Alchemy: The Forgotten Science of Spirituality

As a practitioner of herbal medicine, I love making teas and tinctures.  A few years ago I purchased several glass jars in which to store my dried herbs.  Reading the label stating Hermetically Sealed Jars, a thought occurred to me – “Alchemy is a strange thing.”  Everyone knows of it, but nobody seems to know about it.  With the exception of those few students of esotericism, the concepts and ideals of Alchemy seems to be greatly misunderstood among the common populous.   At the very best, the average person has been exposed to Alchemy only through cartoons, movies, comic books and popular media.  What is failed to be realized is the tremendous impact Alchemy has had on human evolution and civilization.

The word Alchemist generally conjures images of greedy wizards working tirelessly to turn lead in gold.  While it’s indeed true that the production of gold was central to many schools of Alchemy, the Alchemist was certainty not a mere money-maker focused on financial gain.  Although charlatans do exist in any professional arena, and there have certainty been fraudulent Alchemist throughout history, the true Alchemist was a holy-philosopher seeking to transmute the lead of his worldly existence in to the pure gold of spiritual illumination.  Alchemy is in fact the oldest form of Science.  It is the foundation of modern Chemistry, Physics, Engineering, Medicine and Pharmacology.  Every facet of modern science owes its existence to the ancient craft of Alchemy.  Yet, the average person knows very little of what is called The Royal Art.

The Alchemists were spiritual-scientists that explored the supernatural realm questing for the ultimate truth of existence.  Among the fruits of their labor, they would produce for the modern world advanced systems of Chemistry, Anatomy, Psychology, Astronomy and Spirituality.  They were Inventors, Philosophers, Doctors and Blacksmiths as well as being Shamans, Priest, Healers, and Sages.  Most importantly, the Alchemists laid the foundation for those wishing to explore the vast mysteries of existence.

Alchemy is a broad term which can refer to any number of traditions from around the globe.  Many ancient cultures, including those of China, India, Europe and the Middle East, have had long standing Alchemical traditions which can still be observed today.  Alchemy is said to have originated in Ancient Egypt where the God Thoth - called Hermes Trismegistus in Greek - first inscribed the knowledge of Alchemical Operations on an Emerald Tablet.  The Emerald Tablet of Hermes the Three-Times-Great describes the “certain truth” that makes any physical or spiritual science possible.

Alchemy can be described as a process of spiritual evolution involving both the experiment and the experimenter.  It is a way of expediting the natural evolution of the universe in a manner observable by the limited view of the Human Being.  That is to say, Alchemy seeks to speed-up nature’s inherent process of evolution. This is done through both physical Chemistry, involving the production and consumption of various Alchemical medicines, and through a process of internal prayer and visualization meditation.  Alchemy functions under the postulate: “As Above, So Below.”  This can be understood in one way to mean that the Physical Realm affects the Spiritual Realm and vice versa.  This can also mean that the mundane, worldly existence has, in actuality, the same qualities inherent in the invisible, spiritual word.  Alchemists work to release these spiritual qualities in their chemical operations and, more importantly, within themselves.  

While I was in school for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, I was told by one instructor that all of Chinese Medicine came about in ancient times via Alchemists seeking to produce an Elixir of Immortality.  Their quest would lead them to classify many medicinal herbs, create charts of human energetic circulation and produce one of the most advanced medical systems on Earth.  From the tradition of Chinese Alchemy also emerges the practice of Qi Gong, which can be viewed as Chinese Internal Alchemy.  This practice involves physical exercises in combination with deep breathing and meditation to produce Alchemical processes in the body and spirit in order to achieve Immortality.  The Philosophy of Chinese Taoism views the concept of becoming an Immortal as more akin to being Spiritually Enlightened than simply living forever or being unable to die.  The Taoist Immortals, those who successfully created and consumed the Elixir of Immortality, were imbued with great wisdom, fortune and endless inner contentment.   The search for Immortality was not without its casualties, as it is reported that many Chinese Alchemists died consuming concoctions containing Cinnabar – a mineral containing high a level of mercury.

The Alchemy of India is well document and Alchemical Philosophy is woven into Schools of Esoteric Hinduism, Buddhism and Yoga.  Some consider the Indian-Buddhist Philosopher and Alchemist Nagarjuna to be the Father of modern Chemistry, having developed or improved upon many of the apparatus necessary for chemical operations.  Buddhist and Hindu Deities are often shown consuming Amrita, the Nectar of Immortality described in the Indian creation myth The Churning of the Ocean.  Some Buddhas even bear names indicative of Alchemical thought such as the Buddha Amitayus – a name which literally means ‘Infinite Life.’

Medieval European Alchemy is possibly the most widely known tradition of Alchemy.  This tradition would influence every major school of European thought from Freemasonry to Christianity and give rise to Alchemical Fraternities such as the Germanic Order of the Gold and Rosy Cross.  The main objective of the Alchemist was to create a Philosopher’s Stone, a miraculous substance which brings any other substance to it pinnacle of physical and spiritual evolution.  That is to say, it would turn lead into gold and human beings into spiritual immortals.

The use of Spagyric, or Herbal Alchemy, in Europe would help lead to the discovery and use of drugs as healing agents.  In Spagyrics, an herb would be broken into its fundamental parts and recombined to form a healing medicine.  This process would lead to first extracting of herbal chemical compounds, such as extracting Salicylic Acid from White Willow Bark, effectively producing healing drugs such as Aspirin.  The Royal Art of Alchemy would come to decline and in 1661 Robert Boyle published a document titled “The Skeptical Chemist.”    This publication would put into question the entire Theology and Philosophy of Alchemy, citing mathematical formulae to explain alchemical operations.  To be a Chemist was to take on the physical and mental components of Alchemy, while leaving its spiritual essence behind.

However obscure these ancient traditions of Alchemy may seem, their influences cannot be ignored. From prescription medication to hermetically sealed jars, Alchemy is part of Human history.  Perhaps it is even one of most important parts of history.

Spiritual Protection for the Paranormal Investigator

In the realm of paranormal investigation - particularly in the investigation of ghostly phenomena - spirituality and superstition often run side-by-side with scientific skepticism and critical reasoning.  More often than not, the paranormal investigator is forced to walk a thin line between the modern and ancient paradigms of human reality.  Whereas the paranormal investigator may want to remain skeptical, it is also important to have an understanding of the traditional views of spiritual existence.  Conversely, the investigator who is driven by a particular faith should also look to science and reasoning to lend credibility to religious concepts.

Skepticism is supremely important in the study of paranormal phenomena.  It is the extreme critical thinking of the paranormal community that will lend any credibility to claims of the extraordinary.  The well trained paranormal investigator will always seek out the simplest, most logical explanation to any claim of paranormal activity.  Suggesting a paranormal scenario is done only after ruling out all other more conventional possibilities.  In this way, even ardent skeptics will be more likely to consider findings of paranormal evidence.

However skeptical one may wish to remain, apprehension about the spiritual unknown may linger.  Fear of being harmed by an invisible entity is a reasonable concern if one is willing to entertain the idea of the existence of extraordinary, spiritual or ghostly beings.  The question may then be: how does the investigator protect himself or herself from possible paranormal harm without losing the skepticism which is so essential to paranormal research?

Consider this analogy:  You are camping in an area not known to have bears.  One local man says he may have seen a bear, but isn't quite sure.  Park rangers assure you that there are no bears in the region.  You may not necessarily believe the local man - but you may still want to bring your bear mace.  The same is true with paranormal investigation.  One can remain scientifically skeptical while at the same time taking precautions to be protected spiritually.

There are a variety of alleged dangers to be met while seeking out paranormal forces.  These can range from intimidation by an invisible entity to physical harm and even spirit possession.  It is important to remember that none of these dangers are scientifically proven to exist and that it is imperative for the investigator to maintain an open, yet skeptical mind.  It can be all too easy to "psych our selves out" or imagine some spiritual harm if we are not actively practicing our critical skepticism.  Whether or not these dangers are a reality is yet to be determined.  However, in the world of the paranormal, is always better to be safe than sorry.

Many investigators will agree that those who are the most fearful are often the first ones allegedly harmed by a spirit.  This may not be unlike a predatory animal attacking the weakest member of a herd first.  It may therefore be important to reduce fear and anxiety while investigating and maintain a strong, focused mind.  Some investigators may use the protection rituals of a particular faith, such as calling on the Archangel Michael for assistance.  Many may not feel such a thing is necessary.  Some, however, may want to use a spiritual protection, but do not know how.

The following practice is a simple visualization exercise based on my own experience as an Ordained Minister, a practitioner of Eastern and Western Esotericism and a student of various forms of spirituality.  The practice is designed to be employed by people of all and any faiths and "The Divine" is to be interpreted in accordance with one's own spiritual beliefs.  For those less spiritual or more scientifically oriented, practices like this can be thought of as a kind of psychosomatic self-suggestion to reduce anxiety in potentially paranormal situations.  In summary, practices like these can help one be less fearful of the unknown regardless of faith or spiritual orientation.  The following practice should be done prior to an investigation in a quiet and calm area.

Basic Spiritual Protection Visualization

• Close your eyes and take a moment to focus on your breathing.  Clear your mind.
• Say a short prayer silently asking the Divine for protection from any possible physical or spiritual dangers.
• Imagine a sphere of pure, white light surrounding your body.
• Take a moment to clearly visualize yourself at the center of the pure light sphere.
• Imagine a protective symbol - such as a Cross, Vajra, Star of David, OM Symbol or Pentagram -  made of iron outside of the sphere in front of you.
• See the iron symbol multiplying many times - surrounding the sphere of light -  forming a solid spiritual armor of iron and light.
• Take a moment to feel the protective power of this divine, impenetrable shield surrounding you on all sides.
• Give a short prayer of thanks to the Divine and slowly open your eyes.
• Allow the feeling of Divine Protection to stay with you throughout the investigation.

This practice can be personalized to fit the needs of the individual.  One may additionally choose to wear a pendant of the chosen protective symbol.  The incorporation of other traditional protective elements such as holy water, sea salt, talismans, protective herbs and religious images may also be employed.  

Whether or not one feels a practice like this is necessary for the paranormal investigator, few will argue against the notion that preparedness is the key to safety.  Keeping a first aid kit and cell phone handy is just as important as protective visualizations.  Being prepared for all possible dangers, be they mundane or spiritual, will increase the chances of a rewarding, successful and safe investigation. 

The Mystery of the Longyou Caves

In the summer of 1992, in Quzhou, China, a man set out to dispel a myth.  A local legend of the small village of Shiyanbei told that the ponds in the rural area were no ordinary ponds.  They were thought to be bottomless, inexhaustible water sources and were called by the villagers "The Unfathomable Swags."  Many in the village had attempted to measure the depth of the ponds without success.  The man, Wu Anai, had long had been curious about the ponds.  Were they indeed bottomless or were they, as Wu suspected, the surface of naturally eroded cave entrances?

With the help of three other villagers and several water pumps, Wu began to drain the water from the pond.  After three days of pumping, there appeared to be no end in sight.  It took a full 17 days to pump all the water out of one of the ponds.  While successfully proving that the pond did indeed have a bottom, the draining of the pond revealed an even more staggering mystery.  These were not simple, natural caves.  The bottom of the pond had man-made steles and a carved-stone staircase leading downward.  

What was eventually discovered was a massive complex of 24 underground grottoes carved into solid sandstone.  Each cave descends nearly 100 feet into the earth and many contain intricately carved columns, bridges, pool-like depressions and detailed murals.  The 24 separate caves do not seem to connect to each other, although all have identically matching parallel chiseling marks carved at precise angles.

The mysteries of the caves are vast.  It is estimated that over 1 million cubic meters of rocks had to have been removed for their construction.  This would have taken 1,000 people working 24 hours a day an approximated six years to complete - and this doesn't even take into account the engineering and artistic planning that would have been necessary.  The method of excavation is also perplexing. The uniform, parallel markings indicate a unique and laborious method of quarrying.

There is also the question of who may have built these unusual caves.  There are no records of the caves in any ancient Chinese manuscripts.  This is especially curious since the empires of China are known for meticulous record keeping.  Could these caves be the remains of an ancient, unknown Chinese civilization or is it possible the records of the caves have been destroyed by an Emperor who wouldn't have wanted his own accomplishments overshadowed?

Experts are still unsure what the purpose of the caves may have been.  Some have suggested that the caves were giant tombs for an Emperor, yet no funerary artifacts have been found.  Others have suggested that they were ancient palaces, but the open arrangement of the interior of the caves seems to contradict this idea.  Still others have postulated that the caves were military stations, but the length of time and detailed construction makes it unlikely that they were carved in preparation for war.   

Adding to the mystery, the caves seems to show no signs of corrosion despite being submerged in water for such a long time.  There are no signs of water damage, no dislodged rock piles and no evidence of damage from seismic movement or natural disasters.  How is it that these caves have the seemingly miraculous ability to defy the ravages of time?

The Longyou Caves remain a timeless mystery.  Were they built by ancient aliens?  Were they the product of an unknown, advanced civilization now long forgotten?  Whatever the origins, their legacy lives on in the minds of those who revel in the mysteries of our strange universe. 

Our Solar System's Alien Visitor

In October of 2017 our solar system had an alien visitor.  What was first called a comet, and then an asteroid was finally determined to be the first interstellar body of it's kind that human beings have witnessed.  This was an object, floating through space, from another solar system.

The object was named "Oumuamua," a Hawaiian word which means "a messenger from the past."  The object was discovered by the PAN-STARRS1 survey which is the Panoramic Survey Telescope and Rapid Response System.  PAN-STARRS1 is a system for wide-field astronomical imaging which was developed by the Institute of Astronomy at the University of Hawaii.

Oumuamua is estimated to be 755ft - 3,281ft x 115ft - 548ft x 115ft - 548ft.  It is dark-red in color and is literally alien, having not originated in our solar system.  The oddest thing about the interstellar object is it's unusual acceleration and a Harvard Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics research paper has recently suggested that it may not only be alien, but could be an artificially designed, extraterrestrial probe.

The researchers speculate that, due to the unusual acceleration of Oumuamua, it may be a lightsail - a type of spacecraft propulsion system that uses radiation pressure from sunlight on large mirrors to create a "wind sail" type effect.  Although many in the scientific community are skeptical that the object known as the "messenger from the past" could be an alien spacecraft, the open-mindedness and acceptance of the alien intelligence hypothesis of the researchers is refreshing.  As I, myself, am a researcher who always tries to balance my extranormal thinking with logic and reason - and my reason and logic with extranormal thinking - I see this as a great milestone for science and paranormal researchers alike.