Chemical Serpents: Introduction
“That is exactly what it is necessary for you to realise,” the master tells him. “Gods, demons, the whole universe, are but a mirage which exists in the mind, 'springs from it, sinks into it.'” ~ Alexandra David-Neel
In the wind of the mind arises the turbulence called I. It breaks; down shower the barren thoughts. ~ Aleister Crowley
Introduction
In this book I share my research into alchemical symbolism, and related symbols in various religious, mystical and magical traditions from around the world. I emphasise the similarities whilst noting the differences, making no argument for the superiority of any particular view where none exists.
Through my study of the symbols and experience of the magical and mystical practices to which they allude, I see that a universal message emerges from these disparate traditions, especially when one strips them of the various authoritarian political ideas that attach themselves to philosophy of all kinds like persistently greedy parasites.
In a nutshell, the message tells us that by bringing the awareness of our minds into harmony with our bodies, senses and emotions, we free ourselves from illusion, most especially the illusion of self, and the desires born of such illusions so we can instead begin life in accord with what we might call our 'divine will'.
This for example, forms the goal of simple awareness meditation. To still the mind and simply experience our senses, without interpretation. To experience the moment. Easier said than done, but far from impossible, and something each of us can achieve for ourselves.
It also forms the goal of Left-Hand path traditions where the aspirant seeks to 'become a god'. What kind of god would lack awareness of its own true nature, would willingly imprison itself in illusion and not attempt to break free?
In an age where we face a bewildering array of illusions in the form of mass media advertising campaigns, from political and religious institutions trying to persuade you to support their power hierarchies on the one hand, to corporations trying to convince you that you really will have a better life if you just buy their products on the other, the art of seeing through illusion becomes one more necessary than ever.
This guide to the symbols of illumination, in addition to providing a good background on the history of the art and symbols of the path, also serves as an introduction in how to illuminate oneself.
it's a good post
Thank you. Be sure to check the #chemicalserpents tag to see the other instalments.