"'I am many things, yet I am nothing more than a man'; this is my reply. Some see me as an occult magus, some as a shaman. Some claim that I'm something else still. We are what we are as perceived within the construct of another’s reality." R.E. Kretz, The Alchemical Search for the Philosophers' Stone  

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A Visionary Venture Rooted in Exploration and Enlightenment:

Unlike generic self-help gurus, Kretz’s authenticity shines – his stories aren’t borrowed; they’re lived. His rare blend of military grit, Masonic insight, shamanic training, and Explorers Club cred sets him apart. No one else can claim a life this vivid! Buckle up for a wild ride through the life and legacy of R.E. Kretz, the heart and soul of The Stoned Templar, a dynamic enterprise launched in 2022 with the publication of his transformative book, The Alchemical Search for the Unified Field (Inner Traditions). This isn’t just a business – it’s a movement born from decades of adventure, spiritual discovery, and a relentless quest for wisdom. Picture a barefoot boy in North Carolina’s forests, chasing critters and cosmic truths, now grown into a decorated military veteran, Freemason, caver, photographer, and Explorers Club member, ready to inspire the world with his kaleidoscope of experiences.

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The Vision:

The Stoned Templar is a multimedia platform blending history, spirituality, and nature to awaken consciousness and ignite curiosity. Through books, videos, and immersive storytelling, we invite audiences to explore life’s mysteries – think Indiana Jones meets Deepak Chopra with a dash of Carlos Castaneda. Our mission? To educate, inspire, and empower individuals to unlock their potential by connecting with the natural world, ancient wisdom, and their own inner spark.

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The Man Behind the Magic:

Richard Kretz is no armchair philosopher. His life reads like an epic novel:

Global Adventurer:

• A sailor who braved raging hurricanes, danced with Tahitian locals, and dodged rats in Olongapo’s underbelly, Kretz sailed the seven seas. Residing in Europe, he’s been to ancient ruins, libraries, and medieval castles where colorful tapestries hang and suits of armor stand. He’s soaked up cultures from Stonehenge to Mt. Fuji.

Spiritual Seeker:

• Trained in Transcendental Meditation in 1974, he’s studied Hermetics, Vedic science, and comparative religions for over 50 years, guided by psychics, shamans, and Freemasonry’s ancient rites.

Nature’s Champion:

• A Master Naturalist and acclaimed photographer, his lens captures the soul of the Appalachian Mountains, earning accolades from the Virginia Department of Conservation and images featured in exhibitions.

Explorers Club Elite:

• As a master naturalist and caver with the National Speleological Society, Kretz joined the prestigious Explorers Club in 2019, full-circle from his days on a ship named for Explorer Club member Admiral Richard E. Byrd.

Freemason and Knights Templar Leader:

• Rising to Master of a Lodge and Knight Templar Commander, he’s a decorated Mason with a family legacy stretching back generations.

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Business Model:

Content Creation:

• Books and videos weave Kretz’s adventures with actionable wisdom. Think The Alchemical Search sequel meets YouTube docuseries on sacred sites.

Workshops & Retreats:

• Immersive experiences in caving, meditation, and nature, hosted in the Appalachian mountains.

Speaking Engagements:

• Kretz’s electrifying talks at conferences, Lodges, and universities, share his vast knowledge of spirituality, Freemasonry, and the arcane interspersed with tales of pirates, shamans, and starry nights at sea.

Memberships & Subscriptions:

• Guided meditations and exclusive videos via a subscription platform for his tribe of truth-seekers.​

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