The Dream of the Alchemists
The Violet Flame is a tool of self-transformation. Physical experiments
in alchemy whereby base metals are transformed into gold are symbolic of
what the Violet Flame does.
In medieval times, alchemists attempted to transmute base metals into
gold, using heat to separate the "subtle" from the "gross". While there
have always been alchemists who sought to create wealth by transmuting
base metals, this process of transmutation is symbolic of a higher and
more noble Alchemy - the Alchemy of self-transformation.
Alchemists of the Spirit did not seek physical wealth, but spiritual
wealth. They sought to transform themselves into more spiritual beings,
by becoming more loving, wise and compassionate. The Violet Flame has
the capacity to bring about this transformation by transmuting negative
elements within ourselves. The Violet Flame has the unique ability to
transform fear into courage, anxiety into peace and hatred into love.
This is why knowledge of the Violet Flame has been so prized throughout
the centuries.
Alchemists of all ages have sought the mystical philosophers’ stone.
Early alchemists pored over minutely ciphered texts in search of this
stone. For them, it was worth a lifetime to decode the mystery of this
"stone" which symbolized the transmutation of the lower animal nature
into the highest and divine. The coveted philosophers’ stone - "the
stone which is no stone" - was not physical, but spiritual, and created out of fire.
Some alchemists did discover the secret of the Violet Flame. According
to Neoplatonist alchemists, the philosophers’ stone was a
self-transforming fire that would lead their souls upward, by drawing up
to the Spirit all qualities which dragged downward and opposed the
spiritual essences. In the process, the "hard and refractory materials"
in their bodies would be transmuted into a rare and more luminous
material. In this sacred experiment, they said the alchemist would
become "like the gods", pursuing "the gold of the wise and not the
vulgar metal".
Transmutation, then, was not just a process which turned base metals
into gold, but a spiritual process which raised the soul into a state of
unity with the Divine.
Life has been quite the roller coast ride for me lately. I have not felt competent enough to write any posts on here, perhaps that is a symptom of my inner journeys. I have had a glorious summer of beautiful, bountiful gardening. I started a small business of selling plants at a local farmer's market. It was very hard work but so very rewarding. It was in a section of town that has fallen into hard times, all the businesses have left for people with more money. Lots of old, beautiful, now empty buildings. I was chastised by many people for making this my area to open my business in. I should try for the booming, white, suburban areas. I am glad I didn't listen to them. I met the most wonderful people this summer. It seemed that I was surrounded by kindness and true, honest joy. Just the plain joy of living and being in sync with the pulse of life. It is a place that I strive to find each and every day. But in these times it grows much harder to find that "violet flame".
In reading back over some of my posts here, I discover how very wordy and boring some of my posts are. I copy and past way too much when I should only past waypoints. I will try to do better. I just want to share the secrets that I discover. But truly all I can do is show the way..........
So in this wonderful season of Advent, or the coming of the Violet Light I hope you will find your own secrets.
GA Homily for the First Sunday in Advent
by Rev. Steven Marshall
Seeking the Light
The First Sunday of advent marks the beginning of a new liturgical year. Like Lent, it is a penitential season and a preparation for a new cycle. Traditionally Advent is a time of fasting and praying. For the Gnostic the penitential seasons are a time for quiet introspection and self-reflection in preparation for the great festivals of Christmas and Easter.Paramahansa Yogananda describes this inner work of preparation as a work of inner cleansing and purification.
"I will prepare for the coming of the Omnipresent baby Christ by cleaning the cradle of my consciousness and sense attachments; and by polishing it with deep, daily, divine meditation, introspection, and discrimination. I will remodel the cradle with the dazzling soul-qualities of brotherly love, humbleness, faith, desire for God, will power, self-control, renunciation and unselfishness, that I may fittingly celebrate the birth of the Divine Child."http://gnosis.org/ecclesia/homily_Advent1.htm
http://gnosis.org/ecclesia/homily_Advent2.htm
During the season of Advent we are most acutely aware of those less fortunate and in need. As we perceive the pain and suffering in the world, we can often feel overwhelmed with the immensity of the divine work of redemption. The Book of Sophia describes this work of redemption in marvelous simplicity, not as an external projection but as an inner mystery.
"Do to all men who come to you and believe in you and listen to your words what is worthy of the mysteries of the Light, give the mysteries of the Light and do not hide them from them. For he who shall give life to a single soul and liberate it, besides the Light that is in his own soul, he shall receive other glory in return for the soul he has liberated."The most precious gift we have to give in this work of redemption in the world is the offering of the mysteries of the Light, however we may attest to them, not by street corner evangelism or door to door proselytizing but by doing what is worthy of the mysteries of the Light to those who seek it and come to us. As one by one the Light is awakened in others, then the pain and suffering in the world can be transformed.
My wish for all of us is that we can each find our way during this journey of life to our own "violet light" and become wayshowers for all that search.
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