The Seven Forgotten Universal Laws

The Seven Hermetic Principles are a set of philosophical concepts or laws governing the universe. Hermeticism is a mystical philosophy based on writings attributed to Hermes Trismegistus, offering profound insights for personal transformation and spiritual enlightenment.

Hermes Trismegistus is a legendary figure in ancient Egyptian and Greek mythology who was associated with wisdom, magic, and alchemy, both adopting him as a God of wisdom. In Greece he was called Hermes, and in Egypt, Thoth. The wisdom attributed to this figure combined a knowledge of both the material and the spiritual worlds, which rendered the writings attributed to him of great relevance to those who were interested in the interrelationship between the material and the divine.

The figure of Hermes Trismegistus can also be found in both Muslim and Bahai writings. In those traditions, Hermes Trismegistus has been associated with the prophet Idris (the Biblical Enoch).

The Egyptian God Thoth

Throughout history, the knowledge of the seven hermetic principles have been passed down by word-of-mouth from mentor to disciple until, at some point in the early 20th century, these teachings were collected into a book titled The Kybalion, authored by "The Three Initiates." No one knows who the three initiates are, but they remain an occult source of wisdom, separate from any real religion, and these principles are adopted by many spiritual traditions and are very powerful. The book states that it makes its appearance in one's life when it is appropriate.

So let's dive into the 7 universal laws.

1. The Principle of Mentalism - "All is mind; the universe is mental" This principle states that everything that happens has a mental component, and that the universe is a manifestation of the divine mind or cosmic consciousness. Understanding this principle means realizing the power of perception and mindset. Everything starts with a thought. For anything to exist, a thought had to first exist, which then forms a physical reality or manifestation. Recognizing the profound influence of our thoughts on our daily existence—whether internally shaping our emotions and physiology or externally guiding our actions and environments—we come to realize that gaining control over our minds translates to gaining control over our lives. What we think we shall become. Embody this principle by cultivating mindfulness, awareness and meditation. Practice observing your thoughts without judgment and understand the role of your mindset in shaping your reality. Be compassionate with others, recognizing that we are all one. The changes that happen on this plane in your mind go on to become your reality.
   

2. The Principle of Correspondence - "As above, so below; As within, so without." This principle states that there is a correspondence between the various planes of existence - the physical, mental, and spiritual realms - and that patterns and phenomena observed in one level of reality can be understood by examining corresponding patterns on other levels. The physical, mental and spiritual realms are not separated but flow in the same line with different degrees of existence. It means that the patterns and principles observed in the cosmos (the macrocosm) reflect in our personal lives (the microcosm) and vice versa. This principle highlights the interconnectedness of all things in the universe. Embody it by understanding your connection to the world around you, and the universe. Recognize patterns and connections in your life and pay attention to how you're showing up for yourself and the universe through your thoughts and subsequently your actions. Always remember that the world around you is a manifestation of your inner world, whether on a conscious or subconscious level, and your inner world is also a reflection of the outer world. In any troubling situation, ask yourself what the situation can show you about yourself and what requires healing within, because that is the only thing you have control over.
   

3. The Principle of Vibration - "Nothing rests; everything moves; everything vibrates" This principle states that everything in the universe is in a constant state of motion and vibrate at specific frequencies, from the smallest particles to the largest celestial bodies, and that these frequencies can be perceived at different levels. Matter, energy, mind and even spirit are the results of different vibrations. You, too, have a vibrational frequency influenced by your thoughts, emotions, and state of being. We either vibrate in a state of harmony or in a state of chaos, this is within your control once mastered. It is important to work on raising your vibration to the right frequency in order to live a peaceful, harmonious and balanced life. For example, if you align your vibration with joy, chances are high that you will attract experiences filled with joy. Instead of low vibrations, you experience higher frequency, good vibes and inner peace in your own life. Understanding this law allows you to consciously influence your vibration and, in turn, your life experiences. There are lots of great practices to do so, including yoga, sound bathing, chakra work, crystal healing, salt healing, being in nature and sun bathing.
   

4. The Principle of Polarity - "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." This principle states that all phenomena have polar opposites or dual aspects, such as hot and cold, light and dark, love and hate, and that these opposites are merely different manifestations of the same underlying principle. The only difference between the two ends of the pole is vibration. What appears as dualism is but unity in disguise. Everything is and isn't at the same time, depending on your perspective or point of view. Embody it by shifting the way you look at things, seeking balance and harmony in your life. Embrace both the light and the shadow aspects of yourself, understanding that they are integral parts of your wholeness.
   

5. The Principle of Rhythm - "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." This principle emphasizes the cyclic nature of the universe, where everything experiences rhythmic patterns of expansion and contraction, growth and decay, creation and destruction. This principle is similar to Newton’s 3rd Law of Motion, which states that “For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.” Everything is the universe will eventually even itself out, which leads to an ebb and flow. Mastering this principle is learning how to center yourself so that you don’t consciously or subconsciously act to counter an emotion, causing the pendulum to swing wildly from one side to the other. This leads to a state of inner peace in which your foundation is strong and you can remain peaceful no matter the circumstances around you. To embody it, flow with the natural rhythms of life. Accept the ebbs and flows, seasons change, knowing that challenges are temporary and growth comes from embracing change and that after every winter, spring always follows. Take note of your inner rhythms and try to work with them instead of fighting them. This principle is strongly intertwined with the principle of polarity (#4). It is thought that eventually the master will be able to completely transcend duality, but if you're just getting started, try becoming more aware of your emotional state and using polarity and rhythm to start getting more comfortable with the natural fluxes of your life.
   

6. The Principle of Cause and Effect - "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." This principle, often referred to as the law of karma (but not quite the same) or the law of action and reaction, suggests that every action produces corresponding effects, and that nothing happens by chance or coincidence. Meaning nothing happens without reason. You may not be able to directly pinpoint a specific cause for a certain effect because the cause may happen on different planes of existence but every action has a ripple effect that leads to a consequence. Every action or decision you make sets off a series of events that not only affects you but also the lives of others. Embody it by taking responsibility for your actions and understanding the consequences of your choices. Cultivate mindfulness and intentionality in your thoughts, words, and deeds.
   

7. The Principle of Gender - "Gender is in everything; everything has its masculine and feminine principles; gender manifests on all planes." This principle asserts that within all things, masculine and feminine energies or qualities exist, regardless of our physical gender, and that these energies interact to create balance and harmony. The masculine energy is active, giving, and outward-focused, while the feminine energy is receptive, nurturing, and inward-focused. Learning how to be open to and balance both divine masculine and divine feminine energies within yourself will help you live a more authentic life. Embody it by embracing and integrating both qualities within yourself and honor the balance of yin and yang, receptivity and action, intuition and logic in your life.

By understanding and embodying these 7 universal principles, we can align ourselves with the natural order of the universe and lead lives filled with harmony, balance, and purpose.

I hope I have left you with some good food for thought.