Alchemy has always been about transformation—the sacred process of turning base materials into gold. But beyond its physical symbolism, Alchemy is a profound metaphor for the inner journey of self-discovery and transformation.

What if the parts of yourself that you shy away from—your fears, insecurities, and struggles—are the raw materials waiting to be refined? What if, instead of resisting these parts, you could work with them to create something extraordinary?

The unconscious mind is the fertile ground for this transformation. It’s where the seeds of hidden beliefs, patterns, and untapped creativity lie dormant, waiting to be awakened. Through Alchemy, we don’t force change; we guide and interact with these processes to bring about a deeper wholeness.

Facing the Shadows: The Beginning of Transformation

For years, I lived in a world of “sunshine and rainbows,” avoiding the discomfort of my shadows. I pretended everything was fine because I was afraid of what I might find if I looked too closely. But avoidance didn’t bring me peace—it created disconnection.

It wasn’t until I allowed myself to engage with my unconscious, to meet the parts I feared or ignored, that I began to transform. Alchemy teaches us that every shadow is part of the process. It’s not about eliminating the darkness; it’s about working with it to reveal the light it holds.

Human Design: The Compass for Inner Work

Human Design provided a map for understanding my energetic blueprint. It didn’t tell me who I “should” be—it showed me who I already was, beneath the layers of conditioning and expectation.

This clarity allowed me to approach my unconscious without judgment. I saw my challenges not as failures, but as opportunities to realign and move closer to my authentic self. It was like finding the key to a door I didn’t know I had locked.

The Six Stages of Alchemical Transformation

Alchemy isn’t a linear process—it’s cyclical, deeply intuitive, and personal. These six stages guide the journey of interacting with your unconscious and creating transformation:

1. Nigredo (Blackening): The dissolution of the old self. Here, we face the shadows, the chaos, and the discomfort. It’s the starting point, where all transformation begins.
2. Albedo (Whitening): Purification. In this stage, we bring clarity and focus, sifting through the chaos to begin seeing the truth.
3. Citrinitas (Yellowing): The dawning of new awareness and insights, where we begin to see the light within the shadow.
4. Rubedo (Reddening): Integration. This is the stage of union, where the opposites within us—light and dark—come together in harmony.
5. Calcination: Breaking down rigid structures, burning away what no longer serves us, and reducing our beliefs to their essence.
6. Distillation: Refining and crystallizing the new self, ensuring that the transformation becomes a lasting part of who we are.

Each stage brings us closer to radical self-acceptance, moving from chaos to clarity, from separation to wholeness.

The Alchemy of Creation

When we engage with the unconscious in this way, it doesn’t just heal us—it fuels our creativity and transforms how we show up in the world. The energy once tied up in old patterns and fears becomes available for creation, connection, and joy.

For me, this process has unlocked new levels of creativity, deepened my relationships, and allowed me to hold space for others in ways I never thought possible.

Your Invitation to Begin

Transformation doesn’t happen overnight, and it doesn’t require perfection. It begins with a willingness to look within—to meet yourself where you are and allow the process to unfold.

If you’ve felt stuck, disconnected, or unsure of how to move forward, consider this your invitation. Not to fix yourself, but to meet yourself fully, embracing the shadow and the light.

The Alchemy of the Unconscious isn’t about chasing perfection but finding wholeness. And in that wholeness, you’ll find your gold.