Alchemy has always baffled me ... turning a metal into gold. I don't know physics or things related to all of that. 

But in terms of emotional work .... it resonates. 

I want to take some time and work through these steps and compare to what I've been through. 

Alchemy Process 

The steps of alchemy, particularly in the Western tradition, refer to a spiritual and philosophical process symbolized by the transformation of base metals into gold. These steps are often linked to personal transformation and inner growth. While different sources may describe the stages slightly differently, here is a common interpretation of the seven stages of alchemy:

1. Calcination

  • Symbolism: Burning away impurities.
  • Process: The material is heated and reduced to ashes, representing the destruction of the ego, pride, and attachment to materialism. HEAT - stress, pressure, destruction, burnout, endings
  • Personal Reflection: Breaking down false identities or aspects of self that no longer serve you.
  • MY REFLECTION: Seemingly outside event happens and starts putting pressure, maybe destruction into structures of my life. Addiction was destroying everything. 

2. Dissolution

  • Symbolism: Dissolving of the ashes. Grieving, loss, mourning. How long does the sadness need to take. Emotional dissipation.  
  • Process: The ashes are dissolved in liquid, symbolizing the breakdown of rigid structures and old beliefs.
  • Personal Reflection: Letting go of control, embracing change, and softening rigid mental constructs.
  • MY REFLECTION: When I see "liquid" I think of emotions. And based on the seemingly external destruction .... lots of emotions were released for me. All the things holding the structure together internally -- namely fear, survival, desire. 

3. Separation

  • Symbolism: Dividing the pure from the impure.
  • Process: The remaining matter is separated into its components. It symbolizes the identification and isolation of essential qualities. What's important. What's not. I want this. I don't want that.  
  • Personal Reflection: Discerning what is important or true in your life and separating it from distractions or negativity.
  • MY REFLECTION: Whew, discernment ..... sorting no from yes. Wow. That felt like the start of boundaries, particularly with one of my parents. And it was ugly. 

4. Conjunction

  • Symbolism: Reuniting opposites. Bringing together, healing. Scars/Growth. The Both AND.  
  • Process: The separated elements are recombined, symbolizing the integration of the purified parts of yourself.
  • Personal Reflection: Harmonizing opposing aspects of your personality (e.g., emotions vs. logic, intuition vs. rationality) to create a balanced self.
  • MY REFLECTION: Harmonizing, integrating ..... whew, that's the work right there after the fire. Bringing things back together that belong for this season of time. 

5. Fermentation

  • Symbolism: Transformation and rebirth.
  • Process: The material is allowed to ferment, leading to the creation of new life. This stage represents a spiritual awakening or transformation.
  • Personal Reflection: Allowing spiritual insights or creative energy to emerge from within, experiencing renewal.
  • MY REFLECTION: This and the next step seems where I am now ...... even as if I still feel the last steps fleshing out. 

6. Distillation

  • Symbolism: Purification and refinement. Really honing the new way forward. 
  • Process: The fermented material is heated and purified further. It symbolizes continuous refinement and the pursuit of spiritual clarity. MORE HEAT AND STRESS to burn off the unneeded, old, not parts. 
  • Personal Reflection: Refining your beliefs, habits, and attitudes to attain greater spiritual clarity and insight.
  • MY REFLECTION: What I hope is the next cannon of who I am that will eventually change, or move to the next life. 

7. Coagulation

  • Symbolism: The union of spirit and matter.
  • Process: The purified substance becomes solid or coagulates. This represents the completion of transformation and the integration of spiritual wisdom into physical reality.
  • Personal Reflection: Achieving balance and wholeness, where inner wisdom manifests in your outer life, leading to enlightenment or "spiritual gold."
  • MY REFLECTION: I hope it's fully living into myself and my path for this season. Emotional managing and maturing. Fulfillment. Feeling fully into myself. And living it. 

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These stages can be viewed metaphorically as a journey toward inner transformation and enlightenment, transcending mere chemical or physical processes.