Description

Though what some readers may take from reading this book is an appreciation of transformational aspects of consciousness, what the author assures us is that alchemy is no metaphor for inner transformation; it is real magic. Transforming the inner world is, for the alchemist, a way to transform the outer world. Through studying the principles of alchemy, we can achieve extraordinary effects from ordinary actions by understanding how the world really works. We can perceive the hidden connections between the spiritual and the material worlds. Knowledge of these connections enables us to influence external phenomena through the powers of heart and mind alone. Yet alchemy is not, like some forms of magic, the exercise of mind over matter. It is the art of taking what already exists–whatever presents itself–and transmuting the harmful into the helpful, the useless into the valuable. The author’s written expression is an alchemy of its own, for it is profound, inspiring, insightful, stimulating, and evocative. An appendix on mindfulness meditation is delicate and deft. In your individual journey of awakening, you may find it a useful guide for the expansion of subtle acuity and perception, intuition, and equanimity. In any case, you are likely to enjoy reading this book and may find it affects you in unforseen ways.