As we transition from the Pentagram Illumination Phase that recently concluded, I find myself reflecting on the alchemical energy that permeated those twelve powerful days. Even though we've moved into a new energetic territory, the Steward's primary Macrocosmic Vigor of Alchemy continues to echo through our experiences, offering valuable lessons we can carry forward.

Over the past two weeks, I witnessed remarkable transformations unfolding in the most unexpected places. A client who transformed a painful job loss into the catalyst for her dream business. A friend who alchemized a health challenge into a profound spiritual awakening. A community that converted an abandoned lot into a thriving garden where neighbors now gather daily.

These weren't coincidences. They were expressions of the alchemical energy that defined the Pentagram phase: a time when the Steward Starchetype's transformative gifts became accessible to all of us, regardless of our core imprint. And while that specific illumination window has closed, the wisdom it revealed about transformation remains available to us if we choose to apply it.

I've been fascinated by how this energy manifested in our everyday lives, often so subtly we might have missed it if we weren't paying attention. During the Pentagram phase, I found myself transforming a conversation that began as a potential conflict into a profound connection that deepened a relationship I'd nearly written off. This shift emerged naturally when I remembered to work with, rather than against, the energies present.

That's the essence of Alchemy as understood in the Starchetype System.

What is Alchemy in The Starchetype System?

Forget bubbling cauldrons and lead turning to gold. In the Starchetype System, Alchemy is defined as "the supreme act of elemental transmutation," involving "the magical processes of transformation, creation, or combination, facilitating changes in states of existence between form and function."

This Vigor represents more than physical alteration; Alchemy embodies a deeper metaphysical journey of converting challenges into opportunities and blending diverse elements to forge new realities. It's about "embracing the fluid nature of existence and the continuous evolution that shapes our journey."

While the Steward holds Alchemy as their primary Macrocosmic Vigor, this transformative energy became available to everyone during the Pentagram Illumination Phase. The question isn't whether you accessed this power—it's how consciously you worked with it and how you'll continue to apply these lessons moving forward.

The Three Principles of Everyday Alchemy

Through my work with clients and my own experiences during the recent illumination phase, I've observed three core principles that govern effective alchemical practice in daily life: 1. Recognition Precedes Transformation True alchemy begins with seeing what is actually present...not what we wish was there or fear might be there, but what genuinely exists in this moment. This clear-eyed recognition creates the foundation for all transformation. I watched this principle in action recently with a client who had been struggling with a creative block for months. When she finally acknowledged that her "writer's block" was actually fear of criticism masquerading as lack of inspiration, everything shifted. Within days of this honest recognition, words began flowing again.

Try this: Choose one situation in your life that feels stuck or challenging. Rather than immediately trying to change it, spend time simply observing what's truly present. What elements make up this situation? What energies are at play? What have you been unwilling to see? Journal about your observations without judgment.

2. Work With, Not Against Alchemy doesn't force transformation through brute strength or willpower. Instead, it works with the inherent properties of what already exists, recognizing the potential within the apparent obstacle. A beautiful example emerged in our yard this spring. Rather than pulling the persistent "weeds" that kept returning in one corner, I researched their properties and discovered they were actually wildflowers. That small spot in our yard has now become a welcome burst of color because I allowed the growth of what was naturally wanting to emerge.

Try this: Consider a challenge you've been pushing against. Ask yourself: "If I were to work with the energies present here rather than against them, what might be possible?" Allow yourself to imagine alternative approaches that align with rather than oppose the current reality.

3. Transformation Happens Through Relationship In alchemical traditions, transformation occurs when different elements come into conscious relationship with each other. This principle reminds us that isolation prevents alchemy, while connection catalyzes it. I witnessed this dramatically when facilitating a difficult conversation between two friends whose conflict had stalled an important event they'd been tasked to plan together. Their breakthrough happened when we created space to hear each other's opinions equally. Once they truly saw and heard each other, solutions arose organically that neither could have conceived alone...and the rest of their planning resulted in a fabulous bash they continue to receive compliments on.

Try this: Where in your life might you benefit from bringing different elements into relationship? This could mean connecting different parts of yourself (your analytical mind with your intuitive wisdom, for example), or bringing together people with diverse perspectives. Notice what new possibilities emerge through these connections.

Cultivating Your Alchemical Powers

The beauty of working with alchemical energy is that it doesn't require special abilities or years of training. It simply asks us to approach life with awareness, flexibility, and a willingness to participate in the transformative processes already underway.

Here are three practical ways to strengthen your alchemical abilities, carrying forward the wisdom of the Pentagram Illumination Phase:

Start with Small Transformations Alchemy builds confidence through observable results. Begin with small, manageable transformations rather than attempting to alchemize your most challenging situations immediately. For example, transform a cluttered desk into an organized workspace, or convert a tense conversation into a collaborative exchange. Each successful transformation strengthens your alchemical abilities and builds trust in the process.

Use Physical Anchors Alchemy bridges the metaphysical and physical realms. Create tangible representations of the transformations you're working with. I keep a small stone on my desk that I physically turn over when I'm working with a challenging situation. This simple action helps me remember that every circumstance contains the potential for transformation. Other clients use candles, plants, or water as physical anchors for their alchemical practice.

Document Your Processes Alchemists throughout history kept detailed records of their experiments and observations. Create your own alchemical journal to track the transformations unfolding in your life. Note the starting conditions, the actions you take, and the results that emerge. Over time, you'll begin to recognize patterns and principles that can guide your future alchemical work.

The Lasting Impact of Alchemical Practice

While the Pentagram Illumination Phase provided especially potent support for alchemical work, the skills developed during that period remain available long after. Each transformation you facilitate strengthens your capacity for future alchemy.

What's particularly powerful about this practice is how it changes our relationship with challenges. Instead of seeing difficulties as obstacles to overcome or endure, we begin to recognize them as raw materials for transformation. This shift alone can dramatically alter our experience of life.

As we carry forward the wisdom of the Pentagram phase, I invite you to look around your life with alchemical eyes. What transformations are waiting to happen? What challenges contain hidden opportunities? What seeming obstacles might actually be essential ingredients for your next evolution?

Remember that alchemy isn't about forcing change through willpower alone. As the Starchetype System teaches us, it's about working with the inherent properties of what already exists, recognizing the potential within the apparent obstacle.

The most profound transformations often begin with the simplest recognition: everything contains the seeds of its own transformation. Our role is simply to provide the conditions for that natural alchemy to unfold.