All About the Seven Ancient Hermetic Principles
All About the Seven Ancient Hermetic Principles
The seven Ancient Hermetic Principles are the key to creating your own reality.
Hermeticism
The seven ancient Hermetic principles are concepts in Hermeticism; a spiritual, philosophical, and esoteric tradition rooted in the teachings of the ancient god Hermes Trismegistus. Trismegistus is also known as “Hermes the Thrice-Great” the messenger god connected to learning, communication, and alchemy. Hermeticism's origin is traced back to ancient Egypt with Thoth; the god of wisdom, writing, and knowledge. The ancient Greeks later associated Thoth with Hermes. This combination of Thoth and Hermes is the creation of Hermes Trismegistus.
Hermes Trismegistus is often depicted as a sage. His writings are collectively known as the “Hermetica” and are the foundation of Hermetic Philosophy also unveiling the seven ancient Hermetic principles. The Hermetica is a collection of texts covering a wide range of topics including; philosophy, theology, astrology, alchemy, and The Divine.
Hermeticism teaches balance and clarity amid contrasting forces and energies and the Universal Laws are always manifesting around us. The Universal Laws are the answers to a purposeful life within your control. These teachings have influenced many spiritual, metaphysical, and esoteric traditions throughout history. During the Middle Ages and the Renaissance Period, there was a renewed interest in Hermeticism.
The Kybalion serves as a lighthouse for those seeking to understand the Universal Laws governing reality.
The Kybalion
The seven Hermetic principles are outlined in “The Kybalion,” published in 1908 by three anonymous individuals known as “The Three Initiates” offering insights into the nature of reality, consciousness, and the Universe. The Kybalion is an ancient system of beliefs with influence in spiritual traditions such as the Kabbalah, Gnosticism, and Rosicrucianism.
The Three Initiates combined these principles intending to display the essence of Hermetic teachings. The Hermetic teachings were passed down through various texts, including the Corpus Hermeticum. The Kybalion serves as a lighthouse for those seeking to understand the Universal Laws governing our reality.
All of the Hermetic principles operate on all Planes of Correspondence.
The Seven Hermetic Principles
The Hermetic principles also known as The seven Hermetic principles contain the blueprint for understanding the Universe and our place in it. These seven principles run the Universe which creates the reality we live in. The principles are tools for self-mastery, spiritual growth, and mind empowerment. Those who master these principles will shape their reality by using the Laws to their advantage. By applying these principles, individuals can work with the Natural Laws as a framework for understanding the spiritual and material worlds.
- The Principle of Mentalism
“The All is Mind; the Universe is Mental.”
In Hermeticism, the Universe is mental, everything in the Universe has a mental component, the mind is the creator of all things, and everything is a manifestation of the Mind. The Universe and other alternate realities are all mental creations of The Mind. This Mind Energy is often called God, Higher Power, The Divine, The Holy Spirit, The Universe, etc. The Principle of Mentalism teaches as humans having a spiritual experience, our thoughts, feelings, and beliefs have an important impact on our lives. We can consciously create our reality through the power of our minds.
The Principle of Mentalism is similar to the Law of Attraction, which states your thoughts and feelings create your reality. Using The Principle of Mentalism, you have the power to determine the circumstances around you.
2. The Principle of Correspondence
“As above, so below; as below, so above. As within, so without.”
There is a correspondence between each plane of reality. According to The Kybalion, there are three main planes of reality or planes of correspondence: The Great Physical Plane, The Great Mental Plane, and The Great Spiritual Plane. The laws and principles governing the Universe on one plane are mirrored on all planes. The difference between each plane is vibration and energy and on each plane is a different manifestation of life.
Your conscious and subconscious thoughts, emotions, and feelings become external circumstances. Additionally, thoughts and emotions have a corresponding effect on the collective consciousness of humanity.
3. The Principle of Vibration
“Nothing rests; everything moves; everything vibrates.”
According to the Principle of Vibration, everything in the Universe is in constant motion and vibration including matter, energy, thought, and feelings which manifests in different frequencies. Everything has a vibration and different states of consciousness are determined by the level of vibration — high or low. The goal is to consciously set a high “frequency” vibration.
By raising the vibration through positive thoughts, feelings, and emotions, we can attract higher vibrational experiences into our lives. Higher vibrations unlock higher powers.
Accept and embrace changes and know all things pass in cycles.
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.”
The Principle of Polarity teaches that everything has its exact opposite. All opposites are identical, varying in different degrees. Physical manifestations are the same, showing different characteristics according to the vibration. The Principle of Polarity is our journey's ups and downs and ebbs and flows. This principle helps us understand the duality of humans, nature, and the spiritual world.
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 Principle of Rhythm is that everything in the Universe has a rhythm, a cycle, and a pattern. Everything is in constant motion on a vibrational scale and nothing remains the same. Rhythm is the cycle of the Universe, there is a flow, a swing, and a time for every purpose. Everything that lives will eventually transform into the rhythm of another reality.
In understanding the Principle of Rhythm, we learn to accept and embrace changes and know all things pass in cycles.
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.
The Principle of Cause and Effect asserts that nothing happens by chance, every cause has an effect, and every effect has a cause. Everything in the Universe happens for a reason. This principle is also known as Karma, which states our actions determine our experiences in past lives, this life, and in reincarnation.
The goal of the Principle of Cause and Effect is to become more mindful of actions and their consequences.
7. The Principle of Gender
Gender is in everything; everything has its Masculine and Feminine Principles; Gender manifests on all planes.
The Principle of Gender is the masculine and feminine aspects that exist in all beings and things. This principle is the masculine and feminine energy present for creation and balance. It is not limited to the physical gender, but rather the duality in all things. The Principle of Gender can help us embrace our masculine and feminine energies.
The Kybalion is the cornerstone of new thought, new age movements, Theosophy, and contemporary Hermeticism. Its teachings on the power of the mind and the interconnectedness of all things continue to resonate with spiritual seekers of the mysteries of the Universe and the nature of our existence.
