_edited.png)
The Alchemy of Chocolate: Reconnecting with Nature, Spirit, and Self
- Jennifer Jones
- Apr 26
- 15 min read
Hi, I'm Jennifer Jones, founder of Earth Guardian Academy and co-owner of Island Sharks Chocolate and instructor at Chocolate Sommelier School. Have you ever paused to wonder about the hidden forces that shape our lives? Or felt that certain passions, seemingly random in childhood, were leading you somewhere important?
My journey to writing this article — and creating the Free Download for you, my Daily Cacao Ritual Guide that you’ll find inside — began long ago, when I first discovered the idea of elementals: unseen friends and forces within the natural world that we can learn to work alongside.
That early spark of wonder set me on a lifelong path of exploring the mysteries of nature, healing, and transformation.Through cacao, through connection to the elementals, and through the practice of Self-Identity Through Ho'oponopono, I found a way to weave these ancient threads into daily life — and today, I’m honored to share those insights with you.
A few months ago, while working in our chocolate kitchen, a powerful realization struck me: making chocolate is an alchemical process. Have you ever noticed how the simple act of crafting something by hand can transform not just the materials, but also the maker? That day, I saw how working with cacao, nurturing my garden with the elementals, and practicing Self-Identity Through Ho’oponopono (SITH) were all interconnected parts of my own inner alchemy.
Dear reader, I invite you to journey with me through these realizations — and to reflect on your own.
What passions have stayed quietly with you since childhood?
Where might your hands and heart already be practicing a kind of everyday alchemy without you even realizing it?
If you are a parent, I offer this encouragement: what lights your child’s heart today could be the seed of their future life's work. Can we give our children the freedom to discover their own alchemical paths, trusting that every spark matters?
Let me share a little more of my story.
In 2020, I discovered Self-Identity Through Ho'oponopono, a simple yet profound practice that deepened my understanding of how inner transformation really works. Have you ever stumbled across a teaching or a tool that immediately felt like something you had known all along, just waiting to be remembered? That’s how Ho'oponopono felt for me — a gentle return to something ancient within.
Not long ago, while reconnecting with my childhood fascination for elementals and exploring my ancestral roots, I made a discovery that took my breath away: Paracelsus — the famed Renaissance alchemist, physician, and mystic — is one of my distant ancestors.
Have you ever uncovered a thread from your family’s past that suddenly made your whole journey make more sense?
That’s exactly what happened to me.
Realizing that Paracelsus’s teachings — blending the seen and unseen, the scientific and the spiritual — had been quietly influencing my path opened a doorway to a deeper connection with my heritage. It also helped me understand why practices like working with cacao, honoring elementals, and practicing Ho’oponopono have always felt so natural and essential to my being.
How often do we overlook the invisible rivers that run beneath our lives — the ancestral wisdom, the early passions, the intuitive callings — shaping who we are becoming?
Today, I’m honored to weave these threads together for you: the craft of chocolate making, the presence of the elementals, the whispers of ancestral wisdom, and the healing practices of Self-Identity Through Ho’oponopono. Together, they form a powerful map — one that invites us all into our own unique alchemical journey of transformation. This map reflects not only my personal path, but also the heart and soul of what we teach at Earth Guardian Academy.
Alchemy of Chocolate Making Backstory
Before I head straight into these topics, I want to first acknowledge that ancient ancestors, specifically arabic scientists knew of alchemy hundreds of years before Paracelsus rediscovered these concepts through research he conducted. He used the ancients breadcrumbs to create his theories, and bring the ancients wisdom back into the light. I honor the ancients that came before my ancestor and me as I share this blog on my experiences of Exploring the Parallels Between Alchemy, Elementals, and Self-Identity through Ho'oponopono.
First we will being with speaking about Paracelsus, I discovered him AGAIN just a few months ago when I was reading the guide I had written a few years ago about How to Garden with the Elementals. I had briefly mentioned him in a sentence, but at the time I really only knew that he had been the defined the elementals for the scientific community in the 16th century at a time when speaking of such things was considered anti-establishment. . This knowledge had been known by the common folk and those that kept up with their ancestors traditions, and. from my research that is where he got most of his information from all of our ancestors, he interviewed people as he traveled all over Europe and because of his education his words stuck but we have to give thanks to the ancestors who shared their knowledge and allowed it to pass on through Paracelsus. At the time his colleagues were not interested in holistic remedies made from the commonfolk, but Paracelsus knew that was where the answers to modern medicine lie, thanks to him, we have many modern treatments, I will go into some of them below and provide resources for you to discover more on your own.
Paracelsus's Alchemy: Paracelsus was born Theophrastus Bombastus von Hohenheim. The word Bombastic is thought to originate from his name because of his outgoing demenor, more about that later. He was a contemporary of Martin Luther and Nicolaus Copernicus. He adopted his pseudonym based on his assertion that he was a better physician than Celsus, the first century C.E. Roman author on medicine acclaimed in Renaissance Europe (he was "Para-Celsus," or beyond Celsus). His self-promotion as "The Most Highly Experienced and Illustrious Physician … " has given us the word "bombastic," derived from his birth name. Paracelsus, a Renaissance alchemist, believed in the transformation of both materials and the human soul. His ideas about turning base metals into gold symbolize the potential for inner purification and spiritual growth. He also introduced the concept of elementals—mystical beings associated with the elements of nature. I could not agree more with these concepts!
A little fun fact I learned while studying my ancestor was that in Mary Shelley’s novel Frankenstein, Victor is set on his scientific quest to create new life in part by reading the words of Paraselsus, whose full name was Philip Theophrastus Bombast von Hohenheim (d. 1541). SO COOL!
Paracelsus rebelled against common ideas of medicine of the time such as the belief that the body was controlled by the stars and planets. (um hello this is so me!) But he also developed his own radical ideas such as not packing wounds with dried dung but leaving them open to drain. Wow what a novel idea, he was ahead of his time or just connected to ancient medicine practices? For more information, see Encyclopedia Britannica on Paracelsus.
But lets step back a a little bit further and talk bout how Paracelsus become the father of modern alchemy. In 1507 Paracelsus joined the many wandering youths who traveled throughout Europe in the late Middle Ages, seeking famous teachers at one university after another. Paracelsus is said to have attended the Universities of Basel, Tübingen, Vienna, Wittenberg, Leipzig, Heidelberg, and Cologne during the next five years but was disappointed with them all. He wrote later that he wondered how “the high colleges managed to produce so many high asses,” a typical Paracelsian jibe. Those experiences gave Paracelsus insight into metallurgy and chemistry, which likely laid the foundations of his later remarkable discoveries in the field of chemotherapy.
Paracelsus upset the traditional attitudes of Schoolmen. “The universities do not teach all things,” he wrote, “so a doctor must seek out old wives, gipsies, sorcerers, wandering tribes, old robbers, and such outlaws and take lessons from them. A doctor must be a traveller.…Knowledge is experience.” Paracelsus held that the crude language of the innkeeper, the barber, and the teamster had more real dignity and common sense than the dry Scholasticism of Aristotle, Galen of Pergamum, and Avicenna, some of the recognized medical authorities of his day. This author, is so inspired by their ancestor, he was a progressivist before the term existed. I too believe that local communities know best about their land, and how it can cure ailments, food security is a large part of being a master alchemist Thanks to Paracelsus people like me can turn their alchemical passions into a career.
The Alchemical process for humans
The alchemical process for humans, in a metaphorical sense, refers to the journey of personal transformation and self-discovery, often associated with the concept of the "Magnum Opus" or "Great Work". It involves various stages of purification, dissolution, and eventual synthesis, ultimately aiming for self-realization and enlightenment.
Here's a breakdown of the alchemical process for humans:
1. Nigredo (The Black Work): This is the initial stage of decay, purification, and death, often involving confronting one's shadow self and unexamined aspects of the personality. It's a process of dismantling old patterns and beliefs to make way for transformation.
2. Albedo (The White Work): Following Nigredo, Albedo represents the purification and illumination phase. It's characterized by the emergence of a newfound sense of self, clarity, and wisdom as the "black" aspects of the personality are purged.
3. Citrinitas (The Yellow Work): This stage involves the integration of the newly purified consciousness. It's a period of growth and refinement as the individual develops a deeper understanding of themselves and the world.
4. Rubedo (The Red Work): The final stage of the alchemical process is Rubedo, representing the culmination of transformation and the emergence of a unified, enlightened self. It signifies the attainment of wholeness and the realization of one's true potential.
In the context of self-transformation, these stages can be interpreted as:
Nigredo: Facing and acknowledging the negative aspects of oneself, including fears, insecurities, and unresolved emotions.
Albedo: Through confronting and processing these negative aspects, the individual gains clarity and self-awareness.
Citrinitas: Using this newfound knowledge to cultivate positive qualities, such as self-compassion, resilience, and wisdom.
Rubedo: Ultimately achieving a state of wholeness and integrating all aspects of oneself, leading to self-realization and enlightenment.
These stages are clearly a part of a living a human life, we all can achieve a state of wholeness when we work with sacred Earth Practices.
The Alchemical Process in Chocolate Making:
Paracelsus believed that the very essence of alchemy lay in the act of creation itself—transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary. For him, true alchemy wasn’t just about changing base metals into gold but about the continual process of refinement and evolution within all things. In this sense, creation—whether of material goods, ideas, or life itself—embodies the alchemical process at its core.
As an HR consultant and Training Manager for the past 25 years, my work often requires strategic thinking , problem-solving and sitting at a desk for long hours, but it’s not enough for me. I’ve come to realize that I need to work with my hands to feel truly fulfilled. The act of creating something tangible—whether it’s chocolate or another craft—is what connects me to my deeper purpose. When I make chocolate, I’m engaging in an ancient process of transformation. The cacao beans begin as raw, humble material, yet through heat, pressure, and attention, they become something far more refined. This process mirrors Paracelsus' belief that creation, in any form, is the heart of alchemy. By transforming simple ingredients into a rich, delicious chocolate, I participate in a personal form of alchemy, blending craftsmanship and spirit to bring something beautiful into the world. For me, being a chocolate maker is not just a job—it's a calling that brings me fulfillment and a sense of wholeness that cannot be achieved through consulting alone. You can taste the alchemical process I create here in our Chocolate at https://www.islandsharkschocolate.com/.
The Alchemy of Elementals: A Bridge Between Earth and Spirit
Have you ever wondered if the natural world holds more than what we can see?
Beyond the trees, the rivers, the winds, and the flames, ancient traditions speak of living forces — elementals — who bridge the worlds of spirit and matter.
As I reflect on my own journey, I realize that my earliest friendships were not only with animals and plants, but with these unseen guardians of the earth.
Here’s how the elementals first found me — and how they have quietly shaped my path ever since.
I was a small child then, raised by my grandmother until the age of eight.Those years unfolded beneath the open sky, from sunrise to sunset, in a world untouched by the noise of busy roads or playgrounds filled with other children.
Instead, my companions were the trees, the garden plants, the small farm animals — and something else, something unseen yet vividly present. I would sit quietly on the earth.I would listen to the wind threading through the grass.I would imagine stories whispered by the stones and the streams. Without knowing their names, I spoke to what I now understand to be elementals — the hidden spirits of nature that Paracelsus so eloquently described.
Gnomes of the earth, who care for the soil and stones,
Undines of the water, who flow with the rivers and rain,
Sylphs of the air, who move with the breezes and clouds,
Salamanders of the fire, who dance in the flames and the heat of the sun.
These beings, Paracelsus taught, are not myths or fantasies, but vital parts of the natural world — intermediaries between spirit and matter, keepers of balance and harmony.
Have you ever wondered, even as an adult, if the rustle of the leaves or the flicker of a flame might be more than mere chance — perhaps a small greeting from the unseen?
For me, these early moments of wonder became the first quiet notes of a lifelong song — a melody of belonging to something much larger, much older, and much more alive than I could have ever imagined. I willl define each of the elementals below so that you may get to know them more as well.
Gnomes, associated with the earth element, are believed to be guardians of minerals, plants, and the soil itself. They represent stability, endurance, and the hidden wisdom of the land. In folklore, they are often depicted as protectors of treasures buried beneath the earth, symbolizing the deep knowledge stored within nature. Connecting with gnomes can inspire a deeper understanding of the physical world and a sense of grounding in one’s life.
Undines, the spirits of water, are linked to emotions, intuition, and purification. Water is the element of adaptability and flow, and undines are said to govern bodies of water such as rivers, lakes, and oceans. They symbolize the depths of the subconscious mind and the healing power of emotional release. Working with undines can enhance one’s ability to navigate emotions with grace and foster a strong connection to intuition.
Over time, authors and writers developed the undine into a creature similar to a female water nymph or a mermaid. In these stories men who married an Undine were doomed to die if they were ever unfaithful to her.
Sylphs, the ethereal beings of air, represent intellect, inspiration, and communication. They are thought to inhabit the winds and skies, influencing thought patterns and creativity. Sylphs encourage clarity of mind and the ability to articulate ideas effectively. By attuning to the air element, one can cultivate a sense of mental agility and expand awareness beyond the material world.
Sylphs have power over the skies and air. They've been delineated to have control over the wind and the clouds, and even have the ability to purify the air and control the weather itself. It's been said that the air element induces feelings of festivity, giving someone the abrupt feeling of needing to break out into song or dance. (Resource: https://monster.fandom.com/wiki/Sylph)
Salamanders, often referred to as the spirits of fire, hold a profound connection to the themes of transformation, passion, and vitality in various cultural and spiritual traditions. These mystical creatures are not merely symbols; they represent the dual nature of fire, which is both a force of creation and a catalyst for destruction. In many mythologies, salamanders are believed to embody the elemental energy of fire, serving as powerful guides that illuminate the path of personal growth and self-discovery. Their association with fire signifies not only warmth and illumination but also the fierce and consuming aspects of this element, which can lead to both renewal and radical change.
Fire is often seen as a transformative force, capable of reshaping landscapes and altering the course of nature itself. Similarly, salamanders inspire individuals to harness this potent energy within themselves, encouraging them to embrace change and to step boldly into their personal power. The passion that salamanders symbolize can be a driving force behind creativity, urging individuals to express their innermost thoughts and feelings in ways that resonate deeply with their true selves. They encourage introspection and self-exploration, prompting individuals to confront their fears and limitations. By connecting with the essence of salamanders, individuals may find the courage to break free from self-imposed constraints and societal expectations, allowing them to embrace their authentic selves. This process of transformation can lead to profound personal growth, as individuals learn to navigate the complexities of their emotions and experiences with newfound strength and resilience.
Working with the Elementals: Honoring the Living World
What if the unseen forces of nature were waiting for us to notice them — to remember them?
Paracelsus taught that humans can live in harmony with the elementals by respecting nature, acknowledging their presence, and cultivating a deeper awareness of the energetic world that surrounds us. Across many spiritual traditions, people seek to connect with elementals through rituals, meditation, and practices that honor the living earth.
Have you ever felt that quiet pull — to sit a little longer by a river, to listen a little closer to the wind in the trees?
Perhaps you were already hearing their invitation.
Understanding the role of elementals as caretakers of earth, water, air, and fire reminds us of something essential: we are not owners of the land — we are stewards. Living in balance with the natural world isn't just an ideal; it is a calling back to our true place within the web of life.
Several years ago, I wrote a guide titled A Guide to Gardening with the Elementals, where I first explored these ideas.What I didn't realize at the time was that I was only writing the beginning of a much larger story.
Today, with this blog, it feels as if I'm adding another chapter — weaving together gardening, chocolate making, ancestral wisdom, and spiritual practice into one living tapestry. Working with the elementals has helped me see that my creative work and my spiritual path are not separate at all — they are two expressions of the same sacred relationship.
Have you ever had a moment when you realized that everything you loved was part of the same deeper calling?
The Alchemical Process in Self-Identity through Ho'oponopono
Self Identity through Ho'oponopono" (SITH) is a practice developed by Hawaiian Kahuna Lapa'au (healer) Morrnah Nalamaku Simeona, which uses the traditional Hawaiian problem-solving method of Ho'oponopono to help individuals identify and release negative memories that may be affecting their self-identity, essentially allowing them to access a more authentic sense of "self" by clearing past traumas and limiting beliefs; it is often described as a process of "cleaning" the subconscious mind through repetition of specific phrases like "I'm sorry," "Please forgive me," "Thank you," and "I love you.". Traditional Ho'oponopono was an important element of the life of the Hawaiian community. No problem was dealt with there separately from the rest of the family and all people associated with it. Having experienced the power of Ho'oponopono, Morrnah decided to adapt it in such a way that it can be mastered and applied individually by every average person.
Morrnah Simeona received Ho'oponopono directly from the Source, no one taught her the process. This is how ‘Self-I-Dentity Through Ho’oponopono’ was created, a process of purification and release in which man participates in direct connection with the Divine. In this process he finds his divine part, his Self. Self-Identity is a return to the source, a return home. She offered the world this treasure of Love and Forgiveness in action, a wonderful gift for the whole planet. it's a return to the source, a return home. Here you can learn more about her Original Ho’oponopono process and technique. ( Source : https://hooponoponomiracle.com/morrnah-nalamaku-simeona/) I feel this method of prayer for me, is the Alchemical Soul Transformation happening within me. I through my ancestor was called to witness and use this prayer method that was created here on these islands. Morrnah Nalamaku Simeona died in Kirchheim bei München, Germany on February 11, 1992. I sense a connection to the land in Germany througjh my ancestors the ancient ones, Mornah passing on from my ancestors homeland was the last connection I needed to make to know I had to share this story in a blog for you all.
So in a time of AI generated Blogs, read mine, one that I used my heart to write to you all. However, I will be transparent as I did use the internet to do my research so AI was a part of some of the confirmation of the other research I completed.
Connecting the Themes: A Living Alchemy
Alchemy, elemental harmony, the sacred craft of chocolate, and the inner healing of Ho'oponopono — each of these practices holds a piece of the same profound truth: True transformation begins within.
You are the alchemist of your own life.You are the bridge between spirit and matter.You are the steward of your own healing — and of the earth’s healing too.
When we work with nature rather than against it, when we honor the spirit within ourselves and the spirit within all living things, we unlock the path to a life that is not only whole, but deeply, vibrantly alive.
At Earth Guardian Academy and Chocolate Sommelier School, we believe cacao is more than a food — it is a sacred bridge between the earth and the spirit, between the seen and unseen, between who we are and who we are becoming.
Through the alchemy of chocolate making, the wisdom of the elementals, and the healing practice of Self-Identity Through Ho'oponopono, we are invited back into relationship with ourselves, with nature, and with the ancient lineages that still live within us.
If you feel called to walk this path — to reconnect, to remember, to transform — we welcome you with open hearts.
Join Ethan and I at Chocolate Sommelier School, where we explore these sacred practices and honor the journey of becoming.
And to help you begin, we offer you a simple gift: ➡️ Download your free Daily Cacao Ritual Guide — a practice designed to gently open the doorway to your own inner alchemy.
One cup.One breath.One moment of remembering.
Your journey home begins now.
The alchemy has already begun — and it begins with you.
Keywords to help you find similar content:
Alchemy of Chocolate, Cacao Ceremony, Chocolate Sommelier, Healing with Cacao, Ceremonial Cacao, Elemental Wisdom, Nature Spirits, Inner Alchemy, Self Identity Through Ho'oponopono, Ancestral Wisdom, Cacao Rituals, Spiritual Growth, Plant Wisdom, Chocolate Spirituality, Working with Elementals, Island Sharks Chocolate, Chocolate Sommelier School
Comments