Chavah Aima

Alchemy is a spiritual tradition that has many interpretations and applications for its wisdom. In outer alchemy, it is a science that depends upon the world of nature for the raw materials the alchemist uses for food and to create elixirs for healing and spiritual awakening. This approach stimulates the intellectual and reasoning powers of the alchemist. Outer alchemy requires the practitioner to physically take specific steps to attain each goal. By following the plan, and ingesting the right substances and foods, transmutations take place within the body-mind. These alchemical processes lead to balanced states of well being and enhanced spiritual awareness.

The symbolic language and images of Alchemy also use the world of nature to point to an inward process of spiritual transformation. The forces to be found therein are more subtle and potent than those used in outer alchemy. This inner alchemy draws upon mysticism, intuition, and imagination for its power to transform the human into the divine. These are the gifts of wonder that beckon one to rise above manifest nature and prepare to become one with the divine energy that holds it in creation. (more…)

In the western mystical traditions, candidates for initiation must first receive the sacrament of purification before being admitted into an esoteric order for study and practice. In the Egyptian Rosicrucian initiatory schools, purification practices included fasting, ritual bathing and secluded meditation. Mediaeval alchemists and healers focused on cleansing and purifying the internal organs to raise their energetic awareness. Most modern occult rituals also call for the immediate ceremonial purification of new members as they are brought into the temple to take their vows.

In the yoga traditions of the east, purification practices also play a valuable role in preparing oneself to devote body-mind and soul to seek the higher life. These methods include the internal cleansing of all bodily openings where energy flows into and out of the being. Fasting, special herbs and dietary restrictions are used to aid the attainment of more subtle states of consciousness. (more…)

As Director of the mystical order, Heart of the Rose, I am often asked questions about the order and its teachings. Below are some of these questions and my answers to help you learn more about Heart of the Rose, and other esoteric orders as well. If you are interested, you can become a member of Heart of the Rose at the Enlightened Life website.

Q: I am considering becoming an initiate 
into some secret order for the purpose of gaining more knowledge.

A: There are a variety of ways to gain more spiritual knowledge in addition to joining an 
order. Esoteric orders can help one learn to work in groups for spiritual purposes. Much self-knowledge can come from this, if the group is pure. Unfortunately, finding a pure group with leadership that has truly attained a higher state of spiritual awareness is somewhat rare. Most often one finds a great deal of ego in such groups. This is one reason why a period of private study is advised before beginning to work with others in a group setting.

Self-knowledge is gained quite 
easily from diligent study. Making a sincere effort to integrate the spiritual
 principles one is learning into everyday life is very important as well. After all, knowledge for 
its own sake is not a worthy goal. Only when we can apply the knowledge 
toward living a life filled with greater awareness of our inherent unity 
with others and the earth can we be said to be making true spiritual
 progress. (more…)