Shapeshifter Alchemy:

Awakening the Magic We Are

By Dr. Judy Scher

I’ve always been intrigued by the concept of alchemy. Growing up, alchemy brought with it images of medieval castles, wizards and large cauldrons. Alchemy has its roots in the practices of magic and healing which primarily dealt with the transformation of base metals to gold, or of creating a universal elixir. When I thought of alchemy, I thought of magic, transformations and all sorts of possibilities extending outside of this 3D reality This sense of wonder has stayed with me all my life and has been the cornerstone in how I approach the different healing modalities I have been involved in for over three decades.

Shapeshifters embody this magic of transformation. Throughout many cultures around the world, shapeshifting is a common theme in mythology and folklore. In its broadest sense, shapeshifting is metamorphosis, the ability to change into a different being and alter physical appearance, often through magical means. The shapeshifter additionally takes on the attributes of the being they have shifted into. For example being able to ‘see’ like an eagle or hawk. In this sense, shapeshifting is a gift.

Metamorphosis and change is a huge theme in shapeshifter alchemy. Change is something both desired and abhorred by our present culture. Desired because change is the hallmark of our technological age and is seen in the rapidly shifting state of advances. Paradoxically change is abhorred for the same reason. Because of this swift tide of constant change in our environment, many hold onto elements in their life which they feel are stable and secure. Unfortunately this pushing away of change often happens in the realm of our personal growth and our relationship to our sense of self. We hold on to habits that give us a sense of having solid ground beneath our feet -- even though it is a false bottom. This conditioning not only impacts our choices and how we react to everyday events, it impacts how we see ourselves, whether as a victim or as an empowered individual. Even more insidious is the deeper etching that this conditioning has on our nervous system that creates a tug of war between what we want in our life and keeping ourselves connected to the “safe” familiar.

We think that we can outsmart our conditioned responses and thoughts, but this only gets us so far. This is where shapeshifter alchemy comes in. Sustainable change comes from our cells receiving a new message with new energy for change. Transformation happens when our bodies vibrate with a different frequency of coherence, registering a physiological choice that is beyond our mind. We are creatures of habit and conditioning. However, what makes our life rich, rewarding and joyful is not security and safety, it is our ability to be present, to adapt, to transform, to be resilient from day to day no matter what life brings.

We may wear many masks as we go through life. Some are so real to us that we believe them to be our true selves. We have literally shapeshifted into someone/something else and have thoughts, behaviors and feelings consistent with that ‘other’ someone. This self-deception can go undetected most of our life until finally the body speaks the truth of our unacknowledged incongruences. This shapeshifting into a less optimized version or distinctly different self than our true nature can be a life saving short- term solution. Yet the heart and body cry out, something is not right. Will we hear? When we agree to wear the mask of a personality and shapeshift ourselves into what we believe others will like so that we can be accepted and loved, or we shapeshift into someone else to literally save our own lives, we disconnect from the alignment of our true self and the empowerment that comes from being naked to our own soul.

From an empowered perspective, we use shapeshifter alchemy to reclaim the magic that is ours and to become who we truly are and in all the expressions of our being. This potent alchemy of the shapeshifter, used intentionally, allows us to go beyond conditioning and false safety and embody the magnificence of who we are. Who would you be if you lived as if you were extraordinary? What would your thoughts be? What kinds of feelings would you experience? How would you navigate your daily life? What choices would you make? What would you revolve your life around? How would you see yourself? If any of these questions lead you down a different path than the one you are currently on now, then I invite you to use shapeshifter alchemy and rediscover the magic of your life and who you are as part of Nature and the larger cosmos. Let’s use the alchemy that the shapeshifter has to offer and transform ourselves into the Wisdom Beings we are meant to be.

Judy Scher, D.C. is Director of the Scher Center in Santa Fe since 1992. She is an international teacher, workshop leader, and keynote speaker. The Scher Center utilizes cutting edge reorganizational healing tools including Network Spinal Analysis Care. For more info go to www.schercenter.com

or call 505 989-9373. Live Wild. Live Wise. Celebrate the Magic of an Integrated You.