Hermeticism is a tradition that dates back to the 1st and 2nd centuries AD. C. It is one of the oldest non-Christian belief systems still practiced today. The main teachings associated with Hermeticism were preserved. They can be found in the Byzantine collections of writings and letters called the corpus hermeticumin which the key principles of this world view are explained.
The documents were translated into Latin during the 15th century. They are believed to have inspired and influenced many philosophers and artists during the Italian Renaissance..
Besides, the doctrines of Hermeticism are compatible with much of modern science. Likewise, these laws of the universe can be seamlessly integrated into a wide range of different religions (as well as being compatible with atheistic perspectives).
Hermes Trismegistus is seen as the father of Hermeticism.. He is also considered the writer of the corpus hermeticum (as well as the emerald tablet).
However, it is not believed to have been a real person. Rather, suspected to be a mixture of a few different mythological figures, including the Hellenistic god Hermes and the Egyptian god Thoth. That said, it’s worth noting that some scholars argue that he was indeed a person. Some even argue that there were two distinct figures known as Hermes Trismegistus, and that they both played a role in creating Hermetic philosophy.
The Kybalion and hermetic principles
Much of the hermeticism is condensed in he kybalion, a book that was published by a mysterious individual (or individuals) called «The Three Initiates». The name of the book refers to the three planes of existence: the physical, the mental and the spiritual.. It is also related to the domain of Hermes in these planes.
According to him kybalion, seven hermetic principles should guide the understanding of the universe. Each chapter of the book is devoted to explaining and illustrating one of the principles. You can think of these principles as universal laws or doctrines.
At first reading, it may appear that the kybalion it is based on fantasy and has little relevance to everyday settings or contemporary people. However, once you take the time to interpret and consider the core meaning of each principle, it becomes clear that they all have broad and powerful applicability.
The beginning of mentalism
«The all is mind; the universe is mental.»
First of all, the principle of mentalism stresses that at the most fundamental level, everything in the universe is mental. In a sense, the universe is itself a living mind; one that is connected to all other minds. As such, each action and each thought is an interaction between different aspects of the mental.
This important hermetic principle indicates that all people are connected to each other. and that the environment is an inherent part of everyone. Once you understand the truth of mentalism, you begin to understand that you are able to shape your reality by using your thoughts.
Another important lesson here is that if you think the right things, you will do the right thing. It is a reminder to carefully plan your life and live it according to your real purpose. When you do this, your thoughts will be aligned with the universe.
The principle of correspondence
«As above, so below, as below, so above. As within, so without, as without, so within.»
At the heart of the correspondence principle is the idea that there are constant links between the mental, physical and spiritual planes. This means that if you want to understand the patterns you see in your life, you have to look at all aspects.
Implicit in this principle is the acceptance that you cannot access all planes of existence.. However, Hermetic practitioners tend to believe that a very keen sense of intuition can help access aspects of the higher and lower planes.
Paying attention to gut feelings (such as a seemingly inexplicable «pull» toward a person or event) can help make more sense of the links between everyday experiences and the higher spiritual realm.
The principle of vibration
«Nothing rests, everything moves, everything vibrates.»
Those who have experience working with the law of attraction are probably very familiar with something like this principle. To put it simply, all things carry their own unique energy, on all planes of existence. In fact, even the smallest particle in the universe has a vibration frequency that impacts the things around it..
Crucially, this principle indicates that high-energy things are magnetically attracted to each other, and are attuned to them on a basic level. Meanwhile, the low-energy particles gravitate towards other low-energy sources. So, in order to have a happy and fulfilling life, one will benefit from aspiring to become a high energy source.
The principle of polarity
«Everything is dual, everything has its poles and everything has its pair of opposites; similarities and contrasts are the same; opposites are identical in nature, but different in degree; extremes meet; all truths are but means. truths; all paradoxes can be reconciled».
This principle says that all things in life have an opposite and that the resulting contrast is part of what makes your narratives meaningful. For example, without knowing what lack feels like, it’s hard to focus on and appreciate abundance; the polarity of life’s experiences helps you avoid taking things for granted.
The beginning of the rhythm
«Everything flows, out and in; everything has its tides; all things rise and fall.»
One of the main things that can be learned from this principle is that everything is in constant motion. There is a pattern to the changes you experience from day to day.. Everything goes through cycles from birth to death and then rebirth.
This principle emphasizes that nothing is permanent, either good or bad. All you have is the present moment and you must fully immerse yourself in it to learn and experience what you can..
The principle of cause and effect
«Every cause has its effect; every effect has its cause.»
It is also known as the principle of causality. Describe what all the actions and experiences of your life are related to other events; every action instigates a reaction.
Hermeticism often encourages people to become more active agents in their lives.. Essentially, you become the «cause» more often than the «effect». Decide what you want to do and be. Plan out the precise steps you need to take to reach those goals.
The gender principle
«Gender is in everything, everything has its masculine and feminine principles.»
The last of the seven hermetic principles. The gender principle indicates that the masculine and the feminine can be found in everything; not only in people, but in all aspects of the mental, physical and spiritual planes.
However, It is important to note that it is not necessary to believe in gender stereotypes or believe in the perspective of gender roles to make use of these concepts..
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