BEHIND BEHIND THE MUSIC
A Story Steeped in Mystical Exploration
MY RESEARCH
Here you will find my research on a variety of topics, including alchemy, the occult, Renaissance scholars, Platonic Orientalism, a link to my new book entitled, "People of the Shrines," my Capstone paper for my Bachelors degree and lots more.
This link explores four of the seven step processes of alchemical transformation; that is, the operations by which common metals were transformed into gold. Although practitioners of old made many attempts to attain this, it appears the processes were largely metaphorical as it is a spiritual transformation that took place within the Alchemist. I also explore the enigmatic imagery which accompanied many alchemical books from the 12th to 17th centuries like the one above by J.D. Mylius entitled, "Opus Medico-chymicum,” (The Medical-Chemical Work, published in 1618), as these images were clothed in metaphor to protect alchemists from persecution and I find them fascinating. It is believed, and argued by many, this idea of personal transformation was a more recent development promulgated by Carl Jung's thirty year study of alchemy. However, I believe his interpretation of the transformative process, which he linked to his theories of archetypes and psychological development, were his and his alone. One need only read manuscripts left to us by earlier alchemists like Heinrich Khunrath, Michael Meier, and a host of others revealing their highly philosophical and deeply devout beliefs and how these alchemical processes spiritually transformed them.
This link to Part II explores the remaining three steps of the seven step process or alchemical transformation.
This link explores the mysterious symbols and engravings associated with many alchemical works. My intent is to clarify and properly contextualize this imagery so as to enlighten those, like myself, who seek a greater understanding of these enigmatic forms
PEOPLE OF THE SHRINES
This is the cover to my upcoming book release, "People of the Shrines." It is a journal of my travels in India and Nepal researching the various religions of those two countries. While doing research for the book, I realized that on one block in New Delhi, there were five different religious edifices; a Sufi Shrine, a Mosque, a Hindu Temple, a Church and a Buddhist Shrine. Interestingly, they all worked together living side by side. The metaphor refused to leave me. Why can't our world be like this? Why can't we approach disparate religions without fear and paranoia? This book explores seven religions and attempts to find the commonalities between them while recognizing and celebrating their differences. I hope to complete the book by the end of the year.