Necessity of Sexual Purity in the Alchemical Path

The Fourneau Cosmique (in french) or Athanor symbolically represents the three primary energy centers within the human body, depicted as three levels or floors. The first center, located just below the navel, is where inner power begins to accumulate. This center strongly relates to our physical nature, often containing dormant energy such as sexual drive or hunger, making it a primal and foundational center. In alchemical terms, this is where all transformation begins, as it embodies our instincts and the base energies essential for life.

The second center lies between the nipples, at the center of the chest. Here resides a major emotional center, linked to feelings, emotions, and intuition. This center processes experiences such as love, fear, empathy, and joy, shaping how we emotionally connect with ourselves and others. When we bring our attention here, emotions are felt more deeply; for instance, those in love often feel a unique sensation in this area, as a genuine energetic bond forms between them. This center is powerful—people who have developed it can sense the energy of others intuitively. 

Often labeled as “gut feelings,” these are true intuitions, enabling individuals to perceive negativity, sadness, or other emotions in others before any words are spoken. 

Authentic charisma arises from this powerful center—known in Indian esoteric traditions as the Heart, or Anahata Chakra. This form of charisma transcends superficial attributes like appearance or wealth; it is born from an open heart that radiates a profound, subtle energy. This quality is often observed in saints, monks, and genuine spiritual teachers across traditions, whose presence alone conveys a deep, authentic power.

The third center is located between the eyebrows, and physically, it governs thought, reasoning, and logic, processing analytical tasks like planning and understanding concepts. Spiritually, however, this center is connected to higher concepts and dimensions beyond the grasp of the rational mind, acting as a bridge to transcendent insights and spiritual perception.

In today’s world, certain topics, especially sexuality, remain taboo. Although society often appears more open about sexuality, much of what is expressed is distorted by superficiality, lust or even perversity. In alchemy, however, sexuality is seen as something to be refined and purified, not repressed or indulged blindly. This perspective differs from religious doctrine and sects that often prescribe abstinence until marriage or even avoidance altogether. Such approaches, though well-intentioned, can lead to harmful outcomes by stifling a natural part of human expression.

In Alchemy we view sexuality as a sacred force that should be embraced authentically when it arises but with conscious awareness rather than lustful pursuit. True alchemical practice teaches that the sex act—whether alone or with a partner—should be performed with the heart engaged. This mindful approach prevents the dissipation of both physical and spiritual energy, which otherwise results in depletion and disharmony. 

Symbolically, this principle appears in religious stories, such as the tale of Adam and the Fall. Here, Adam’s decision to eat the forbidden fruit, often represented by the apple, can be seen as a metaphor for lust-driven indulgence. The apple symbolizes uncontrolled desire, hinting that when sexuality is separated from love and intention, it becomes a force that leads to spiritual decline.

In the Hermetic Tradition, transformation—or transmutation—is the central theme, representing an inner journey toward enlightenment. This transformation aims to purify and elevate each layer of the self, beginning with the foundational energies and progressing to the higher spiritual centers. Just as a car cannot start without its engine running, one cannot expect to awaken their inner spiritual potential if their base energies, especially sexuality, remain unrefined.

Sexual energy, as the engine of the alchemical process, serves as the initial source of life force. Without purifying this energy—freeing it from compulsions and lust—it’s challenging to achieve the balanced flow needed to nourish the heart and higher spiritual centers. 

Sexual energy is inherently vertical, aligning with the natural verticality of human beings who stand between earth and sky. This profound concept must be deeply felt, allowing one to experience the connection between themselves, the earth, and the sky. Verticality begins at the ground, and the more one brings awareness to this alignment, the more centered they become within the universe. In a way, one might sense that they are radiating a subtle, non-physical energy throughout the cosmos. Sex Energy is the symbol of Nitre  🜕  in alchemy, a vertical line in the center of a circle.

Only when sexuality is channeled consciously can it support the opening of the heart (emotional) center and, ultimately, the activation of the spiritual center. This sequential transformation resembles a finely tuned alchemical furnace, or Athanor, where each stage builds on the last. By refining our instincts and transforming raw desire into a harmonious energy, we prepare the foundation for a spiritual awakening that aligns mind, heart, and spirit into a unified and higher purpose. In our physical world, the act of sex carries significant implications for the material realm (Macrocosm). When this act is engaged with intention and in alignment with its natural purpose, it can lead to the creation of life, illustrating the immense power that resides within this primal force. This inherent capability underscores the importance of approaching sexuality with mindfulness and respect, recognizing its potential to create not just physical life but also transformative energy.

When harnessed wisely, this powerful energy can be utilized to effect change in both our physical and non-physical realities. As individuals learn to master this energy, they can redirect its flow to serve their higher purposes or influencing the world they perceive as their 3D reality. Those who have cultivated a deep understanding of this dynamic can find that the effects of their intentions manifest in tangible ways, challenging skeptics to reconsider their beliefs based on experiential evidence. Ultimately, whether one accepts or denies the transformative power of sexuality and its impact on both the material and spiritual realms, personal experiences often reveal a different truth. The journey of mastering this energy can lead to profound insights and capabilities, bridging the gap between the physical and metaphysical aspects of existence. 

This idea of the power of intention resonate strongly with what is often referred to as the so called "law of attraction" in contemporary discussions. While the "law" of attraction has gained notoriety as a popular marketing concept—often tied to self-help and New Age Propaganda ideologies—it reflects deeper principles that have existed for centuries.

At its core, the law of attraction suggests that individuals can manifest their desires by aligning their thoughts, feelings, and beliefs with their intentions. This notion echoes alchemical practices that emphasize the transformative power of energy and consciousness. However, it's essential to approach this idea with discernment, recognizing that while the underlying principles may hold merit, much of the modern interpretation can be oversimplified or commercialized.

The journey of Awakening is indeed a challenging one, and it's essential to recognize that it should not always be approached with the intention of achieving power or manipulating reality (unless for good causes such as healing people or such). 

The ultimate aim is the awakening of our true nature, which transcends the ego and the illusions of the self. 

While it is true that those who attain a state of non-duality can have a more profound impact on the world around them, pursuing such abilities for personal gain or desire can easily lead one into the traps of illusion (Maya). This path can create a false sense of empowerment that distracts from the deeper purpose of dissolving the ego and realizing one’s true essence. The true alchemical journey is one of humility and reintegration to the unity, guiding individuals toward the dissolution of the ego rather than its amplification. This deeper understanding is essential for those who seek to walk the path of awakening without becoming ensnared by the illusions of power and control.

As we explore this path further, it is crucial to understand that the pursuit of power—whether spiritual, emotional, or material—must be approached with caution. Focusing too heavily on these aspects can divert attention from the fundamental work of self-realization and inner transformation. 

This path will be discussed later, as it relates to a specific Path of Power and requires careful consideration. It's not something to address lightly.

« I have known the depths of my pride, I have assassinated vice, 

I have been able to obtain knowledge of the first matter...  »

Cagliostro