The primary thing that strikes me about Taylor Ellwood's work is that he is not afraid to pioneer into his unknown. At this median of the New Age, in energy healing exploring the realm of the unknown is still taboo and shrouded with as much a social fog as a seemingly agreed upon lack of knowledge. Where it has become acceptable in traditional and energy healing to say, 'There's a barrier here; we can't go any further', it has become as common to find, 'There's a barrier here; we shouldn't go any further.' Ellwood perseveres through such esoteric dogma and boundaries, leaving a wake of opportunity for readers to forge ahead into the wild of their own wellbeing. "Inner Alchemy" reminds us that it is often within the imagination of the unknown that we find our purest most lasting remedies.

Ellwood demonstrates a deep understanding of the etheric form not as we're told it is, but as it truly is. He shares with his readers a dynamic understanding of the chakra system, a perspective that is lacking in most of the current material on energy healing. Where other practitioners would have us believe that there is only one true representation of energetic health, Ellwood understands that we are not all templates functioning from the same balance. No less, he encourages readers to explore and develop their own limitless approach in widening their perception of themselves, their health, the world around them and how all of these facets interconnect. He presents his views of our unique forms alongside the knowledge that we create ourselves. Moving beyond teaching merely that we create our own realities, Ellwood shows us through layers of personal example and research how the way we live affects our every level of being, and he gives us the tools for how we can effect change in our lives to recreate ourselves as we want to be. At the end of each chapter he gives exercises reinforcing the techniques presented. In his words, "With inner alchemy you learn to change the lead of emotions into gold that gives you more control of your life."

Using common sense as much as magickal know-how, Ellwood eloquently presents the body as the filter for all of our existence. Everything we experience emotionally, vibrationally, environmentally, sexually, psychologically... is processed by the body. How we process the events, thoughts and feelings of our lives is as significant as the result we make of them. Coupling these basic observations with core body function and the use of fetishes, sigils, helping spirits, and elements in rituals Ellwood lays out a well-written plan for focusing life through all layers of Being, using every outlet we have as a means of clearing and balancing our health. He's not shy about details either. Anyone wanting to know powerful uses of bodily fluids, how to alter brain function at a neurotransmitter level, or how to alter DNA energetically will find a thorough and compelling description of the function of each in the path of wellness. In that light this book presents magickal keys to improving health, and healthy techniques to broaden one's skills as an energy worker.

It is evident that Ellwood has powerful knowledge to convey in "Inner Alchemy." The one thing I wanted to feel more of in this work was his passion for this knowledge. This book is not a clinical read by any stretch, but it is also not a heart-centric offering, an observation that may well serve the information better. There is no sentimental attachment to the practice of or the wisdom imparted in Ellwood's work. It simply is the result of a lifetime of study, hard work and self-creation crafted for like active participants.