Author

Subject: Base metal query

RogerR

19:29 11/05/2003 

I've enjoyed reading 'Dream Alchemy' very much but there was one detail in it that puzzled me and I'm wondering if anyone can shed some light on it. It's to do with the concept of 'base metal' as the start of the (dream) alchemical process.

On page 11 it says:

"Our dreams can be seen as being like base metal, and the process of interpreting them as a process of spiritual discipline. The insights we gain about ourselves as a result are all part of the grail, the Philosophers' Stone..."

But on page 20 the 'base metal' itself appears to be different:

"You have the base metal of your waking life and the Philosophers' Stone insights of your dreams."

So which is it? Is 'base metal' your waking life or is 'base metal' your dreams? Or is 'base metal' a dynamic, evolving metaphor depending on where you're at in the dream interpretation process?

I realize that 'the dream's the thing', but I just thought I should ask about this detail if no-one else has. In doing so, I'd like say that it is just a detail. The book as a whole is beautiful.

R.

Beth

20:33 12/05/2003 

Hi RogerR,

I believe you've got it. Turning base metal into gold is a dynamic metaphor.

The dream can be viewed as base metal, the self as base metal, waking life as base metal.

Gold, to my way of thinking, can represent both enlightenment and transformation, through applying a 'spiritual discipline'.

When we begin with the base metal of a dream, and work with it, it can transform both ourselves and our lives.

I am sure Jane Teresa will explain it more clearly for you. I hope this helps until then.

Jane Teresa Anderson

11:17 13/05/2003 

Hi RogerR & Beth,

Yes - it is a dynamic evolving metaphor at one level, reiterating the theme that spiritual (and therefore emotional, mental and physical 'gold') is achieved when we focus on and work with the self through our dreams and through the symbolism of our waking lives (looking at the waking life as a waking dream).

At another level, the dream and the waking life are, in my experience, reflections of each other in the 'now'. (This is discussed and illustrated in my 1998 book, The Shape of Things to Come.) Each are illusions dependent upon each other. Working with the dream changes the dream illusion and so the waking life illusion is also changed.

The nature of a metaphor is that it is an approximation and therein lies many a pitfall. Perhaps this metaphor is best regarded as a zen koan - a seemingly impossible but solvable riddle. The solution is not one arrived at through logical analysis, but through breaking through limitations of perception. The koan or metaphor is the ambience that encourages the muse to deliver a new vision ..... hmmm .... she suggests, using a metaphor.

Jane Teresa

RogerR

17:45 13/05/2003 

Thanks for your elegant explanation...

RR