Modern Alchemy with James Arthur Ray and Bersabeh Ray

James & Bersabeh Ray

Greetings and thank you for stopping by the Modern Alchemy Podcast. With your hosts James and Bersabeh, you will hear real, unfiltered conversation about Modern Alchemy. Are you ready to learn the psychology and the strategies to literally transmute mind and matter to take your power back? Then get a drink and settle in but brace yourselves, because things are about to become real. Not turning base metal into gold literally Taking something difficult and using it. Turning tough times into learning and growth times. Pain into power. All true alchemy is mental alchemy! read less
EducationEducation
#86 - Clean-up/Emotions
1w ago
#86 - Clean-up/Emotions
If you’ve been following for the last several episodes, it should be obvious that to “turn base metal into gold” is a lengthy and complicated process. You may recall we discussed some time ago that the first stage of alchemy is “melanosis” which is the blackening or destroying phase. For anything new to live something first must die. As we “put to death old dietary habits, old thinking processes, and now emotional processes we “clean the slate” so to speak to bring in the new. This is why it’s imperative to go through the clean-up process first before you can grow up and ultimately wake up. As difficult as cleaning up the physical and mental body may be, we suggest that cleaning up the emotional body is vastly more difficult. And it’s much more time-consuming. One of the best processes we’ve experienced and utilized for cleaning up emotional issues is a process called “recapitulation.” In some mystical traditions they call this process a soul retrieval.  In the Toltec traditions they state that you must recapitulate every single experience in your life. That’s a lot! Our experience is that while this may be empowering and powerful, you get a tremendous amount of energy regain as well as freedom from recapitulating your traumatic experiences. While you can do this for yourself it’s very difficult to take a 2nd person perspective or neutral position on your own emotional issues. Recapitulation is very different than traditional psychological therapy where you basically just recount past experiences to a therapist. In recapitulation you come from a new perspective and bring new resources from life experience that you didn’t have at an earlier age. Psychology does however prove that when you revisit a new memory with new resources you can never think of it, and feel about it, in the same way again. I attempted to recapitulate my past relationships every morning for a year and while I was somewhat successful, I was not entirely successful. So, by all means, do something or you’ll continue to live from past programming over and over again. If you’d like to have some help and support, both Bersabeh and I would love to help. https://harmonicwealthglobal.com
#85 Clean up your thoughts
Nov 27 2023
#85 Clean up your thoughts
Continuing with the cleanup theme, we’ve discussed toxins and diet, now let’s move up to your mind and thoughts. Please remember that it’s very difficult, if not impossible, to clean up your thinking when your mind is clouded with toxins and poor nutrition. Once you’ve made some headway in the body clean up you can start to clean your thinking. Let me ask you to consider: if you had a friend that was constantly lying to you, constantly telling you you’re not good enough, constantly making you feel like the worst is going to happen, constantly causing you worry and stress... would you spend a lot of time with this so-called friend? When was the last time your own self-talk told you absolute truth regardless of appearances, told you the best is going to happen, constantly reassuring you that there’s no need to worry or stress about life situations?  When was the last time this happened? Then why do you listen? Why do you believe this self-talk? Maybe it’s time for a new friend. We’re certainly not advocating a Polyana approach to life—not at all. What we’re advocating is a realistic approach to life. How many times have you worried about something that never happened? “I’ve had a lot of worries in my life, most of which never happened” ~ Mark Twain You can’t worry enough to fix anything.  You see what the alchemist calls “an adept” is not someone who has extraordinary powers. An adept is someone with an extraordinary point of view. In the Course in Miracles there’s an exercise it encourages you to practice for a full day. To look at everything that comes into your experience and to tell yourself, “I have no idea what that means.” Nothing has any meaning whatsoever in life besides the meaning we give to it. Everything is meaningless until we attach meaning to it. How many times have you been wrong? Again, we’re not advocating looking at the world through rose-colored glasses—not at all. The Adept, if we can continue with that term, sees things clearly. Not worse than they are, not better than they are... just exactly as they are. We challenge you to change your perception and point of view this week. Maybe you should commit to the exercise from CIM. Just tell yourself no matter what comes your way for a full day: “I have no idea what that means.” Find us at: https://harmonicwealthglobal.com
#84 - Spotlight with Jeff Levitan
Nov 20 2023
#84 - Spotlight with Jeff Levitan
Jeff’s journey started from humble beginnings in Chicago, Illinois. He came from a  middle class working family that struggled financially, as most families in America do today. Driven by the motivation to avoid pain caused by finances, Jeff set out to make his own way and pursue his dreams. But, Jeff hit a point where he had a negative net worth. He built up debt to a level that made him feel as though he had no way out. Well, that was what Jeff thought until he ran into two concepts that would change his way of thinking forever. These two concepts were self-improvement and self-development.They focused on two keys to developing your life: your associations and the books you read. At that point Jeff accessed his associations and started asking himself, "Who am I really hanging out with? Are they where I want to be in life?" If they weren't, Jeff realized that could be detrimental to him getting the success he wanted to achieve. Jeff also started reading books written by people who were once in similar situations, improved upon them, and then wrote about it. Jeff realized you can borrow someone else's wisdom as a shortcut to achieving your dreams. Now, more than three decades later, Jeff has transformed his life and the lives of others personally and financially through his Living Life on Purpose Goal Setting Program. Attributing his success to his commitment to his goals, Jeff is now the owner of a multi-million-dollar corporation and an active investor in more than a dozen companies. As the author of several books on leadership and self-development, Jeff continues to inspire individuals to become more successful versions of themselves. He is committed to helping others live life on purpose and to the fullest. Connect with Jeff: Join Bettr: https://income.abettrlife.com/?refid=JVX378 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeff.levitan/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeff.levitan.52
#83: Turning Base Metal into Gold #2 - Clean up/Diet
Nov 13 2023
#83: Turning Base Metal into Gold #2 - Clean up/Diet
Last week we continued our discussion on transmutation—turning base metal into gold (metaphorically) We discussed that there are 3 things we must do to grow and evolve: clean up, grow up and wake up; and we discussed cleaning your body of toxins and stimulants. Let’s continue our discussion of clean up by discussing your diet. Let’s start off with a disclaimer: we are not medical or dietary professionals. What we’re going to share with you are only our opinions and more importantly our experience. That being said, we have quite a bit of experience. I’ve been a health and fitness advocate for 40 years and Bersabeh has been aggressively pursuing health and fitness for the last 10 years. In that time, we’ve been through more dietary experiments and tweaks than most ever will. We’re constantly studying, learning, and improving; and we’ve never been afraid to change our course or opinion just because we’ve gone on record with one approach. Some people get stuck in their position. We feel that any philosophy that doesn’t grow and improve with the times is a dead philosophy. For example: we were vegetarian for the better part of 5 years. We thought it was a moral issue as well as health. We felt great for the first year and ½ and then we started not feeling so great. We get a blood panel every 6 months to make sure everything is healthy and working properly. After 1.5 years of vegetarianism my blood sugar was high for the first time in my life. I eat no simple sugars—none! My muscles were atrophying, and my body fat was increasing.  We made a quick shift. The first thing we did besides inserting meat was remove all MSG’s and other chemicals.  About 80% of what we eat now is meat (mostly red meat) and eggs. The other 20% are green vegetables and leafy greens. My sugar levels returned to normal and we both lost body fat. We’re also stronger in the gym. And the most important thing is we feel great! We eat zero starchy carbs (pasta, potatoes, rice) and certainly no processed or fried foods.  The last time we had pasta (which we used to love) was over a year ago and we felt terrible after—and it really didn’t taste that good anymore. We now believe it’s not immoral to eat meat. Yes, there are immoral ways in which the animals are processed, but we don’t purchase from those locations. We’re very particular about only buying humanely treated and grass fed and finished meats. Finished is important. On a final note, follow the money. Ask yourself “who benefits”? Who owns most the farmland in the US? Who owns or is heavily invested in “Beyond Beef”? Who benefits if you buy the party line? Second, every living being is part of the food chain. Including you. I know you don’t like to think about it but some day you will be food for worms and grass. If beef and chicken are so bad why are the vegetarians trying so hard to make fake imitations? Finally, if you want to be moral to cows and chickens... maybe you shouldn’t be eating all their food. It’s very hard, if not impossible, to clean up your mind with a toxic body. That’s why the mysteries tell us to clean the body first. More to come. Come join us live: ⁠https://harmonicwealthglobal.com/experiences/
#82 - Turning Base Metal into Gold #2 - Clean up
Nov 6 2023
#82 - Turning Base Metal into Gold #2 - Clean up
We’ve discussed the literal meaning of turning base metal into gold, beyond the metaphors and blinds of alchemical teachings. Ultimately, it’s about evolving the low-level consciousness of unconscious incompetence into the high level of conscious competence of the Higher Self. Also known as Christ Consciousness or Supreme Buddha Mind. Obviously, there is no quick fix or magic pill to accomplish this outcome. It takes time and work—lots of it. That’s why so few people ever accomplish it. We suggested 3 steps in the process: Clean up, grow up, wake up; and also suggested that they must happen in that exact order. So let’s begin a discussion of what specifically cleaning up consists of. In the mysteries it states that you must clean up starting with your physical body, then your mental body, then your emotional body and finally your spiritual body. So, let’s at least begin to address your physical body here today... we may not get finished for cleaning up consists of many things. The first thing you need to clean up physically are toxins. A toxic body will never have fully functional thoughts and feelings. There are a lot of different toxins that get put into your body. Some are more avoidable than others. First you should remove all tobacco products, alcohol, marijuana, and any and all other recreational drugs. Cigarettes are filled with chemicals and vaping is even worse. Cigarettes numb you out to life and suppress unresolved emotional issues—in addition to causing cancer. Alcohol kills brain cells and studies in brain morphology prove that it atrophies the executive centers of the brain. Furthermore, it kills the microbiome in your gut giving you a greater chance for dementia and Alzheimer’s. While pot is in vogue right now, it’s detrimental. I know there are those that like to argue its benefits, but the reality is that it is highly addicting, it also, like alcohol atrophies the executive center of the brain as well. Brain imaging conducted by Daniel Amen has proven that every quadrant of the brain functions at lower levels for those who smoke—and not just while they’re smoking. Finally, new research from Stanford University has found that those who smoke pot have a greater likelihood of heart attack as it constricts the arteries. These toxins are all within your control. We realize it may be difficult if you have an addiction but unless and until you beat these it will be next to impossible to fully clean up and turn base metal into gold. Come join us live: https://harmonicwealthglobal.com/experiences/
#81 - Spotlight with Andre Pennington
Oct 30 2023
#81 - Spotlight with Andre Pennington
Andre grew up in Southern California, graduating from California State University, Fullerton, and Loyola Law School, Los Angeles. He then started his legal career in 2006, as a trial attorney within the Colorado state courts. In 2007, he joined the U.S. Air Force. Over a four-year period, Andre engaged in estate planning and trial work. During that time, he was recognized by leadership as being within the top 5 percent of trial attorneys in the Air Force. With a desire to have a more stable home life, Andre left active duty and transferred to the Air Force Reserves, where he held the rank of Major. He served as a trial advocacy instructor, government appellate counsel, and estate planning attorney. Andre practiced as a federal trial attorney for the District of Arizona, handling the highest level of federal cases. In 2014, he decided to go into private practice as a full-time Arizona estate planning, wills, trusts, and probate attorney. Andre cites the Air Force’s core values — Integrity, Service, Excellence — as the guiding principles behind Pennington Law, PLLC as well as for his work in the community. He explains them as, “Integrity — when no one’s looking you do the right thing; service before self; and excellence in all we do.” As Andre explains, it starts with asking, “‘How much good can I give to the community?’ I tell my kids every day, ‘Have a great day and do great things.’ And that’s the way I think about it; every day is another day to do a great thing, to change someone’s life.” With a yearning to give Arizona children the chance to succeed, he founded residential homes dedicated to the well-being of foster children. In addition, he was appointed and served as a part-time judge for the Maricopa County Justice Courts (2015-2017). Andre holds a brown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and is a coach and lifetime member at De Boa Jiu-Jitsu Academy in Surprise, Arizona. Connect with Andre here: https://www.penningtonestateplanning.com/ https://www.facebook.com/andre.pennington.716 https://www.instagram.com/penningtonwealth/
#79 - Turning Base Metal into Gold
Oct 16 2023
#79 - Turning Base Metal into Gold
Transmutation not denial is the tool of mastery ~ Esoteric Axiom Possibly we’ve all heard about this crazy concept of alchemy where ancient scientists attempted to turn base metal into gold. That’s a metaphor and a front for the Catholic church during the Inquisition (sought out and destroyed “heresy”) What transmutation really means is taking something of low value (lead) and turning it into something of high value (gold). Ultimately the gold that the alchemist seeks is an awakened and enlightened consciousness. What many ancient teachings call a Christ Consciousness.  Christ it a title meaning: “the chosen one” “the anointed one” “an ideal human being.” So, the ultimate objective of true alchemy is to become an ideal human being—actually to become more than human. To literally become superhuman. Superhuman is not dodging bullets and jumping tall buildings, it’s to become a higher order of humanity. Let’s face it: look around you and you’ll quickly realize that a large portion of so-called humanity is operating at an animal level. Driven by money, food, sex, power. This is not even human... this is sub-human. Becoming human means having higher morals, principles, and virtues. To literally transmute the lower animal drives into higher drives of meaning and purpose. From there, the journey continues step by step, stage by stage to superhuman but please understand that you must become fully human first. That means you must be driven by much more than sensual pleasures and power. This journey is the true objective of all Alchemy. What the alchemists call “The Great Work.”  To bring God into the world of form. And this journey is turning metaphoric lead into gold. Three simple reasons you’re here: Clean upGrow upWake up And they must happen in that order.
#78 The Suppression of the Sacred for Secularism #2
Oct 9 2023
#78 The Suppression of the Sacred for Secularism #2
Chaos Theory: all creation and all order come from chaos which must be structured and ordered. Order is just organized Chaos.  We began a discussion on the transmutation of the sacred into secularism last week. This transmutation has been in operation since the Renaissance and the concept of Humanism; but has accelerated in most recent years. This is problematic; and it creates many current issues. First, without a vertical relationship with some type of organizing principle—call that God—all we have is a horizontal view of the world. What does a horizontal view alone give you?  It tends to eliminate morality and get you to focus solely on ethics.When I was in prison the gang members had a code of ethics. But they weren’t very moral.Because our species has a need for a guiding and structuring principle, we have only our peers—or what we perceive to be our peers—to look to for what we assume to be moral and just.If there are no overarching principles that we have been taught or trained into, then we make them up.Ethics without Morality are effect of a lack of a vertical principle and actually there are more. So, what do we have to measure on horizontal plane to determine our ethics? Money and materialism have become the organizing principle which means they have become our God. The destruction of the family unit and traditional gender roles have become ethics. All in the name of “inclusion” but actually driving exclusion. Gender dysphoria and blending and transforming—even at the risk of depression, body mutilation, and increased death wishes drive us even further away still from each other. One of the greatest causes that Bersabeh and I find of suffering for those we work with is a lack of integration. Peace, Prosperity, and Power come from inner unity. External diversity is a good thing. Different opinions, beliefs, and perspectives. But internal diversity is chaos. To be Whole is to be Holy. This is a sacred journey that receives little to no attention in the secular world. The human heart is the center of our bodies; and in the mysteries it’s the throne of God. When we return to the center we return to the sacred. Maybe it’s time for all of us to consider doing what’s necessary to get back to center. It begins with a decision. It’s followed by action. It begins with you.
#77 - The Suppression of the Sacred for Secularism
Oct 2 2023
#77 - The Suppression of the Sacred for Secularism
We want to talk about an alchemical process that’s been taking place in our society for hundreds of years now. An alchemical process in reverse. (More on that in a moment) The replacement and suppression of the sacred for secularism. You see, all tools are neutral. They can be used for God and goodness or the darkest evil. This includes Alchemy. The highest purpose and use of Alchemy is to transmute something of low value into something of high value. The lowest purpose and use of Alchemy is to transmute something noble into something dark. It all depends on the values and intentions of the user. For example: there’s a constant conversation in today’s world regarding guns but the bottom line is that it’s not really about guns. Guns don’t kill people... mentally disturbed people kill people. The fact is that hurt people hurt other people. The same thing is true of any tool. It’s the user that determines the use of the tool. A knife can cut bread, or it can be a deadly weapon. So where are we currently in the world, and how did we get here? We live in an extremely secular world. What is secularism? The formal definition is “religious indifference”. A belief that religious considerations should be eliminated from our civil affairs. The ignoring or exclusion of religious duties, in structure, or considerations.” Now while you may at first think this is a good thing which allows individuals to think for themselves, the flip side is that without a belief, structure, rules, and a relationship with God or some type of Higher Principle we have nothing but flatland. We have no standards to live by except observing those around us. The horizontal relationship without the vertical relationship only gives us a socialized mind and materialism by which to judge our decisions and actions. This has been methodically running as a collective program and slowly growing since the Renaissance and the rise of Humanism in the 14th century.  On the flip side, the sacred is more than the religion definition referenced. Religion is a means to reach a sacred end. The true definition of sacred is the power, being, or realm understood to be at the core of existence, and which has a transformative effect on life and destiny. The most common term for the sacred is God. But This Motive and Creative Power can be called by a multitude of names.  So, it basically comes down to whether you believe in a Creator and a Higher Power or not.  If you don’t, that’s Humanism and Secularism. If you do, then that’s the Sacred. Currently 92% of American’s state they believe in God and 83% of the people in the world state they believe in God. So, where’s the disconnect? How do we reconcile the belief and the  practice?  How have we become so utterly materialistic, and money driven? This is something we’ll continue to discuss in our upcoming episode.  But for today, let’s end with a quote from Nietzsche, “When God dies, life becomes weightless.” So, how weighty is your life?
#74 - Three Alchemical Qualities for Success (Resilience, Utilization, Delayed Gratification
Sep 11 2023
#74 - Three Alchemical Qualities for Success (Resilience, Utilization, Delayed Gratification
We’ve been discussing success and the qualities necessary to achieve it in your life, relationships, and business. Last episode we discussed resilience. The ability to get knocked down and to get back up. Let’s discuss the next quality today: Utilization. While resilience gives you the endurance to keep going, Utilization is more than that. Utilization is leverage. Utilization is taking the hit, getting back up; and then utilizing the hit to  make it work in your favor versus disfavor. To make it work for you versus against you. Now, while this often seems difficult, just because something is difficult doesn’t mean it’s impossible. Napoleon Hill, “Every adversity carries within it the seed of an equal or greater benefit.” Here’s the fact: you learn and grow the most in the crucible of challenge. Your greatest teacher is often your last “mistake.” How do we learn, grow, and improve? By falling down and getting back up and then taking the learning from the fall and using it to improve So, at the end of the day, how can you use the punches life throws to make you bigger, better, stronger? How can you learn? How can you grow? How will you utilize (there’s that word again), your learning and growth to do better and greater next time? Ask yourself: What’s good about this situation? How can I utilize it to learn and grow? How will I use that learning and growth to do bigger and better next time?
#70 - Spotlight with Matt Osborne - Operation Underground Railroad
Aug 14 2023
#70 - Spotlight with Matt Osborne - Operation Underground Railroad
Matt Osborne has been fighting the crime of human trafficking in some form since 2006. He currently serves as the President and Chief Operating Officer at Operation Underground Railroad. Previously, Osborne served a 12-year career with the Central Intelligence Agency and US Department of State, where he worked issues related to terrorism against the homeland, illegal narcotics, organized crime, and human trafficking. He regularly provided secrets and analysis to US Presidents, senior cabinet officials, and the National Security Council.  Osborne served overseas tours in Madrid, Spain; Caracas, Venezuela; and Mexico City, Mexico.   With Operation Underground Railroad, Matt has led a total of 27 undercover rescue operations that resulted in the liberation of 211 human trafficking victims and in the arrest of 72 suspected traffickers.   Matt holds a B.A. in International Studies from Miami University in Oxford, OH, and a M.A. in International Policy Studies from the Monterey Institute of International Studies in California. He has been married for 25 years and has two college-aged daughters who give him the drive to fight child exploitation and human trafficking.  Please go watch Sound of Freedom: https://www.angel.com/watch Contact information below National Antihuman Trafficking Hotline: 1-888-373-7888  Help fight THE FIGHT: https://ourrescue.org Follow them here: https://twitter.com/ourrescue https://www.facebook.com/OURrescue/ https://www.youtube.com/ourrescue https://www.instagram.com/ourrescue/ https://www.tiktok.com/@ourrescue
#68: The Alchemy and Science of Attention #3
Jul 31 2023
#68: The Alchemy and Science of Attention #3
We’ve been discussing attention in the last two episodes and the fact that most have very poor attention muscles. Let’s finish this topic up for now in this episode. To have focused attention takes a tremendous amount of will. Will is defined as the ability to give yourself a command and then follow it. How many people make promises they don’t keep to themselves? I’m going to get up early. I’m going to workout 3 days a week. I’m going to meditate daily. The list is endless. The greatest promise you’ll ever keep is a promise to yourself. Your own personal test of integrity. When we can’t keep promises to ourselves how can we expect the Universe, or anyone for that matter, to keep promises to us? One of the greatest challenges to your will is your unresolved emotional issues. These emotional issues knock you off track and course. And the challenge is that they’re completely out of your awareness. Think of these issues as screaming children that will do nearly anything to get your attention away from your intention and onto them. Until these children are corralled, they’ll continue in an unruly fashion to jump up and down on your furniture, break things, and basically create chaos. That’s why we’ve stated many times that the most important and powerful thing that you and I can do for our own healing and empowerment is to make the unconscious conscious. Remember, 95% of what you do on a daily basis is driven by your unconscious mind. When you make these issues conscious you can heal them, integrate them, and set yourself AND your attention free. It’s time to take your power back.   Join our free community here: ⁠https://www.skool.com/harmonicsuccess?invite=3c5f560471514c46a54c00affa5387f3⁠
#67: The Alchemy and Science of Attention
Jul 24 2023
#67: The Alchemy and Science of Attention
Last episode we began discussing the power of attention. This is not just a metaphysical or alchemical principle; this is backed up by quantum physics as well. Most are really good at articulating their intention—I want this or I want that—but when it comes to keeping their attention locked upon the thing they say they choose to create, this is where they fall short. Let’s face it, there are many things happening in the world that can seduce your attention to the dark side so to speak. Yet, energy flows where attention goes. In physics they speak of the quantum field and how EVERYTHING exists there in quantum superposition. Energy only exists in two forms: waves or particles. Waves are the spiritual non-physical state of energy. Particles are where energy begins to come into formation. The moment you put your attention on a chosen point of focus, the wave form collapses, and it begins to particulate, come into the form of your intention. ONLY as long as you keep your attention upon it. You see, order is an unnatural state for energy so therefore it takes tremendous effort and willpower to hold your attention upon this new particle until it comes into formation. Most fall short through the seduction of the apparent. Let that not be you. Concentrated attention is the marshalling of Power upon a chosen point of focus. What are you focusing on continuously? Where’s your attention? Energy flows where attention goes. It’s time to take your power back.   Join our free community here: ⁠https://www.skool.com/harmonicsuccess?invite=3c5f560471514c46a54c00affa5387f3⁠