The Kybalion and Hermetic principles dates back to around 5,000 years ago. It is a compilation of Hermetic teachings. These doctrines are based on 7 principles of the Kybalion, originally explained by Hermes Trismegistus. The Kybalion provides a Master-Key for students to unlock the fundamental and basic teachings of esoteric philosophy. It has been said that one will find the Kybalion when one is ready to discover its teachings.
There are seven Hermetic principles that the entire philosophy is based on. Together, these seven principles constitute an explanation of the basic laws that apply to all of creation.
The Three Initiates
The Kybalion was written by the Three Initiates. As their name suggests, the authors were three students of Hermetic philosophy. Throughout time, Hermetic teachings were passed down through word of mouth teaching, but the Three Initiates decided to document the core principles of the philosophy in order to help it reach a wider audience. The Three Initiates are never named and remain anonymous, although many suspect that New Thought pioneer William Walker Atkinson was one of the authors.
Hermes Trismegistus
Much of the teachings of the Kybalion originate from the ancient sage Hermes Trismegistus. While he was alive, his wisdom reached across the known continents of the time. The Egyptians nicknamed him “the scribe of the gods.” The Greeks referred to him as the “god of Wisdom.” The ancient Romans bestowed him with the name “Mercury.” In his time, Hermes discovered alchemy, which developed later into modern day chemistry. He generated the concept of astrology, which later became astronomy. For his wisdom, he was known as the “Master of Masters.”
The Secrecy Behind the Kybalion
The Kybalion has been occulted since it’s existence. That isn’t to say it is dealing with black or “dark magic” theories. The world “occult” simply means hidden, or kept secret. There are beliefs that government organizations have worked hard to generate the recognition that occult means bad. That couldn’t be further from the truth.
We can certainly see how Hermes and his followers wanted to keep their teachings in hiding. Throughout much of known history we see how those not following the mainstream teachings of the known time faced persecution and even death. Thus, the teachings of the Kybalion were never formalized into any formal religious doctrine.
The Kybalion and Hermetic principles have religions discussed within them from many different regions of the world and belief systems, yet they are not tied to any one religion denomination.
Why Read the Kybalion?
The philosophy and teachings laid out in the Kybalion demonstrates the basic principles of the Hermetic art of mental alchemy. These basic teachings of the 7 principles of the Kybalion involve the mastery of mental forces. When ones learns to apply universal laws, they will possess the key to performing mental transmutation and alchemy. This empowers the student of these principles to adjust their vibrational states. By studying the laws in The Kybalion, a person can learn how to change their reality by simply shifting their focus in their mind.
One of the basic fundamental teachings in The Kybalion is that we live in a mental universe. Even though we see ourselves and experience the physical reality we see before us, All is mind. Thus, understanding how to come into vibrational synchronicity with this vast universal potentiality, we can learn to always live within our best selves. Learning these mental shifts is how we ultimately attain our truest potential and highest abilities.
So it comes down to whether or not one wants to challenge their current belief systems and seek to learn different perspectives on mental alchemy. Are you open minded and ready to accept new possibilities?
The 7 Principles of the Kybalion and Hermitic Teachings
1. The Principle of Mentalism
2. The Principle of Correspondence
3. The Principle of Vibration
4. The Principle of Polarity
5. The Principle of Rhythm
6. The Principle of Cause and Effect
7. The Principle of Gender
I will be delving into each of these teachings and the meanings behind them in subsequent blog posts.
I hope that anyone reading will join in on the learning and partake in some good Q&A.
The path to self discovery begins with asking “why” –
“Know Your Why” – the rest will follow.
Interesting! I did not know most of this and love history. Cool to learn! Thank you for sharing.
Thank you for comment. I came across the Kybalion in a podcast. Had never heard of it or the Hermetic Principles. Glad to have sparked a bit of interest. Appreciate you being here.