Search

White Oak Grove CUUPS

Exploring Pagan Traditions in Rockford, IL

Month

February 2021

The Elements Pin Board

February Discussion Recap

This month members of White Oak Grove CUUPS gathered online for our regular meeting where we took a look at the path of Alchemy, it’s relationship with the elements, and it’s practitioners. If you weren’t able to make the session you can find the full set of class notes on our facebook page.

Defined as the process of taking something ordinary and turning it into something extraordinary, sometimes in a way that cannot be explained, Alchemy is the medieval forerunner of chemistry based on the supposed transformation of matter. Beginning about 100 AD, alchemy was an art based partly upon magic and partly upon experiment. They became investigators of natural processes, looking for a mythical substance called a “Philosopher’s Stone”. It turns out that this might not have ever been a literal stone, but a way or powder that had a magical influence on the base metals to attempt to turn them into gold and make one able to achieve immortality. While there’s no proof of the “Philosopher’s Stone” ever existing that has never stopped Alchemists, both modern and ancient, from trying to achieve it.

It turns out that when Alchemists talk about turning led into gold, they may actually be talking about a spiritual journey and transformation rather than turning actually turning the first into the latter! Early philosophers tried to explain the existence of gold and other substances and the theory that elements in the earth matured from “least perfect” (lead) to “most perfect” (gold). By combining the methods of science, psychology, and religion Alchemists embark on a unique spiritual journey in the hopes of turning themselves into the legendary “Philosopher’s Stone” by achieving perfect balance of the elements within themselves.

Interested in learning more? Check out these books recommended by by our presenters Betsy and Warren:

  • Alchemy – The Medieval Alchemists and their Royal Art by Fabricus, Johannes
  • The Herbal Alchemist’s Handbook by Harrison, Karen
  • Idiot’s Guide to Alchemy by Hauck, Dennis
  • The Last Sorcerers: The Path from Alchemy to the Periodic Table by Morris, Richard

February Crystal of the Month – Rose Quartz

A happy stone that exudes love & kindness Rose Quartz has an energy that is all about empathy, compassion, and forgiveness. Rose Quartz adds loving energy to relationships and gives its wearer a boost of self-confidence. An ancient Greek symbol of love it was said to be given to humans by the God Eros as a gift of love… or perhaps the blood of Aphrodite trapped in quartz.

Perfect for Pisces Rose Quartz supports selfless empaths who strive to help others.

♥ NOTE ♥ It’s not smart to use Rose Quartz as a pendulum because it has a tendency to only tell you what you want to hear.

Mighty Brighid, keeper of the flame,

blazing in the darkness of winter.

O goddess, we honor you, bringer of light,

healer, exalted one.

Bless us now, hearth mother,

that we may be as fruitful as the soil itself,

and our lives abundant and fertile.

Prayer to Brighid, Keeper of the Flame. ( Source )

Create a free website or blog at WordPress.com.

Up ↑