When relied upon Nature's pace of evolution and development, the regeneration of Man may require eons to accomplish. By
entering the "straight and narrow gate," the Path of Return, the Prodigal Som may accelerate the regenerative process and
quickly deify himself in his Father's arms. It is said that great men do not die, they simply fade away. Enoch, the great
antediluvian prophet was one such an individual who simply faded away. It is recorded in Genesis that he walked with God and
then he was not. There are basically two interpretations to this statement: one, the complete elimination and non-identification
with the false self, the false ego; and two, the etherealization of the physical body.
After successfully treading the various phases of the way, the alchemist comes to a point where a greater influx of the
rays of the Higher Self descends and takes active control of the four lower bodies. Every cell in the physical body is vitalized
by this Paraclete and raised to a higher state of vibration resulting as a side effect, youth and a renewed power. Life is
prolonged in the form, and all diseases that plague humankind comes to no effect.
Psychologically, regeneration causes a spiritualization of the character of the alchemist. Morals, ethics and principles
held by the alchemist are unfolded and applied from the divine perspective. Every smile displayed and directed by the master
alchemist to a recipient comes with a special blessing and force which is subtly felt projected from the heart center of the
alchemist.
From the above it can be deduced that regeneration is represented by the Master Jesus' resurrection. Regeneration causes
the unfoldment of the Seed of Gold within Man to mature, and preparing him for the final stage which concludes his path of
transmutation.
Atonement
Exoterically, atonement is the reparation of any wrong or injury done to another. Esoterically, atonement is at-one-ment,
the "unio mystica," or oneness between Man and God. It is the ascension in which Man is unified with his "I AM Presence."
This is the conclusion of the path of human salvation, the attainment of alchemical gold. Many tests and trials have been
passed, many initiations undergone. The Seed of the Tree of Life planted in Man's Edenic consciousness has matured and is
bearing fruit of God-qualities. Man attains his high estate by personal effort and labor and not by depending upon another's
merit and endeavors for his exaltation into the Light. This differentiates the Master soul from the puerile human being.
Oneness is Reality. Differentiation and separation are illusory, the projection of Maya. As Man unites with the One, he
assumes the resemblance of the One; he has grown into God's image and becomes the Sun Initiate the, "Symbol of Wisdom, the
Center of Power, or the Heart of Things." The Initiate, by virtue of being one with his Sun principle, is an enlightened mind
and illumined being.
Atonement is the culmination of the alchemist's spiritual labour in the long process of purifying, refining, and improving
the quality of his metals. The principles of Right Thinking, Right Speaking, and Right Action (some of the elements of Divine
Thinking) are conducive in effecting the transformation of the various sheaths. The alchemists lives in a state of "constant"
meditation and prayer, 24-hours a day, prior to his ascension. Like the Sufis, the names of Allah are continually upon his
lips and mind. The spiritual practice of "zikir," or "remembrance," is applied devotedly by the maturing initiate. The alchemist
is an active seeker for the kingdom of God within. In Esoteric Christianity, the principles, or the Panacea for attaining
the transcendental state, and expanding the consciousness to embrace Solar Consciousness is given as Conviction, Contrition,
Confession, Consecration, and Communion.
Conclusion
Whenever Man stalls in his evolution, the intelligences of the spiritual hierarchy offer a way out in the form of a new
religion, philosophy, science, or art. Alchemy is at once all of these, and ever since its advent into the Mysteries, a profound
inquiry had been made by aspirants and seekers as to the possible processes involved in effecting a transmutation. Confused
by jargon and the real goal of alchemy, the average student of alchemy spends wasted time, funds, and energy trying to probe
the secrets of the science. Sincerity, faith and perseverance were, and still are the keys that unlock the portal to a master's
heart; and with his aid and guidance, a higher understanding and appreciation are acquired by the aspirant.
Though still dismissed as a pseudo-science by modern scientists, alchemy's value as a psycho-spiritual tool for Man's transformation
cannot be denied when understood in its entirety. It only takes a mind of purity, freed from bigotry and intellectualism to
become like a little child in the arms of the Divine Mother, or Sophia, in order to grasp the essential principles of alchemy
which radiates so much light for the wayfarer to guide him to his destination.
