|
|
|
1. What is psychological alchemy?
Psychological alchemy is concerned with transforming the dark, unwanted aspects of personality into more refined qualities of character. Changing lead into gold is a metaphor for this kind of personality transformation. Lead represents habits, depression and other "shadow" elements of the personality. As we learn how to recognize and consciously change these elements using the practices of Alchemical Psychology, not only does the personality achieve the high status of gold, but the entire world benefits by the increased love we have to give. Note: One of the basic principles described in Alchemical Psychology is the advancement of the personality through the three alchemical stages that produces three levels of self: The Real Self, the Individuated Self and the Divine Self. The purpose of psychological alchemy is twofold: to learn how to become more fully alive and how to make meaning out of the chaos of everyday existence. When we experience these states of mind on a consistent basis we have individuated the personality and achieved what the alchemist called the philosopher's stone. 2. What does the word "individuation" mean? Individuation is a process of personality development first described by C. G. Jung. In his words, individuation is a "process by which a person becomes a psychological 'in-dividual,' that is, a separate, indivisible unity or whole." (CW 9, I, 490) In so far as our individuality embraces our innermost, last, and incomparable uniqueness, [individuation] also implies becoming one's own self. We could therefore translate individuation as 'coming to selfhood' or 'self-realization.' (CW 7, 266) Individuation involves learning how to transform unconsciousness into consciousness in order that we may become whole. 3. How do I apply alchemy in my everyday life? In Alchemical Psychology, we learn how to confront the unconscious, identify and transform our negative moods and habits of mind, work with dreams using a technique called Active Imagination and interpret personal and private events to gain meaning and mastery in our lives. 4. Does psychological alchemy involve magic? No. Whereas magic involves a person commanding nature to his or her bidding, alchemy seeks to work with the power of nature in order to facilitate a natural course of development. However, in the process of psychological alchemy we often experience synchronistic events and sometimes we even witness miracles. These are the products of consciously living in tune with nature. 5. How is alchemy any different than other occult arts, like Tarot or astrology? Unlike other occult arts, alchemy works directly with physical objects. With psychological alchemy, these objects are defined as behavior. When we therefore increase consciousness using alchemical techniques we see the result in more healthy, responsible behavior. 6. Are there techniques I can use in my everyday life to do psychological alchemy? Yes. Psychological alchemy helps in transforming negative habits, moods and unhealthy thought patterns. Even in marriage psychological alchemy can be of great benefit. By learning how to switch from earthbound ego desires to the universal energies of the Self, problems become opportunities to end seemingly mindless behaviors. For the individual this means discovering higher levels of Self and in marriage it means learning a completely new way of functioning that helps each partner find meaning through a mutual process of individuation. 7. Do I need to be a chemist or a psychologist to use psychological alchemy? In a sense we are all chemists and psychologists. Cooking, for example, is both a chemical and a psychological experience. Everyday communication is also a combination of chemistry and psychology. Certainly, one need not be a professional chemist or psychologist to practice psychological alchemy. After all, neither chemistry nor psychology was in existence during the many centuries when alchemy was being practiced. What is needed is a recognition that mind and matter are common in our everyday experience and by increasing conscious awareness of the elements around us we gain mastery of nature's abundance. 8. How much time is needed to learn psychological alchemy? A lifetime! The depth of the mind is fathomless and thus, learning its nature and ways of integrating it is one of life's supreme challenges. Fortunately, psychological alchemy is an endlessly fascinating subject that involves a vast variety of subjects. Mythology, art, physics, healing, anthropology, mathematics, history, gender studies and consciousness are a sample of the many subjects that are integral in learning psychological alchemy. 9. Will psychological alchemy help me gain a greater understanding of myself? Absolutely. The whole purpose of psychological alchemy is to help us gain a deeper understanding of ourselves as individuals in relationship to others, nature and the divine. 10. What is to be gained by studying psychological alchemy? At the psychological level we learn to transform negative thoughts and emotions into healthy expressions of behavior. In addition we learn how to mature the personality and convert impulsivity into spontaneity, selfishness into selflessness, ignorance into wisdom. Psychological alchemy teaches us how to become whole individuals who have increased love and compassion for ourselves, other people and the world around us. Note: In Alchemical Psychology an entire section is devoted to answering more questions that assist in understanding and applying psychological alchemy. In addition, there are ten alchemical recipes that are interpreted and applied to work, communication, dreaming and relationship. |
