Lecture: An Introduction to Transpersonal Alchemy- Transforming Ourselves and the World Around Us
By Merrill Ward
$5.00 - 20.00 Suggested donation, everyone welcome, no one turned away
Presentation Description:
Alchemy is the ancient Art & Science of causing spiritual, psychic and physical transformation to occur both within ourselves and in the world around us. Based on the ancient teachings of Hermeticism from the mythical Egyptian prophet Thoth/Hermes through the formula of the legendary Emerald Tablet, alchemy has developed continuously over centuries by it's practitioners in both the West and Far East and is considered the Mother of modern Science, in particularly Chemistry and Medicine, and remains a key component of the Western Mystery School tradition.
Alchemy is most often associated with metallurgy and the practice of transmuting the physical substance of lead, or base metals, into gold. While in fact alchemy is a complex yet effective spiritual and philosophical system of symbol and allegory that can be effectively utilized to examine, synthesize and perfect the elements of one's own being in the establishment the Philosopher's Stone, our essential spiritual nature, through the process know as the Great Work. Once this Philosopher's Stone has been established within the being of the alchemist it can then be applied to the world around us for the perfection, liberation and spiritual evolution of our planet.
With the advent of the world-wide popularity of hits such as the "Harry Potter" novels and movies by J.K. Rowlings or Dan Brown's "The DiVinci Code" becoming the best-selling adult fiction novel of all time, mystery traditions such as alchemy are rapidly becoming more widely accepted into the mainstream consciousness of modern culture.
This engaging and evocative Powerpoint presentation will begin to explore some of the historical roots into the Hermetic alchemical tradition while examining some specific processes and techniques of these traditions and their practical application. We will also explore the underlying symbolism of the alchemical formulas of attainment, methods for developing "energized enthusiasm", inner harmony and equilibrium; all focusing on generating a powerful way of being that can be directly applied to the individuals personal spiritual process of transformation within our everyday lives and the world around us for the betterment of humanity.
Presenter's Biography:
Merrill Ward is a ritualist, performer, teacher and student of Hermeticism and Thelemic Ceremonial Magick and works as a freelance producer and filmmaker as well as the Marketing Director for independent world-beat record label, Sequoia Records. He is as an initiate within several magical traditions, most notably, the Ordo Templi Orientis, perhaps the largest magical fraternity in the world, and has authored numerous published articles on a variety of subjects within the Western Mystery School traditions.
He is an ordained Priest of Ecclesia Gnostica Catholica, and currently serves as the Public Information Officer and Ombudsman for the U.S. Grand Lodge of O.T.O. He continues to host the College of Hermetic Arts and Science at the R.V.M.L, where he facilitates and presents regular on-going classes, workshops and lectures on diverse mystical subjects including Ritual and Ceremonial Magick, Hermetic Science, Alchemy, Raja Yoga, Esoteric Philosophy & Psychology, Qabalah and Tarot, which he has been doing for over 10 years. He welcomes all those interested in expanding their knowledge and understanding of the Mysteries to attend.
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TUESDAY LECTURE SERIES FORMAT: 90-120-minute lecture presentation including break and Q&A period. All events conclude promptly at 9pm.
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