(eBook) Living Through Alchemy: A transformational journey to freedom

By Vi Vi Thai

Discover a powerful memoir about hope, change, faith, and the fascinating secrets of alchemy.

Artfully written with a deeply authentic and spiritual tone, Living Through Alchemy seeks to dispel the myths behind alchemy, shining an illuminating light on this fascinating esoteric practice. As the culmination of a lifetime of soul searching, this guide blends the fields of art and science, painting a compelling picture of how alchemy manifests in our daily lives – along with how we can tap into this natural process of evolution to transform our minds and wellbeing.

Through a combination of philosophy, Tarot wisdom, and ancient myth, Living Through Alchemy serves as a heartfelt tribute to the life-changing potential of alchemy, reflecting on author Vi Vi Thai’s courageous journey to escape the chains of expectation and discover the meaning of freedom for herself.
Featuring bonus journal prompts to help guide and encourage readers along their personal path to transformation, this book inspires and challenges you to understand the true nature of alchemy and how it can help you develop a deeper understanding of both yourself and the world.

Inside, you’ll discover:
- The Truth Behind Alchemy – Where Science Meets Art and Mysticism
- The Surprising Scientific and Psychological Roots Behind Alchemy
- What Ancient Cultures Have To Tell Us About The Nature of Reality
- Exploring The Wisdom of Tarot Cards and The Hero’s Journey
- Practical Journal Prompts and Lessons For Self-Reflection and Personal Growth
- And Much More…

Perfect for truth-seekers, the curious, and anybody who wants to learn more about alchemy, Living Through Alchemy is a fascinating mixture of memoir and practical wisdom, encouraging readers to find greater joy in life, let go of obsessive control, and accept the endless flow of transformation that makes up our world.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Apr 22, 2022
• ISBN: 9781716005527

Book preview

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LIVING THROUGH ALCHEMY

LIVING THROUGH ALCHEMY

A transformational journey to freedom

By

Vi Vi THAI

1st

© Vi Vi Thai 2021

1st print edition

ISBN:978-1-716-00552-7

Questions/comments? The author can be contacted at [e-mail]

Images of tarot cards are Illustrations from the Rider-Waite Tarot Deck, known as the Rider Tarot and the Waite Tarot, reproduced by permission of U.S. Games Systems, Inc., Stamford, CT 06902. c. 1971 by U.S. Games Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. The Rider-Waite Tarot deck is a registered trademark of U.S. Games Systems, Inc.

Contents

Preface

Chapter 1: Overview of Alchemy

Chapter 2: The Chariot

Stage 1: Calcination - Let It Burn

Chapter 3: Strength

Chapter 4: The Hermit

Stage 2: Dissolution - The Awakening

Chapter 5: Wheel of Fortune

Chapter 6: Justice

Stage 3: The Separation - The Road Trip Across Canada

Chapter 7: The Hanged Man

Chapter 8: Death

Conclusion

Afterword

References

About the Author

Bonus Chapter: Marco’s Story

Preface

In this book, I will walk you through the stages of alchemy through my own transformational journey in a higher perspective as I reflect on my life. When I discovered alchemy, I understood why my passion for science since childhood, but my background in engineering was clearly not my chosen path. It is only when you go left that you know which path is right.

It wasn’t a coincidence that the Alchemist (1) book from Paulo Coelho came to me at the lowest point of my life and became one of my biggest inspirations. It was as I created my alchemist journey out of imagination after reading the book. I do believe that thoughts and visions are incredibly powerful in the manifestation of your life. When I started to write this book, I realized the higher truth of my journey with the help of Mystery Teachings (2) from Theresa Bullard on Gaia media network. I was able to understand that it is indeed an alchemist journey. It has been very vulnerable to me to find the courage to share my personal story with the world. However, I intend that sharing my journey will give you better insight and reflection into your evolution so that you, too, can find solutions to any struggles you may face. My coach, Jim Fortin, always said, what’s most personal is most general.(9)

Since our world is shifting to higher consciousness, many people will face challenges that push them to grow through alchemical processes. Hence, this book could be helpful to those that are facing these challenges.

Knowing where you are is essential to make choices that align with your higher truth and purpose, so you can move through the challenges faster and stop clinging to suffering through blaming and shaming that everything just happens to you.

I know now that my engineering skills and knowledge weren’t meant to apply in the pharmaceutical industry, oil industry, or any industry but for building a better life. I remember vividly in grad school at Cornell University. My professor asked us a simple but brilliant question what is engineering?. Though I was studying this field for five years, I did not fully understand this term, nor did many of my classmates. The room was quiet. It looked like many of us were in this major just for the hype. Then he went on to explain, an engineer is a problem solver. Ever since, his answer stuck with me. I couldn’t help but wonder, if I am trying to be a good engineer to solve the world’s problems, then how good of an engineer am I if I can’t even solve my life problems. The lesson I learned on that day was probably the best lesson I learned in my graduate school. Since I left the US, I realized that I could better utilize my skills to re-engineer my life.

The first step in re-engineering is to take everything apart to reshape and rebuild the existing material to transform it into something else. Little did I know, this intention led me on an alchemical journey. It is in alchemy that I’m able to connect the dots of my life.

Chapter 1: Overview of Alchemy

Alchemy is one of the most misunderstood subjects of all time, but the term is often used loosely, but do you really understand what it means? Legend has it, alchemy is known as a mythical process that turns lead into gold. When thinking about alchemy, you may have imagined an old scientist with extra-large glasses in a messy laboratory conducting mysterious experiments. That’s not all alchemy is about; there is so much more. Let me debunk that idea for you. Let’s look at the definition of alchemy from Merriam-Webster dictionary, and there are 3 definitions:

1."a medieval chemical science and speculative philosophy aiming to achieve the transmutation of the base metals into gold

2.a power or process that changes or transforms something in a mysterious or impressive way

3.an inexplicable or mysterious transmuting"(18)

Based on the definitions, the meaning of alchemy is so much more than a chemical experiment; but it is a process of transformation and transmutation that exists in all forms of life. To me, alchemy is the junction of science, philosophy, and ancient wisdom. The process of a caterpillar turning into a butterfly through stages of metamorphosis is a great analogy to understand what alchemy is. These transformational processes also exist in each of us as we go through different stages in life. It is not just a chemical process; it is also biological, physical, energetical, as well as spiritual since it involves all aspects of living things and beings. Alchemy is, therefore, necessary for evolution. There are seven stages of the alchemical process that transform one element into another, they are:

1.Calcination

2.Dissolution

3.Separation

4.Conjunction

5.Fermentation

6.Distillation

7.Coagulation.

These seven stages are also associated with our seven chakras or energy centers: root, sacral, solar plexus, heart, throat, third eye, and crown chakra.

The Seven Chakras

The seven chakras are the energy centers that run along the spine from the perineum to the top of the head, from root chakra to crown chakra, respectively. Chakras is a Sanskrit word that means wheels because these energy centers rotate like a wheel. If the wheel is slow, stagnant, or rotates too fast, it means that the energy center is out of balance; over time, it can lead to physical illnesses. Each of these chakras is also known to be associated with the seven laws of the universe by Hermetic teaching in reference to the Kybalion(3), becoming supernatural (4) by Joe Dispenza, and the teaching of Matias de Stephano in Initiation(5) series from Gaia media network.

The seventh chakra, or the crown chakra, is linked to the First Law of Mentalism, the all is mind, the universe is mental.(3). This chakra governs the pituitary gland. Balancing this gland’s energy will help us access the divinity from within as well as being in harmony with the universe.

The sixth chakra of the third eye is linked to the Law of Correspondence as above, so below; as below, so above.(3). This chakra governs the pineal gland. When this gland is opened, we can see beyond the physical realm.

The fifth chakra, or the throat chakra, is linked to the Third Law of Vibration Nothing rests, everything moves, everything vibrates.(3). Our words are sound, and sound is vibration. Hence, words are vibrational energy. This chakra governs the thyroid, glands and organs around the throat area. When this chakra is in balance, we can express and speak the truth of who we are.

The fourth chakra, or heart chakra, is linked to the Law of Rhythm. This chakra governs the heart and the lung. Balancing this chakra will help us to have love, compassion, and gratitude for ourselves and others.

The third chakra or the solar plexus is linked to the Law of Cause and Effect, also known as the Law of Karma. This chakra governs the stomach, spleen, kidneys, liver, and other organs in the upper abdomen. Balancing the solar plexus is when we can restore willpower, self-esteem, and self-confidence.

The second chakra or sacral chakra is linked to the Law of Polarity, everything has its pair of opposites.(3). This chakra governs the pancreas, ovaries, intestines, and other organs in the lower abdomen. It is known to store emotions related to relationship issues.

The first chakra, or the root chakra, is