Welcome to the first issue of Ascend
Academy. Brace yourselves, we are about to delve into the mother load
of all spiritual concepts. This article reveals the meaning behind the 7
Hermetic Principles of truth, directly from their source, The Kybalion.
I am about to present some very powerful
information to you that may stir up a lot of discussion, and possibly
opposition. These seven principles are considered to be ABSOLUTE
TRUTHS, and many ancient and current hermeticists, mystics, philosophers
and so called enlightened beings regard its application to be THE
Master key path to understanding the self and it’s relation to all that
is.
If you feel within yourself that you are
not ready to handle this information, feel free to come back and read
when you are. These teachings have been kept secret for thousands of
years by the Hermetic tradition, only being passed between master and
initiate of countless different occult societies across human history.
This was out of fear that this information would be used by those who
did not quite understand its significance, or who had selfish intentions
and lack of wisdom. In 1912, it was published by an anonymous entity
known as the Three Initiates(?) and has since been put into public
domain, now widely available online.
I believe that this knowledge should be
widespread so that we can begin implementing and spreading its profound
wisdom and applications for the ascension of mankind as a whole.
It is clear that the ancient masters did
not wish for these principles to be ‘crystallized into creeds by any
country or religious sect’. So while viewing this information, HAVE
YOUR OWN EXPERIENCE, and consider this to be a pragmatic philosophy for
understanding the spiritual reality.
The dense quotations I’ve placed
describing these principles are directly from the kybalion.org and I
suggest you give that a read after viewing this article if you wish to
go even deeper. I will also try to break down what each principle means
to us in our day to day lives as well as in relevance to our spiritual
practice. I hope this knowledge resonates! (THIS ARTICLE IS QUITE LONG;
Taking breaks in between every other principle is recommended!)
THE 7 HERMETIC PRINCIPLES
“The Principles of Truth are Seven; he
who knows these, understandingly, possesses the Magic Key before whose
touch all the Doors of the Temple fly open.” -The Kybalion
THE PRINCIPLE OF MENTALISM.
THE PRINCIPLE OF CORRESPONDENCE.
THE PRINCIPLE OF VIBRATION.
THE PRINCIPLE OF POLARITY.
THE PRINCIPLE OF RHYTHM.
THE PRINCIPLE OF CAUSE AND EFFECT.
THE PRINCIPLE OF GENDER.
The Principle of Mentalism
‘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.”‘ – The Kybalion
The All, or the Universal Infinite Living Mind is the notion which we
consider God or Source Consciousness, and because we are within this
infinite mind, it pervades the entirety of every single space, physical
or non physical. In essence, each person or form of consciousness is
equivalent to a dream figure in the lucid dream of God. I understand
this is a large concept to swallow, bear with me!
If you have ever lucid dreamed, you would know that when you ask a
person in your dream who they are or what they represent, they will
actually tell you that they are some facet of your consciousness. You
would also know that a lot of times your dream figures will tell you
that their experience is not a dream at all. Some are more or less
aware of their roles in your psychological make up. Likewise, each one
of us is an aspect of God’s mind in that same way; a symbol of a complex
concept being expressed in a microcosmic form. For those who have not
lucid dreamed, think of it as this whole universe is an organism, matter
and energy are the cells, and we as forms of consciousness are the
neurons.
Coming into this knowledge is the most fundamental key to
understanding and expanding our consciousness as well as traversing the
higher planes of reality. We must understand that we, and literally
everything and everyone else, IS Spirit, or fractal facets of its
consciousness. It is important that we apply this understanding in our
daily interactions with others, understand that all other beings are
simply another aspect of an infinite, complex, and extremely variant
consciousness, and are just as much of an expression of it as you are no
matter what form they take. Allow yourself to be without judgement
towards others with this understanding. Eventually this will cultivate a
mindset of unconditional love towards all life.
The Principle of Correspondence
‘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 Kybalion
With this principle we become aware of the fractal nature of the
universe in which a similar pattern of phenomena repeats across all
scales of existence. This phenomena can be synonymous with the musical
note octaves on a piano, in that each note is repeated in the next set
or dimensional plane with the same vibrational quality but on a higher
frequency.
Usually, interaction with one element may cause a resonant reaction
on higher or lower planes, as certain qualities in parallel planes
correspond to one another like musical chords. This applies to sound,
color, thoughts, emotions, chakras, and all forms of spectrums that
exist throughout the universe. This is a great segue into our next
principle:
The Principle of Vibration
‘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. ‘ – The Kybalion
Understanding vibrational frequency and its application in our
spirituality is crucial. When we are dealing with negative thoughts,
emotions, and beliefs, we must grasp that these things are dense
vibrations within our minds, keeping us in a low vibratory rate of
consciousness. If they are vibrating, they are emitting sound, light,
or rippling out in some form of wave. If we are constantly emitting
these sorts of vibrations, our outside world, which is essentially still
MIND, will resonate with our mental experience, causing those same
sorts of low vibrational experiences to manifest physically. In the
same way, if we are radiating positive, loving, and blissful forms of
vibration, our reality will follow suite.
Essentially, everything in existence interacts with its components
through rates of vibration. Dimensions, in a simplistic way of
understanding, are different octaves of vibration, in which the
consciousness inhabiting those octaves perceive things relevant to their
mental state, perspectives, beliefs, and level of awareness. This is
why many of us cannot see the astral plane or things like ghosts, auras,
and spiritual entities, because we are not vibrating at the same rate
as them and cannot resonate with those experiences.
Our minds are like radio tuners for different channels of
experience. We can turn the dial by shifting our attention and
intention towards different actions, different thoughts, different
mental states and different beliefs about our reality. Reading this
right now is essentially tuning you to the frequency of these higher
planes, expanding your awareness to allow your mind to resonate with
their concepts, and thus allowing you to hold consciousness within them.
The Principle of Polarity
‘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 anti-thesis 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 Kybalion
With the concept that extreme opposites are simply the poles of the
same thing, we can cease to have a dualistic perspective and instead
view these phenomena as spectrums or sliding scales of vibration. Once
we understand that, we can begin to use what is called Mental Alchemy or
Mental Transmutation. Unlike the traditional view of Alchemy in which
you change different base or undesirable metals into Gold, we polarize
the negative thoughts, emotions, and mental states into positive ones
(The prior definition being a hidden allegory for the true meaning).
This is one particular field that I will be continuing to study and
give you my interpretation of so that you can all benefit. It will
probably be one of our last topics discussed in this series, as it can
profoundly change our perspective and our experience and must be used
with sufficient knowledge.
The Principle of Rhythm
‘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.’ –
The Kybalion
Rhythm is a direct result of the nature of vibration, as the
oscillation between two poles in any given scale provides an environment
in which energy can shift from one state to the next and back again
with equal proportion. This teaches us of the importance of balance in
the universe, because without rhythmic proportion, we are unable to
measure and identify the different states that energy can move between
and how they directly relate to one another.
Another way to look at it is that this principle recognizes the
heartbeat or the symphony of the universe. If we learn to ride these
innate universal rhythms consciously, we can begin to work in harmony
with the universal energies rather than have them work against us, being
apart of the music or flowing with the current to achieve our conscious
expansion.
I have personally understood and used this principle to polarize into
my higher self for long periods of time while denying my ego self reign
over my thoughts, but this is far from mastering the principle. As we
delve deeper into the series, we will explore this principle’s
application together and maybe new ways of ‘rhythm riding’ can be
unearthed.
The Principle of Causation
‘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.’ – The Kybalion
I think that this principle is common sense for most, but many are not
aware that it applies on and connects all dimensions of reality. With
this in mind we can begin to see how the universe came into being. The
first cause,the Infinite Living Mind or Source, created a set of causes
via VIBRATION to allow many ripples of subsequent events to intertwine
and unfold. The causes on higher planes began manifesting effects on
the lower planes, and our physical universe eventually unfolded in this
way. It is easy to now view the phenomena of this world as having
specific serendipitous purpose, even if we are not able to understand
what exactly causes them. Synchronicity is a prominent example of
higher plane causation in action, where almost divinely timed
experiences manifest in peculiar patterns.
This principle is symbolically (as well as mathematically) represented
in the construction of the Flower of Life geometry and its successive
forms, as these are higher dimensional blueprints for the denser
manifestations of matter to use as templates. Throughout the series, we
will begin to work in accordance with these causes of higher planes,
and create our own, rather than be subjected to the causes of this one.
This is so we may become Movers rather than Pawns in this so called
Chessboard of Life. In our next issue, we will dive further into this
topic, exploring sacred geometry and it’s use as a form of mental
causation and manifestation.
The Principle of Gender
‘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.’ – The Kybalion
Here on planet Earth, we are very familiar with the many
manifestations of Male and Female energy, or Duality and Unity
consciousness. The reason the Masculine and Feminine Principles are so
integral to creation is because Source itself is a perfect union of
these two concepts. All created things are but variations of
expression, intensity, and vibration between these two forms of
consciousness. The Male principle is the notion of Subjective Self or
the internal, causal, and intangible nature. The Female principle is
the notion of Objective Self, or the external, receptive, and form of
that inner nature.
Male is also the force of giving or push, and Female subsequently is
the force of taking or pull. Do not confuse these definitions with
gender discrimination. We as human beings are also a union of these two
principles, as we possess an internal nature and an external form.
Even our minds are split into conscious (male) and
subconscious/unconscious (female) and our brains into left brain (male)
and right brain (female). For more on this check out
Spirit Science episode 4.
You’re probably wondering why Jordan says that Male energy is Focused
and that the Female energy is Creative/Random. That is just another
way this principle manifests in the human psyche, and there are a
multitude of others. There is an even deeper level of understanding for
the principle of Gender that will be revealed in the coming articles,
so stay tuned.
Now, if we wish to ascend as human beings, the goal is to balance
these energies within ourselves, allowing us to resonate with that same
balance present in the Infinite Living Mind, giving way to conscious
freedom. This balance is largely achieved through, you guessed it,
Unconditional Love, as this is an energy of freely giving and taking
with all life through understanding that, as a fractal of Source
consciousness, the external universe is also YOUR external form.
And there you have it, the 7 Hermetic Principles. Study and Mastery
of these fundamental laws will bring great wisdom as well as
unbelievable power and freedom. If you have any questions regarding
this article or any other spiritual inquiries, feel free to email
ryan.boyd@live.ca or inbox Ryan Boyd. If you leave a comment below I
can reply and you can also reach my Facebook that way. I won’t be
accepting friend requests unless we have extensive interaction, but I
will always try to help with your questions.
Our next issue will begin with the spiritual framework that I have
created in conjunction with these principles, formerly known as the 7
stages of Mystic Mastery. I am going to change it for the sake of
brevity and clarity; it will now be known as the 7 Phases of Mastery.
The first stage is called Geometry, and it will bring an understanding
of the nature of Source and its manifestations through exploring Sacred
Geometry, Mandalas, and an introduction to my own extension of these
concepts known as Lightwebs. This article series will be bi-weekly, so
see you in two weeks! Namaste, and thank you for reading.
When we think about what we do or say each day, a lot of the times it’s repetitive.
The Method
