Scarcity Mentality vs Abundance Mentality: Lessons From Alchemy

The concepts of scarcity mentality and abundance mentality have become common in the realm of self-improvement, often associated with achieving wealth, success, and fulfillment. Stephen Covey's The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People introduced these terms, where a scarcity mentality reflects the belief in limited resources, leading to fear, competition, and hoarding. In contrast, an abundance mentality is grounded in the belief that there is more than enough for everyone, fostering cooperation, trust, and generosity.

Although these ideas gained prominence in modern times, their roots can be traced back to ancient traditions, particularly in spiritual philosophies like alchemy. Long before the concept of the scarcity mentality vs abundance mentality became popular, alchemists delved deeply into the relationship between mindset and reality, offering profound insights into how one can cultivate an abundant life through inner transformation.

Alchemy’s Approach to Abundance and Scarcity

Alchemy, often misunderstood as a mere practice of turning lead into gold, is actually a rich spiritual tradition focused on personal transformation. According to alchemists, true abundance is not about accumulating wealth or material possessions but about transmuting the inner self from a base state (lead) to a refined state (gold). Abundance inside equals abundance outside. The scarcity mindset, in alchemical thought, stems from an unrefined inner state, while an abundance mindset is the result of deep inner work, transforming one's consciousness and aligning with the universal flow of abundance.

Central to this transformation is the concept of Prima Materia, which alchemists regarded as the source of all creation, representing the raw, unformed potential of the universe. To experience true abundance, one must learn to access this source through inner purification and mastery of the self.

Prima Materia: The Source of Abundance

In alchemical teachings, Prima Materia is the fundamental substance from which all things are made. It symbolizes infinite potential, the "first matter" from which everything in the universe is created. Alchemists believed that by working with this substance, one could unlock endless possibilities and abundance.

To do so, the alchemist must undergo a process of refinement, not just of the body but of the mind and soul. This profound transformation is required to align with the creative forces of the universe. An abundance mentality is not a psychological state. You must align your spirit, subconscious, and conscious mind, along with your actions, with the flow of plenty.

True Imagination: The Alchemist’s Tool for Manifestation

In today's discussions about manifestation, people often hear that simply visualizing what you want will make it appear. However, alchemy teaches that manifestation is far more complex. Just thinking about the details of what you desire—whether wealth, success, or happiness—will not bring it into existence.

The alchemists believed in the concept of True Imagination, a disciplined mental faculty necessary for creation. Paracelsus, a renowned alchemist of the 16th century, viewed True Imagination not as idle fantasy but as a powerful tool to shape reality. Similarly, Rudolf Steiner, a 20th century philosopher, expanded on this idea, suggesting that True Imagination allows one to see beyond the material world and access deeper spiritual truths.

True Imagination is not the same as daydreaming or wishful thinking. It requires focused, intentional visualization aligned with universal laws. Through True Imagination, the alchemist can shape their reality by aligning with the creative forces of the cosmos. This disciplined process is key to manifestation, making it a skill to be developed rather than an inherent ability. If you are seeped in the materialist's world view, you may not understand why some people believe this can work.

All is Mind: The Hermetic Perspective on Reality

One of the central teachings of Hermeticism, which greatly influenced alchemy, is the principle of Mentalism, expressed as "All is Mind." This concept means that the universe itself is a mental construct, and our thoughts shape the reality we experience. The material world is not separate from the mind but a reflection of it. Simulation Theory has been breaking the intellectual bubble of materialist thinkers and helping people question how much of reality we genuinely experience and whether our experience of the universe is even fundamental to its nature. But, the alchemist approaches the question differently than the quantum physicist.

From a Hermetic perspective, both scarcity and abundance are mental conditions, not external realities. When we are trapped in a scarcity mentality, our thoughts are filled with fear, limitation, and doubt, and this is mirrored in the external world. However, when we cultivate an abundance mentality—by recognizing the infinite potential within ourselves and the universe—the material world reflects that abundance back to us.

The alchemist works with this principle by mastering the mind. As they refine their thoughts, emotions, and intentions, they become capable of shaping their external reality, bringing abundance into their lives. In this way, Hermeticism shows us that abundance is not something to be gained externally but something we must first create within our spirit.

People often forget that the subconscious mind is a powerful force. Can you imagine your life if your immediate reactions to all stimuli, every conversation, event, and even your most insignificant choices were aligned with an abundance mindset? 

"See yourself living in abundance and you will attract it. It always works, it works every time, with every person."

"The stream of abundance always flows to the open expectant mind."

Proctor’s statement reflects the core alchemical teaching that abundance begins in the mind. Like the alchemists, Proctor emphasizes that by cultivating a mindset of abundance, we can attract it into our lives. However, as both Proctor and the alchemists remind us, this requires inner work, clarity of vision, and a deep understanding of the laws of the universe. It is not about wishful thinking or superficial visualization, but about transforming our inner reality to align with the natural flow of abundance.