Hermeticism is one of the oldest non-Christian belief systems that is still practiced today. It’s a tradition that dates back as far as the 1st and 2nd centuries AD and it was spread in a collection of Byzantine writings and letters called the “Corpus Hermetica” – which were translated into Latin during the 15th century.
In a few words, the major teachings associated with Hermeticism outlines the interconnectedness of every part of the Universe and underlines our unique power to create positive change.
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The Kybalion and the 7 Hermetic principles
Hermes Trismegistus is viewed as the father of Hermeticism and the author of “Corpus Hermetica”. He symbolizes the magic, mysticism, interconnectedness and alchemy of Hermeticism tradition.
The Kybalion,for its turn, is a book published by someone under the pseudonym “the Three Initiates” and it’s based on the teachings of Hermes Trismegistus. The name translates to “thrice greatest”, referring to his mastery over the 3 planes of existence, as explained in hermetic philosophy – the physical, mental and spiritual. In Egypt he went under the name of Thoth and in Greece was known as Hermes (the one who mastered these three domains.)
Working on the 3 planes of existence:the physical, mental and spiritual
Hermeticism defends that there are deep connections between all three of these planes and emphasizes that each is constantly influencing the others.
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In this sense, it’s believed that our mental plane (thoughts) have a great impact on the world around us (the physical plane) – that will shift according to our mental vibrations. Similarly, the mental plane’s vibration is partially determined by your spiritual vibration. Working on our spiritual vibrations is the path to creating a better and more fulfilling material life.
According to The Kybalion, 7 Hermetic Principles should guide this understanding of the Universe and each chapter of the book is devoted to the seven principles or axioms that are considered universal laws.
Some believe that this 7 hermetic principles can be applied to the modern era. We just need to read it with an open mind and be willing to understand the core essence of its axioms from a universal point of view. And which are those principles?
The Principle of Mentalism
“The all is mind; the universe is mental.”
This principle says that, on the most foundational level, everything in the universe is mental. The Universe is itself a living mind, one that is connected to all other minds.
It tells us that we are all one and that our surroundings are an inherent part of us. Once you understand the truth of Mentalism, you begin to grasp how it is that we are capable of shaping our reality using just our thoughts.
Another important lesson drawn from the Principle of Mentalism is that if we think the right thoughts, the right actions will follow.
Hermeticism and The Principle of Correspondence
“As Above, So Below; As Within, So Without; As the Universe, So the Soul…”
This principle basically means that everything – all of the planes of existence – is connected and in correspondence.For example, low energy in your spiritual life can manifest itself in physical lethargy in your body. On the positive side, practicing daily gratitude rituals can rejuvenate your spiritual side and lead to noticeable improvements in your physical well-being.
The Principle of Vibration
“Nothing rests; Everything moves; Everything vibrates.”
This principle says that everything – starting from the largest of matter down to tiniest of particles – is at different degrees of vibration.
The practical application to this is described as “mental transmutation” – change your mental state and you change your vibration. This is done by the power of will. You can attract more positive, high energy events, people and possessions into your life simply by wanting them. On the other hand, if you get dragged into negativity, it will be hard to attract what you desire.
Since the Universe is mental and governed by the law of correspondence, changing your state of mind influences the rest of the Universe as well.
Hermeticism and The Principle of Polarity
“Everything is dual, everything has poles and 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.”
Polarity means that the extreme opposites are actually the different degrees of the same thing. Take temperature for an example – heat and cold aren’t distinct entities or phenomenon but the same thing. Their only difference lies in the matter of degree.
This same principle can also be found on the mental plane. Love and hate; fear and courage; greed and compassion are all but the varying degrees of the same thing. The difference between them gets determined by the law of vibration. Some emotions vibrate on a higher level whereas others on a lower.
The Principle of Rhythm
“Everything flows, out and in; Everything has its tides; All things rise and fall.”
This principle explains that there is rhythm between every pair of opposites or poles. Rhythm is the force that enables transition from one pole to another. After every success there will eventually be some failures. For every action there is an opposite and equal reaction.
Hermeticism and The Principle of Cause and Effect
“Every cause has its effect; Every effect has its cause.”
This principle explains that there is no such thing as chance. Every cause has its effect and there’s an underlying law that makes it happen.
If you understand the consequences of your actions, then you can choose what actions you’re going to take. You can choose what actions to take, but, in so doing, you also choose the consequences that follow.
In principal, be the cause not the effect. Be proactive – act! Being the cause means that you are the master, instead of the victim. This is the law of polarity. Change your polarity with the power of your mind and free will.
The Principle of Gender
“Gender is in everything; Everything has its masculine and feminine principles.”
According to this principle gender is manifested in everything. There are polar opposites – the yin and yang. Every person has a biological sex with a male of female physical body. However, psychologically, both qualities exist simultaneously in everyone.
“It is said that there must be a balance in these two forces. Without the Feminine, the Masculine is apt to act without restraint, order, or reason, resulting in chaos. The Feminine alone, on the other hand, is apt to constantly reflect and fail to actually do anything, resulting in stagnation. With both the Masculine and Feminine working in conjunction, there is thoughtful action that breeds success, which points out that both the Feminine and the Masculine fulfil each other”.
The Principle of Gender can be taken as an inspiration for us to find ways to apply and balance our masculine and feminine aspects. An excess of either can lower our vibrational frequency.
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