DAY 23 - The Alchemist

Part 1 (of two blog posts)

No one today in my experience describes themselves as an ‘Alchemist’ except in a metaphorical sense - as in how they describe their experience of a magical transformation in their life or a project. For example the American actor and comedian Will Smith:

“I am an Alchemist. I believe that I can create whatever I want to create. I feel very strongly that we are who we choose to be.” - Will Smith.

Where did Will Smith and I and so many others in recent years begin to describe our experiences in the context of Alchemy? Of course it began with Paulo Coelho’s story of The Alchemist, and today and tomorrow I want to look at the significance of that story and in particular the character of the alchemist and his role in our personal transformation.

In my book, The Secret of The Alchemist, I ask, ‘Who is the alchemist and why does he appear in Santiago’s life?’

Our first glimpse of the alchemist in the story is when we discover his thoughts as he watches people arriving at the oasis in the desert. He is covertly watching the new arrivals in the camel caravan as he reflects that he has seen it all before, many times. He is looking for the new apprentice alchemist and Santiago is in the latest group to arrive.

The desert, in alchemical terms, is a metaphor for the transformation process we engage in when we seek True Empowerment. The oasis represents a key moment when we reach a significant point of inner progress and integration - a relatively comfortable place within.

The alchemist is at the oasis to ask a question: Will you give up the search for your real treasure now you have reached a comfortable place in yourself?

The alchemist is a fellow traveller and does not know anything more than you do about the direction towards your true destiny. He is simply the teacher of what you already know, but also will point out what you could be missing because you are focused on comfort rather than action.

There is no gold without action. The alchemist is a catalyst to kick start us into action in the world.

That is his job and once we learn to apply what we know, we too are alchemists through our actions. Tomorrow we will look at how the alchemist will help us to keep moving on to find our gold. This will mean facing the world with all its dangers and challenges - real and imagined. We will need all the inner power we have gained so far.

Today’s mantra:

I will face the world today from my place of inner power.

Remember I have asked Love to give you everything you need to be the Alchemist in your world - and it all begins with a thought.

Tomorrow we will look deeper into what we can learn from the role of the alchemist in our lives.