We

Sakis Stamou

🧭 My mission is to educate & inspire people around the globe through the engagement of alchemy in our modern life, in order to transform human life, materially & spiritually.

🔍 My vision is to be a global hub of empowering and transformative healing arts, leading a movement that uplifts humanity, fosters growth and well-being, and changes the world for the better.

Hello and warm greetings to all! I am Sakis Stamou, and I am excited to share my journey with you. Being a Pisces, I’ve always been deeply connected to my intuition, letting it guide me through life’s ups and downs.

From a young age, I was fascinated by ancient Greek philosophy, mathematics, geometry, and the Platonic solids. This profound interest felt like an initiation into the mysteries of the universe, connecting me to the ancient knowledge that shaped my understanding of the world.

My love for the foundational principles of mathematics and geometry naturally led me to study civil engineering at the University of Thessaly in Volos, Greece. While my academic pursuits were rooted in engineering, my heart was always drawn to the kitchen, where I found joy and inspiration in cooking.

I found myself spending more time at the local farmer’s market than with my professors in engineering college. I enjoyed talking to farmers and artisans, delighting in the bright colors, fresh food, and personal stories. It became clear to me that my heart was in the kitchen, not in blueprints and construction sites.

After graduating, I faced one of the most intense internal transformations of my life. I had to choose between starting an engineering office or following my passion for cooking. It was a tough choice. In the end, fate, fortune, and a little bit of personal bravery took me to the beautiful island of Ikaria to pursue a culinary career.

Ikaria was my crucible, where I began dissolving rigid beliefs and shedding remnants of ego. It was a magical place that allowed me to rebirth myself. Feelings started to flow freely, and I learned to let go of control, embracing the beauty of spontaneity and authenticity. I began to love every part of myself, finding liberation in breaking free from old patterns and beliefs.

In Ikaria, I ran the kitchen at a creative bistro café called “Carte Postale.” The owner, Myrto, welcomed me, and we worked together for two summers, making Carte Postale a unique spot for “gourmet snacks & salads, evening risottos, and sensational cocktails,” as the Lonely Planet editor wrote.

On one of the last days of the season, I hitchhiked and stumbled upon a chef from Ikaria who was a teacher at one of the most popular culinary schools in Athens, Le Monde. This serendipitous meeting led me to study there for the next two years. At the same time, I started my first job in a fine-dining restaurant in Athens.

During my stay in Athens, my good friend Antonis inspired me. He was a teacher of homeopathy and was studying Traditional Chinese Medicine at a school called Akadimia. This school focuses on Ancient Greek Medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine. Because of Antonis, I started to learn more about natural healing. I began studying the theory of Traditional Hellenic Medicine & Traditional Chinese Medicine, as well as Holistic Herbalism, and Eastern Dietetics.

In the next few years, I worked in the kitchens of some top restaurants in Athens, Mykonos, and NYC, continuously honing my cooking skills. In my free time, I was studying Greek and Chinese herbs at the library, blending my love for food with the ancient wisdom of herbal medicine.

In NYC, my life became more magical when I crossed paths with my soulmate, Dr. Carina Lopez. Both Carina and I were born under the Nakshatra of Ashwini. The presiding deities of the Ashwini star are the Ashwini Kumaras, the divine twin physicians of the celestial Gods. Those born under this Nakshatra are natural physicians, innately carrying the healing energy and ability to heal others. Our bond was immediate and deep, like two stars coming together in the sky.

Together, we embarked on many adventures, always eager to try new things and make quick choices with trust in ourselves. Our love for natural healing and helping others brought us to professions where we could change lives, spreading our kindness and warmth wherever we went. We spent many hours exploring the city and finding its secret spots. We shared our dreams and thoughts about life. Whether we walked through plant gardens or relaxed in cozy cafes, our friendship grew stronger with each moment.

Four months later, in a rush of love and romance, we got married on the iconic Bow Bridge in Central Park. It was a day I will always remember. Our wedding happened on Saint John the Baptist’s Day, which is usually celebrated in Greece by jumping over fires. That evening, in my mother-in-law’s lovely backyard, we honored this tradition and jumped over the flames together. It felt as if this fire purified us and put us together on life’s mission.

Right after we got married, we started working together. I began teaching people about Eastern dietetics and how to use food as medicine. I also expanded my knowledge by studying online with Sajah Popham and the School of Evolutionary Herbalism. Furthermore, I delved into traditional astrology with Demetra George and Christopher Warnock from the School of Renaissance Astrology.

Moreover, I enrolled in the “Food as Medicine” and “Phytomedica” programs by Todd Caldecott at the Dogwood School of Botanical Medicine, further deepening my expertise. I also learned from many other Western herbalists in the U.S., holding a deep respect for Todd Michael Tierra and Matthew Wood, whose books and online teachings have profoundly influenced my journey. These experiences have enriched my understanding and practice, allowing me to merge the culinary arts with natural healing.

One day in 2017, while studying at the New York Public Library, I stumbled upon a website from an alchemist in Sweden, Lisa Jeannin, and her Alchemillas Apotek (apothecary). Though Lisa couldn’t offer any teachings herself, she introduced me to one of my greatest mentors, Brother Phoenix Aurelius, an alchemist, researcher, educator, and a modern man of many talents. Brother Phoenix initiated me into the hermetic arts and Spagyria, a transformative experience for which I will be forever grateful. I learned foundational practices of Spagyric Pharmacopoeia, as well as advanced skills in creating sophisticated preparations. This mentorship deeply enriched my journey and continues to inspire my work. Since then, I have proudly offered our clients very potent spagyric preparations.

In 2023, I completed the Prima and Secunda classes of The Spagyricus Institute by Robert A. Bartlett, one of the most profound teachers in alchemy, teaching classes and giving workshops on practical alchemy since 2002. Also, since 2021, I have been a proud member of The Inner Garden. This group started in 2010 with like-minded people who practice traditional alchemy. The Inner Garden focuses on sharing experiences and knowledge about alchemy. It acts as a protector of this old practice, known as the Royal Art. The sharing among members creates teamwork where the different members learn from each other. They inspire one another all the time.

As of 2020, we left the hectic life of NYC for the calm beauty of Mt. Pelion in Greece. Now, we are raising our son and working from our small piece of paradise. We travel around the world, sharing what we know through workshops, seminars, and retreats while soaking up wisdom at conferences and events focused on natural healing.

I’m always on the lookout for the latest alchemical, culinary, and herbal discoveries, all while staying true to ancient healing traditions. When I’m not busy making sure our customers are happy and healthy, you’ll find me playing with my son, an incredible source of joy and inspiration, hiking, sailing, or enjoying lively gatherings with my amazing wife, our family, and friends.

This epic journey has not only shaped who we are but also fueled the essence of our work. We live by following our passions, embracing change, and finding joy in every moment. Thanks for being a part of our story and letting us share a piece of our heart with you!