Hypnotherapists as Wizards of the Subconscious
By Ajamu Ayinde, A.C.H.
Those trained in transpersonal hypnosis learn to access the enormous
healing potential of the clients 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?
Ajamu Ayinde, A.C.H. is and Advanced Clinical Hypnotherapist. He trained
in Alchemical Hypnosis with one of David Quigley's top Trainers. Ajamu
is a Master Practitioner of NLP and a graduate of the first EIH Transpersonal
Hypnotherapy Trainer's training.
He can be reached toll free at 877-HYPNOTX.
Visit him on the web at www.aeihypnosis
.com
email: ajamuayinde@yahoo.com