How to make you own gold
Published: Thu, 01/11/18
Alchemy, the word suggests aspiring magicians attempting to change lead into gold. These days alchemist can suggest a superstitious fool who will only face disappointment, or, we also know that alchemy is the root of the word chemistry, a perfectly respectable science, and some of the greatest scientific brains in history such as Issac Newton were alchemists. It is now generally accepted that you cannot make gold in a laboratory or a wizzard’s cave. All the gold in the universe was probably made in neutron stars when two of them crash together. The vast amount of energy released is apparently enough to create gold, along with silver and platinum. So, there you go, you can make your own gold. All you need is two neutron stars and crash them together. Just don’t do it anywhere near me, preferably on the other side of the galaxy.
Alchemy is by no means dead. All an alchemist is is someone who can transmute material of apparently little value into something of great value. The idea of lead into gold is really just symbolic. The most amazing example of the alchemist’s art is taking silica (effectively sand) and converting it into silicon chips. Yes, the chips that enable me to write this on my computer and you to read it on your lap top, tablet or smart phone. The base material of computer chips is effectively sand, transmuted into the basis of the digital age.
The other technological development which sounds extremely interesting is the development of solid state batteries using magnesium rather than lithium. We all know about Lithium Ion batteries, we all carry one in our smart phones. But solid state magnesium batteries could apparently make electric vehicles a a practical reality at last. From what I understand the technology is not proven yet, but if a new battery technology does transform the way we store and use electricity then it will be another example of transmuting a common material into something of great value.
I have been talking about precious metals and advanced technology. However, being an alchemist is what it means to be human. We can all do it, albeit on a mundane level. Taking some simple ingredients and cooking a tasty meal is a process of transmutation. Taking water, honey and yeast and brewing mead is even more remarkable. The smith takes metal ore, his tools and access to fire and water and wonderful objects such as a sword or necklace can be made. The greater your knowledge the more amazing the transmutations you can bring about. Does alchemy eventually become magic? Good question and I will let Arthur C. Clark answer that . “Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.”
Sometimes people talk about ‘rune magic’. I get questions about the ‘esoteric’ aspects of Stav and when we teach them. Runes are just a technology to enable personal transformation. Esoteric just means ‘hidden knowledge’. Once that knowledge is revealed to you it is no longer esoteric, it is just information for you to do something with. For example, a stick is just a stick until someone with knowledge carves runes on it. To the person carrying the stick who does not know runes it is a magic stick carved with esoteric symbols. To the recipient of the stick, if they also know rune,s it is an invitation to come for supper on Friday.
The runic message example is a kind of dark ages version of a text message. Not so necessary today. What we do need is keeping the body healthy with the stances and other training. Understanding how to relate to society through the five principles. Opening up the imagination through mythology and cosmology. Understanding the web so that we know where we have come from, where we are and our options for the future.
Perhaps the greatest alchemy of all is simply developing yourself. All the knowledge you need is right there, all you actually have to do is open your eyes and be willing to use what you learn.
regards
Graham
PS I have updated the Foundation Programme web page. I have had quite a few messages from people saying that they are interested in the distance learning modules but can’t commit to being physically present at a training event. So, there is the option of just receiving the modules. The programme is going to be a bit experimental the first time it goes out. I have the material and the technology to do it but I don’t quite know how it is going to work out, I will need feedback so I can improve and develop the project.
I have also canceled the day course on the 27th of this month and rescheduled for the 24th of March in Beverley and on the 8th of April in Somerset. Full details here https://iceandfire.org.uk/foundation.html