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The warmest of greetings to you. I’m Elion – though you can call me Eli if you like.
Welcome to the sanctuary of The Modern Alchemist – Elion Hartwood. That’s me!
Ever since I arrived in this world, I’ve known I was meant to be of service. As of 2025, I felt my phoenix moment — that sacred turning point when you realise you can no longer carry the old. You must burn it off and step into the role you were born for. This place, this quiet little sanctuary, is the home of the modern alchemist, and it speaks to that mission.
I used to say, “If I could only help one person, that would be enough.” But lately, I’m not so sure that’s true. I want to help the world heal. A tall order, I know.
Wait, wait, wait… I’m getting ahead of myself. Grab a cup of tea — we could be here a while.
I didn’t wake up one morning enlightened. (I’m still not, I don’t think. My cat isn’t levitating yet, so telekinesis might still be a work in progress… and I don’t even have a cat.)
Anyway, I didn’t wake up enlightened — one can only wish. I tripped over an errant banana peel and fell face-first into the shadow parts of myself: depression, loss, grief, addiction, disordered eating, trauma. You name it, the universe has probably given me a taste.
Yeah, I’ve been through the mill a bit, but honestly, I wouldn’t change it. It’s led me deeper into my practice, into myself — where I discovered something ancient and eternal beneath it all.
So no, I’m not enlightened… yet. But that doesn’t mean I won’t keep trying. I show up to my spiritual practice every day, gathering the pieces of myself I once left by the wayside. Over the years, I’ve learned that transformation doesn’t always look graceful. It’s not Insta-perfect. It’s ugly crying into your journal and smashing biscuits into your mouth at 2 a.m. on the bathroom floor.
I have over ten years of experience within the system of Usui Reiki Ryōhō. Alongside Reiki, I’ve studied Crystal Healing and Sound Healing, practices I sometimes weave into sessions when it feels right, creating a holistic and deeply personal approach to energy work.
My fascination with energy healing began early. Any pocket money or birthday gifts usually went toward (you guessed it) crystals. Even then, I was drawn to their quiet wisdom — the sense that something deeper was happening beneath the surface of life.
In 2015, I answered a higher calling and began my Reiki journey at the Shoden (Level 1) stage. It felt like coming home to my soul — to the oneness that connects us all. Since then, I’ve completed Okuden (Level 2) and Shinpiden (Level 3), allowing me to teach and share this beautiful system with others.
Receiving my Master Level empowerment was a turning point. I realised that Usui Reiki Ryōhō extends far beyond hands-on healing – it’s a path of self-empowerment, self-realisation, and ultimately, enlightenment. My practice remains rooted in the authentic teachings of my lineage, which I carry forward with deep respect and integrity.
My work is also influenced by my study of Hermetic philosophy, which offers a broader understanding of the mind-body-spirit connection. This perspective allows me to support both my own healing and the healing of others on a much deeper level.
These days, I call what I do “Medicine.” It’s not the kind you swallow – it’s medicine for the soul. My work blends energy healing, transmutation, magic, and humour. (Because if you can’t laugh, you’ll cry – and, spoiler alert: both are healing for the soul.)
My heart cracked open. My love spilt out onto the pavement, and my eyes opened to the suffering our world carries – and I wanted to help change it.
Between 2023 and 2025, I lost two friends to suicide. Two too many. Cracked open and heavy with guilt for not seeing the signs, I made a vow: enough was enough. And in that moment, Elion Hartwood was born.
That experience taught me how passionate I am about men’s mental health. I began attending mental health meetings – first seeking solace, and finding it in the arms of my brothers. Now, I aim to be that solace for others.
I strive to be the person I needed when I was younger. In many ways, I’ve come full circle.
If I could summarise my philosophy in a single phrase, it would be: “Offer love. Offer hands. Offer help.”
And to the three people who not only supported the work I did in the past, but support me even now, from spirit: Paul, Jamie, and Wyatt. I hope to make you proud, and know that any suffering in the world eased by my heart is in honour of you.
So, that’s me. I did warn you that you’d need that cup of tea (I hope you got one!). By now, you’ve probably gathered that I’m equal parts chaos and laughter – but I’m genuinely grateful you’re here.
Take what you need, leave what you don’t, and remember: always be your beautiful, divine, radiant self. The world is a much better place with you in it.