Alchemy

I have often thought about the necessity of suffering in producing intense emotional states that can either pivot us into great spiritual strength or lead to our soul's demise. I recall a quote by film director Guillermo del Toro (Pan's Labyrinth): "...and I think that all of them have a huge quotient of darkness because the one thing alchemy understands and fairy tale lore understands, is that you need the vile matter for magic to flourish. You need lead to turn it into gold."