell within the physical body is vitalized by this Paraclete and raised to a higher state of vibration resulting like a side effect, youth and a renewed power. Life is prolonged within the form, and all diseases that plague humankind returns to no effect. Psychologically, regeneration causes a spiritualization regarding the character regarding the alchemist.
Morals, ethics and principles held by the alchemist are unfolded and applied from the divine perspective. Every smile displayed and directed by the master alchemist to a recipient returns with a special blessing and force that is subtly felt projected from the heart center regarding the alchemist. From the above it shall be deduced that regeneration is represented by the Master Jesus' resurrection. Regeneration causes the unfoldment regarding the Seed of Gold within Person to mature, and preparing him for the final stage which concludes his path of transmutation. Atonement Exoterically, atonement is the reparation of any wrong or injury done to another.
Esoterically, atonement is at-one-ment, the unio mystica, or oneness between Person and God. It is the ascension in which Person is unified with his I AM Presence. This is the conclusion regarding the path of person salvation, the attainment of alchemical gold. Many tests and trials have been passed, many initiations undergone. The Seed regarding the Tree of Life planted in Man's Edenic consciousness has matured and is bearing fruit of God-qualities.
Person attains his high estate by personal effort and labor and not by depending upon another's merit and endeavors for his exaltation into the Light. This differentiates the Master soul from the puerile person being. Differentiation and separation are illusory, the projection of Maya. As Person unites with the One, he assumes the resemblance regarding the One; he has grown into God's image and becomes the Sun Initiate the, Symbol of Wisdom, the Center of Power, or the Heart of Things. The Initiate, by virtue of being one with his Sun principle, is an enlightened mind and illumined being.
Atonement is the culmination regarding the alchemist's spiritual labour within the long process of purifying, refining, and improving the quality of his metals. The principles of Right Thinking, Right Speaking, and Right Action some regarding the elements of Divine Thinking are conducive in effecting the transformation regarding the different sheaths. The alchemists lives in a state of constant meditation and prayer, 24-hours a day, prior to his ascension. Like the Sufis, the names of Allah are continually upon his lips and mind. The spiritual practice of zikir, or remembrance, is applied devotedly by the maturing initiate.
The alchemist is an active seeker for the kingdom of The god within. In Esoteric Christianity, the principles, or the Panacea for attaining the transcendental state, and expanding the consciousness to embrace Solar Consciousness is provided as Conviction, Contrition, Confession, Consecration, and Communion. Conclusion Whenever Person stalls in his evolution, the intelligences regarding the spiritual hierarchy release a method out within the shape of an special religion, philosophy, science, or art. Alchemy is at once all of these, and ever since its advent into the Mysteries, a profound inquiry had been created by aspirants and seekers as to the likely processes involved in effecting a transmutation. Confused by jargon and the real goal of alchemy, the average student of alchemy spends wasted time, funds, and life trying to probe the secrets regarding the science.
Sincerity, faith and perseverance were, and still are the keys that unlock the portal to a master's heart; and with his aid and guidance, a higher understanding and appreciation are acquired by the aspirant. Though still dismissed like a pseudo-science by technological scientists, alchemy's price like a psycho-spiritual tool for Man's transformation cannot be denied when understood in its entirety. It only takes a mind of purity, freed from bigotry and intellectualism to grow to like little child within the arms regarding the Divine Mother, or Sophia, sequential to grasp the essential principles of alchemy which radiates so many light for the wayfarer to book him to his destination.
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