The Alchemist Signposts Blog

Signpost: Words of the Wiser - Page 145   The alchemist, while he didn't be give Santiago the answers to his inner questions, helped guide him finally to the answers he really needed that he had been looking for on his journey. He gave Santiago direction when he was lost, and helped him to understand the Tradition, the way of the desert. This knowledge of the tradition helped them to survive the dangers of the desert. The alchemist knew that the threat presented by the warring tribes would be enough for Santiago to realize his full potential.  Signpost: Tough Questions - Page 149-157   To survive, Santiago is told to do something he never believed was possible, and become the wind. He first asks the alchemist how to turn himself into wind, but the alchemist cannot tell him. He continues thinking about the question and realized that the answers are within him, he can only understand them by going through the Souls of the World. He realizes everything he ever nee...

Signpost: Words of the Wiser - Pages 123-124    The alchemist tells Santiago what is likely to happen at this point if he refuses his calling, which gives him the last little push he needs to leave the oases and his new love, Fatima, behind, waiting for his return with his treasure. The alchemist also explains that the journey and all Santiago has learned will not really have been worth it if he never reaches his final destination. He seems to use the fact that Santiago understands the messages of the universe and omens so well to convince him to leave behind some of the things that these omens have led him to. Their relationship still needs to develop, because at this point on the journey, Santiago is following the alchemist based on logic and fear, rather than trust or friendship.  Signpost: Tough Questions - Page 107    Santiago has a very difficult time at first deciding what he should do with the message he receives from the hawks in the language...

Signpost: Again and Again/ Contrasts and Contradictions - Pages 54-55, 59    Throughout his whole time in Africa, Santiago gets closer and closer to deciding to go home. The more money he gained throughout the chapter, the more convinced Santiago seems to go home. At the last minute, he changes his mind and decides to cross the desert with a caravan. The crystal merchant tells Santiago what has happened in his life since he never followed his dream, which eventually changed Santiago's mind about giving up and going home. The crystal merchant's story brings Santiago back to everything Melchizedek told him, and inspires him to continue on.  Signpost: Aha Moment - Page 60    Santiago realized how much he has learned in his time away from home from the crystal merchant and even the young thief. As he reflects on everything he has learned throughout his time in Africa, he realizes that, despite the massive amount he learned from being free and traveling around ...