HYPNOTHERAPISTS AS WIZARDS OF THE UNCONSCIOUS
By Ajamu Ayinde, A.C.H.
Those trained in transpersonal hypnosis learn to access the enormous healing potential of the client’s inner world in order to effect rapid change in every area of the client's lives. These therapists are the wizards of the 21st century. Some call themselves "alchemists." Alchemical Hypnosis is an approach to transpersonal therapy developed and taught by David Quigley.
This article will help articulate the meaning of the word "Alchemist" as it applies to the work of today's modern "wizards"! Alchemy is a useful metaphor for us to use with clients to unlock their belief in their personal power. Alchemy offers us a metaphor that combines science and spirituality. Alchemy is a collection of ancient and modern tools that allows access to that which is pure and untainted within each of us. Ultimately, alchemy is about magic.
Before there was organized religion or science as we know it, the world was a place of magic. Magic is powerful and primal. The belief in magic touches a deep place within us. As children, we are deeply fascinated with and believe in magic. That belief may wane as we grow older in this society. But the power of magic is no less real for those who know how to wield it.
According to their writings, the goal of the ancient alchemists was the discovery of the philosopher's stone. This stone was said to have many magical properties. It could concentrate and purify matter, prolong life indefinitely, cure all diseases and turn lead to gold. When we examine our goals using the tools of transpersonal hypnotherapy we will see that they are not so different from that of the alchemist of medieval times.
For some hypnotherapists, the goal of practicing hypnosis will be to make lots of money (gold). The goal for others will be helping others. Still others embrace hypnotherapy as a means of personal healing-emotional and physical. Were the aims of the ancient alchemists really any different from the ones that we have listed? They wanted to turn lead to gold. Obviously creating gold could make the alchemist extremely wealthy. But, far more important they wanted to tap into the secrets of immortality and extend their physical lives. Don't most of us want to live longer, healthier lives? While you may not aspire to physical immortality, the practice of past life regression therapy helps us all to see that we have lived many lifetimes so in essence each of us is thousands of years old. Alchemy helps us to see this universal truth.
The wizard had an awareness, a certain knowing that came through his extensive study and practice of the art and science of alchemy. During medieval times, the wizard/alchemist was like the shaman of primieval times. In tribal cultures, the shaman was a person of power and leadership within the community. Such was the alchemist in medieval times. How many of you are aware that Nostradumus and Isaac Newton were both famed for their explorations in Alchemy? He or she was the original doctor, counselor, herbalist, priest and scientist. In modern times, transpersonal hypnotherapists can study the models provided by both the shaman and the alchemist and teach clients to awaken the magic within them.
The shaman and the alchemist of the past were often solitary individuals. They spent their lives learning to unlock the secrets of the universe. While shaman's often lived on the outskirts of the village, they were consulted when people fell sick. The alchemists of ancient Europe lived in solitude but were also interested in helping others.
But the books left behind by the alchemists are often a mystery to those who seek to understand their words centuries later. The training, techniques and truths are intentionally presented in the form of metaphors and riddles to confuse and befuddle the uninitiated. Those who want to be taken as students must prove themselves worthy to receive the inner knowledge.
These secrets are jealousy guarded and protected. Those who are allowed into the alchemist's circle engage in a personal search that transforms them. In the process of seeking the alchemical gold the seeker is transformed into a better human being. Alchemy is intentionally to be made obscure. Look for it and it disappears, grasp it and it passes through your hands. But devote your life to its secrets, and you will be changed.
That's perhaps why the Alchemy training developed by David Quigley begins with weeks of emotional clearing and self-healing. In time this personal transformation can be extended to others.
Many who seek alternative approaches to health are searching for that magic bullet, that easy panacea that cures all ills. Instead, what we offer them with alchemy is a journey to the self. The truth is not out there, it is in here. In the final analysis, alchemy is something we do, and it is who we are.
Is there really such a thing as a philosopher's stone? Do past lives really exist? Does magic exist? These are questions that each of us must answer for ourselves. While there may be no way to convince a total skeptic, for those of us who have experienced the techniques of alchemy working in our lives, the magic has real benefits. For us, the world is a very special place, full of wonder and possibility. We are all ruled by beliefs that can inhibit or empower our lives. But think what would you achieve if you knew how to access the magic of the ancient wizards in your life today?
Those trained in transpersonal hypnosis learn to access the enormous healing potential of the client’s inner world in order to effect rapid change in every area of the client's lives. These therapists are the wizards of the 21st century. Some call themselves "alchemists." Alchemical Hypnosis is an approach to transpersonal therapy developed and taught by David Quigley.
This article will help articulate the meaning of the word "Alchemist" as it applies to the work of today's modern "wizards"! Alchemy is a useful metaphor for us to use with clients to unlock their belief in their personal power. Alchemy offers us a metaphor that combines science and spirituality. Alchemy is a collection of ancient and modern tools that allows access to that which is pure and untainted within each of us. Ultimately, alchemy is about magic.
Before there was organized religion or science as we know it, the world was a place of magic. Magic is powerful and primal. The belief in magic touches a deep place within us. As children, we are deeply fascinated with and believe in magic. That belief may wane as we grow older in this society. But the power of magic is no less real for those who know how to wield it.
According to their writings, the goal of the ancient alchemists was the discovery of the philosopher's stone. This stone was said to have many magical properties. It could concentrate and purify matter, prolong life indefinitely, cure all diseases and turn lead to gold. When we examine our goals using the tools of transpersonal hypnotherapy we will see that they are not so different from that of the alchemist of medieval times.
For some hypnotherapists, the goal of practicing hypnosis will be to make lots of money (gold). The goal for others will be helping others. Still others embrace hypnotherapy as a means of personal healing-emotional and physical. Were the aims of the ancient alchemists really any different from the ones that we have listed? They wanted to turn lead to gold. Obviously creating gold could make the alchemist extremely wealthy. But, far more important they wanted to tap into the secrets of immortality and extend their physical lives. Don't most of us want to live longer, healthier lives? While you may not aspire to physical immortality, the practice of past life regression therapy helps us all to see that we have lived many lifetimes so in essence each of us is thousands of years old. Alchemy helps us to see this universal truth.
The wizard had an awareness, a certain knowing that came through his extensive study and practice of the art and science of alchemy. During medieval times, the wizard/alchemist was like the shaman of primieval times. In tribal cultures, the shaman was a person of power and leadership within the community. Such was the alchemist in medieval times. How many of you are aware that Nostradumus and Isaac Newton were both famed for their explorations in Alchemy? He or she was the original doctor, counselor, herbalist, priest and scientist. In modern times, transpersonal hypnotherapists can study the models provided by both the shaman and the alchemist and teach clients to awaken the magic within them.
The shaman and the alchemist of the past were often solitary individuals. They spent their lives learning to unlock the secrets of the universe. While shaman's often lived on the outskirts of the village, they were consulted when people fell sick. The alchemists of ancient Europe lived in solitude but were also interested in helping others.
But the books left behind by the alchemists are often a mystery to those who seek to understand their words centuries later. The training, techniques and truths are intentionally presented in the form of metaphors and riddles to confuse and befuddle the uninitiated. Those who want to be taken as students must prove themselves worthy to receive the inner knowledge.
These secrets are jealousy guarded and protected. Those who are allowed into the alchemist's circle engage in a personal search that transforms them. In the process of seeking the alchemical gold the seeker is transformed into a better human being. Alchemy is intentionally to be made obscure. Look for it and it disappears, grasp it and it passes through your hands. But devote your life to its secrets, and you will be changed.
That's perhaps why the Alchemy training developed by David Quigley begins with weeks of emotional clearing and self-healing. In time this personal transformation can be extended to others.
Many who seek alternative approaches to health are searching for that magic bullet, that easy panacea that cures all ills. Instead, what we offer them with alchemy is a journey to the self. The truth is not out there, it is in here. In the final analysis, alchemy is something we do, and it is who we are.
Is there really such a thing as a philosopher's stone? Do past lives really exist? Does magic exist? These are questions that each of us must answer for ourselves. While there may be no way to convince a total skeptic, for those of us who have experienced the techniques of alchemy working in our lives, the magic has real benefits. For us, the world is a very special place, full of wonder and possibility. We are all ruled by beliefs that can inhibit or empower our lives. But think what would you achieve if you knew how to access the magic of the ancient wizards in your life today?
