The 7 Hermetic Principles of The Kyballion
The 7 Hermetic Principles
The core philosophical tenants found in the Hermetic tradition, particularly as outlined in "The Kybalion".
Principle of Mentalism
"The All is Mind"—the universe is mental, and reality is created by the mind.
Everything is Thought
All is energy and matter, shaped by the mind’s perceptions and beliefs.
The Universal Mind
Connects the principle that All is part of a greater consciousness.
Power of Perception
Our understandings shape our reality, influencing the world around us.
Foundation of Manifestation
Thought precedes action and creation; the mental blueprint is the first step.
Principle of Correspondence
"As above, so below; as below, so above"—the macrocosm reflects the microcosm.
Laws of Planes of Existence
The dynamics of the spiritual, mental and physical planes mirror each other.
Analogy and Symbolism
Symbols reflect deeper truths and connect different levels of existence.
Microcosm and Macrocosm
The individual is a reflection of the universe, containing its essence within.
Interconnectedness of All
Events and experiences resonate between different layers of reality.
Principle of Vibration
"Nothing rests; everything moves; everything vibrates"—motion is manifest in everything.
Energy in Constant Motion
All forms of matter and energy are in perpetual motion, differing only in vibration.
Frequency and Resonance
Similar frequencies resonate with each other, influencing physical and non-physical realms.
Spectrums of Vibration
Acknowledges the vast range of vibrational states, from the densest matter to the most ethereal.
The Illusion of Solidity
What appears solid is actually in a state of vibrational motion, invisible to the naked eye.
Principle of Polarity
"Everything is Dual; everything has poles; everything has its pair of opposites"—opposites are identical in nature, but different in degree.
Opposites as Extremes
Shows that opposites are two extremes of the same thing, with many varying degrees between them.
Balancing Opposites
Harmony is achieved by balancing opposite forces, not eliminating them.
Transmutation of Energies
It's possible to change the vibrational nature of energies, shifting from one pole to another.
Unity in Duality
Teaches that seemingly opposite forces may be viewed as complementary parts of a whole.
Principle of Rhythm
"Everything flows, out and in; everything has its tides"—speaks to the cyclical nature of the universe.
Cycles of Nature
Recognizes the ebb and flow in natural processes, such as seasons and life cycles.
The Pendulum Swing
Just as a pendulum swings to the left and right, rhythm compensates between polarities.
Predictable Patterns
Understanding the rhythms can help anticipate and prepare for changes in life.
Mastery of Fluctuations
One can learn to rise above extremes of rhythm by applying the Law of Neutralization.
Principle of Cause and Effect
"Every Cause has its Effect; every Effect has its Cause"—emphasizes that there are no mere coincidences as every action has a reaction or consequence.
Law of Action and Reaction
Highlights that actions always have a corresponding reaction, shaping our lives.
Chain of Events
Understanding cause and effect can lead to wiser choices, potentially altering our future.
Responsibility and Free Will
Emphasizes personal responsibility for one’s actions within the universal framework.
Patterns of Consequence
Cause and effect show that patterns repeat and can be predicted and potentially altered.
Principle of Gender
"Gender is in everything; everything has its masculine and feminine principles"—refers to the duality of nature.
Creative Combination
The interplay between the masculine and feminine energies initiates all forms of creation.
Yin and Yang
Analogous to Yin and Yang, encompassing the reception and action forces in existence.
Mental Gender
Just as with physical gender, thoughts and the mind have a masculine (active) and feminine (receptive) aspect.
Balance for Creation
For anything to manifest, there needs to be a balance between the masculine and feminine aspects.
The ancient hermetic principle "As above, so below" suggests a mirror between the cosmos and individual lives. It signifies that the macrocosm is reflected in the microcosm, and that our thoughts and beliefs have the power to shape our reality just like the forces of the universe shape the cosmos.
The maxim implies that human thought is a reflection of universal laws. Just as the planets orbit in the cosmos, humans create patterns in life based on their thoughts. Positive thinking is believed to attract positive experiences, demonstrating a personal cosmos influenced by one's internal universe.
The idea encourages self-awareness and mindful thinking. Understanding that our inner thoughts can have significant impacts on our external circumstances encourages one to cultivate a deliberate mindset.
The practice of meditation and affirmation is based on this belief. By focusing thoughts constructively, one can align their personal world with the harmony that is believed to exist at the universal level.
In the context of "Everything is Thought," the principle connects to the belief that one's perceptions and beliefs shape their experience of the physical world. This concept posits that the structure of one's reality is not fixed but rather malleable to the conscious and subconscious layers of the mind.
The importance of thought in our own lives is immense and often underestimated. By aligning our thoughts with our desired outcomes, we can initiate changes and attract the experiences we seek. Thoughts act as seeds that, when nurtured, can grow into tangible experiences in our lives.
The awareness of thought's power is essential for personal growth. Mindfulness practices emphasize observing thoughts without attachment, which allows for greater control over one's mental and emotional landscape. Practicing mindfulness can lead to more clarity and purpose in actions.
The principle "As above, so below" ties back to our individual capacity for creation. Each thought has the potential to influence our lives greatly. By understanding the importance of thought, we empower ourselves to shape our experiences and embark on a deliberate path of self-discovery and fulfillment.
Newton's Third Law in Life
Exploring the parallels between Newton's physical law and personal productivity.
Newton's Third Law
Every action has an equal and opposite reaction.
Scientific Principle
States that for every force, there is a reaction force equal in size and opposite in direction.
Momentum Conservation
Illustrates how interacting objects exchange momentum through forces, maintaining overall system momentum.
Real-world Examples
Rocket propulsion, jumping off a boat, or two skaters pushing off each other.
Historical Impact
Revolutionized understanding of physics and motion; cornerstone of classical mechanics.
Productivity Insights
Applying the law metaphorically to personal effectiveness and work.
Action Initiates Progress
Undertaking the first step often triggers a chain of productive reactions.
Overcoming Inertia
Acknowledges the need to exert initial effort to transition from rest to motion in tasks.
Balancing Effort
Promotes the importance of balanced actions to avoid burnout and sustain productivity.
Goals and Consequences
Emphasizes considering potential reactions (outcomes) when planning actions (projects).
Overcoming Procrastination
Utilizing the concept for motivation and efficiency.
Breaking Down Tasks
Encourages starting with small actions that lead to significant reactions in completing projects.
Creating Accountability
Setting up a system where the 'reaction' to not acting is a pre-established negative consequence.
Reward Systems
Implementing positive reinforcements that serve as reactions to milestones achieved.
Visualizing Outcomes
Understanding that the avoidance of action can result in the opposite of desired outcomes, prompting action.