Seven hermetic principles, or foundational modes of thought, are written in the 1908 Kybalion, a book of occult and philosophic works. The writings are ascribed to legendary Greco-Egyptian sage Hermes Trismegistus.
Above pic from The Alchemy Website.
Central to its teachings is the principle of philosophical mentalism. According to philosophical mentalism, the mind is the fundamental reality, shaping the perception of the esoteric and physical universe. This concept uncovers the power of creating one's own reality.
Through the integration of polarities or opposites, alchemists take a holistic approach. Understanding the inherent duality in alchemy leads to profound understanding of the forces uniting the diversity of existence.
The Seven Hermetic Principles:
1. The principle of mentalism
"The All is Mind; the Universe is Mental."
The statement encapsulates the essence of the ancient philosophical concept of idealism, which posits reality is fundamentally mental or immaterial in nature. The idea everything in existence is a product of the mind challenges traditional notions of materialism.
The external world of perception reflects the internal mental processes. According to this view, thoughts, beliefs and perceptions play a crucial role in shaping reality and determining the nature of experience. Reality is a function of the mind.
2. The principle of correspondence
"As above, so below; as below, so above.” [...] This principle embodies the truth that there is always a correspondence between the laws and phenomena of the various planes of being and life.
"As above, so below" is a popular modern paraphrase of the second verse of the Emerald Tablet, a short Hermetic text which first appears in an Arabic source from the late eighth or early ninth century.
The paraphrase is based on one of several existing Latin translations of the Emerald Tablet, in which the second verse appears as follows:
Latin: "Quod est superius est sicut quod inferius, et quod inferius est sicut quod est superius."
"That which is above is like to that which is below, and that which is below is like to that which is above."
3. The principle of vibration
"Nothing rests; everything moves; everything vibrates."
Nothing is stagnant or inert. Every particle is in a perpetual state of motion, from subatomic particles to galaxies. This constant movement is both physical and metaphysical, describing the eternal ebb and flow of energy and consciousness throughout the cosmos.
Vibration is the language of the universe. Everything in the universe resonates with its unique vibrational signature.
4. The principle of polarity
"Everything is dual; everything has poles; everything has its pair of opposites; like and unlike are the same; opposites are identical in nature, but different in degree; extremes meet; all truths are but half-truths; all paradoxes may be reconciled."
Everything in existence possesses two opposing aspects. These dualities manifest in various ways, such as light and darkness, good and evil. Despite appearing contradictory, the opposites are connected, with each relying on the other for definition and meaning.
Even seemingly disparate elements share common ground at their core. This connection extends to the idea of opposites, while distinct in their manifestations, sharing a fundamental unity in essence.
5. The principle of rhythm
"Everything flows, out and in; everything has its tides; all things rise and fall; the pendulum-swing manifests in everything; the measure of the swing to the right is the measure of the swing to the left; rhythm compensates."
The concept of rhythmic balance and harmony in the universe is found in various philosophies and belief systems. It suggests all aspects of existence are interconnected and subject to the ebb and flow of natural cycles. Rhythms manifest in the smallest particles to great galaxies.
The pendulum-like motion of existence, swinging from one extreme to another, signifies a perpetual movement toward equilibrium. The constant flux between opposites - light and dark, joy and sorrow, growth and decay, is the interplay of forces seeking balance.
6. The principle of cause and effect
"Every cause has its effect; every effect has its cause; everything happens according to law; chance is but a name for law not recognized; there are many planes of causation, but nothing escapes the law."
This fundamental principle, or the Law of Cause and Effect, refers to the overall balance and order governing the cosmos. Every effect has its cause. Nothing occurs in isolation. Every outcome and its ripple effects can be traced back to originating factors.
It implies a structured and systematic framework within which events unfold, governed by immutable laws that transcend human perception. This principle suggests chance is but a name for a law not recognized.
7. The principle of gender
"Gender is in everything; everything has its masculine and feminine principles; gender manifests on all planes."
Gender is a fundamental concept permeating all aspects of existence. It goes beyond binary understanding of male and female, extending into the realms of energy, nature and even thought.
Everything possesses both masculine and feminine principles, suggesting a balance and interplay of opposing forces in the universe. This duality is not limited to physical manifestations but also extends to the metaphysical and spiritual planes.
In nature, we see the interplay of masculine and feminine energies in the cycle of life and creation. The sun, with its fiery and active qualities, is often associated with the masculine principle, while the moon, with its nurturing and receptive nature, embodies the feminine.
This balance is reflected in the changing seasons, the growth of plants, and the rhythms of the natural world. On a spiritual level, the concept of gender expands beyond physical attributes to encompass the cosmic forces of creation and destruction.
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