Anything worth doing takes time and effort; spiritual studies are no different in this regard. Just as people must discover for themselves which path is best for them, they must also ask if they are getting the "return on their investment" that they initially sought. Few systems of development are as mentally, physically, and spiritually rewarding as the alchemical path. Through it, the entire corpus of Western esoteric philosophy and occult practices can be synthesized, understood, and, most importantly, effectively applied. Like any genuine path of spiritual initiation, alchemy is a truly solitary path. We may meet with other alchemists, work with them on occasion, and learn from each other, but the true work is done alone in our laboratories and within our hearts. No one can open nor bar the gateway for us, and all who simply enter onto the path of alchemy will be better off for it than if they had never started.
Dare to practice alchemy-because it works!
• Basic alchemy can be successfully studied and applied by anyone who can follow a simple cooking recipe.
• All of the experiments in The Path of Alchemy can be done using common household appliances if laboratory glassware is unavailable.
• Alchemy is one of the few occult arts and sciences that is objective in its results.
• Tinctures, Elixirs, and other products increase their potency over time.
• Alchemical products can bring healing in the physical, etheric, and psychic realms.
• True alchemy is about interior growth or initiation. Successful alchemical experiments bring Illumination and spiritual growth.
• Alchemy incorporates the disciplines of astrology and Qabala into itself to form an organic whole, making these areas of study easier to learn and apply.
• Alchemy offers a tremendous "return on investment" for the time involved, given the experiences it can bring.
• Obtain one or more notebooks to use as you study, or use a large three-ring binder with separators for the various sections. Suggested subject headings: Alchemical Theory, Astrology, Meditations, Outline of Experiments, Qabala, Lab Work. As you progress, other topics may occur to you, as well as a means of cross-referencing between sections. However, obtaining and setting up your notebook(s) is fine for now.
• Reread this chapter and make a list of any concepts that are unclear to you. Keep this list for future reference as you read the remainder of the book and perform the various meditations and experiments.
• Go to a local university library, or online, and look up the following articles in The Encyclopedia of Religion, edited by Mircea Eliade: alchemy, Hermeticism, astrology, Qabala, and initiation. Make or print copies for your notebook.
• Copy the chart and diagram in this chapter into your notebook under the appropriate headings.
• Reflect on what it is you want out of your practice of alchemy. What is your motivation for undertaking this work? How will you know when you have achieved it? Write down your answers to these questions in your notebook.