R. E. Kretz

Grab your popcorn! In response to questions about Charles, I’ve finally finished a video about my adventures and life in far southwest Virginia. This entertaining video is a follow-on to my book, The Alchemical Search for the Unified Field, that addresses meditation and shamanism.

I’m not much of a raconteur but have been known to spin a yarn or two. Using the spirit of shamanism, it’s an intimate biopic and sketch of Appalachia. It’s a story about a mountain, Clinch Mountain, that celebrates its history, people, and adventure. Come, pull up a log, sit by the fire, and learn The Rest of the Story: Shamanic Tales of Adventure on Clinch Mountain.

This book was inspired by questions that I had, that you have, and relates my spiritual journey and discovery of answers about our purpose: about life, death, resurrection, and our place in the universe. I have a lifetime of experience with alchemy and the mystical arts. I studied Transcendental Meditation in the 1970s, have a background in communications-electronics, as Freemason, and as a shaman. I’ve explored various forms of meditation, the operative mechanics of how it works, and how to help others understand and practice it. I blend my knowledge of these diverse subjects in a way you can connect with, understand, and use, helping you achieve a higher level of spiritual consciousness. On his podcast, Poke Runyon says: “If you'd like to learn the secrets of Alchemy tune in and meet a master of the art.” Feathered Quill says: “Stay tuned for more gems to come from this master wisdom jeweler, R.E. Kretz."

The Alchemical Search for the Unified Field has been professionally reviewed and acclaimed by the Feathered Quill, received an award in the “How-to” category at the San Francisco Book Festival, has been reviewed and received a Literary Titan Gold Book Award in Religion and Philosophy that says: “This book serves as an inspiring catalyst, encouraging readers to embark on an introspective journey towards uncovering the Kingdom of Heaven within, presented with utmost clarity and captivating prose;” and it's a PenCraft Awards Best Book Winner for literary excellence, Summer 2023, in Religion and Philosophy.

Blending alchemy and shamanism against a backdrop of freemasonry, I present meditation as a guide for self-discovery in today’s turbulent world. From a Christian perspective the book is about how we can improve our conversations with God through prayer. It also serves as a self-help how-to guide for those who are troubled or struggling with addiction to be better than they once were.

Readers will benefit from the amount of “wow, I didn’t know that” knowledge presented in a way they can connect with, understand, and practice. Everyone should read The Alchemical Search for the Unified Field because it offers a fresh engaging take on a misunderstood mystical subject.

Published by Inner Traditions, this remarkable book is a treasure map for the scientific and personal pursuit of that which is hidden, the divine, through meditation/prayer. It’s as magical as it is alchemical! The Alchemical Search for the Unified Field is divided into three sections – Bell, Book, and Candle – that parallel the three degrees of Masonry. In the first section, Bell, we answer the call as an initiate with a historical introduction. In the second section, Book, we climb the mountain of knowledge, discussing the operative mechanics of the Philosophers’ Stone from the perspective of a 16th century alchemist, drawing on sacred geometry to arrive at a chakra Hermetic Yoga arrangement on the Qabalistic Tree of Life. I teach you how to create the Philosophers’ Stone within yourself so that you too can become a better person by understanding Hermetic elements and the electrical network of our nervous system. In the third section, Candle, my accounts of cross-cultural training by a contemporary Native American Shaman form one of the most moving and enlightening parts of the book. Come with me as we climb the mountain; experience nature-based lessons that illuminate and guide us on a spiritual journey of self-discovery as we search for the flower of wisdom, purging our egos of the superfluities of life to become better than we once were, learning the secrets of life, death, and rebirth.