The following describes the ancient art of ‘Alchemy’ (from which the word “chemistry” was derived):

Alchemy is an ancient tradition, the primary objective of which was the creation of the mythical “philosopher’s stone,” which was said to be capable of turning base metals into gold or silver, and also act as an elixir of life that would confer youth and immortality upon its user. As practiced historically, alchemy can be viewed as a protoscience, a precursor to modern chemistry, having provided procedures, equipment, and terminology that are still in use. However, alchemy also included various non-scientific mythological, religious, and spiritual concepts, theories and practices.

History

You may well ask yourself, “How does the practice of alchemy relate to oneself?”

Well, before I try to answer that question, many alchemists have attempted and failed to achieve this so-called “philosopher’s stone”, whilst some have claimed to have discovered this elusive magical solution.

But in most cases, these stories (or myths) have been mostly put down to con artists who dabbled in the occult and alchemy so to get rich off gullible Kings who in turn thought that they would become even wealthier than they already were.

However, whatever the truth may have been regarding the history (or legend) of the alchemist’s ambition of transmuting lead into gold, there lies a more than allegorical meaning that we can apply to ourselves in terms of developing our own spiritual, mental and physical lives.

Read more…

Inspirational Words from Two Men of Wisdom and Peace

Two courageous and wise men.

Two great minds with a vision to overcome racial bigotry, social divisions and worldwide conflict.

Their ultimate goal was to unite all people of different race, religion and nationality.

They sought to inspire millions to turn their backs on ignorance and war, and to instead, walk towards “the promised land” of wisdom and non-violent protest.

They enlightened the world with their insights into Man’s problem with conflict and his continuing folly towards self-destruction.

Both became martyrs for peace when they were violently struck down by an assassin’s bullet.

Unfortunately, despite their noble efforts before their passing, the world, as of today, still remains tightly gripped by the Dark Spectres of ignorance and violence.

As these two great human beings continue to turn in their graves, this post will hope to both provoke our conscience and elevate our consciousness with their resonant message to us all.

Let us now remember their pacifistic efforts and learn a very important lesson, which is to improve ourselves with wisdom towards a peaceful existence and unity so that we can make this a better world for future generations to come.

The two men in question, if you didn’t know by now, were Mohandas Gandhi (1969-1948) and Martin Luther King, Jr. (1929-1968).

Read more…

For those who wish to complain for every little thing in their lives, please spare a thought for those who are less well off than yourself.

• Do you have a roof over your head?

• Do you get to eat three square meals a day?

• Do you have a nice warm bed to sleep in?

• Are you in constant danger from being killed violently because of war or internal conflict in your country?

• Are you in danger of losing everything you possess, including your family, because of a natural disaster?

If you can answer favourably to all the above questions, what right do you have to complain?

There are people, as you should all know by now, who have recently lost their home, possessions, and much more importantly, family in the Haiti earthquake. Read more…