How to Become an Alchemist

Transformation is alchemy. Alchemy was the earliest form of chemistry and pharmacology Alchemy was an ancient practice by which philosophers turned lead into gold. Alchemy occurs when a third element is added to two already present. The two present are visible and known, the third is invisible and unknown. The alchemical element is called the Third Factor. You can learn to practice alchemy, the art of transformation. Everyday you encounter the polarization of the opposites. But you must become the magician who, with the magic wand of awareness, adds the Third Factor of transformation. You can turn the lead of your life into gold.

Every situation contains opposing elements: opposites, contrasts, polarities. You and I get caught up in pushes and pulls, in desires and fears, in attachments and resistances, in winning and losing, in pros and cons. Gotta sleep; can’t sleep. Gotta work; too tired. Etc.

The ego world in which we live is self-limiting and requires a third element. Awareness is that third element. It is the element of miracles. Eckhard Tolle describes a leap in consciousness which has occurred throughout our evolutionary history. The leap between a rock and a precious stone; the leap between a weed and a flower. The leap between the snake and the bird, between the monkey and the man. Between a caterpillar and a butterfly. The leap between bitter and sweet. This leap cannot really be explained, so we call it a miracle, alchemy, transformation. Alchemy is the process by which enlightenment occurs.

When adversity is faced with full awareness, miracles happen. The apparent curse becomes a divine blessing. Uninvited situations bring life-changing lessons. Here, then, is the alchemical secret—by using everything for our spiritual growth, we become victor instead of victim. By looking for the good in all things, we turn lead into gold.