The etymology of words is always revealing. Transmutation means to change from one condition to another. All human beings seek the good – even if it is a private and personal good, sometimes far removed from actual good. But once we have glimpsed the potentialities of the seeds which lie within us, we are moved to nurture those seeds and actively move towards an efflorescence – the beautiful flowering of our souls. To bring this about we might choose spiritual practices and techniques to help us – well-known practices like prayer, meditation, mindfulness and ritual, as well as, perhaps, lesser-known practices such as the Semah, a group of ritual dances celebrated by Alevism, an Islamic tradition. Whatever we choose, there is invariably a catharsis, or cleansing, which moves us from one state to another. As we peel away the layers of our outer selves and meet our inner Self, there can be a feeling of awakening, as if from a profound sleep.
There is no doubt that spiritual practices open our eyes and allow us to see beyond the apparent to the reality behind. It was for this reason that a scientific institution - the Academy of the Lynx-eyed - was founded in 1603. One prominent member was Galileo Galilei. In mythos the lynx is said to possess x-ray vision enabling the animal to see through solid objects. It also serves as a symbol pointing to hidden truths. Clearly, the Art of Symbology can play a central role in transmuting energy when the whole of life becomes an endeavour to look beyond, penetrating the outer form to release the inner kernel.
Undoubtedly tests and challenges will come – some would say, opportunities – as we journey on. But it’s helpful to remember that the lotus blossom flower in all its delicacy and boldness, arises out of muddy waters. With the right attitude, trials can be used to transmute energy and generate within us a greater richness of being.
The wise direction of energy can help us too. Do you recall Osiris and his brother Set? Osiris was an Egyptian King linked to the cycles of birth and death and the renewal of nature which was connected to the inundation of the Nile. Set was his violent brother associated with storms and deserts. Set usurped the throne of his brother by killing him. There is plenty to be learned from this insightful Egyptian myth, but for our purposes, in one version of the myth, Set’s punishment was to carry the Solar Boat – the barque of Ra – across the sky each day. This serves to show how chaotic energy can be harnessed, focussed and re-directed into positive channels.
Transmuting and refining our energies undoubtedly opens us to the stable world of Reality where we see that change is born out of the changeless. As we move towards the changeless, our unique ‘note’ rings out with increased clarity and attracting power.
To explore this important subject further, you may enjoy our recent release course, Mindfulness and Buddhist Psychology as Gateways to Self Knowledge and Self Transformation. Understanding the Myth of Theseus may also be helpful in that it explores the journey of the soul with some of its challenges and pitfalls.
Image credit: Amanda Reid
