When we think of alchemy, we often think of medieval wizards thumbing through cryptic magical books and combining all sorts of chemicals and substances in an effort to turn base metals into gold. In the past, esoteric and spiritual teachings were for a select few. They were often not recorded in writing, and when they were, they were written in such a way that only an individual who was an initiate of the mysteries or spiritually awakened could truly understand the meaning of the messages being conveyed. This led to many individuals searching for a way to literally turn lead into gold as a result of their lack of understanding of the cryptic and metaphorical teachings of mysticism and spirituality.

The truth, though, is that alchemy occurs inside of the self first. The gold that many sought was not a form of material riches as they thought, but rather an awakening to spiritual truths that allowed the seeker to know oneself and feel one’s connection to all of creation. In the modern world, we call the remembrance and integration of these teachings and truths a spiritual awakening.

Alchemy in its purest form is the process of turning something base into something beautiful. This something is the self. This is not to say that an individual is base, however our traumas, limited beliefs, and repressed emotions are denser energies that require an internal alchemical or healing process for transformation to occur and to continue to unfold in an uplifting way for the individual. Alchemy is healing that filters down to all expressions and layers of our being. It is a process that is required for any individual truly seeking spiritual development, and it can be very challenging.

An alchemist, then, is an individual who seeks to transform any limiting programs, traumas, emotions, or beliefs within themselves into something healed and of a loving nature. This alchemist is you, of course.

New Age Mysticism and Modern Esoteric Philosophy

We live in a remarkable and unique age. In times past, mystical wisdom and esoteric teachings were only for certain individuals. This knowledge was kept hidden, was veiled in secrecy, and was understood by very few. There are sacred teachings in many different cultures of many different eras, and many of these teachings have similar wisdom to share, despite being filtered through the cultural lens and spiritual understanding of the time.

The beauty of our time now is that we have access to these sacred teachings from all cultures to some degree, which gives us great flexibility in how we learn or remember these sacred truths. This is true on a physical level in that we have access to information through the internet and forms of communication that allow us to connect with individuals from other cultures and backgrounds in an instant. This creates a physical accessibility to information and resources that is unprecedented.

Spiritual wisdom is no longer for the elite or the initiated. It is for all who seek it, and it is available now more than ever for those on a spiritual path. This is what modern spirituality is all about, exploring your truth from within your own self through your heart and through your remembrance of who you are.

Activating Your Inner Wisdom

Knowing that all truth lies within yourself is a beautiful thing, but part of rediscovering these truths is allowing yourself to be led to resources that assist you in your remembrance of your inner truth. These resources could be books, websites, classes, healers, coaches, or experiences. The key is to intend to grow and intend to remember who you are. If these are your intentions, you will be led to exactly the right resources at exactly the right time without having to think about it or force it. Before you know it, you will realize in your heart of hearts that you are the alchemist and you hold the keys to the wisdom of your own inner truth.