As above, so below: HOW AM I EXPERIENCING THE CRUCIBLE OF MY LIFE IN MY PLACE/CONTEXT?
As without, so within: INSIDE THAT CRUCIBLE, WHAT PROCESS(ES) AM I IN?
Orienting the next call on the arc of the journey so far:
The pattern of opening a portal to practice Collective Alchemy twice monthly is interweaving a two-stranded dual path together, like the double helix of DNA.
Since 8 May we have been alternating between the Via PositivaThe Via Positiva is the bridge of practice that we trust will carry us forward into an ever deeper and stronger capacity to live in Integral consciousness. This path takes the form of collective inquiry, mostly using the foundational practice of Collective Presencing, to lean into more transpersonal questions—matters of concern to the human collective, and eventually even beyond the personal level of the psyche, and beyond mundane worldly events. (exploring transpersonal, Integral consciousness) and the Via NegativaThe alchemical procedure is broken down into a variety of different phases, which differs according to which of the ancient alchemists you study. What all the different schools have in common is the process of burning away the impure, so that only what is pure will remain. This process of removal is what we are calling the Via Negativa. (burning off the personal dross that blocks access to it). On the Via Negativa, we have been in the alchemical phase of Calcination: eradicating the false roots that distract us from living life as who we really are.
On 31 July we will enter our 9th cycle of collective practice together, moving deeper into the second octave. Our steps will return to the Via Negativa, as we continue to develop our capacity as alchemists exploring together what it means to transmute consciousness.
Framing the calling questions:
As above, so below: HOW AM I EXPERIENCING THE CRUCIBLE OF MY LIFE
IN MY PLACE/CONTEXT?
As without, so within: INSIDE THAT CRUCIBLE, WHAT PROCESS(ES) AM I IN?
One of the central tenets of all alchemical practice is “As above, so below; as without, so within”. ‘As above, so below’ refers to similarities across scale. What are the similarities between what I see unfolding in society at large, in my immediate context and in my own life? ‘As without, so within’ refers to the ways in which what happens in my external world mirrors and echoes what is playing out within me. How is my life world reflecting back to me what I am living on the inside?
When we set out on this alchemical journey 3 years ago, without even knowing what it was we were practicing, one of the ways we found into the practice was working with the Matrix of Alchemical Procedures developed from the work of Catherine MacCoun (see recommended reading below). This Matrix helps us navigate reality, as we perceive and experience it, by identifying which alchemical phase we are in—based on what symptoms we are experiencing—and offering guidance as to useful action/non-action in the different phases. It is perfectly possible to be experiencing symptoms relating to different phases at the same time, or in different contexts.
Preparation for the calls
The questions for this Portal Day invite us into both an observation of our own inner processes and an inquiry as to the ways in which we are interconnected with the wider world.
If you wish to come prepared to the call, we invite you to read the following sections of the Collective Alchemy practice guide:
Definition of Collective Alchemy
Mechanics of Collective Alchemy
Ingredients of Collective Alchemy
We also invite you to play with the Matrix of Alchemical Procedures: Does the matrix help you identify symptoms that offer you insight? If so, are you helped by the suggested ways of abetting?
Recommended reading:
MacCoun, C. (2008) On Becoming an Alchemist, A Guide for the Modern Magician. Boulder Colorado: Trumpeter Books.
Read the harvests from our previous portal days:
Via Positiva:
Read the harvest from 8 May
Read the harvest from 5 June
Read the harvest from 17 July
Via Negativa:
Read the harvest from 22 May
Read the harvest from 19 June
