Introduction

The seven hermetic principles appear in the book 'The Kybalion', published in 1908 and written by the anonymous 'three initiates'.

The principles are a high level outline of worldview, the spiritual scientific worldview. This implies they postulate universal principles found in the ancient wisdom teachings of all ages.

Zarathustra initiated his most intimate students into these mysteries, but the most profound teachings he imparted to two of them. The first one was primarily instructed in everything that concerns human judgment, such as natural science, astronomy and astrology, agriculture, and other disciplines. All this knowledge was transmitted to this one disciple by a secret process of communication between the two. This prepared the disciple in such a way that in the following reincarnation he was able to carry the astral body of his teacher; and he was reincarnated as Hermes, (Historical scholarship usually considers Hermes as a mythical figure in ancient Egypt, but Steiner thinks he was a living prophet who appeared about 4200 B.C. when the sun moved into Taurus. According to historical speculation the so-called Hermetic books—metaphysical pronouncements about the community of all beings and things—were authored by the Egyptian god Thoth (the Thrice Great), whose name was often translated into Greek as Hermes Trismegistus.) the great teacher and sage of the Egyptian Mysteries. Born with Zarathustra's astral body, Hermes became the bearer of the great wisdom.

https://rsarchive.org/Lectures/GA109/English/AP1986/19090121p01.html

The Hermetic Teachings are to be found in all lands, among all religions, but never identified with any particular country, nor with any particular religious sect. This because of the warning of the ancient teachers against allowing the Secret Doctrine to become crystallized into a creed. The wisdom of this caution is apparent to all students of history. The ancient occultism of India and Persia degenerated, and was largely lost, owing to the fact that the teachers became priests, and so mixed theology with the philosophy, the result being that the occultism of India and Persia has been gradually lost amidst the mass of religious superstition cults, creeds and "gods." So it was with Ancient Greece and Rome. So it was with the Hermetic Teachings of the Gnostics and Early Christians, which were lost at the time of Constantine, whose iron hand smothered philosophy with the blanket of theology, losing to the Christian Church that which was its very essence and spirit, and causing it to grope throughout several centuries before it found the way back to its ancient faith, the indications apparent to all careful observers in this Twentieth Century being that the Church is now struggling to get back to its ancient mystic teachings.

But there were always a few faithful souls who kept alive the Flame, tending it carefully, and not allowing its light to become extinguished. And thanks to these staunch hearts, and fearless minds, we have the truth still with us. But it is not found in books, to any great extent. It has been passed along from Master to Student; from Initiate to Hierophant; from lip to ear. When it was written down at all, its meaning was veiled in terms of alchemy and astrology, so that only those possessing the key could read it aright. This was made necessary in order to avoid the persecutions of the theologians of the Middle Ages, who fought the Secret Doctrine with fire and sword; stake, gibbet and cross.

Markides quoting Daskalos

I explained that the Hermetic Philosophy dealing with eso­teric, mystical wisdom is believed to have been started by a Greek named Hermes Trismegistus who lived in ancient Egypt hundreds of years before Christ. ...

When I mentioned that interpretation of the origin of the Hermetic Philosophy to Daskalos, he shook his head and laughed.

Daskalos said that Hermes Trismegistus is any human being who reaches the state of superconscious self-awareness.

Anyone who has mastered his or her three bodies - the physical, astral and mental - is a Hermes Trismegistus.

The winged god Hermes symbolizes flight, that is, the mastery of Out of Body Experience or what is also called 'astral travel'.

The word trismegistus in Greek literally means 'the thrice-great'—that is, the one who has attained mastery over the three bodies and therefore can travel freely in these other dimensions of existence, accumulating knowledge and wisdom and disseminating it to those, like us, who carry on a life confounded within the lower levels of awareness.

1
The universe is spiritual

[This maps to the concept of the absolute divinity or beingness (see also Trinity), see also the First Logos (see The three Logoi), as the 'all' underlying creation and the whole cosmos which is spiritual in nature. Daskalos uses literally the same description with 'mind'.]

"The Universe is Mental — held in the Mind of THE ALL." —The Kybalion

This maps to the concept of the absolute divinity or beingness as the 'all' underlying creation and the whole cosmos which is spiritual in nature.

From the Kybalion:

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 may be considered and thought of as AN UNIVERSAL, INFINITE, LIVING MIND. It also explains that all the phenomenal world or universe is simply a Mental Creation of THE ALL, subject to the Laws of Created Things, and that the universe, as a whole, and in its parts or units, has its existence in the Mind of THE ALL, in which Mind we "live and move and have our being." This Principle, by establishing the Mental Nature of the Universe, easily explains all of the varied mental and psychic phenomena that occupy such a large portion of the public attention, and which, without such explanation, are non-understandable and defy scientific treatment. An understanding of this great Hermetic Principle of Mentalism enables the individual to readily grasp the laws of the Mental Universe, and to apply the same to his well-being and advancement. The Hermetic Student is enabled to apply intelligently the great Mental Laws, instead of using them in a haphazard manner. With the Master-Key in his possession, the student may unlock the many doors of the mental and psychic temple of knowledge, and enter the same freely and intelligently. This Principle explains the true nature of "Energy," "Power," and "Matter," and why and how all these are subordinate to the Mastery of Mind. One of the old Hermetic Masters wrote, long ages ago: "He who grasps the truth of the Mental Nature of the Universe is well advanced on The Path to Mastery." And these words are as true today as at the time they were first written. Without this Master-Key, Mastery is impossible, and the student knocks in vain at the many doors of The Temple.

Elucidation

The law of mentalism states that everything is mental in nature.

All existence is intelligent, even though we may not comprehend it. It isn’t rational in and of itself but is rather a portion and result of the living energy of the One Mind, some eternal and everlasting being, the Absolute, or simply the spirit. The universe is a mental representation of this Absolute and is present in every part of it. Despite this, the Absolute does not equate itself with the Universe. This is a manifestation of the immanence of the spirit.

Similarly, a person creating a mental image creates his own Universe, filling it completely with his presence but not identifying himself with it. Man is both a Creator and the one who lives directly in his thoughts, just like the Absolute. Though it may seem contradictory, only from a limited human perspective.

One moment is all it takes for the Absolute to create and destroy the Universe, just like how our thoughts can come and go in a flash.

In other words, everything in the universe is created by thought or mind. Nothing that is in the physical realm is exempt from this rule.

No matter what is made in the physical realm, its origin is mental; the basis of all things is thought. We are constantly carrying out actions based on what we think, even if it is on an unconscious level.

The renowned Edgar Cayce stated that "thoughts are things." He believed that if we focus on having positive thoughts, positive actions will follow.

"He who grasps the truth of the Mental Nature of the Universe is well advanced on The Path to Mastery."

— The Kybalion

Considering that all is composed of thought, it is advantageous to engage with this reality through the same means. When you pause to reflect, this opens up a world of possibilities.

The entire cosmos was brought into existence by the thought of God. Similarly, we shape our own reality both metaphysically and physically by the power of our thoughts. Yes, it is our thoughts that create our reality!

It is important to realize the limits of intellectual thinking with our contemporary Waking consciousness, whereby thinking is mostly about sensory perception and delineated, separate things within time and space. In the higher spiritual world, time and space as we know no longer exists. If one maps it to our experiential language, 'everything interpenetrates everywhere with everything at all times'. Hence, the nature of spiritual realities at Planes or worlds of consciousness above the spirit world, such as nirvana plane or above, can not be grasped fully in its true nature with current Waking consciousness. There is a limit or 'ceiling' to how much sense it makes trying to grasp spiritual realities of higher dimensions. Initiates with intuitive clairvoyance have given tentative and symbolic descriptions, and these are about all one can expect at the current low level of intellectual thinking and consciousness.

Meditations on the Tarot

God made man "in his image and likeness" (Genesis i, 26). The divine image and the divine likeness coincided in the first man, before the original sin. But their coincidence did not persist after the Fall. The image has remained intact, but the initial likeness has been lost. Man is, following the original sin, in the "disfigurement of unlikeness", whilst conserving the image.

Man was made in the image and likeness of God: in image he possesses freedom of will, and in likeness he possesses virtues. The likeness has been destroyed; however, man conserves the image. The image can be burnt in hell, but not consumed. It is damaged but not destroyed. Through fate as such it is not effaced, but subsists. Wherever the soul is, there also will be the image. It is not so with the likeness. This remains in the soul which accomplishes the good; in the soul which sins it is wretchedly transformed. The soul which has sinned ranks with beasts devoid of intelligence. (St. Bernard of Clairvaux, Sermon on the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary; French trsl. M. M. Davy, Oeuvres de Saint Bernard, vol. i, p. 106)

According to St. Bernard, the image is therefore the essential structure of the human being and the likeness in him is the totality of functions or the functional structure. It is the essential structure of the human being, the image, which is indestructable and which establishes freedom in an inalienable and irremovable way.

2
Correspondence

[The Lord's Prayer: Thy will be done in Earth, as it is in heaven.]

"As above, so below; as below, so above."—The Kybalion.

From the Kybalion:

This Principle embodies the truth that there is always a Correspondence between the laws and phenomena of the various planes of Being and Life. The old Hermetic axiom ran in these words: “As above, so below; as below, so above.” And the grasping of this Principle gives one the means of solving many a dark paradox, and hidden secret of Nature. There are planes beyond our knowing, but when we apply the Principle of Correspondence to them we are able to understand much that would otherwise be unknowable to us. This Principle is of universal application and manifestation, on the various planes of the material, mental, and spiritual universe–it is an Universal Law. 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. Its use even tore aside the Veil of Isis to the extent that a glimpse of the face of the goddess might be caught. Just as a knowledge of the Principles of Geometry enables man to measure distant suns and their movements, while seated in his observatory, so a knowledge of the Principle of Correspondence enables Man to reason intelligently from the Known to the Unknown. Studying the monad, he understands the archangel.

Elucidation

This Hermetic principle is a universal law that helps us comprehend what is unknown and inaccessible, as well as uncover the hidden laws that govern the Universe.

According to this principle, the macrocosm is a reflection of the microcosm and vice versa. 

When dealing with intricate paradoxes, we contemplate both the big picture (macro level) and the small details (micro-level). The same principles that govern the planets are also applicable to atoms. And what works for the solar system and atomic system also works for the human system.

The Hermetic Philosophy posits that the Universe is composed of Three Great Planes:

1. The Great Physical Plane;
2. The Great Mental Plane;
3. The Great Spiritual Plane.

The classification of the planes of the Universe is conditional and based on the different frequencies of its vibrations. It is also important to understand that all planes are interdependent and do not have absolute separation. All of these planes work in correspondence with one another.

By understanding this concept, it is possible to deduce the hidden solutions to problems by looking at what exists a layer above and below the problem to infer the pattern and shadow nature of what is in between.

Through utilizing the Principle of Correspondence, we can gain knowledge of the entirety of the Universe by exploring the higher and lower nature of things. Moreover, we can learn more about ourselves by encountering and analyzing the world of which we are an integral element.

We will understand what we have to say about it if we keep to an ancient saying, a saying that is called the Hermetic Principle. It comes from one of the greatest initiates, Hermes Trismegistus, the Egyptian initiate. Many scholars consider him to be a fabulous personality. However, spiritual science knows that he was the greatest teacher of Egyptian culture. This sentence may at first seem strange, it reads: "Everything above is as it is below, everything below is as it is above."

What does this mean? You will understand when you consider the following: You see a smiling expression on a person's face; it is immediately clear to you that serenity is present in that person's soul. You see a tear, and it is clear to you that sadness or pain has settled on this person's soul. You draw conclusions about the inner being from what the eyes see on the outside, and about the material from the spiritual. Now, in the sense of the philosophy of Hermes Trismegistus, the material is called the lower, and the spiritual-soul is called the upper. And anyone who is familiar with this philosophy is aware that there is a spiritual world and that everything that takes place in this spiritual world can find expression in the material world. This philosophy tells us that at some point every spiritual reality finds material expression. There is no spiritual reality that does not express itself in the material world, and no material reality that does not have a spiritual side. Everything down in the material as well as up in the spiritual.

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3
Vibration

[Everything is in continuous dynamic of evolution: Everything, creation and the cosmos, is dynamic and not static, but in continuous evolution towards a target, in other words it has purpose and a goal, it's not just random.]

"Nothing rests; everything moves; everything vibrates."—The Kybalion.

From the Kybalion:

This Principle embodies the truth that "everything is in motion"; "everything vibrates"; "nothing is at rest"; facts which Modern Science endorses, and which each new scientific discovery tends to verify. And yet this Hermetic Principle was enunciated thousands of years ago, by the Masters of Ancient Egypt. This Principle explains that the differences between different manifestations of Matter, Energy, Mind, and even Spirit, result largely from varying rates of Vibration. From THE ALL, which is Pure Spirit, down to the grossest form of Matter, all is in vibration—the higher the vibration, the higher the position in the scale. The vibration of Spirit is at such an infinite rate of intensity and rapidity that it is practically at rest—just as a rapidly moving wheel seems to be motionless. And at the other end of the scale, there are gross forms of matter whose vibrations are so low as to seem at rest. Between these poles, there are millions upon millions of varying degrees of vibration. From corpuscle and electron, atom and molecule, to worlds and universes, everything is in vibratory motion. This is also true on the planes of energy and force (which are but varying degrees of vibration); and also on the mental planes (whose states depend upon vibrations); and even on to the spiritual planes. 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 scepter of power," says one of the old writers.

Elucidation

The law of vibration states that everything in the Universe is constantly in motion; nothing is at rest. Everything vibrates, moves, and circles. All of life is vibrations at different frequencies.

Vibrations can occur at various frequencies, from slow to very high. Those at a higher rate are not visible to the human eye, while those at a lower rate can be seen as visible light.

We either vibrate at the frequency of harmony or at the frequency of chaos. Fortunately, this is within our control!

Our thoughts have their own rate of vibration, and we can control them like tuning an instrument. As our understanding of vibration, frequency, harmony, and resonance increase, so too shall our power over ourselves and our reality!

Every atom is a micro-universe within every molecule of our physical bodies. Our ideas, attitudes, and emotions create our health, energy, and the experiences we draw into our lives. Energy follows thought! Thus, our own thoughts shape our reality!

Therefore our ultimate goal should be a creation of such a vibration that is determined by our Higher Selves rather than by manipulations of our egos.

God does not rest, He is forever active upon His creation. If it were possible to catch a glimpse of His being, however, He would appear as if He were indeed at rest. This is due to the high frequency at which He vibrates. Objects of His creation vibrate at varying frequencies, from the highest, which is Spiritual, to the lowest, which is of the grossest material form. Human beings, created in the blessed image of the Creator, possess the power to control the frequency of thought at which they function on the physical plane through the disciplined exercise of free will. To discipline the mind to operate at a higher frequency brings oneself closer to God - while he yet remains on the physical plane.

The science of Cymatics in water illustrates that when sound frequencies move through a particular medium such as water, air or sand, it directly alters the physical structure of matter. As you can tell, the water labeled with positive words is far more symmetrical and aesthetically pleasing than that labeled with darker, negative phrases.

4
Polarity

[This principle is also found in many sources and various forms. It has to do with the fact that the Earth is in a cradle held by the Sun and Moon influences. The principle of polarity could also be called 'duality'.]

"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 Kybalion.

From the Kybalion:

This Principle embodies the truth that "everything is dual"; "everything has two poles"; "everything has its pair of opposites," all of which were old Hermetic axioms. It explains the old paradoxes, that have perplexed so many, which have been stated as follows: "Thesis and antithesis are identical in nature, but different in degree"; "opposites are the same, differing only in degree"; "the pairs of opposites may be reconciled"; "extremes meet"; "everything is and isn’t, at the same time"; "all truths are but half-truths"; "every truth is half-false"; "there are two sides to everything," etc., etc., etc. It explains that in everything there are two poles, or opposite aspects, and that "opposites" are really only the two extremes of the same thing, with many varying degrees between them. To illustrate: Heat and Cold, although "opposites," are really the same thing, the differences consisting merely of degrees of the same thing. Look at your thermometer and see if you can discover where "heat" terminates and "cold" begins! There is no such thing as "absolute heat" or "absolute cold"—the two terms "heat" and "cold" simply indicate varying degrees of the same thing, and that "same thing" which manifests as "heat" and "cold" is merely a form, variety, and rate of Vibration. So "heat" and "cold" are simply the "two poles" of that which we call "Heat"—and the phenomena attendant thereupon are manifestations of the Principle of Polarity. The same Principle manifests in the case of "Light and Darkness," which are the same thing, the difference consisting of varying degrees between the two poles of the phenomena. Where does "darkness" leave off, and "light" begin? What is the difference between "Large and Small"? Between "Hard and Soft"? Between "Black and White"? Between "Sharp and Dull"? Between "Noise and Quiet"? Between "High and Low"? Between "Positive and Negative"? The Principle of Polarity explains these paradoxes, and no other Principle can supersede it. The same Principle operates on the Mental Plane. Let us take a radical and extreme example—that of "Love and Hate," two mental states apparently totally different. And yet there are degrees of Hate and degrees of Love, and a middle point in which we use the terms "Like or Dislike," which shade into each other so gradually that sometimes we are at a loss to know whether we "like" or "dislike" or "neither." And all are simply degrees of the same thing, as you will see if you will but think a moment. And, more than this (and considered of more importance by the Hermetists), it is possible to change the vibrations of Hate to the vibrations of Love, in one’s own mind, and in the minds of others. Many of you, who read these lines, have had personal experiences of the involuntary rapid transition from Love to Hate, and the reverse, in your own case and that of others. And you will therefore realize the possibility of this being accomplished by the use of the Will, by means of the Hermetic formulas. "Good and Evil" are but the poles of the same thing, and the Hermetist understands the art of transmuting Evil into Good, by means of an application of the Principle of Polarity. In short, the "Art of Polarization" becomes a phase of "Mental Alchemy" known and practiced by the ancient and modern Hermetic Masters. An understanding of the Principle will enable one to change his own Polarity, as well as that of others, if he will devote the time and study necessary to master the art.

Elucidation

The law of polarity states that all of life is composed of two forces that are opposite yet interconnected and interdependent. These two forces work together in balance to create the conditions of life.

All things have two opposites, which are really two extremes of the same thing. Examples of this are heat and cold, light and dark, heavy and light, gift and curse, love and hate, good and evil, happiness and suffering, etc. This line of polarity explains why there is such a wide range of states of existence, as there are countless gradations between these poles.

Hermeticists generally practice shifting between different states of being, which is referred to as mental transmutation. This is done through fluidly transitioning between opposing qualities.

The mental state can be shifted and altered, just like elements and metals. One pole can be turned into another, as well as one mental vibration can be turned into another.

The significance of this idea is paramount as it suggests we have the ability to switch the emotional state of a situation by recognizing it and deciding which emotion is most beneficial for us.

Usually, these transitions from positive to negative emotions happen unconsciously in an ordinary person’s mind. However, by applying the principle of polarity, we can consciously choose to experience these transitions by using our willpower for the betterment of our own lives and the lives of others.

To bring this into practice, we must realize that the difference is not a hurdle to be surmounted but two expressions of the same thing, differing only in degree, that can be consciously chosen. This process is the essence of the practice of Mental Alchemy.

In the Middle Ages, alchemists were preoccupied with the pursuit of turning base metals into gold. However, this type of transformation may have had a deeper meaning, as it symbolized the process of changing base thoughts and emotions into "spiritual gold" or higher energies. All we need to do is polarize our consciousness and life vibration differently since they are all varying degrees of the same thing.

Everything is and everything is not, at the same time. Anything that can be measured has its polar opposites. These opposites do not differ in their material nature, rather they only differ by degrees. A high vibrational frequency and a low vibrational frequency are identical in nature, differing only in degree. Heat and cold are the same thing, also only differing in degree. Either extreme of a given matter on the physical plane is disruptive to the achievement of equanimity, the highest goal of one’s character. Equanimity is found in the balance between extremes. This is often referred to as the middle way.

This principle is also found in many sources and various forms. It has to do with the fact that the Earth is in a cradle held by the Sun and Moon influences.

5
Rhythm

[Rhythm is everywhere in nature, in the macrocosm and the microcosm, Man. The Golden Chain describes a spiritual scientific framework consisting of spiritual entities acting from and interacting between various worlds. Source]

"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 Kybalion.

From the Kybalion:

This Principle embodies the truth that in everything there is manifested a measured motion, to and fro; a flow and inflow; a swing backward 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. There is always an action and a reaction; an advance and a retreat; a rising and a sinking. This is in the affairs of the Universe, suns, worlds, men, animals, mind, energy, and matter. This law is manifest in the creation and destruction of worlds; in the rise and fall of nations; in the life of all things; and finally in the mental states of Man (and it is with this latter that the Hermetists find the understanding of the Principle most important). The Hermetists have grasped this Principle, finding its universal application, and have also discovered certain means to overcome its effects in themselves by the use of the appropriate formulas and methods. They apply the Mental Law of Neutralization. They cannot annul the Principle, or cause it to cease its operation, but they have learned how to escape its effects upon themselves to a certain degree depending upon the Mastery of the Principle. They have learned how to USE it, instead of being USED BY it. In this and similar methods, consist the Art of the Hermetists. The Master of Hermetics polarizes himself at the point at which he desires to rest, and then neutralizes the Rhythmic swing of the pendulum which would tend to carry him to the other pole. All individuals who have attained any degree of Self-Mastery do this to a certain degree, more or less unconsciously, but the Master does this consciously, and by the use of his Will, and attains a degree of Poise and Mental Firmness almost impossible of belief on the part of the masses who are swung backward and forward like a pendulum. This Principle and that of Polarity have been closely studied by the Hermetists, and the methods of counteracting, neutralizing, and USING them form an important part of the Hermetic Mental Alchemy.

Elucidation

The Hermetic principle of Rhythm states that what flows in must flow out, what swings forward will swing back again, and what goes up must come down.

Science expresses this principle by the formula F = – F.

The principle of rhythm is exemplified in the cycle of the seasons, the alternating of day and night, the flux of emotions, the cycle of life and death, reincarnations, eras (Yugas in Vedas), and the rise and fall of civilizations. In addition, Karma itself follows this hermetic principle.

Hermeticism believes that the movement of the Pendulum is unavoidable and cannot be halted, but it is possible to counterbalance its effects. This is done by focusing on a certain desirable resting point and then compensating for the movement of the Pendulum in both directions.

Some people do this unconsciously when, for example, they are trying to overcome stress or calm their minds. Once cognizant of this principle, you can use it to find harmony in yourself, in others, and in the events in life. It is possible to achieve balance even on a worldwide level with a whole nation.

Finding a balance is essential! If you want to experience the highest of highs, you have to accept the possibility of encountering the lowest of lows. It is possible to reduce the impact of this by correctly understanding and applying the Hermetic Principles. This way, you will benefit from the positives and be able to lessen the effects of the negatives. In other words, you will still be able to enjoy "the rise" while neutralizing "the fall".

"Nothing stands still — everything is being born, growing, dying — the very instant a thing reaches its height, it begins to decline — the law of rhythm is in constant operations."

The Kybalion

Hermeticists educate themselves on the law of neutralization and how to utilize it, instead of having it be employed against them. This is done by employing the use of their will and detaching themselves from their emotions to create a state of consciousness where they are not influenced by the ebb and flow of their emotions like a pendulum.

Most people experience a fluctuating mental and emotional state. Their lives look like an emotional roller coaster. This leads to a lack of equilibrium, causing life to appear as a sequence of highs and lows.

The aspiration of the hermeticist is to reach a state of consciousness of inner peace, divine indifference, even-mindedness, and bliss.

The idea is to stay even-minded whether you experience joy or sorrow, whether you receive compliments or criticism, whether you feel pleasure or pain, whether you are sick or healthy, whether you succeed or fail, etc.

A state of divine detachment can be achieved when one stands in a state of neutrality, not being swayed by the extremes of a situation. Rather than viewing a circumstance as either positive or negative, allow a conscious point of view to come from a place of detachment. This is how duality is transcended.

Remember that all the suffering that humanity experiences come from their attachments or misplaced points of view.

A key to achieving the equanimity previously stated is understanding this principle. The principle of vibration cannot be escaped. The principle of polarity reveals the existence of extremes that exist in the material on the physical plane. To achieve equanimity, one can utilize the principle of rhythm by compensating for a "swing" too far in one direction with the proper degree of polarization in the opposite direction. This is known as the Mental Law of Neutralization.

6
Cause and effect

[This principle is valid across Planes or Worlds of Consciousness, hence also maps to karma.]

"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 Kybalion.

From the Kybalion:

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 Hermetists understand the art and methods of rising above the ordinary plane of Cause and Effect, to a certain degree, and by mentally rising to a higher plane they become Causers instead of Effects. 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.

Elucidation

Simply put, nothing happens for no reason, and there is no such thing as ‘chance.’ Every event has a reason behind it.

The principles of cause and effect are fundamental to almost all areas of science, especially classical physics. This concept has also been widely studied in philosophy, which completely excludes any probability of chance.

Hermetists, however, believe that it is possible to master this principle if you can gain control over the causes therefore their effects. This becomes possible if you subordinate the causality of higher planes in order to influence the effects on your own plane.

If you want to experience the empowering force of this concept, make an effort to take control and become the Cause of your own destiny instead of just being an Effect of others or the situations you find yourself in. In other words, make a deliberate decision regarding the thoughts you choose to fill your mind with instead of simply responding to what life throws your way. Aim for a higher level of awareness and take the role of a leader instead of a victim, focusing on the cause and not the effect.

It seems like this might be an essential step for everyone who wants to be happy — to become a master and drop the victim mask. The difference between a master and a victim is that a master takes responsibility for all good and bad events in his life whereas a victim denies it.

The average person in this world is an effect, not a cause. They are victims of their own thoughts, emotions, feelings, moods, opinions, biorhythms, other people, past lives, subconscious programming, the weather, illusion, astrological influences, disincarnate spirits, fantasies, the environment, etc. In fact, the average person can always find something or someone to blame for. This victim mentality leads to constant suffering and the lifestyle of a prisoner of destiny, fate, circumstances, etc.

On the contrary, the Master is above all the "circumstances" and has a tremendous amount of control over them.

The basic cause of our life is the thoughts and images we hold in our conscious and subconscious minds. By training ourselves to be highly attentive and only embracing the ideas that are beneficial for us, we can generate the reality we want (internally and externally).

Indeed, our thoughts are the root cause of our reality. We should not let our egos dominate our thinking but instead be obedient to our spirit.

The law of polarity dictates that one is either a master or a victim in any given situation.

Gaining control of our mental processes is necessary in order to have power over our emotions and desires.

There are no accidents, there is no such thing as chance outside God’s Law. To understand this is to understand the beauty and harmony of Creation. Fate is a person’s given roadmap for their life. Free will affords one the opportunity to make choices that "color" a given cause, thereby affecting the resulting effect. The result is the fashioning one’s fate into one’s own destiny. Ultimately this principle signifies value and purpose in every single life, and also every form of life.

7
Gender

[This principle is related to the fourth, polarity.]

"Gender is in everything; everything has its Masculine and Feminine Principles; Gender manifests on all planes."—The Kybalion.

From the Kybalion:

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. The Principle of Gender works ever in the direction of generation, regeneration, and creation. Everything, and every person, contains the two Elements or Principles, or this great Principle, within it, him or her. Every Male thing has the Female Element also; every Female contains also the Male Principle. If you would understand the philosophy of Mental and Spiritual Creation, Generation, and Re-generation, you must understand and study this Hermetic Principle. It contains the solution of many mysteries of Life. We caution you that this Principle has no reference to the many base, pernicious and degrading lustful theories, teachings and practices, which are taught under fanciful titles, and which are a prostitution of the great natural principle of Gender. Such base revivals of the ancient infamous forms of Phallicism tend to ruin mind, body and soul, and the Hermetic Philosophy has ever sounded the warning note against these degraded teachings which tend toward lust, licentiousness, and perversion of Nature’s principles. If you seek such teachings, you must go elsewhere for them—Hermeticism contains nothing for you along these lines. To the pure, all things are pure; to the base, all things are base.

Elucidation

This hermetic principle embodies the fact that both the masculine (active) and feminine (passive) exist in all things. Not just in sex, but in the creative nature of all things, on all planes. The masculine and feminine exist not only in the physical plane but also in the mental and the spiritual.

The masculine is the penetrative, progressive, assertive, and explorative energy that drives progress. The feminine is the receptive, treasured, sacred, protective energy that maintains tradition and nourishing that which is most essential to life.

There are two contrasting counterparts that are connected — man and woman, logic and intuition, Sun and Moon, and microcosm and macrocosm.

Too much masculine energy brings imbalance and leads to a growth of power to the extreme of reckless abandon. As a result, we lose perspective of what is most important and disconnect from our intuitive side.

Too much feminine energy also creates disharmony and leads to a life deeply grounded in the present. As a result, our lives are missing the perspective and become determined by cycles and external circumstances out of our favor.

On the physical plane, each of us has a male or female physical body. However psychologically each of us is androgynous with male and female qualities. Each of us has a left brain and a right brain.

The electronic theory of matter has affirmed this concept in the realm of science — recall the atomic makeup of matter. This same principle is applicable to any plane.

This hermetic principle is aimed not only at structuring everything that exists but also at the process of creativity and recreation. For example, regarding the structure of human consciousness, this principle is manifested in the duality of levels of mind — consciousness (active) and subconsciousness (passive).

The path of balancing the masculine and feminine aspects within the self and also balancing the heavenly and earthly aspects within the self is the path that Buddha called "the Middle way". True progress is possible through the balancing of the two energies of Gender in oneself, relationships, life events, and the environment.

Choosing the "Middle way" between the present-oriented feminine and future-driven masculine and seeking balance in all things is the key to using all 7 hermetic principles to full effect. This is how lasting self-mastery is achieved.

Everything identified as "being" is composed of a duality of gender. These are the polar end points of personality. Each acts and reacts (cause and effect) upon the other in vibrational rhythm. Each being posses a degree of both principles, or qualities. Properly balanced, the masculine brings strength while the feminine tames extremes.

Rudolf Steiner teaches us that the Human etheric body of a man is female and that of the woman is male. Thus, the masculine-feminine contrast is reversed for the etheric bodies of man and woman, and so are the cometary and lunar effects. These effects are also there in relation to the astral body and the I. (1910-03-05-GA118)

Man's physical gender and male and female sexuality is a temporary phenomenon in evolution that appeared in the middle of the Lemurian epoch and will disappear again in the future. The division of the sexes happened through the influence of the Spirit of Form Jehovah working from through the Moon forces (GA013, Ch. 4 part 6).

Hermetic Axioms

"The possession of Knowledge, unless accompanied by a manifestation and expression in Action, is like the hoarding of precious metals — a vain and foolish thing. Knowledge, like Wealth, is intended for Use. The Law of Use is Universal, and he who violates it suffers by reason of his conflict with natural forces."   — The Kybalion.

The Hermetic Teachings, while always having been kept securely locked up in the minds of the fortunate possessors thereof, for reasons which we have already stated, were never intended to be merely stored away and secreted. The Law of Use is dwelt upon in the Teachings, as you may see by reference to the above quotation from The Kybalion, which states it forcibly. Knowledge without Use and Expression is a vain thing, bringing no good to its possessor, or to the race. Beware of Mental Miserliness, and express into Action that which you have learned. Study the Axioms and Aphorisms, but practice them also.

We give below some of the more important Hermetic Axioms, from The Kybalion, with a few comments added to each. Make these your own, and practice and use them, for they are not really your own until you have Used them.

"To change your mood or mental state — change your vibration."   — The Kybalion.

One may change his mental vibrations by an effort of Will, in the direction of deliberately fixing the Attention upon a more desirable state. Will directs the Attention, and Attention changes the Vibration. Cultivate the Art of Attention, by means of the Will, and you have solved the secret of the Mastery of Moods and Mental States.

"To destroy an undesirable rate of mental vibration, put into operation the Principle of Polarity and concentrate upon the opposite pole to that which you desire to suppress. Kill out the undesirable by changing its polarity."   — The Kybalion.

This is one of the most important of the Hermetic Formulas. It is based upon true scientific principles. We have shown you that a mental state and its opposite were merely the two poles of one thing, and that by Mental Transmutation the polarity might be reversed. This principle is known to modern psychologists, who apply it to the breaking up of undesirable habits by bidding their students concentrate upon the opposite quality. If you are possessed of Fear, do not waste time trying to "kill out" Fear, but instead cultivate the quality of Courage, and the Fear will disappear. Some writers have expressed this idea most forcibly by using the illustration of the dark room. You do not have to shovel out or sweep out the Darkness, but by merely opening the shutters and letting in the Light the Darkness has disappeared. To kill out a Negative quality, concentrate upon the Positive Pole of that same quality, and the vibrations will gradually change from Negative to Positive, until finally you will become polarized on the Positive pole instead of the Negative. The reverse is also true, as many have found out to their sorrow, when they have allowed themselves to vibrate too constantly on the Negative pole of things. By changing your polarity you may master your moods, change your mental states, remake your disposition, and build up character. Much of the Mental Mastery of the advanced Hermetics is due to this application of Polarity, which is one of the important aspects of Mental Transmutation. Remember the Hermetic Axiom (quoted previously), which says:

"Mind (as well as metals and elements) may be transmuted from state to state; degree to degree; condition to condition; pole to pole; vibration to vibration."   — The Kybalion.

The mastery of Polarization is the mastery of the fundamental principles of Mental Transmutation or Mental Alchemy, for unless one acquires the art of changing his own polarity, he will be unable to affect his environment. An understanding of this principle will enable one to change his own Polarity, as well as that of others, if he will but devote the time, care, study and practice necessary to master the art. The principle is true, but the results obtained depend upon the persistent patience and practice of the student.

"Rhythm may be neutralized by an application of the Art of Polarization."   — The Kybalion.

As we have explained in previous chapters, the Hermetists hold that the Principle of Rhythm manifests on the Mental Plane as well as on the Physical Plane, and that the bewildering succession of moods, feelings, emotions, and other mental states, are due to the backward and forward swing of the mental pendulum, which carries us from one extreme of feeling to the other. The Hermetists also teach that the Law of Neutralization enables one, to a great extent, to overcome the operation of Rhythm in consciousness. As we have explained, there is a Higher Plane of Consciousness, as well as the ordinary Lower Plane, and the Master by rising mentally to the higher Plane causes the swing of the mental pendulum to manifest on the Lower Plane, and he, dwelling on his higher Plane, escapes the consciousness of the swing backward. This is effected by polarizing on the higher Self, and thus raising the mental vibrations of the Ego above those of the ordinary plane of consciousness. It is akin to rising above a thing, and allowing it to pass beneath you. The advanced Hermetist polarizes himself at the Positive Pole of his Being — the "I Am" pole rather than the pole of personality, and by "refusing" and "denying" the operation of Rhythm, raises himself above its plane of consciousness, and standing firm in his Statement of Being he allows the pendulum to swing back on the Lower Plane without changing his Polarity. This is accomplished by all individuals who have attained any degree of self-mastery, whether they understand the law or not. Such persons simply "refuse" to allow themselves to be swung back by the pendulum of mood and emotion, and by steadfastly affirming the superiority, they remain polarized on the Positive pole. The Master, of course, attains a far greater degree of proficiency, because he understands the law which he is overcoming by a higher law, and by the use of his Will he attains a degree of Poise and Mental Steadfastness almost impossible of belief on the part of those who allow themselves to be swung backward and forward by the mental pendulum of moods and feelings.

Remember, always, however, that you do not really destroy the Principle of Rhythm, for that is indestructible. You simply overcome one law by counter-balancing it with another, and thus maintain an equilibrium. The laws of balance and counter-balance are in operation on the mental as well as on the physical planes, and an understanding of these laws enables one to seem to overthrow laws, whereas he is merely exerting a counter-balance.

"Nothing escapes the Principle of Cause and Effect, but there are many Planes of Causation, and one may use the laws of the higher to overcome the laws of the lower."   — The Kybalion.

By an understanding of the practice of Polarization, the Hermetists rise to a higher plane of Causation and thus counter-balance the laws of the lower planes of Causation. By rising above the plane of ordinary Causes they become themselves, in a degree, Causes instead of being merely Caused. By being able to master their own moods and feelings, and by being able to neutralize Rhythm, as we have already explained, they are able to escape a great part of the operations of Cause and Effect on the ordinary plane. The masses of people are carried along, obedient to their environment; the wills and desires of others stronger than themselves; the effects of inherited tendencies; the suggestions of those about them; and other outward causes; which tend to move them about on the chess-board of life like mere pawns. By rising above these influencing causes, the advanced Hermetists seek a higher plane of mental action, and by dominating their moods, emotions, impulses and feelings, they create for themselves new characters, qualities and powers, by which they overcome their ordinary environment, and thus become practically players instead of mere Pawns. Such people help to play the game of life understandingly, instead of being moved about this way and that way by stronger influences and powers and wills. They use the Principle of Cause and Effect, instead of being used by it. Of course, even the highest are subject to the Principle as it manifests on the higher planes, but on the lower planes of activity, they are Masters instead of Slaves. As The Kybalion says:

"The wise ones serve on the higher, but rule on the lower. They obey the laws coming from above them, but on their own plane, and those below them, they rule and give orders. And, yet, in so doing, they form a part of the Principle, instead of opposing it. The wise man falls in with the Law, and by understanding its movements he operates it instead of being its blind slave. Just as does the skilled swimmer turn this way and that way, going and coming as he will, instead of being as the log which is carried here and there — so is the wise man as compared to the ordinary man — and yet both swimmer and log; wise man and fool, are subject to Law. He who understands this is well on the road to Mastery."   — The Kybalion.

In conclusion let us again call your attention to the Hermetic Axiom:

"True Hermetic Transmutation is a Mental Art."   — The Kybalion.

In the above axiom, the Hermetists teach that the great work of influencing one's environment is accomplished by Mental Power. The Universe being wholly mental, it follows that it may be ruled only by Mentality. And in this truth is to be found an explanation of all the phenomena and manifestations of the various mental powers which are attracting so much attention and study in these earlier years of the Twentieth Century. Back of and under the teachings of the various cults and schools, remains ever constant the principle of the Mental Substance of the Universe. If the Universe be Mental in its substantial nature, then it follows that Mental Transmutation must change the conditions and phenomena of the Universe. If the Universe is Mental, then Mind must be the highest power affecting its phenomena. If this be understood then all the so-called "miracles" and "wonder-workings" are seen plainly for what they are.

"THE ALL is MIND; The Universe is Mental."   — The Kybalion.

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