The Wizarding World of...Alchemy
Alchemy has easily become one of my favorite words. It’s just so good. It’s the idea of turning something ordinary, or dare I say shitty, into something magical. For the Harry Potter lovers, I say, “welcome to this magical wizarding world.” As someone who has always loved the fantastical stories of magic, creatures and adventures, color me shocked when I finally really started sitting with alchemy. I realized just how relatable that phrase is. If we accept the invitation, we too can wield our wands and turn what seems like nothing into everything. Our own personal brand of magic.
While it’s cool to think of cauldrons, spells, and potions, the art of alchemy doesn’t really require a lot of extra material outside of the self, the individual. It’s straightforward and simple. It’s accessible to all and void of complicated steps. I’d even argue that mastering alchemy doesn’t take as long to learn as some may think. Now, don’t get me confused. I’m not saying that alchemy is easy; it absolutely takes effort. But it is a simple process. A simple process that requires effort at every turn, and when consistent, does get easier with practice and time. But, make no mistakes. Alchemy is riddled with just as many creatures, adventures and magical experiences as any Harry Potter book or movie you’ve dived into. The only difference is that you are the main character.
Before you set off on your first quest, however, it is important to arm yourself with as much information about these alchemic elements as you can. You may not ever be able to pinpoint when, let alone how, your quest will unfold. But you can bet that a little preparation and understanding will take you pretty far. So, let’s get to understanding.
Magic and Alchemy Have Commonality
- You’re Slaying Creatures
- Adventure is an Absolute
- All the Magic
You're Slaying Creatures.
Up first, the fun world of creatures. Yes, giants, ogres, and twisted animal combinations with interesting names may come to mind first. You’ve probably already encountered them between the pages of your novels, on the IMAX theater screen, or following your movements when you press play on your game console. But creatures, real creatures, exist all around us. And it’s our job to learn how to survive them. That relationship with a partner who you have to walk on eggshells with? The person who keeps your nervous system on pins and needles? A creature. The job that never seems satisfied no matter how much blood, sweat, tears, or profits you feed it? You know… the one that drains you dry and never has a replenish mode to give you something meaningful or fulfilling in return? A creature. Or what about that weird and creepy shadow that always seems to be lurking around, especially when something good is hovering right around the corner? It shows up and sabotages everything with incredible precision. By the time you think to turn around and face it, it’s gone. You know the one. Some may call it shadow and others just call it a reflection. Either way, it’s a creature. Probably the scariest one you’ll ever encounter. Regardless of the type of creature, they exist all around (and within) us. And when you know they’re there and what they are, you can target them much more expertly.
Adventure is an Absolute.
Can you imagine sailing around the world on the open sea in 180 days? Captaining a ship fit for the greatest pirate known to man? What about hiking through the lushest rainforest foliage, taking great care to not trip on the massive tree roots jutting out of the ground as you make your way to explore the ancient ruins of a time long before? Perhaps traversing the dry, gritty, and dense sand dunes under the rays of the hot sun in anticipation of any potential teachings and treasures laying buried within the breathtaking pyramids? All adventures. There’s no debate about that. But this adventure, the alchemic adventure, is one that never ends. It’s an ongoing exploration for the hidden jewels and the most precious valuables you’re unclear even exist, yet you can’t stop searching. You will never grow bored of its winding roads, roadblocks, and detours. The deep sea and Mount Kilimanjaro don’t hold a candle to this adventure of high highs and low lows. My friend, your life is the greatest adventure of all time. Day by day and at the drop of a dime a wrench could be thrown in any well-crafted plan you thought you had. And what final destination? This is a nonstop journey. And nonstop journeys require a different type of energy. No get-rich-quick schemes or lazy shortcuts here. This adventure requires a relentless pursuit. It is a deliberate decision to wake up, show up and exert a concerted effort over and over and over again. Whether you have days of considerable effort or the tiniest of baby steps imaginable, that matters not. This adventure takes its payment in inspired action. No matter how much action you have to give, every step onward is one for the books and adds to the greatest adventure never written.
All the Magic!
Finally, a little magic. And believe it or not, this is the easy part. A frog leg, chicken feather and one drop of sap from a 100-year-old evergreen that grew in the mountains of the Pacific Northwest? Or maybe it’s saffron from a direct merchant in India on the second Tuesday of the month, the breath of a two-year-old toddler, and a singular tear captured from the marble statue of Michelangelo’s great sculpture, David’s, eye? It’s an emphatic no. Don’t get me wrong. I like spells and potions like the next person, and I surely respect their value in ancient or ceremonial ritualistic practices around the globe. The magic I’m describing as a result of alchemy, however, doesn’t require this way of being, searching for rare components to achieve the perfect potion. This is not what’s needed for you to slay terrifying creatures as they pop up in your day-to-day, never-ending adventure. You don’t even need a sword. By choosing to be an active participant in the adventure, facing the creatures and continuing onward, you are practicing magic every day. The stories that unfold and the lessons you learn in this fantastical journey create so much shift and alignment in your life that you would think your name was Dr. Strange. Magic isn’t a pouch of shimmering fairy dust or sparkles that shoot out from a wand as you exclaim the special words for activation. Magic is you…responding to the world around and bettering yourself with every obstacle you overcome. Don’t miss out on its spectacular view by never zooming out to see it or refusing to be present so that you can feel that magic as it works.
What did we learn?
It may seem unreal, but that’s alchemy folks. An incredible practice of turning life’s madness into your own personal brand of magic. Like the skilled wizard you are. Becoming an alchemist doesn’t have to be out of reach or some legendary tale. You are presented with opportunities to display your skill every single day. You have the power and opportunity to look at your life through the lens of magic that it really is. The magic that it really can be.
At any moment in time, you can choose to accept that task, the quest that catalyzes major transformation in your life. With alchemy, there is nothing that can keep you from that treasure. Your days will never be anything short of an eye-opening adventure. Every experience becomes one with the potential to catapult you closer to your most aligned life. So I ask, will you answer the call to wield the magic of alchemy right there at your fingertips?
Hi! I’m Chris, and I’m so glad you’re here. As a Certified Quantum Coach, quantum transformation is my joy and specialty. Together, we can explore the magic in rewriting our stories and taking leaps toward our greatest endeavors. We’ll get there together, focused on placing one foot in front of the other.
One. At. A. Time.
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One of greatest decisions of my life was to become a professional coach. The Quantum Coaching Academy not only made coaching a reality for me, but it brought real life principles and magic to life right before my eyes.
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