An apology of the internal path of Hermetic Alchemy

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Someone recently challenged the view that the Rosicrucian Order of Alpha et Omega adheres to regarding Hermetic Alchemy. This person states that the claims about transmutation of base metals into gold in an actual physical laboratory never were meant to be metaphorical. In this instance the practice of modern day alchemists like David Hudson was considered to be a proof of the truth in laboratory or external alchemy. In Response, Master R., a Magister (8°=3°) of the Alpha et Omega's Third Order writes:

You are partially correct in that there is indeed a branch of alchemy that advances one spiritually through the external transmutation of metals, herbs, or minerals. Where you are mistaken, however, is that you do not understand that there also exists alchemy that effects physical transmutation by using internal fluids and energies. You demonstrate that you have not fully understood alchemy in that you are separating the ONE - and the first law of alchemy is that ”Everything is ONE”. Thus each operation referring to an external metal may also be referred to a metal - literally - INSIDE MAN. Thus you are only considering one aspect of alchemy and not ALL OF ALCHEMY - WHICH IS GLOBAL AND BASED ON UNITY.

Hudson is but a student who has remained only with the physical, external aspect of alchemy - and remains ignorant of the mysteries of Internal Alchemy. Yet for the complete Opus it is necessary that alchemy be complete. There are surely different branches of alchemy which should be studied separately and put into practice. Thus the external alchemy of Hudson is only a part of alchemy; ”chemical alchemy” whereas we study alchemy WITHIN THE HUMAN BODY.

There are diverse paths to attainment that may be followed all together or separately. This is a choice. We prefer working with the subtle fires of the body itself, such as love and sexuality, and the fluids of the human body, whereas you prefer chemical substances that exist in nature. Yet these alchemical paths are the same in the sense that we use the same elements arising from the same root. The difference is that we use elements within the human body, whereas you use those without.

You should, however, always remember that true alchemy should always tend to the liberation of the energy that is contained within matter. Thus the way of Hermetic Internal Alchemy is the most useful to man. Due to the processing practiced by Hudson and others like him – they have been called “Puffers” (Souffleurs) by the ancients. When alchemical texts speak of “puffers” this is exactly what they are referring to, as such ways of external processing are extremely long when contrasted with Hermetic Internal Alchemy - and thus best left to others.

Let there be no doubt about it. Hudson - and others like him - are “Puffers”. Hudson speaks not of “aLchemy” but rather of “aRchemy” - from which arises modern chemistry. Alchemy is something else.

You need consider only this one law:

”Use nothing external to the matter of the Opus itself - which is already complete as it is - and all you should do is - cook - cook - cook.”

How is it possible, therefore, that Puffers like Hudson seek to use things external to the human body or to the matter of the Opus, when everything you need to complete the Opus Magnum is contained within the human body itself?

Why do they not follow this most basic law of alchemy?

For only one reason: to sell their potions and products and to make money. This is a question of business for these individuals.

This is also why they are so upset with our order - because we reveal this truth about alchemy - and the truth is bad for their business!

- Master R.

To recapitulate the message of Master R, embellished (or rather tinted) by my own conclusions. There exist both an external and an internal path of Alchemy. The external works with outer substances and prima materials, such as Antimony (the Black Dragon) of the Dry Way and Cinnabar (the Red Dragon) of the Humid. Internal Alchemy works with the prima materia of the physical body. While the Dry Way of external alchemy works with vulgar fire in an athanor made of brick and clay (oven), and the Wet Way of external alchemy with the secret fire of an athanor made of glass (flask), the internal path of alchemy works with the athanor of the body and the secret fire that is contained within the organism. Both paths, the external and internal, are legitimate. But one is more Royal then the other. Internal alchemy is more direct while external is of a more analogical kind. Internal alchemy has greater potential and is shorter, while the external ways are harder to master correctly and takes longer. Both paths use the same symbology and terms. To master Inner Alchemy one usually are required to master the external way as a preparation for the internal. But to reach the true Opus Magnum or succeed in the Great Work one must master the internal path of Hermetic Alchemy.

S∴R∴