THE TOOLS OF THE ALCHEMIST
Transmuting darkness into light, discovering more of ourselves, and uncovering the Truth.
 Good day, dear Alchemists:
Life is but a dream; that bit of truth is shared between just about every religion and culture, even in the songs we sing to children. In movies like The Matrix, the idea that reality, as we see it, is not real, is promulgated through its storyline. This is just one of many examples found in human culture that refer to reality as not real in one way or another. Regardless of which source is dropping hints about the dream-reality, the need to wake up from the dream seems to be reoccurring within the message. It is almost as if the message of awakening is being delivered directly into our field of experience for us to learn how to do it. Of course, not everyone gets in contact with this bit of information. Not to mention how difficult a concept it is to comprehend. Even modern science is only now beginning to grasp the truth of our existence. The more we learn about the quantum level of reality - how atoms can be both particles and waves, depending on how we observe them - the more the illusion of realness starts to break down, from the materialist point of view. Coming back to the example of The Matrix, like Neo, we can learn to read and understand the illusory reality we're apart of and take control of it. This form of advanced awakening comes from years of meditation and inner searching. Sudden awakenings have also been known to happen, especially in this accelerated time that we are currently living in. While we can't guarantee a full messianic awakening, like in The Matrix, we can show you where to begin your journey to hack the matrix of reality for your benefit. Start by observing your emotions rather than controlling them, as we are often taught as children. Controlling your emotions will only serve to repress and cement you into negative thought patterns. Observing your emotions while they run freely and unabated will allow you to track where it is they stem from. It is very common to become stuck in cycles of emotional reactions that are beyond our control. By observing our emotions we can notice our behavior and how to keep us in a loop of cause and effect. This ability is very similar to changing a nightmare into a good dream by becoming aware that you're in one. When awareness sets in during any given situation, control is returned to you. Another important way of seeing through the matrix is by viewing other beings as extensions of us. We are all one; only in the dream world do we live separately as individuals. Once learning of our integral connection with all that is, we begin to strip away layers of illusion that have covered the truer reality we are a part of. This, in turn, raises our consciousness beyond the limited perspective we have as individuals. By continually attempting to see the bigger picture and reminding ourselves of the true nature of reality, we can slowly gain the ability to decipher the matrix we live in and direct our destiny however we see fit. By mastering the dream, we gain the freedom to wake up. With love and sincerity, The Alchemy by LA Counsel  Good day,, dear Alchemist:
The true potential of conscious beings is without limit. The only barrier to what we can achieve is dictated by what our minds can believe. Our beliefs are the only factor that determines what is and isn't possible, yet even this one obstacle cannot hold back the true essence of the human spirit. At some point in our lives, we experience things that make us question what is real, inevitably expanding our minds and crushing our limiting beliefs. On our journey through life, we learn the truth that we are creators, powerful and unrelenting in our mission on this planet. Nothing can truly hold us back but ourselves. As we have previously learned from the Seven Hermetic Principles, EVERYTHING is mind. We do not simply perceive the world, we create it. That means anything we can imagine can come to fruition. This knowledge is known by many masters who are still alive today. Some, through meditation and training, have expanded their mind and unlocked psychic abilities, like telekinesis or clairvoyance. These abilities are not only found in a few gifted people but can be awakened by ANYONE who is truly seeking. You may have had your own experiences that can attest to this fact. Have you ever thought of someone, and then only seconds to minutes later you received an unexpected phone call from them? This is a form of telepathy, a way of sharing thoughts between one another without the use of language. Moving objects with your mind may seem far-fetched or downright unbelievable, but as mentioned above, the only limitation we have is that which we choose to believe ourselves. If you are wondering what moving objects with your mind has to do with manifesting your goals, you will shortly understand that they are much more closely related than one would think. The same principles that go into the activation and use of psychic abilities are also utilized in manifesting our desires. First, we begin unlearning what has been taught to us by society, thereby, expanding the realm of what we think is possible. Then, we determine what we want to achieve and by using our manifestation tools, such as, visualization, along with belief in unlimited possibilities, we can make it happen. No matter how big or small your desired outcome, it all works through the same principle of beliefs. If you believe in something hard enough, it can come true. Unhinge yourself from the matrix of limiting beliefs that have been forced upon you. You are boundless! Everything you desire is within your reach! The only question you must answer is, what would you like to manifest? Be well and stay healthy! The Alchemy by LA Counsel  Good day, fellow Alchemists:
How long have we humans been living the way we do today? How many years has our species been shaped and dyed in the colors of the natural world around us, whether green or gray? Throughout our history, the agent for change and evolution has always been nature, pure and unfaltering in its role as our obstacle and as our mother. Without the guidance of our mothers, Nature and Earth, directing us on how to sustain ourselves, we would not have survived. Likewise, we would not have become what we are today if it were not for the hurdles we had to overcome while living on Earth. A lot of good has resulted from our struggles. We needed to heal the sick, so we invented medicine. We needed to travel faster, so we invented the wheel. We owe everything to both the good and the bad that nature has given us. Now that we have conquered many of life's challenges for comfortable living, we may have moved away from our natural environment a little more than we should have; we have gotten a bit lost. Like a child without her mother, we lack the ability to see clearly without our caretakers. And even though Mother Nature and Mother Earth are always there for us, their influence is somewhat blurred by our modern lifestyles. Every day, many of us spend time indoors, at work, in school, and in our homes. In our current environment, even when we are outdoors, our activities take place in our concrete jungles, far removed from true nature. City life is not nurturing; in fact, quite the contrary is true. We are nothing more than strangers to one another, regardless of how many people we live near. The smog that fills our lungs daily is very damaging to our physical health. But more importantly, seeing concrete buildings at every corner, loom above the tar that covers virtually every square inch of the ground beneath, may eventually erode our sense of self. Our ancestors roamed the outdoors daily, walking for hours just to find a bit of food. In contrast, we sit in stark offices, staring at a screen with artificial light blinding our eyes. The way we live our lives in our modern, computerized world can drain us emotionally and spiritually. It is no wonder that at a time blessed with a plethora of technological advancements and material comforts, there are more cases of depression and disease than ever before. Millions of years of evolution counted on humans remaining in nature, eating fruits from trees and gathering nuts. Reality has proven to be quite the opposite. Humans have been living in big cities for about 200 years, which is only a tiny fraction of the lifetime of our planet. But despite the relatively short time we've spent in city life, we have managed to cause long lasting and significant damage to our physical and emotional health. The good news is that it's all reversible and it's all up to you. So, go out and roam in nature! Get lost on a hiking trail! Hug a darn tree for Gaia's sake! Live as simply and as cleanly as possible. Strive to live healthily and stay close to nature and you'll quickly realize that your well-being is improving. Return to a more old-fashioned, slower-paced and happier time and live the life you were meant to live! With love and sincerity, The Alchemy by LA Counsel  Good day, dear Alchemist:
Many dramatic events have taken the stage in recent months. Coronavirus is just the icing on the cake for all the chaotic happenings that have ensued. It almost feels like the fear and isolation around the world is a reflection of the inner turmoil that the average person may feel daily. With no end to the madness in sight, we could begin to lose hope, not only for the world but for our own lives, as well. When will my life change for the better? or When will the world be safe again? These are questions that originate from the same source in our minds. These are all fear-based thoughts. It is no wonder that with all that is happening, humanity, as a whole, is experiencing a dark night of the soul. We may feel as if we've reached a point of no return; the future is uncertain and the present is filled with fear and pandemonium. But on the wings of these dark moments, positive change can be achieved. Positive changes from Mother Earth are already coming our way in the form of changing seasons. Spring Equinox is HERE. This heralds a time of rebirth when the energy of the Earth awakens, once again, and life springs forth from out of the darkness. The collective unconscious of the planet was in a similarly dark place. Just as the seeds in the ground are surrounded in darkness, so too is the world. This is a process of alchemical transmutation at the highest level. This global transmutation is meant to align us to a new and brighter future. In the center of the burning ashes, the Phoenix rises and begins a new life. That is what we are going through now as a species; a REBIRTH. The Spring Equinox could not be coming at a better time. This serendipitous occasion is a blessing, the magnitude of which we cannot fathom. Just as the curtain begins to close on a chapter of darkness in our lives, a new beginning unfolds right along with the start of a new season. And since what happens at the highest level happens equally at the lowest levels (as above, so below), your life will also change for the better. If you've felt stuck, unsure, depressed, or just misaligned, this is your time to have a major breakthrough! While you sit at home under quarantine, use this time to dig deep into yourself. Feel the change coming over you and rejoice at the thought of the future. We will not toil in the darkness forever. Spring is here and the human spirit has endured the darkness for long enough. The story of our lives continues. What it may bring depends on us and how we choose to live our lives from here on out. Remember, everything is going according to plan. We are living in our best-case scenario, so don't just choose to survive; choose to THRIVE! With love and sincerity, The Alchemy by LA Counsel  Good day, fellow Alchemists:
In the previous post, we discussed the principles of Mentalism, Vibration, Correspondence, and Polarity. We will now continue discussing the remaining three Hermetic Principles: Rhythm, Cause & Effect, and Gender. Principle Five - Life Has a Rhythm: Simply put, what goes up, must come down. This is an important concept for anyone who feels they have lost balance in their lives. We can see this principle play out simply in the world when you throw a ball in the air and it falls back down. However, its reach doesn't end there. When we overindulge, it often ends with us feeling bad. We search for highs, and when those highs are gone, we find ourselves lower than we felt when we started. Attaining mastery over this principle means mastering the tides of life; knowing when to flow with the current and when to start kicking. The most skilled master of this principle is capable of bringing the pendulum to a halt, instead of allowing it to constantly swing back and forth. Principle Six - Cause and Effect: This principle does away with the notion that life's events are the result of sheer coincidence. Instead, it states that everything that happens does so in accordance with the laws of the Universe. Every action that we take, leads us to the next event that we ourselves have triggered. Of course, it's important to recognize that our actions are not the only factor within the principle of Cause and Effect. Many causes occur all around us, at every moment, which is beyond our control. That being said, even if you had nothing to do with an event taking place, it does not mean that it was an accident. You may have heard before, that everything in the Universe is conspiring to bring you to where you need to be. Whether it's to meet the love of your life or to fulfill your destiny on this planet, the events that take place have been in the works since the beginning of the Universe. Obeying this principle allows one to take control of the causes they generate into the world. Don't live your life reactively, always waiting for some effect to carry you off in whatever direction it's going. Take responsibility for your actions and be the master of your own destiny by living proactively. Principle Seven - Gender is in Everything: In every conceivable dimension, a masculine and feminine aspect of the soul exists. While we are born as either male or female, everyone carries within themselves divine masculine and divine feminine energies. Without becoming aware of both masculine and feminine energies, no individual is complete and connected with divinity. Carl Jung also believed in this concept, claiming that every woman had a masculine side to her psyche, known as animus, and every man had a feminine side, known as anima. Without balancing these two energies within oneself, Jung and the ancient masters both believed that they can take control of an individual. This could cause your actions to become manipulated, creating problems in your relationships with the opposite sex. By not unifying your inner sexes, it's almost as if you have another person inside of you that you've never met. All the while, this person speaks for you and makes decisions, wanting to be seen by you and craving your attention. Become aware of every aspect of your mind and spirit, leave no stone unturned. Only by connecting to who you truly are can you be free of your unconscious actions. These seven principles, when fully mastered, can lead you to the life you have always dreamed of. Slowly work these principles into your life and try to understand their meaning, as only then will you become a true initiate of the secret teachings of the ancient masters. With love and sincerity, The Alchemy by LA Counsel  Good day, fellow Alchemists:
All the spiritual knowledge that humanity inherited stemmed from a single source. That source is the hermetic teachings, the secret knowledge of the ancient masters. Those of us that know these secrets use them to our advantage, improving every aspect of our lives. This secret knowledge has been summarized into seven distinct principles: Mentalism, vibration, correspondence, polarity, rhythm, cause and effect, and gender. For today's discussion, we will elaborate on each one of these principles and how they can help you achieve a balanced life, while also manifesting that which you desire. Principle One - All Is Mind: Everything we experience in our lives is a creation of our minds. The truest form of reality is consciousness, without it, there would be no Universe. By understanding this concept, we can begin to see how our lives unfold in whatever manner our mind chooses. We experience that which we are most focused on, so mastering this principle is the key to manifesting your dream life! Principle Two - As Above So Below: Open your mind to the idea that the daily happenings of your life are a reflection of what happens in the higher realms of existence. For example, humans looked at the stars and discovered the rotation of the planets around the Sun. We then learned that inside of atoms, a similar phenomenon took place with electrons and protons. Everything occurs on multiple levels at the same time. Principle Three - Everything Is Vibrating: Modern science has now confirmed the knowledge that the ancient masters knew long ago. All matter is composed of energy that vibrates at different intervals, thus creating different states of existence. This principle doesn't just relate to the three states of matter, solid, liquid, and gas, but to different dimensional levels that we exist on. The key here is knowing to increase your vibrations to enter higher states of existence. When your vibration is higher, you become unaffected by lower-dimensional forces. Raising your vibrations means liberating yourself from suffering and becoming your most authentic self. Principle Four - Everything Has Its Polar Opposite: Hot and cold, long and short, Yin and Yang, polarity exists within everything. The principle of polarity teaches us to acknowledge the dual nature of the Universe and then look beyond it. Take the example of hot and cold. It is our perception that they are opposites when in fact, they are the same. Even feelings of love and hate emanate from the same source. Use this knowledge to break through the chains of duality and move towards unity. It is up to you to change the degree of what you feel and have. Whether you are poor or rich, loving or hateful, stumbling in darkness or thriving in light, the choice is always yours. Take these four principles and slowly begin to apply them to your life. In the next post, we will discuss the remaining three hermetic principles and how you can use them to manifest the life you want. With love and sincerity, The Alchemy by LA Counsel  Good day, fellow Alchemists:
In the previous post, we elaborated on what chakras are and their specific functions. Today we will explain the process of opening the chakras and recommend certain asanas (yoga poses) that will help you with your chakra clearing journey. The Root Chakra: Its element is earth and deals with survival. The most common solution to clear the Root Chakra is to get out in nature. Walk barefoot on the grass or dirt. You may feel the need to stomp on the ground or run. This is a sign that your Root Chakra is craving to be stimulated. During meditation, chant the word "LAM" out loud while keeping your intentions on the Root Chakra. Throughout the day use the affirmation, "I am calm, coherent, and in control" to help guide your Root Chakra to stability. Asana: Tree Pose (Vrksasana) The Sacral Chakra: Its element is water, and it deals with creativity and sexuality. Taking part in creative challenges, such as an art project or cooking an interesting meal, can help clear the Sacral Chakra. While sitting in mediation, chant the word "VAM" out loud with your intentions on the Sacral Chakra, which is in the lower abdomen, right below the navel. Use the affirmation, "I deserve to feel joy." This will enable you to connect to emotions that may have been previously blocked. Asana: Goddess Pose (Deviasana) The Solar Plexus Chakra: Its element is fire, and it is the source of your willpower and strength. Setting up little tasks for yourself throughout the day and following through will help build up your will power. An example of this would be, folding your laundry at an exact time you set. In meditation, chant the word "RAM" out loud with your intentions focused on your Solar Plexus Chakra. The affirmation "I am in charge of my thoughts, feelings, and actions" will assist you in taking back power and clearing your Solar Plexus Chakra. Asana: Boat Pose (Navasana) The Heart Chakra: Its element is air, and it is responsible for feelings of love and compassion to yourself and others. The love that we can extend to others usually depends on the amount of love we give ourselves. Spend time in meditation sending love to yourself while chanting the word "YAM" out loud. You can also use the affirmation, "I love myself wholly and unconditionally," to awaken the energy within the Heart Chakra. Asana: Camel Pose (Ustrasana) The Throat Chakra: Its element is space, dealing with sound and the vocalization of truth. Singing would be the most natural way to clear this chakra, along with any form of verbal self-expression. Perhaps public speaking might be beneficial to one whose Throat Chakra is completely blocked. While in meditation, chant the word "HAM" while focusing on the Throat Chakra. To help guide the clearing process of the Throat Chakra, use the affirmation "I am safe to speak the truth." Asana: Plow Pose (Halasana) The Third Eye Chakra: Its element is also space, and it deals with insight into higher realms. Maintaining a daily meditation practice is the best way to open your Third Eye Chakra. You may begin to feel a cold pulsating sensation right above your eyebrows after a few weeks. While meditating, chant the word "OM" periodically and let yourself be immersed in the emanating vibration of the tone. Use the affirmation "I am awake in the present moment" to engage your Third Eye Chakra more fully. Asana: Sitting meditation (Sukhasana) The Crown Chakra: Like with the Third Eye and Throat Chakra, its element is also space. The Crown Chakra, being the last of the seven chakras, deals with pure cosmic connection. This chakra can only be opened once all the previous chakras have been cleared. While meditating, chant the word "AH" to stimulate the blooming of your Crown Chakra on top of your head. To help awaken your Crown Chakra, focus on the phrase "I am one and I am All." This affirmation can open your mind to the reality that you are one with all that is. Asana: Corpse Pose (Savasana) Use this knowledge freely to create a routine in which to practice these methods. You can focus on one chakra every meditation session and continue to work on it for a few weeks until it opens. Remember, you don't enjoy the fruits of your labors on the same day you plant the seeds. It may take time to see the results you want but in the end, you will succeed. May your journey through the chakras be effortless and inspiring. With love and sincerity, The Alchemy by LA Counsel  Good day, fellow Alchemists:
Picking up where we left off in our last post on chakras, we will continue discussing the remaining four chakras. The chakras previously discussed dealt with survival, creation, and will. They are the lowest chakra centers, which represent the beginning obstacles of existence. Having said that, it is still possible that those of us who struggle with lower chakras may have already opened some of the higher ones. The fourth chakra, known as the Heart Chakra or the Anahata Chakra, is found in the center of the chest. This Chakra deals with emotions of love and connection to others. When it is blocked, we find ourselves unable to extend compassion to others and ourselves. We also become disconnected from universal love, which is a major source of happiness for conscious beings. Having your Heart Chakra balanced and cleared creates a sensation of interconnectedness, where you feel one with existence. Being the first of the higher chakras, the Heart Chakra can be seen as the initial gateway to understanding higher truths. The Throat Chakra is located above the Heart Chakra and is also known as the Vishudda Chakra. This Chakra is like a communication tool; we use it to accurately express our thoughts and emotions. When the Throat Chakra is blocked, we may have difficulty speaking truthfully. Clearing it allows us to communicate both verbally and non-verbally. The Third Eye Chakra, also known as the Ajna Chakra, is located between the eyebrows. This chakra allows us to peer into other dimensions and access knowledge beyond the physical realm. When this chakra is blocked, it causes one to feel a sense of uneasiness regarding the unknown. Some people report having migraines and find it difficult to concentrate. If the Third Eye Chakra is cleared properly, resting your intentions in it allows you to occupy a boundless space, completely free of material existence. Activating the Third Eye is said to awaken extra-sensory abilities, letting you see into the future. Some even claim that looking through the Third Eye allows you to see things as they truly are, not just how they appear to be. The last of the seven chakras is known as the Crown Chakra or Sahasrara Chakra. This Chakra, which is located on the very top of the head, connects us to universal energy and allows us to experience oneness, completely dissolving our ego. Accurately explaining the importance of the Crown Chakra is very difficult, because of how it transcends the normal perception we have of reality. Living from your Crown Chakra could be thought of as living in a state of constant gratitude for existence. This state of gratitude allows us to become aware of how connected we truly are to the greater cosmos, and our limitless nature. When all seven chakras are open, we are no longer bound to the earthly realm or the constant fluctuation of human problems. With the chakras cleared, the whirling pools of energy that had once been plugged up with complex emotions can now flow rapidly, mitigating future blockages. In the next discussions, we will be learning how to activate and clear the seven chakras. With love and sincerity, The Alchemy by LA Counsel |