Article Overview 🔎

 

• The Kybalion’s Origin
• The 7 Hermetic Principles of the Universe Explained
• The Kybalion and Summaries of its Teachings
• Symbolism and Universal Law

 

The Kybalion’s Origin 🛕

 

Hermes Trismegistus is said to be the author of the Corpus Hermeticum and creator of hermeticism. From the teachings of Thoth of ancient Egypt (and Hermes himself of ancient Greece), the Hermetic Principles are described as the 7 natural laws of the Universe and the 7 ancient principles for self mastery.

Thoth is said to have reincarnated as Hermes Trismegistus or Hermes the Thrice-Great, as he reincarnated three times to continue rule and that he knew the three parts of the wisdom of the whole universe. The three parts of the wisdom are alchemy, astrology, and theurgy. A leader of ancient Egypt, he is often referred to as ‘a God’ and in ancient texts was said to have ruled for thousands of years. The image below shows Thoth (left) and Hermes Trismegistus (right).

‘The Kybalion’ was written from the teachings of Hermes Trismegistus. Full title ‘The Kybalion: A Study of the Hermetic Philosophy of Ancient Egypt and Greece’, it was published in 1908 by ‘Three Initiates’, often identified as the New Thought pioneer William Walker Atkinson (1862–1932).

The Hermetic Principles open insight to the deeper nature of reality and once learned can be leveraged and applied:

“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 7 Hermetic Principles of the Universe Explained 🧿

 

Here are the 7 Hermetic Principles of the Universe/the 7 Hermetic Principles of natural law:

1. The Principle of Mentalism

2. Principle of Correspondence

3. The Principle of Vibration

4. The Principle of Polarity

5. The Principle of Rhythm

6. The Principle of Cause & Effect

7. The Principle of Gender

Below, these 7 principles are explained in more detail:

1. The Principle of Mentalism

The all is mind. The universe is mental. In essence, this law asserts that everything in the universe, from the tangible to the intangible, is a product of the mind. This links with the Holographic Universe/Simulation Theory that modern physicists believe is a valid theory (as discussed in openly in physicist conventions like World Science Festival). In summary, it implies that everything we experience through our 5 senses is just our brain decoding electric signals that fire that sense.

2. Principle of Correspondence

As above, so below. As within, so without.

As above so below – For example, the construct of a brain cell mimics the contract of the universe, likewise the birth of a cell and the death of a star, the eye to a nebula (shown in the images below). This also links to the Fibonacci Sequence/Golden Ratio (‘nature’s formula’); physicists explain the mathematical nature of the Universe with reference to this (also shown in the images below):

As within, so without – This can be interpreted from the image above showing a brain cell’s construct matching with the universe, but also another way. For example, the you think and feel, and in turn act directly influences your reality/daily life. “The world is a mirror, forever reflecting what you are doing, within yourself,” Neville Goddard. This is often referred to as the Hermetic Law of Attraction.

3. The Principle of Vibration

Nothing rests; everything moves; everything vibrates. This principle explains that “everything is in motion”, “everything vibrates” and “nothing is ever at rest”. These are facts which the science of quantum physics has now fully embraced and endorsed.

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. For example, hot and cold (both temperatures, but opposite in degree) or smooth and rough (both textures, but opposite in feel).

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.

6. The Principle of Cause & 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. Karma is a well known cause and effect terminology. As a general example, if you compliment somebody they are more likely to warm to you and reflect positivity back, and vice versa.

7. The Principle of Gender

Gender is in everything. Everything has its masculine and feminine principles. Gender manifests on all planes; divine masculine and divine feminine.

 

The Kybalion and Summaries of its Teachings 🧠

 

The following videos start with ‘The Kybalion’ read as an audiobook, followed by shorter videos that summarize it and insights from others. Summaries and insights include that ‘The Kybalion’ teaches us to observe and shift our thoughts, cultivate positive emotions, embrace challenges as growth, align with natural rhythms, act mindfully, and balance inner energies. By internalizing these principles, one can transform their inner world, which in turn reshapes the outer world, effectively allowing one to master their reality and create a life of abundance and fulfilment.

Videos 1 & 2 – The Kybalion (1908) by Three Initiates (William Walker Atkinson)

The full reading of ‘The Kybalion’ can be listened to in the first video below, or read here, or you can buy the book here. The second video is a shorter, summarized version of the book for a quicker reference to the key teachings.

Video 3  – The Kybalion Explained: How To Apply The 7 Hermetic Principles

This video explains the 7 Hermetic Principles (like earlier in this post) and emphasizes practical steps:

• Observe and change thoughts.
• Replace negative beliefs with positive ones.
• Visualize desired outcomes..
• Feel emotions as if it’s already real (as taught in Law of Attraction and Law of Assumption manifestation practices).
• Meditate/calm the mind.
• Act intentionally and align behavior with goals.

In summary, the video shares that reality isn’t just “out there”, it’s filtered and shaped by your mind. By changing your inner state (thoughts, beliefs, emotions), you change how you experience life, as well as the opportunities you notice and act on.

Video 4 – The 7 Hermetic Principles for Self-Mastery

This video explains the 7 Hermetic Principles (like earlier in this post) and emphasizes emphasizes that by understanding these laws, you can master your life instead of being controlled by it.

It starts by giving background context; how it is attributed to Hermes Trismegistus who is believed to be both Hermes and Thoth through reincarnation. As such, the principles share Greek tradition and Egyptian wisdom, and are linked to alchemy, astrology, and spiritual transformation.

It strongly emphasizes self-mastery through the mind:

• Monitor and control your thoughts.
• Replace negative thinking with positive, “higher” ideas.
• Use focus and will to shift your mental state.
• Aim to become a “cause” (creator) rather than an “effect” (victim).

Life is presented as a training ground (“school”), linking to teachings shared in our life purpose post:

• Spiritual growth is gained by learning these laws and applying them.
• True transformation is internal first, external second.

In summary, reality is governed by universal laws, understanding and applying them leads to personal control, emotional balance, and spiritual growth.

Video 5 – The Hermetica The Lost Wisdom of the Pharaohs Audiobook (Timothy Freke & Peter Gandy)

This video is the audiobook of ‘The Hermetica: The Lost Wisdom of the Pharaohs‘. It discusses that reality is a living, intelligent whole and the human mind is directly connected to it:

• The universe is described as a living being filled with mind and soul.
• Everything is interconnected and alive at some level.
• Humans are not separate from the divine, they are expressions of it.

1. The Universe is Alive

• The cosmos is a living organism, not dead matter.
• It nourishes and sustains everything within it.
• Reality is one giant living system.

2. The Divine Mind (Source)

• There is a higher, eternal mind behind everything.
• This “source” gives rise to the cosmos and human consciousness.
• Your mind is a reflection of a greater universal mind.

3. Everything is Connected

• Mind, soul, and matter are all linked.
• Nothing exists in isolation.
• What happens within you relates to the whole universe.

4. Knowledge of Self = Knowledge of God

• To understand reality, you must look inward.
• The divine is not separate, it is experienced through awareness.
• Self-realization is the path to truth.

5. Spiritual Awakening

• Humans are meant to wake up from ignorance.
• Most people are trapped in material thinking and illusion of separation.
• True wisdom is realizing your divine nature.

6. Creation Through Mind

• Reality is shaped through consciousness.
• The invisible (thought) gives rise to the visible (world).
• Revisiting teachings of ‘The Kybalion’.

7. Immortality (Spiritual, Not Physical)

• The body dies, but the soul/mind returns to the divine source.
• True immortality is union with the divine, not living forever physically.

In summary, the book shares similar teachings:

• Seek truth through contemplation.
• Detach from purely material identity.
• Develop awareness of your higher nature.
• Align your mind with the divine.
• You are not just a physical being, you are part of a universal consciousness (the goal of life is awakening to that truth, linking to our life purpose post).
• Reality is not random, it is intelligent, meaningful, and interconnected.

Video 6 – Decoding The Hermetic Principles & New Pyramid Discovery (Robert Edward Grant)

In this video, Robert Edward Grant discusses ancient knowledge, including the 7 Hermetic Principles:

• Ancient Egyptians (and others) had advanced knowledge (which we are still rediscovering) shown in their texts, imagery, architecture, geometry, and cosmology.
• The universe operates on universal laws (Hermetic principles).
• These laws are encoded in nature, mathematics, and ancient architecture (like π/Pi, φ/golden ratio/Fibonacci Sequence).
• By understanding them, humans can expand awareness, better understand reality, and influence their experience.

Video 7 – How to Attract It All With Your Thoughts, The 7 Hermetic Principles, and Effortless Manifestation!

In this video, Ralph Smart discusses the Hermetic Principles with his take on things. Additional perspectives include that:

• Life is shaped from the inside out.
• Your thoughts, emotions, and energy state matter most.
• Awareness and emotional control lead to better life outcomes.
• Balance (not extremes) is the goal in all areas.

 

Video 8 – The Seven Hermetic Principles (Mark Passio)

In this video, Mark Passio discusses the Hermetic Principles with his take from years of research into occult knowledge and a “hidden 8th principle”.

Additional perspectives include that “Natural Law” is a set of universal principles governing reality, and argues that most social problems come from people ignoring these principles, especially by focusing on symptoms instead of causes. He claims the most important shift is moving from effects (what is happening) to causes (why it is happening in mind/behavior).

The “hidden 8th principle” that Passio observes is care (a generative principle). The speaker calls this the most important principle and defines it as what you truly pay attention to and invest energy in. What you care about determines what you create. He breaks it down as:

Care leads to attention, which leads to thoughts, then actions, and then creates reality.

He links this to the Law of Attraction, but reframed as behavior-based. He also touches on Freemasonry symbolism; the “G” in the logo stands for the generative principle. Human inaction as the reason systems don’t change:

• Reality does not change by talking, ideas, complaints, or awareness alone.
• Reality does change through understanding causes, changing beliefs, taking consistent action, and aligning thought with emotion and behavior.

Passio says most people are “stuck on the plane of effects”, focusing on problems/symptoms. Real power lies in the “plane of causality”; mind, beliefs, decisions, and behavior. Society stays the same because people don’t change underlying causes.

 

 

Symbolism and Universal Law 👀

 

There is an extended version of from the previous video of Mark Passio at the bottom of the post. He discusses that occult knowledge is kept from the population by the powers above to suppress and make it easier to control the masses, but they have to leave clues/”hide things in plain sight”, as they believe Universal law requires them to do so. “These are the reasons why no one will ever be able to say they weren’t told what’s happening. Universal law requires them to reveal it. It doesn’t matter how they tell us, as long as they do. It’s like a way to try and balance karmic debt.”

Passio’s lecture includes Natural Law as objective, universal morality governing consequences. Ignorance of these laws leads to suffering and loss of freedom. Understanding mind, morality, and consequence empowers individuals. Moral behaviour according to Natural Law increases freedom; violations reduce it. The seminar urges people to think for themselves and live in alignment with these principles. When touching on symbolism he breaks it down as:

1. Symbolism as a Language of the Subconscious

Symbols communicate directly to the subconscious mind, often more powerfully than words like subliminal messaging. This is why subliminal messaging was banned from advertising and why elite powers can influence the population strongly. Subliminal sexual messages in Disney films are shown further down this post, trying to sexualize children.

• • Symbols bypass rational filtering.
  • They can condition belief and behavior.
  • Repeated symbolic exposure shapes perception and identity.
  • Many people are influenced by symbols without realizing it.

Passio connects this to advertising, religion, state power, and institutional messaging.

2. Occult & Institutional Symbolism

• Power structures historically used symbolic systems.
• Esoteric and occult traditions encoded knowledge symbolically.
• Modern institutions still use symbolic imagery in logos, architecture, and ceremony.
• Freemasonry, occult architecture, and symbolic designs (including the occult meanings behind the Great Seal, compasses and square, the middle G, symbolic pillars etc. which relate to spatial structures and by extension architecture).
• City layouts and urban plans (Washington D.C., Rome, ancient sacred sites) reflect sacred geometry and symbolic meaning.
• Those who understand symbolic language can influence those who don’t, creating a knowledge imbalance.

3. Media & Cultural Symbolism

• Corporate logos.
• Entertainment imagery.
• Government emblems.
• Ritualized public events.

Passio describes these as examples of symbolic messaging used to normalize authority, fear, dependency, or identity narratives.

4. Symbolism in Language Itself

A major related theme is word symbolism and etymology.

• Word roots.
• Hidden meanings in language.
• How definitions shape moral perception.
• How linguistic framing can invert moral understanding.
• Language is a symbolic code system, not just communication, but consciousness programming.

There are examples of this in Hollywood and that this is not by coincidence, as a lot of people in Hollywood are fully aware of these ancient scripts. For example, ‘The Emerald Tablets‘ have been described as having a lot of similarities to ‘Star Wars’ (the similarities in looks, the large crater, hollow moon theories, and the fact it’s “always watching over”, as well as more). 

Another Hollywood movie that links to ‘The Emerald Tablets‘ is ‘They Live’ (1988). In the movie, a man finds a pair of special sunglasses that reveal the hidden truth about society. When he puts them on, he sees that many people in power are actually aliens disguised as humans, and that advertising, media, and consumer culture contain subliminal messages like “obey,” “consume,” and “conform”, controlling society by manipulating humans into passive obedience. David Icke often refers to this ‘They Live’, describing it more as a documentary. Links to ‘The Emerald Tablets‘ include passages about non-human evil beings saying that “they walk among us”.

You can read more on different symbolism here. 

Here is the extended version of the talk from Mark Passio:

More can be read on ‘The Kybalion’ via its category here and Hermetic Principles here.