The Mystery of ALCHEMY (scroll down for the Secret Alchemy of Aquarius)

Alchemy is an enigmatic subject. It can feel super esoteric, ancient, obscure and can be off-putting, with its strange imagery and odd terms. However, once it is hoisted into the 21st century, and its terms are brought into a psychological light, it can be recognized as a powerful system for spiritual development and manifestation. To provide this clarification is one of the goals of Sacred Circuit.

There are two basic types of Alchemy, spiritual and physical. Spiritual alchemy comprises the bulk of what you find when you search the term online, or browse books on the subject. Spiritual alchemy involves a system of personal refinement and growth; it is highly psychological in this way. Physical alchemy is actual lab work and experiments. Both of these systems include seven “operations” which are loosely based on the planetary and chakra systems. True Alchemists of old advised that integrating both spiritual and physical alchemy was necessary if substantial personal transformation was desired.

There is another more rarely used system of twelve operations, which correspond to the Zodiac. The twelve steps can be seen as a more detailed version of the seven steps. Some of them have been split or divided into sub categories, but most are added in. For Hermetic purposes, which integrate Qabalah, Tarot and Astrology with Alchemy, and for use with work with the Astrological signs of the Zodiac, the twelve-operation system is highly effective, and it is what we have embraced here at Sacred Circuit. It can be seen as a roadmap of spiritual transmutation via astrology.

Each of the twelve operations — Calcination, Congelation, Fixation, Dissolution, Digestion, Distillation, Sublimation, Separation, Incineration, Fermentation, Multiplication and Projection — corresponds to an Astrological sign, and mirrors a stage in the initiate’s inner work — dissolving attachments, purifying desires, and reuniting fragmented aspects of the psyche, all in alignment with the zodiac.

This Alchemical-Zodiacal journey is not only about personal growth and spiritual enlightenment, it is also about manifestation. As the soul undergoes inner purification, it evolves to become a more receptive vessel for the Divine to enter into the realm of forms. Through these operations, the practitioner does not only manifest desires — they come to embody them. Alchemy, Qabalah, Tarot and Astrology together teach that manifestation is not control over reality, but harmony with the Great Work —the Magnum Opus of the Soul.

The Secret Alchemy of Gemini

The alchemical operation assigned to Gemini is Fixation. Alchemical fixation is the process of transforming a volatile, gaseous, or liquid substance into a solid, stable form that is resistant to fire or heat. It involves stabilizing the "soul" or "spirit" of matter, grounding volatility into a tangible form.

In other words, Fixation is the opposite of something evaporating; it is turning something essentially etheric into something enduring. A state of focus is commonly associated with this term. To fix one’s gaze, to become mildly obssessed or fixated on someone or something describes a reigning in of attention or focus. When we aspire to fix something, as in to repair it, we do just this; we concentrate on the task at hand. To be “in a fix” actually means to be in a situation that needs to be fixed or sorted out.

One traditional example of physcial Fixation in the Alchemical Lab is the fixing of Mercury. By combining it with other substances is can become Fixated, so that it loses its tendency to evaporate and becomes stable under heat. Mentally, Fixation can describe when scattered ideas, information and possibilities are given durable structure. Fixation is the abstract becoming an operational reality. On a personal level, when one goes from a state of distraction and feeling like their attention is “all over the place” to establishing a center of focus, that is Fixation. Or corralling chaotic feelings so a triggering issue or event can be identified - also Fixation.

However despite this seemingly one-step process of focusing or concentrating, Fixation is actually a multi-step process. Our ideas need to be gathered, our emotions corralled, our tools gathered, before focused attention can be applied. And we see this dipicted in the Lovers Card, where there is a cycle of attention from the Consciousness, Subconciousness and the Super-consiousness, which the Female, Male and angelic or ministerial figures represent. It is not simply a one step process, but rather, requires a certain amount of dexterity and adaptability in the process of collecting and corralling what is in a dynamic state, like herding cats. It can be tricky, and we know all times when our attempts to focus have failed.

This interplay between the conscious, unconscious, and superconscious can feel exactly like that - herding cats. We are usually aware of our consciouness, but not what our sub- or super-consciousnesses are up to, so this interplay takes practice. The Lover’s Card shows the corralling and focus between the multiple levels of our psyches as the cycle of gazes passing between the figures. Each has something to offer and contribues to the whole: the conscious mind provides awareness and intention, the unconscious offers memory and hidden emotional content, and the superconscious gives insight, inspiration and higher guidance. When these three are disconnected, our attention can be scattered or conflicted. But when they are aligned, a powerful coherence emerges. This coherence allows insight to rise within us, emotion to stabilize, and intention to become clear, resulting in a state where thought, feeling, and higher awareness are all moving toward the same outcome, which is utlimately a state of Self Love.

So although we often find ourselves fixating our caring gaze upon a lover, a child, a friend or beloved pet, we might also remember to fix our caring gaze towards ourselves, and allow coherence and love to grow from within.

A 9 Minute Self Love Meditation
from Mindfulnessbox.com

The following meditation script for self love can provide a structure that helps you grow in acceptance of yourself each day.

Let’s begin with a guided self love meditation.

Self love is a practice. It can take time.

Be gentle with yourself if the affirmations don’t feel authentic yet. Over time, you will internalize them more.

As emotions come up in the course of this meditation, do your best to acknowledge them nonjudgmentally. Treat your emotions like clouds passing by. Notice them, but let them pass.

Begin by settling into a seated position. Make sure you feel comfortable.

Now, focus on your breathing. What does your breath feel like as it enters your nose, and exits your mouth?

Keep breathing. Zoom out, noticing how your entire body feels.

Are you holding any tension? Notice how your shoulders, your back, and your jaw feel. For many people, those areas tend to hold tension. If so, invite yourself to release the tension.

Don’t worry if your mind starts to wander. Just gently bring your attention back to your breath, and to the feeling of warmth and self love as you continue to take slow, deep breaths.

With each step you take, practice feeling the love you have for yourself.

Now, repeat the following self love affirmations slowly, with warmth and gentleness towards yourself:

Rather than worry what others think, I choose to live my life for me.

In every way, I am already enough.

I choose to cultivate positive thoughts about myself.

I’m allowed to have needs and express them.

I choose to be kind to myself.

Rather than follow the expectations of others, I choose the path that’s right for me.

I love who I used to be, who I am, and who I’m becoming.

When I look back on past versions of myself, I feel warmth and gratitude.

Taking time for self-care is not the same as being selfish.

Sometimes, I feel emotionally turbulent. That’s okay. I allow myself to feel all feelings.