Seven Hermetic Principles
Introduction
The seven Hermetic Principles – Mentality, Correspondence, Vibration, Polarity, Gender, Rhythm, and Effect – illustrate the mysterious interconnectedness of all things in the Universe and the incredible power that lies within us. This ancient Egyptian concept has been around since dawn and is still relevant today. It speaks to our minds’ fantastic potential and the remarkable potential of our actions to shape our realities. Take a leap of faith and explore this timeless wisdom of the Hermetic Principles.
Mentality
The Universe is mental. Our thoughts, ideas, and beliefs held in an individual’s mind create the reality of our experience. The old saying goes, “Think it, and it shall be so.” Here are a few examples of how our mentality shapes our reality:
- A pessimist sees a glass as half empty, while an optimist sees it as half full or overflowing with potential.
- A person who believes they can succeed is more likely to make it to their destination than someone who doesn’t.
- A fearful person will be likelier to dodge taking risks, while a brave person will take them without a second thought and reap the rewards.
Correspondence
In the same way that the macrocosm of the Universe reflects the microcosm of the individual, so too do all events, actions, and thoughts correspond with one another. As above, so below; as below, so above. Here are a few examples of correspondence at work:
- The movements of the planets in the night sky mirror the actions of our emotions throughout the day.
- What we put out into the world, we get back in some form – and sometimes even more than what we gave.
- Our thoughts, words, and deeds have direct consequences that can be seen in our lives, whether small or large.
Vibration
Nothing rests; everything moves. All things in the Universe are in constant motion, vibrating at different frequencies. Here are a few examples of vibration in action:
- Music is composed of waves that vibrate at different frequencies, creating beautiful sounds.
- A person’s voice can be heard from a distance by the vibrations it creates in the air, bringing words to life.
- Light is composed of particles that vibrate at different frequencies, visible and invisible, and carries energy.
Polarity
Everything has an opposite. All things have two sides that are identical in nature yet different in degree. Here are a few examples of how polarity works in the Universe:
- Day and night represent the two sides of the same coin in perfect balance.
- Light and darkness are two sides of the same coin, both providing contrast to the other.
- Hot and cold are two sides of the same coin, both on the same temperature spectrum and necessary for life.
Gender
Gender manifests on all planes. Everything has its masculine and feminine principles. Here are a few examples of gender in action:
- The sun and moon represent the two genders of the Universe, both in astrological balance, providing energy and light.
- Males and females are two sides of the same coin, with their unique strengths and weaknesses.
- Fire and water are two sides of the same coin, with their unique qualities and both essential for life.
Rhythm
Everything has its tides and operates in a pendulum-like fashion, swinging to the right and left. Here are a few examples of rhythm in action:
- The moon’s phases represent the Universe’s rhythm, waxing and waning in harmony and providing nourishment.
- Our emotions ebb and flow in a pendulum-like fashion, shifting from high to low and back again and teaching us lessons.
- The seasons come and go in a pendulum-like fashion, bringing us fresh energy and new beginnings and sparking hope.
Cause and Effect
Every cause has its effect, and every effect has its reason. All things happen according to the laws of the Universe, and nothing escapes them. Here are a few examples of cause and effect in action:
- If we plant a seed, it will eventually grow into a plant nourishing us.
- If we put in the effort, we will eventually reap the rewards in abundance and be rewarded.
- If we make a mistake, we will have to face the consequences of our actions and learn to do better.
Resources to aid in the practical use of these sections described topics:
