Interesting Information About Spiritual Alchemy And The Hermetic Tradition

By Leonor Rivera


Spiritual alchemy is just one of many paths that a seeker may take to expand their consciousness. It is one of many disciplines that belong to the Western Esoteric tradition. This school of mysticism can be traced back to Hermes Trismegistus, who was an influential mystical thinker and writer. The Hermetic school attempts to describe the various levels of heaven and heavenly beings. Their techniques require long sessions of fasting, prayer, and magic rituals.

As our understanding of the universe grew, philosophers and thinkers found that using reason as the basis for their experiments was more accurate than paranormal irrational disciplines. Thus, astronomy grew out of astrology. Eventually, the scientific method became the universally accepted way of scientific inquiry. From general musings of the philosophers, seekers of the truth became specialized in their fields either as a physicist, chemist, biologist or whatever.

As civilization's ability to figure out the universe grew stronger, the less rational practices and systems were assigned to the world of the paranormal or occult. There is a little bit of the carnival side show thing about them. Some people think that those who take astrology and fortune telling seriously are a little kooky. Certainly, the devoted followers of these practices believe they get a lot of positive results from them.

As societies developed into advanced civilizations, individuals' material needs were easily maintained. This freed up time and resources to work on oneself. The purpose of these esoteric practices and rituals is to expand human consciousness to a higher level. Relieving stress is important component when following this path. A routine of yoga along with massage therapy helps eliminate the stress encountered in life. When stress is eliminated our spirits are opened to growth.

Development of the higher aspects of our being is the objective of the Hermetic esoteric mystical tradition. Practitioners seek unity with the divine. Magical rituals, fasting and self-mutilation are used to invoke the transmutation of the soul.

Scientific inquiry was not done for the sake of learning only. The knowledge was put to use in building the industrial revolution. The work of the scientists was used in manufacturing the goods that give us a high standard of living. As men became smarter, everyone benefited from the progress it caused. Humans do not fulfill their entire potential by meeting physical needs only. There exist deeper needs of the soul that most be met. True happiness and contentment will not be found unless more important needs are satisfied.

Today life is not a jungle where each day we are in a life and death struggle to survive. The benefits of modern civilization gives us plenty of free time to pursue growth and development of our spirit. Our material needs are being met, but sadly, our other needs are not being fulfilled. This is why following the practices of these ancient mystic teachers can restore health to spirit, just like a doctor can restore health to the physical body.

Spiritual alchemy uses ancient metaphors to invoke growth of the inner being. The goals are not of the material world. The intention is to build the connections to the worlds of the spirit. This is done by practice of these ancient practices. Many of these ancient esoteric traditions are preserved and being practiced today.




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