Alchemy, Astrology, and Spiritual Transformation – Part 1
January 19, 2017 Openhearted Rebel
By Wes Annac, Editor, Openhearted Rebel
I wrote the following for the 232nd issue of the Weekly Awareness Guide, a written document distributed weekly via email that I offer for $11.11 a month.
Income from the guide helps me get by and ensures I can continue to offer free content, and every subscription is appreciated. The option to subscribe is given at the bottom of this post (learn about subscribing with cash/check here).
At the surface, alchemy and astrology might not seem to have much in common. As we’ll learn, however, the two have been closely linked for centuries. To understand one is to understand the other, because they share a common philosophical foundation applied to different areas of life.
Before we learn how they’re connected, let’s learn a little about them to better understand their connection.
First, however, I should thank Spiritual-Path.com, The Cosmic Intelligence Agency, Dream Catcher Reality, and Loner Wolf for their in-depth information on alchemy, astrology, and the many connections the two share.
There’s so much information available that this full report will be insufficient to cover it all, so you can expect more in the future.
Basic Info on Astrology
We’ll start with astrology.
Personally, I didn’t give it much attention until recently. Like most people, I associated it with the stereotypical newspaper forecasts that seem to lack meaning. It was only through the work of some dedicated activists and astrologers that I learned the truth about it.
I’ve since set out to learn about it, as well as alchemy, by researching and writing about them. The information here is basically an introduction to alchemy and astrology, with deeper analyses coming in future writings.
Spiritual-Path.com describes astrology as a study of “heavenly cycles” and “cosmic events”; specifically, their reflection in the earth’s environment. Astrology is ancient; people have been recording the relationship between the earth and other planets for thousands of years. (1)
Astrology can be a legitimate way to demonstrate the relationship shared by the earth and other planets or stars. Spiritual-Path reports that it’s well-known the moon’s gravitational forces are responsible for creating the rise and fall of the ocean’s tides. The Farmer’s Almanac even uses astrology to determine growing cycles, as well as the best time to plant and harvest crops. (1)
True Astrology
Spiritual-Path describes “true astrology” as a science based on astronomy and mathematics. True astrology provides information on the locations of the sun, moon, and planets at the moment of our birth, as well as the effect this placement has upon our lives. (1)
True astrology, Spiritual-Path reports, can provide accurate details on your personality, your challenges in life, and your potential for success or failure (among other things). It can also help you predict what will happen in the future and provide a higher perspective on life. (1)
It does this through guidance and messages imparted by the twelve zodiac signs; twelve astrological symbols that correspond with certain periods of time throughout the year. These symbols provide information on the likely personality traits, challenges, and behavioral patterns of anyone born under a certain sign.
Twelve Zodiac Signs
The twelve zodiac signs are:
- Aries
- Taurus
- Gemini
- Cancer
- Leo
- Virgo
- Libra
- Scorpio
- Sagittarius
- Capricorn
- Aquarius
- Pisces (1)
These signs have no real power by themselves, Spiritual-Path reports, as they represent “conditions or fields of operation”. They’re essentially “areas of action”, with the planets being the action. Each sign is unique, but neither is more powerful or evolved than the others. Certain signs achieve prominence not because they’re better, but because of the planets and lights that accompany them. (1)
Characteristics of Each Sign
Spiritual-Path reports that each sign’s attributes are determined by the star or planet(s) ruling it. The signs are each ruled by at least one planet, but some are ruled by an additional, less powerful planet. Each sign also has characteristics derived from its element, quality, and purity. (1)
With thanks to Spiritual-Path, here are a few of the positive and negative characteristics of each astrological sign. Feel free to skip ahead if this section doesn’t interest you.
Positive characteristics for Aries (March 21st to April 21st) include being:
- Enthusiastic
- Energetic
- Creative
- Courageous (1)
Negative characteristics include being:
- Impatient
- Egocentric
- Short-tempered
- Undisciplined (1)
Positive characteristics for Taurus (April 22nd to May 21st) include being:
- Friendly
- Easygoing
- Reliable
- Patient with nature (1)
Negative characteristics include being:
- Insecure
- Unadventurous
- Possessive
- Resistant to change (1)
Positive characteristics for Gemini (May 22nd to June 20th) include being:
- Intellectual
- Eager for knowledge
- Lighthearted
- Playful (1)
Negative characteristics include being:
- Uncommitted
- Mentally unstable
- Unconcentrated
- Bored easily (1)
Positive characteristics for Cancer (June 21st to July 23rd) include being:
- Nurturing
- Caring
- Aware of others’ needs
- Charitable (1)
Negative characteristics include being:
- Clingy
- Emotionally insecure
- Dependent
- Manipulative (1)
Positive Characteristics for Leo (July 24th to August 23rd) include being:
- Generous
- Supportive
- Warm
- Optimistic (1)
Negative characteristics include being:
- Bossy
- Arrogant
- Self-centered
- Self-righteous (1)
Positive characteristics for Virgo include being:
- Analytical
- Precise
- Cautious
- Independent (1)
Negative characteristics include being:
- Pessimistic
- Overly critical
- Cynical
- Hard-headed (1)
Positive characteristics for Libra (September 24th to October 23rd) include being:
- Harmonizing
- Idealistic
- Diplomatic
- Reasonable (1)
Negative characteristics include being:
- Judgmental
- Emotionally dishonest
- Indecisive
- Dependent on others for decisions (1)
Positive characteristics for Scorpio (October 24th to November 23rd) include being:
- Self-sufficient
- Determined
- Self-disciplined
- Ambitious (1)
Negative characteristics include being:
- Jealous
- Possessive
- Stubborn
- Secretive (1)
Positive characteristics for Sagittarius (November 24th to December 20th) include being:
- Visionary
- Intuitive
- Mystical
- Adventurous (1)
Negative characteristics include being:
- Insensitive
- Uncommitted
- Exaggerative
- Easily bored (1)
Positive characteristics for Capricorn (December 21st to January 20th) include being:
- Hard-working
- Persistent
- Responsible
- Determined (1)
Negative characteristics include being:
- Too serious
- Untrusting
- Materialistic
- Intolerant (1)
Positive characteristics for Aquarius (January 21st to February 18th) include being:
- Idealistic
- Determined
- Hopeful
- Optimistic about humanity’s potential (1)
Negative characteristics include being:
- Opinionated
- Preachy
- Hypocritical
- Willfully ignorant of negativity (1)
Positive characteristics for Pisces (February 19th to March 20th) include being:
- Humble
- Selfless
- Mystical
- Spiritually aware (1)
Negative qualities include being:
- Oversensitive
- Self-victimizing
- Unorganized
- Easily overwhelmed by others’ feelings (1)
Being born under these signs doesn’t ensure you’ll have the good and bad qualities associated with them, but it’s more likely. The qualities associated with my sign were accurate. How about yours?
Four Astrological Elements
In addition to the signs, Spiritual-Path reports, astrology recognizes four essential elements: earth, water, air, and fire. Each element has three associated signs. Aquarius, Leo, and Sagittarius are the signs for fire. Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn are the signs for earth. Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces are the signs for water, and Gemini, Libra, and (again) Aquarius are the signs for air. (1)
Spiritual-Path reports that the signs are associated with the sun, moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto. (1)
If this were a more in-depth report, we’d discuss astrological houses and other topics important to the subject. Head to Spiritual-Path to learn more about them.
Introduction to Alchemy
Now that we’ve had a basic introduction to astrology, let’s learn about alchemy before we learn how the two are connected. We could dive headfirst into all the information available on the philosopher’s stone and transforming lead into gold, but instead, we’ll look at alchemy from a material and spiritual perspective.
Dream Catcher Reality reports that alchemy can be divided into two types, external and internal, which are tied respectively to material and spiritual alchemic practices. External alchemy was and is practiced with the goal of harmonizing external forces to transform matter into its purest form: gold. (2)
External alchemy became the example for our modern understanding of the practice, Dream Catcher Reality reports, but its true purpose was to address the search for “transformational harmony” through “understanding, reflection, and continued transformation”. (2)
Whereas external alchemy has spiritual roots, spiritual transformation is the purpose of inner alchemy.
Alchemy of the Spirit
Dream Catcher Reality describes internal alchemy as the alchemy of the spirit, practiced by sages who are intent on gaining mastery over the self by becoming self-aware, understanding, compassionate, etc. In doing so, they purify the inner self and achieve the purest form of spirit while walking the earth. (2)
Dream Catcher Reality reports that just as alchemy is focused on transforming metals, even heavy ones like lead, into their purest form, spiritual alchemy is focused on transmuting one’s personality and breaking free from instilled, programmed behavior. The purpose of this is to realize and become one’s purest personal self. (2)
Again, its purpose is enlightenment.
This idea, Dream Catcher Reality reports, can “universally resonate” with everyone as it’s identifiable across every culture and civilization. By the end of this transmutation/transformation, one “directly knows” himself in his purest form. (2)
This ties in with spiritual paths centered on self-realization, Dream Catcher Reality reports, but it also comes with the goal of completely restructuring one’s personality to realize his limitless potential and become enlightened, immortal, infinite, etc. (2)
Spiritual alchemy, according to Dream Catcher Reality, is essentially a “road map for self-realization”. It differs from external alchemy in that its main goal is to get you out of your own way (i.e. move beyond the ego and achieve your true potential). (2)
Materia Prima
Now, we’ll learn about an important concept in alchemy: Materia Prima.
Loner Wolf reports that gold, the philosopher’s stone, and Materia Prima are the most common alchemical symbols. Carl Jung, an important figure in introducing alchemical concepts to the world, noticed alchemical symbols would show up in his patients’ dreams. He eventually concluded that these symbols are expressions of the universal symbols of life and therefore effective in gaining psychological insight. (3)
Loner Wolf reports that Materia Prima (aka “first matter) is a symbol in alchemy reflecting the idea that all of creation was first a “primitive, formless base”. Aristotle came up with the idea of Materia Prima, as he was aware there’s an invisible force holding together all other forms in existence. We know it as “spirit”, and it’s a “field of pure potential” that comes into existence by embodying a form. (3)
Alchemy refers to Materia Prima, Loner Wolf reports, as the material left over after matter is reduced into its purest essence (as with led becoming gold or a mortal becoming enlightened). It’s a “powerful psychological symbol”, as it’s centered on the personal process of reaching a “core realization”, and becoming aware of the roots of our beliefs and traumas. (3)
Next week, we’ll delve into the ways alchemy and astrology are related. Their connections to each other, as well as to spirituality and the occult, are certainly no secret. But to someone who’s never studied either of them, the fact that they’re connected might come as news.
I look forward to sharing more information on these fascinating subjects. The role of alchemy and astrology in spiritual transformation cannot be understated, and we’ll learn more about them in the next installment. Stay tuned!
Sources:
- “Astrology”, Spiritual-Path.com – http://www.spiritual-path.com/astrology.htm
- “Spiritual Alchemy: Understanding The 3 Stages”, Dream Catcher Reality, July 21, 2015 – http://dreamcatcherreality.com/spiritual-alchemy/
- Mateo Sol, “7 Stages of Spiritual Alchemy”, Loner Wolf – https://lonerwolf.com/spiritual-alchemy/
Thanks to Wes at: https://openheartedrebel.com