Ounalom: A New Moon in Libra Beginning for Neary Alchemy

Peace and Blessings, Loved Ones:

I hope you are finding solace in the midst of change. I've spent the past year in deep contemplation about what it means to show up as my full self in a rapidly changing world, while sharing the gifts I've been called upon by my ancestors to share. No small undertakings. It is hard these days to remain hopeful when it feels like the ground is crumbling beneath you. So I have been focusing on the practice of what it means to have hope in the things you contribute to with love, healing, and discernment - as the seeds you choose to plant in the midst of an unending grief of uncertainty.  

A New Beginning

In the shadow of this Libra New Moon today, from your very own Virgo Sun/Libra Rising, and before we transition seasons - I am excited to share something I’ve been quietly cultivating.

Neary Alchemy’s new logo is an homage to the Khmer past, present, and future, fusing together elements from our ancient past with the renaissance in which we are currently living and generating. Drawing inspiration from an ancient Khmer spiritual protection symbol, the Ounalom is fused with elements of the second “Golden Era” of Cambodia from the 20th century – with a 21st century Golden Era twist. 

The band of circles you see enclosing the logo is an homage to the Khmer album artwork found during the Psychedelic era using bright colors, bold and groovy fonts, and contrasting shapes and patterns. But these circles also represent the ever evolving, eternal cycle of life, and the infinite nature of change.  

Traditional Meaning for "Ounalom"

The symbol that is used to stand in for the “A” in “Alchemy” is based on the ancient Khmer Buddhist symbol, the Ounalom.

“Neary” which means woman, and representing the divine feminine, is also written in Khmer script in the center of the Ounalom.

The Ounalom is a symbol inscribed along with other Khmer protective mantras, in the form of khatha (protective cloth or amulets), or through sak yant (Khmer protective tattoos). It is also known as the Khmer version of the “Om.” This symbol can be traced as far back to the Kingdom of Funan.

Traditionally, the spiral symbolized the winding path of life, with the straightened line as the path to enlightenment, depicted as the dot.

Ounalom also means eyebrow, with "unna" meaning tuft or whorl and "loma" meaning hair. Relatedly, one of the oldest pagodas in Phnom Penh, Cambodia dated back to the 15th century is called Wat Ounalom, and is also home to the Supreme Patriarch of the Mahanikaya sect of Theravada Buddhism in the country. Interestingly enough, this temple is called Wat (monastery) Ounalom as it is said an ancient relic is stored on site - an eyebrow hair that belonged to the Buddha.

Ounalom is the Journey of Self-actualization

My meaning of Neary Alchemy’s Ounalom

The center spiral from which it begins symbolizes the journey of life we all must embark upon – navigating a winding path filled with tests, trials, trauma, and tribulations, with grief and suffering as necessary conditions of earth we must learn to live with.

As we learn to alchemize and transform this pain, releasing from our heart, our soul, our spirit, our being, that which no longer needs to travel with us as we transmute, adapt, and evolve - the path begins to straighten. In this place, we become attuned to a version of ourselves that we can surrender to with an open hand, and open heart – ready to receive and ready to align with the self we’ve had hidden within, all along. 

Ounalom is Alchemy

When you use these medicines, I hope you feel the prayer, intention, and protection that they are made with.

May you always be held and protected on your alchemical journey of self-actualization.