The reader who has completed this book by now realizes that alchemy is a lifelong process. Even if the Philosopher's Stone is had in twenty-two years, as with Flamel, it is still a lifetime of investment that has gone into obtaining such Illumination. Given the potential complexity of alchemical work, the procedures described here are sufficient to keep the aspiring alchemist busy for a year or more, simply working to feel comfortable with the process. It can then take several additional years to become fully competent with these procedures in practice. However, do not be discouraged by these statements. Remember, a little bit of work done regularly goes much further than a lot of work performed in a short period of time. Alchemy cannot be rushed. This simple truth is easily demonstrated in the creation of spagyric medicines, as well as in their use. When taken regularly over a period of time, they have an accumulative effect. While the individual doses may wear off after a week or so, each time a medicine is ingested, the organs of spiritual perception are flexed a little more and, like physical muscles, grow stronger. Like any study worth undertaking, patience, confidence, faith, and grace are the tools needed. How can it be any less when we are talking of the Great Work? Yet in the end, it is ourselves we transmute. The plants and minerals are just our helpers along the way.
The journey is also one that, while we may begin it with the most selfish of reasons and intentions-health, wealth, or power-becomes a selfless one in the end. The rough edges of our personality are slowly worn down, the very force that drives us toward success exhausts itself in the process, and we find ourselves at the doorstep of adepthood caring more about others than our own final victory.
Yet regardless, no one can do the work for us. Like Paracelsus, Flamel, and others, Elias the Artist can only be a teacher of the method. It is up to each of us to develop it and make it our own. In doing the work, we open ourselves up to the light within ourselves, and we are also able to recognize the light in others. It is this recognition that brings us to the domain of the adepts, not as a beggar but as a mature and capable student-or an equal.
May all who read this book and undertake the Great Work come to a "Good End."
Finis