Conjunction | "As Above, So Below." --Motto of Alchemy | Chemically, Conjunction is the recombining of saved elements from Separation into a new substance. The step of Conjunction achieves balance between the warring opposites. Opposing tendencies, fire and water, masculine and feminine, the hidden and outward spirit, and the passionate emotion and the dispassionate intellect have been balanced and recombined. This is sometimes described as a joyful marriage to oneself. The alchemist is now free of the attitudes and characteristics that are defects of growth in nature. Some find criticism in many religions within the context of this step. Some spiritual systems strive for perfection by denying things of the earth giving physical existence no value. The earth is simply described as a place full of temptation for your path that should be avoided. (Interestingly enough, some alchemists describe Christ as matter of the spirit and Satan the spirit of matter.) Alchemy embraces the idea that the balance between the physical and the spiritual self is desirable, and since we have chosen to be here, has great meaning. Harmonizing within this framework allows higher states of consciousness to be attained. The motto of Alchemy is, "As Above, So Below." This means that earth existence is interwoven with the heavens. Within our bodies, souls, and our grasp, is a microcosm, or small copy, of the great system. Great transformations and healings are achieved through attaining this balance. In the conjunctive state of consciousness, the alchemist is finding deep and meaningful greatness. The first glimpse of who we truly are is received with great happiness. There are fewer fears and the shoulds and shouldn'ts become less important and powerful and turn into doing. Life is joyous after all, and the great power of laughter is just beginning to be understood. The smallest steps we take, and everything we do contains joy. Conjunction is a wonderful place to be, because it is the empowerment of our true selves. We no longer view ourselves with disapproval, bitterness, and pain, but lovingly understand our mistakes and the shortcomings of others within this context. Alchemists sometimes referred to the material at this step as the Lesser Stone. After achieving conjunction, the adept is able to clearly discern what needs to be done to achieve lasting enlightenment, which is union with the Overself. The eternal connectivity of all things starts to be apparent. Synchronicities also begin to occur that confirm the path. The lifetime battles with such things as low self-regard, depression, and suffering are resolved. The greater the pain and depression, the greater the gifts some spiritual teachers explain. (If you have not reached this stage yet, I hope that statement gives you courage!) The secret is out, that the alchemist has indeed been developing gifts to share that are easily described as beyond what they ever expected or imagined. Choices become necessary in order to press on with the rest of the journey. There are still many difficult steps to go.
Fourth Key. A skeleton stands on what appears to be a draped coffin. On the left a candle is burning, while on the right is a decaying stump of a tree. In the background is a church.
The Symbol of the Tree The tree is a symbol often used to depict wholeness. In order to be one, our branches are in the heavens, our roots in the earth, and the trunk is a pathway flowing between the two states.
| | | The Garden of Light ...I was in the garden of light admiring all the flowing colors. The garden reminded me of hair moving and reflecting the light in soft waves. There were lines of curving color, but not perfect lines. They flowed and sparkled as they moved capturing and sending light. I recognized Him immediately and it made me so happy. He smiled and and I took His hand as he held it out for me. I had been hoping to talk to Him. "Have mercy on my soul." I said. He looked at me. "Aren't you having a nice life?" We continued to stroll in the garden as I reflected thoughtfully. "I am having a wonderful life," I answered, "But financially, it has been suddenly difficult." "Oh, you will see." He smiled at me again, reassuring me. "Can I see now?" I asked feeling happier. "No." He answered. "Please?" "You will see." He simply replied again. ---Evonne and Him The Dark Place I saw a man who appeared to be very small. He also appeared dark and dressed very handsomly in a black suit. He wore an old bowler type hat. Because he appeared to be so small, I looked at him for awhile wondering who or what he is. After looking at him for awhile, I realized he was not small at all. He was surrounded by so many large things, he only appeared to be small. The look and feeling of the surroundings reminded me of the old, dark tapastries. "How did you get so many things?" I asked. He looked at me for a few seconds then replied. "People have needs and wants and desires. They work and participate in a variety of other activities to attain these things. People even take L-O-A-N-S." He paused after giving a lot of emphasis to the word loans, implying a different meaning, then continued. When it all UNWINDS in the end, they come back to me. ---Evonne and the Antique Dealer | I always thought the expression, "Festive as hell, " was very colorful. At least it brings quite a picture to my mind. Did you ever hear someone say they, "...prayed like hell!" ? I never say anything about that one but I wonder.
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