Creative Alchemy
I am a Creative Alchemist, what exactly am I referring to?
I found an excellent description of alchemy in Sheila Ostrander and Lynn Schroeder’s book, ‘Psychic Discoveries’.
“Alchemy has long been misunderstood in the West as some sort of maniacal desire to turn base metals into gold. In actuality, for the alchemist, power over matter and energy is only a secondary goal. The real aim of the alchemist’s activities (which some think stem from the ancient science of a long-extinct civilization) is the transformation of the alchemist himself, his accession to a higher state of consciousness. Everything is orientated towards the transmutation of the man himself, towards his spiritual liberation and his fusion with “divine energy”. One of the great psychiatrists of our time, Dr. Carl G. Jung, felt alchemy might be one of the keys to understanding the strange workings of the mind.”
They go on, “In the course of working towards a higher degree of consciousness, the alchemist was to learn, as a by-product, the true nature of the universe, how to control all matter, the secrets of generating and liberating energy, the universal cure of all illness, and the secret of indefinitely prolonging life.”
On a basic level this definition aligns closely to my aspirations, but what does it mean in ‘real life’, and why ‘Creative Alchemy?’
I am an artist and researcher of inspiring relationships and creative endeavours, I love exploring the unknown and examining the varied, transitory, and multi-dimensional world. At the outset I am multi-talented and creative, as are many of you. I paint, play music, read, write, think, deduct, hike, garden, analyse, contribute, heal, share, laugh, cry, walk, eat -essentially live; always with an eye on the amazing beauty of the earth, the people and all that inhabit this incredible universe. My desire is to leave a positive imprint on the planet using humble intelligence and a bit of cheeky daring. Calculated risk taking is an important part of learning.
At the foundation of Alchemy is the understanding of the connections and transmutations of matter but this is an inclusive, not exclusive, process involving relationships between the human, animal, plant and mineral kingdoms, the universe and spirit-soul. This all-encompassing study involves all of us. By understanding, through creative thinking, intelligence, observation, interaction, I learn more about myself and the world I inhabit. This is not a solo study, an Ivory Tower career, essentially this study of alchemy involves interactions – what you and the world teach me and what I teach the world, through living, communicating and creating.
The tools for this study are intent, connection and creativity, not elitism and exclusivity. My most treasured memories of mentors are of incredible, exemplary humans who did not consider themselves superior to others. Yes, they liked seclusion, to be private, guarded and protected, because they were realistic about their abilities and the human proclivity to intrude or follow. Because they had skills other people wanted; to feel, get close to, copy, learn from, they required privacy to maintain mental space, physical well-being, creativity and harmony, so that they could share their gifts with the utmost impact.
I treasure autonomy and interdependence but most of all I love creating, using my skills, my knowledge to further my own alchemic transmutation. Sharing this knowledge with others brings me closer to my end goal of fusion with ‘divine energy’. The divine within speaks to my heart; the inner Sun catalysing our endeavours -together we turn life to gold, liberating ourselves.
What liberation means to you and me may be different, just like the fox trotting through the yonder field and the butterfly on my tomato plants have different life-goals, as do the amazing variety of people on earth. A Creative Alchemist takes this multiplicity into account in pursuing knowledge and transformation.
Creative Alchemy is inclusive and applies to all endeavors, including Business and Personal Management.
The divine within speaks to my heart; the inner Sun catalysing our endeavours -together we turn life to gold, liberating ourselves.