The traveler finds themself in a cave dimly lit by an open fire whose flames cast shadows on the earthen walls. Alone, cold, and scared, their internal equipoise is often disturbed as an involuntary shiver races through their body. Sitting in the semi-dark, the traveler ponders the events in their life that have brought them to this place of initiation, and their rational mind questions the sanity of it all. Yet something inside them has hungered – yearned for this moment when they will truly begin their inner trial, the ultimate quest.

Still, they think, now that it's upon them....

The sounds of soft, wet footsteps in the mud and the almost inaudible sound of a bell ringing break the reverie, enticing their attention. From the belly of the cave, a form is trying to coalesce from the shadows –

Is my mind playing tricks on me? Is that a nymph, a man, a centaur?
***

Thus, our traveler's Journey begins through the seven stages of spiritual unfoldment. We will leave them there until next week.

If you are practicing Spiritual Alchemy or Inner Alchemy and all you are doing is meditation, then you are using only half of what the Royal Art offers.

Whether you follow Taoism, Yoga, or the Western Hermetic Inner Tradition, they have two things in common. The first is that inner work is achieved through certain meditative practices. The second is that there are products made from the natural world that help to support and accelerate the inner practice and, thus, one's spiritual evolution. Generally, when one reads about inner or spiritual alchemy today, it is all about meditative practice. Few modern writers know of the valid and tested mineral and herbal preparations used in inner work, and most of those who know about such preparations have yet to learn how to create them.

When speaking about Alchemy, most people are familiar with the Seven Metals of the Alchemist: Lead, Tin, Iron, Copper, Mercury, Silver, and Gold. Few know that potent spiritual medicines of the soul were created from such metals and the entire pantheon of minerals, including precious and semi-precious gems. Fewer still know that similarly powerful products are also produced from herbs -- everyday herbs like Rosemary, Chamomile, and Sundew that can induce inner experiences while supporting physical and mental regenerative effects. Part of the secret lies in the fact that plants also have a mineral content absorbed from the earth. These "plant minerals" have been here just as long as the metals, and if the secret is understood, they have an inner healing and regenerative essence as powerful as gold.

The Traveler's Journey is more than a courageous adventure to a newly discovered land. Let's look into our past and the mythological stories that allow us all to fathom our potential. We catch a glimpse of something that unveils this trek to be something more than it seems, and the Traveler begins to wonder if they are not more than they appear. A singular theme runs through the tale. At its core, the quest is for initiation – a confrontation between the individual and their ability to understand and work in concert with the creatures and gods one finds within themselves.

While these episodes will introduce you to the forces utilized in the Alchemical Inner Reconciliation processes and some of the tools wielded by the Traveler, they will not initiate you. Authentic alchemical initiation requires a Master and Apprentice. It happens from mouth to ear.

Mythologies concerning Hercules, Jason, Achilles, and some even say Dionysus all show the need for tutelage and guidance from Chiron, the wise initiating centaur, to prepare them for the journey ahead. Like Chiron, a mentor (who has gone through this process and integrated the changes it has brought about into their daily life) is in a unique position to understand the seemingly Herculean trials that the Traveler will face and have to surmount.

Being able to cry Nike! after any inner tests presented to the Traveler builds their confidence in the journey. However, due to the extremely humbling nature of many of the trials, the Traveler needs the gentle aid of their Guide to help them see that what they thought were utter losses are indeed victories.

While the Traveler does not initially realize it, the circumstances of their daily life and experience (good and bad) have been preparing them for this work. Specific steps during the journey trigger the organic unfolding of distinct events, allowing the Traveler to coalesce all past experiences into what is needed to complete the journey's final stages.
To be continued...