The Alchemists, by fusing elements of philosophy and science, embarked on a daring quest to transmute “base metals” into the precious “noble metals,” akin to turning lead into gold. While their metallurgical ambitions proved unattainable, their tireless pursuit left behind a priceless framework for delving into the profound depths of human capability.

Inked in my skin is the symbol of an alchemical process.

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Alchemy, a mystical precursor to modern chemistry, offers a unique lens through which we can examine personal transformation. It delineates a journey of seven distinct stages, each encompassing chemical, physiological, and psychological metamorphoses. Let’s delve into these stages, unraveling their intricacies to gain a deeper understanding of our personal growth.

I. Calcination: The Baptism by Fire

Calcination, our initiation, involves a fiery purification. It’s akin to burning away the ego and attachments, just as substances are reduced to ashes.

Physiologically, it’s akin to fine-tuning our body through metabolic discipline, shedding excesses, and attaining a lean and efficient physique.

Psychologically, this operation involves the destruction of ego and our attachments to material possessions.

Calcination is usually a natural humbling process as we are gradually assaulted and overcome by the trials and tribulations of life, though it can be a deliberate surrender of our inherent hubris gained through a variety of spiritual disciplines that ignite the fire of introspection and self- evaluation. In society, the Calcination is expressed in the lives of revolutionaries, conquerors, and other warriors who try to overthrow the status quo.

II. Dissolution: Unveiling the Unconscious Depths

Dissolution extends the Black Phase, carrying forward the purification journey.

Psychologically, Dissolution represents a further breaking down of the artificial structures of the psyche by total immersion in the unconscious, the rejected part of our consciousness.

Within the alchemist, the dissolving Water of Dissolution can take the form of dreams, voices, visions, and strange feelings which reveal a less ordered and less rational world existing simultaneously with our everyday life. During Dissolution, the conscious mind lets go of control to allow the surfacing of buried material and tied up energy. Dissolution can be experienced as “flow,” the bliss of being well-used and actively engaged in creative acts without personal hang-ups or established hierarchy getting in the way. In society, the process of steady growth through gradual Dissolution is exemplified by monastic, nature-based, or agrarian lifestyles.

Physiologically, Dissolution is the continuance of the opening-up of energy channels in the body to recharge and elevate every single cell.

III. Separation: Discerning What Truly Matters

Separation marks the discernment phase, where we sift through the remnants of the previous stages. Just as in a laboratory, we filter out impurities, both in the physical and psychological realms. We critically review hidden aspects, choosing what to discard and what to reintegrate into our refined personality.

Psychologically, this process is the rediscovery of our essence and the reclaiming of dream and visionary “gold” previously rejected by the masculine, rational part of our minds. It is, for the most part, a conscious process in which we review formerly hidden material and decide what to discard and what to reintegrate into our refined personality. Much of this shadowy material is things we are ashamed of or were taught to hide away by our parents, churches, and schooling. Separation is letting go of the self-inflicted restraints to our true nature, so we can shine through. The process of Separation retrieves the frozen energy released from the breaking down of habits and crystallised thoughts (assumptions, beliefs, and prejudices) and hardened feelings (emotional blockages, neuroses, and phobias). This misspent energy is now available to drive our spiritual transformation. In Society, Separation is expressed as the establishment of clans, cities, and nationalities.

Physiologically, Separation is following and controlling the breath in the body as it works with the forces of Spirit and Soul to give birth to new energy and physical renewal.

IV. Conjunction: The Union of Masculine and Feminine Sides

Conjunction represents the union of our masculine and feminine aspects, leading to a new belief system or intuitive state of consciousness. It empowers our true selves, paving the way for lasting enlightenment. This stage often manifests as synchronicities and profound personal transformation.

Physiologically, Conjunction is using the body’s sexual energies for personal transformation. Conjunction takes place in the body at the level of the Heart .

Psychologically, Conjunction is empowerment of our true selves, the union of both the masculine and feminine sides of our personalities into a new belief system or an intuitive state of consciousness. The alchemists referred to it as the Lesser Stone, and after it is achieved, the adept is able to clearly discern what needs to be done to achieve lasting enlightenment. Often synchronicities begin to occur at this stage that confirm the alchemist is on the right track in his or her personal transformation. In society, it is the growth of crafts and technology to master the environment.

V. Fermentation: The Revival of Spirit

Fermentation, a two-step process, initiates with Putrefaction, where matter decomposes and then revitalizes in spirit.

We see this process most clearly in the making of wine. First, the grapes are “sacrificed” or crushed to release their essences in the juice. Then, Putrefaction begins as the juice is allowed to decompose and rot. Next, a white layer of digesting bacteria arises that begins the process of Fermentation. Finally, the new life force “conquers” the original identity of the grape juice and supplants it with a new and higher presence or life. This higher presence is release during the next operation (Distillation), which produces the true Spirit of Wine (its alcohol), which contains the purified essence of grapes.

Psychologically, this process is the death of the feeble (or unstable) Child of the Conjunction that will eventually result in its resurrection to a new level of being. Fermentation starts with the inspiration of spiritual power from Above that reanimates, energises, and enlightens the alchemist. Out of the blackness of the alchemist’s despair (Putrefaction) comes a brilliant display of colours and meaningful visions. Fermentation can be achieved through various activities that include intense prayer, desire for mystical union, breakdown of the personality, transpersonal therapy, drugs, and deep meditation. Thus, personal Fermentation is living inspiration from something totally beyond us. In society, the Fermentation experience is the basis of religion and mystical awareness.

Physiologically, Fermentation is the rousing of living energy in the body to heal and vivify. It is expressed as vibratory tones and spoken truths emerging from the Throat.

VI. Distillation: Purification and Renewal

Distillation revolves around releasing volatile essences from confinement and condensing them into a pure form. It’s a process of purification, ensuring that no impurities from our lower selves persist. Physiologically, Distillation elevates the life force to the brain, rejuvenating and energizing the entire being.

Psychologically, Distillation is the agitation and sublimation of psychic forces is necessary to ensure that no impurities from the inflated ego or deeply submerged id are incorporated into the next and final stage. Personal Distillation consists of a variety of introspective techniques that raise the content of the psyche to the highest level possible, free from sentimentality and emotions, cut off even from one’s personal identity. Distillation is the purification of the unborn Self — all that we truly are and can be. In society, the Distillation experience is expressed as science and objective experimentation.

Physiologically, Distillation is raising the life force repeatedly from the lower regions in the cauldron of the body to the brain (what Oriental alchemists called the Circulation of the Light), where it eventually becomes a wondrous solidifying light full of power.

VII. Coagulation: The Final Transformation

Coagulation represents the ultimate stage, where base elements transmute into the incorruptible. It signifies the release of the Elixir, rejuvenating both body and mind.

On the mental level, Coagulation is first sensed as a new confidence that is beyond all things, though many experience it as a Second Body of golden coalesced light, a permanent vehicle of consciousness that embodies the highest aspirations and evolution of mind. Coagulation incarnates and releases the soul, the Astral Body. The alchemists believed they could exist on all levels of reality. In society, it is the living wisdom in which everyone exists within the same light of evolved consciousness and knowledge of Truth.

On the bodily level, this stage is marked by the release of the Elixir in the blood that rejuvenates the body into a perfect vessel of health. A brain ambrosia is said to be released through the interaction of light from the pineal gland and matter from the pituitary. This heavenly food or viaticum both nourishes and energises the cells without any waste products being produced. These physiological and psychological processes create the Second Body, a body of solid light that emerges through the Crown.. On the planetary level, Coagulation is a return to the Garden of Eden, this time on a higher level in tune with the divine mind.

In society, Coagulation symbolizes the attainment of wisdom and heightened consciousness. It’s a state where everyone coexists within the same light of evolved awareness and holds knowledge of fundamental truths.

As we traverse these seven stages, we uncover the essence of our being. It’s a journey from inner chaos to harmonious enlightenment—a process akin to turning base metals into gold or transforming ourselves into the best version of who we can be.