As a natural progression to growth and change, much thought and consideration has gone into the planning of the 4^th annual International Alchemy Conference.  With the expansion of the event and keeping with the vision of the Alchemy Guild, the conference committee (Dennis Hauck, Gudni Gudnason, Theresa Bullard, Duane Saari and Paul Hardacre) have researched and selected speakers whose work best represents the theme and vision of the conference.  This year’s conference will host presenters from around the world, with a delicate balance between the Traditional & Modern Tracks.   All the speakers and their unique topics are available for viewing on line.

The conference is poised to deliver impactful workshops, informative lectures, interactive activities, and global networking with those who carry the alchemical spirit forward in modern times.  Participating in the conference will most certainly strengthen your connection to the miracle of the transformation in body, mind, and spirit, and it will help participants discover practical solutions for improving your life.

Within a very short time the conference began to expand and grow thanks to the tremendous effort and volunteerism on behalf of many Guild and conference committee members.  Recognizing the passion of its founder and long time practicing Alchemist, Dennis Hauck, Gudni Gudnason, practicing alchemist, committee member and current Lineage Holder of the Modern Mystery School joined in the efforts of the Guild’s vision and together they created an even bigger conference that put the spotlight on the event by introducing the largest gathering of Alchemists in history.  

In 2009, the conference moved from Las Vegas, Nevada to Los Angeles, CA.  The event expanded to incorporate both Traditional and Modern Alchemy.    Keeping with the principles of Alchemy – transformation and change – attendees to the conference took home practical tools from pioneers in the fields of both Traditional and Modern Alchemy.   They learned the secrets of transformation and ancient wisdom that can be applied to present day life.  The conference introduced the latest research into medicinal alchemy, energy work, astrology, personal transformation, alchemical psychology, laboratory work, social and planetary alchemy.

For the seasoned Alchemist Alchemy most certainly cannot be described  or fully explained in a paragraph or two.  So for the purposes of  introduction  to Alchemy we touch on what is becoming a popular topic among academics and Western Cultural historians who recognize the language of the alchemist as relevant in the study of the evolution of science and philosophy.

The popularity of Alchemy surfaced as far back as the 1100’s and was actively practiced for hundred’s of years.  During the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, Alchemy was about discovering methods for transmuting baser metals into gold and with finding a universal solvent and an elixir of life, otherwise referred to as Traditional Alchemy.  

The most popular reason for studying alchemy today is to reconnect with the fundamental spiritual realities in the universe. In this approach to alchemy, the gold of the alchemist is not the common gold but an inner spiritual gold, and the operations of alchemy are performed in the inner laboratory of the spirit and soul.  Today Modern Alchemy is concerned with the underlying principles of how things change and the basic process of transforming one thing into another. 

Today the practice of Alchemy continues as a global property.   Preservation of Alchemy is still a priority among practicing alchemists today.  With respect for their noble predecessors’, the International Alchemy Guild acts as the center & connection for thousands of practicing alchemists around the world.  (More on the Alchemy Guild) Thanks to  it’s members and current Steering Committee  Dennis William Hauck, (founder and teacher of alchemy), Paul Hardacre (editor of the Alchemy Journal and president of Salamander and Sons), Gabriel Maroney (spagyricist from Bastyr University who now practices in northern California), Duane Saari, (alchemy instructor and president of Ouroboros International), and Paulette Harris (Guild Secretary and editor of the Guild Bulletin)  (more about the Alchemy Guild).   Alchemy lives on  both in it’s traditional form and remains current and relevant by it’s members donations of  countless hours to their own works complimenting the old traditions  and forging head with new discoveries.  Guild Members continue to explore a greater understanding based on three hermetic principles The Universe Is Striving towards Perfection, Consciousness Is a Force in Nature, All Is One.  (Learn more about the guild philosophy)

As a means to gather its members The Alchemy Guild determined that a conference for intellectual exchange would offer members an opportunity to expand their knowledge base, provide inspiration while preserving this art form and attract new outside interest in this valuable tradition.  As a result of this vision in 2007 the first Alchemy Conference was born in Las Vegas and alchemists from around the world planned their migration each year to share in the celebration of their tradition.  

As with all great discoveries and inventions ancestral pioneers cleared a path for future visionaries and artisans’ to explore their curiosities to greater depths, and understanding.  Preserving the heritage of Alchemy began hundreds of years ago with the forming of a confederation of practicing alchemists from Germany, Austria, and Czechoslovakia who trace their lineage back to a unique association of freethinking alchemists who welcomed both spiritual and practical alchemists, as well as any of their fellow craftsmen who had been outcast or persecuted by political or Church authorities, referenced today as Modern Alchemy. This enlightened association was founded by a Renaissance nobleman and practicing alchemist named Wilhelm von Rosenberg. Today, the International Alchemy Guild (IAG) carries on von Rosenberg’s work on an international scale with members in 23 countries.  More about the International Alchemy Guild and Von Rosenberg can be found on the International Alchemy Guild web site.

We are happy to annouce the official opening of the 4th year of the International Alchemy Conference at the Long Beach Convention Center, September 16 - 18, 2011.  This year we have added a community and forum for those who like to stay connected to the wonderful people you are going to meet or have met at this inspiring event.  We also stay current with our social media posts that will provide event highlights that are sure to peak your curiosity.

We are excited to announce that again this year we are offering individuals an early bird incentive to sign up early to reserve your spot at the conference.  Between July 1st & July 15th you will have the benefit of receiving 50% off any ticket purchases you make.  If you have no doubt about your participation then you really should take advanage of this gift from us to you.   

Beginning in July we will start a series of blogs that will tell the story of the Alchemy Conference; it's beginnings, it's transformations and most of all a glimpse into the lives of those individuals who have devoted countless hours to bring you an event that honors the tradition of Alchemy, invites leaders from the Modern sector Alchemy, all while focusing on being a resource for the curious and a forum for already invested.

Best to all of you for a successful and inspiring conference experience.  

International Alchemy Committee 2011