In this divination I demonstrate the technique of Alchemical Inner Work1 by exploring a prima materia based on a dream I had. I go over each step, outlining how the attributes and qualities of the dream images led me to select three different alchemical operations (ablutio, evaparatio, coagulatio), and how I’ll apply them practically to my life.
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What are your thoughts on using a dream as a prima materia?
Would you choose a different alchemical operation for this prima materia?
Any other general questions on the technique or how I approached it?
Resources:
Alchemical Inner Work Guidebook - A reference manual for the technique along with 14 operations to utilize in practice.
Alchemical Inner Work class - Watch a replay of the live class where we explore a Jungian approach to alchemy and the core steps of the technique.
Thanks for the fascinating audio. Are you familiar with the book Mercurius by Patrick Harpur? It delves deeply into the Alchemical process, unfolding the step by step stages within the body of a story. It's also filled with historical references. It's the best explanation of Alchemy I've come across and a great read to boot.
I have not heard of it. Looks like it is a novel, which is an interesting way to approach these concepts. Thanks for the recommendation, I'll check it out :)
I cannot recommend other books of his enough. They are histories and metaphysical discussions combined. He ties so many loose threads together.
I'm currently re-reading The Philosopher's Secret Fire: A History of the Imagination. It's really wonderful. He examines the imagination from the perspective of pre-modern and non-Western cultures, covers the Enlightenment and the Romantic period, and brings it all to bear on Modernity's rationalist perspective.
That sounds really interesting. Does he touch into depth or Jungian psychology in that exploration?
Absolutely.
Sounds great!! Thanks for sharing.
Ha! that's interesting - what is the mistake? (I don't have access to my deck right now, but I'll look when I get home.) I really like all her decks. I'm especially fond of the Alchemy, Archetype and Animal Spirit decks (not so much her Tarot deck). I've learned that the wisdom in the guidebooks is profound and not to pull cards lightly - they nail things time and time again.
It says calcification instead of calcination. It’s a small detail, but I know it would bug me, especially if I used the cards with others and had to explain the correct term.
Overall I really enjoy Kim Krans’ work, the archetypes deck is lovely!
Just now listened! Very much enjoyed this. I also looked up Patrick Harpur’s books which look intriguing. I just finished a 2 year spiritual direction course that featured much of Jung, also included some alchemy. I use a deck of Alchemy cards by Kim Krans (the wild unknown) - are you familiar?
I am familiar with the deck but don't own it. How do you like it? To be honest, one thing that kept me from purchasing was reading that the current version has a mistake on the calcinatio/calcination card!! I was hoping a later edition might have the correction.
Thank you so much Alyssa. This was your dream, your symbols, operations you chose, but so helpfull in my current situation. Your reflection specially about coagulatio - slowing down, patience and tempering expectations - was what I needed to hear today.
You're welcome, and wonderful to hear that the alchemical exploration was a needed message :)
What a beautiful and concise scenario to view the several alchemical processes mentioned. The replanting of the onion after ablutio brought to mind the alchemical Pelican beaker, in which the material is reintroduced into the process (with itself) again. Thank you Alyssa for your good work.🙏
This is a great insight, John! I didn't make the connection to the pelican vessel, but it is a good one. Feeding the material back into the process feels apt.
Okay - good to know - I like details like that. I'll make a note in my book - thanks! ; )