The Kybalion — 7 Hermetic Principles
The Kybalion is a book based on the seven Hermetic Principles taught by Hermes Trismegistus, also known as Djehuti or Thoth. These principles are the laws that govern and guide every form of life and nature, making them the laws of the universe and everything that exists.
The seven principles are:
Mentalism — The All is Mind; the Universe is mental
Correspondence — As above, so below; as below so above.
Vibration — Nothing rests; everything moves; everything vibrates
Polarity — Everything is Dual; everything has poles; everything has its pair of opposites
Rhythm — Everything flows, out and in; everything has its tides; all things rise and fall
Cause and Effect — Every Cause has its Effect; every Effect has its Cause; everything happens according to Law
Gender — Gender is in everything; everything has its Masculine and Feminine Principles; Gender manifests on all planes
— Mentalism
Mentalism is the first of the seven Hermetic Principles, and it states that "The All is Mind; the Universe is mental." This principle emphasises that everything that exists is a product of the mind, and that the universe is a mental construct. In other words, everything that we experience in the physical world is a reflection of our mental state. This principle suggests that our thoughts and beliefs shape our reality and that we have the power to create and shape our experiences through our minds.
‘This Principle embodies the truth that ‘All is Mind’. It explains that THE ALL (which is the Substantial Reality underlying all the outward manifestations and appearances which we know under the terms of ‘The Material Universe’; the ‘Phenomena of Life’; ‘Matter’; ‘Energy’; and, in short, all that is apparent to our material senses) is SPIRIT, which in itself is UNKNOWABLE and UNDEFINABLE, but which was be considered and thought of as AN UNIVERSAL, INFINITE, LIVING MIND.’
— Correspondence
Correspondence is the second of the seven Hermetic Principles, and it states "As above, so below; as below so above." This principle suggests that there is a correspondence between the various planes of existence, whether it be physical, mental, or spiritual. In other words, the patterns, laws, and characteristics that exist in one plane of existence can be found in another plane of existence. This principle is often used to explain the relationship between the microcosm and macrocosm, or the individual and the universe. It suggests that the individual is a reflection of the universe and that the universe is a reflection of the individual.
‘The ancient Hermetists considered this Principle as one of the most important mental instruments by which man was able to pry aside the obstacles which hid from view the Unknown.’
— Vibration
Vibration is the third of the seven Hermetic Principles, and it states that "nothing rests; everything moves; everything vibrates." This principle suggests that everything in the universe is constantly in motion and that this motion produces a vibration. This vibration can be observed in every aspect of the physical world, from the movement of the planets to the smallest particles of matter. This principle also suggests that different levels of vibration can be perceived through the senses, such as sound and light. The principle of vibration is often used to explain the relationship between the physical and non-physical aspects of the universe, as well as the relationship between the individual and the universe.
‘This Hermetic Principle was enunciated thousands of years ago by the Masters of Ancient Egypt.
An understanding of this Principle, with the appropriate formulas, enables Hermetic students to control their own mental vibrations as well as those of others. The Masters also apply this Principle to the conquering of Natural phenomena, in various ways. "He who understands the Principle of Vibration, has grasped the sceptre of power," says one of the old writers.’
— Polarity
Polarity is the fourth of the seven Hermetic Principles, and it states that "Everything is Dual; everything has poles; everything has its pair of opposites." This principle suggests that everything in the universe has two opposing aspects, such as hot and cold, light and dark, and good and evil. These opposing aspects are not separate but are instead two sides of the same thing. The principle of polarity is often used to explain the relationship between seemingly opposite things and how they are actually interconnected.
‘This Principle embodies the truth that everything is dual. "Everything," "All," "The Absolute," has its two poles; "opposites" are identical in nature, but different in degree; "extremes" meet; all truths are but half-truths; all paradoxes may be reconciled.’
— Rhythm
Rhythm is the fifth of the seven Hermetic Principles, and it states that "everything flows, out and in; everything has its tides; all things rise and fall." This principle suggests that everything in the universe operates in cycles and rhythms, from the movement of the planets to the rise and fall of civilisations. This principle also suggests that everything has its own natural rhythm and that understanding and harmonising with these rhythms can lead to a greater sense of balance and harmony in life. The principle of rhythm is often used to explain the cyclical nature of life and the importance of embracing change and adapting to new rhythms.
‘This Principle embodies the truth that in everything there is manifested a measured motion, to and fro; a flow and inflow; a swing backwards and forward; a pendulum-like movement; a tide-like ebb and flow; a high-tide and low-tide; between the two poles which exist in accordance with the Principle of Polarity described a moment ago.
— Cause and Effect
Cause and Effect is the sixth of the seven Hermetic Principles, and it states that "Every Cause has its Effect; every Effect has its Cause; everything happens according to Law." This principle suggests that everything in the universe is connected and that every action has a corresponding reaction. In other words, every cause produces an effect, and every effect has a cause that created it. This principle is often used to explain the relationship between our thoughts, emotions, and actions and the corresponding effects they have on our lives. It also suggests that we are responsible for the consequences of our actions and that we have the power to create positive change in our lives by changing our thoughts and behaviours.
‘This Principle embodies the fact that there is a Cause for every Effect; an Effect from every Cause. It explains that: "Everything Happens according to Law"; that nothing ever "merely happens"; that there is no such thing as Chance; that while there are various planes of Cause and Effect, the higher dominating the lower planes, still nothing ever entirely escapes the Law.’
‘The masses of people are carried along, obedient to environment; the wills and desires of others stronger than themselves; heredity; suggestion; and other outward causes moving them about like pawns on the Chessboard of Life. But the Masters, rising to the plane above, dominate their moods, characters, qualities, and powers, as well as the environment surrounding them, and become Movers instead of pawns. They help to PLAY THE GAME OF LIFE, instead of being played and moved about by other wills and environment. They USE the Principle instead of being its tools. The Masters obey the Causation of the higher planes, but they help to RULE on their own plane. In this statement there is condensed a wealth of Hermetic knowledge — let him read who can.’
— Gender
Gender is the seventh and final of the seven Hermetic Principles, and it states that "gender is in everything; everything has its Masculine and Feminine Principles; Gender manifests on all planes." This principle suggests that everything in the universe has a masculine and feminine aspect, which are not necessarily related to biological sex but instead represent opposing and complementary forces. These forces are often referred to as yin and yang, and they are present in all aspects of the universe, from the physical to the spiritual. The principle of gender is often used to explain the relationship between seemingly opposite things and how they are actually interconnected.
‘This Principle embodies the truth that there is GENDER manifested in everything the Masculine and Feminine Principles ever at work. This is true not only of the Physical Plane, but of the Mental and even the Spiritual Planes. On the Physical Plane, the Principle manifests as SEX, on the higher planes it takes higher forms, but the Principle is ever the same. No creation, physical, mental or spiritual, is possible without this Principle. An understanding of its laws will throw light on many a subject that has perplexed the minds of men.’
