- This topic is empty.
- Posts
The Kybalion Page 1
THE
KYBALION
A STUDY OF
THE HERMETIC PHILOSOPHY OF
ANCIENT EGYPT AND
GREECE
BY
THREE INITIATES
“THE LIPS OF WISDOM ARE CLOSED, EXCEPT TO THE
EARS OF UNDERSTANDING”
THE YOGI PUBLICATION SOCIETY
MASONIC TEMPLE
CHICAGO, ILL
The Kybalion Page 2
TO
HERMES TRISMEGISTUS
KNOWN BY THE ANCIENT
EGYPTIANS AS
“THE GREAT GREAT”
AND
“MASTER OF MASTERS”
THIS LITTLE VOLUME OF HERMETIC TEACHINGS
IS REVERENTLY DEDICATED
The Kybalion Page 3
CONTENTS
CHAPTER. PAGE.
INTRODUCTION. ………………………………………………………………………………
…………4
CHAPTER I ………………………………………………………………………………
…………………6
CHAPTER II. ………………………………………………………………………………
……………….9
CHAPTER III. ………………………………………………………………………………
…………….14
CHAPTER IV. ………………………………………………………………………………
…………….16
CHAPTER V. ………………………………………………………………………………
……………..19
CHAPTER VI. ………………………………………………………………………………
…………….22
CHAPTER VII. ………………………………………………………………………………
……………26
CHAPTER VIII. ………………………………………………………………………………
…………..30
CHAPTER IX…………………………………………………………………………….
……………….36
CHAPTER X. ………………………………………………………………………………
……………..39
CHAPTER XI. ………………………………………………………………………………
…………….42
CHAPTER XII. ………………………………………………………………………………
……………45
CHAPTER XIII. ………………………………………………………………………………
…………..48
CHAPTER XIV……………………………………………………………………………
………………51
CHAPTER XV…………………………………………………………………………….
………………56
The Kybalion Page 4
INTRODUCTION.
We take great pleasure in presenting to the attention of students and investigators of the
Secret Doctrines this little work based upon the world-old Hermetic Teachings. There has
been so little written upon this subject, notwithstanding the countless references to the
Teachings in the many works upon occultism, that the many earnest searchers after the
Arcane Truths will doubtless welcome the appearance of the present volume.
The purpose of this work is not the enunciation of any special philosophy or doctrine, but
rather is to give to the students a statement of the Truth that will serve to reconcile the many
bits of occult knowledge that they may have acquired, but which are apparently opposed to
each other and which often serve to discourage and disgust the beginner in the study. Our
intent is not to erect a new Temple of Knowledge, but rather to place in the hands of the
student a Master-Key with which he may open the many inner doors in the Temple of
Mystery through the main portals he has already entered.
There is no portion of the occult teachings possessed by the world which have been so
closely guarded as the fragments of the Hermetic Teachings which have come down to us
over the tens of centuries which have elapsed since the lifetime of its great founder, Hermes
Trismegistus, the “scribe of the gods,” who dwelt in old Egypt in the days when the present
race of men was in its infancy. Contemporary with Abraham, and, if the legends be true, an
instructor of that venerable sage, Hermes was, and is, the Great Central Sun of Occultism,
whose rays have served to illumine the countless teachings which have been promulgated
since his time. All the fundamental and basic teachings embedded in the esoteric teachings
of every race may be traced back to Hermes. Even the most ancient teachings of India
undoubtedly have their roots in the original Hermetic Teachings.
From the land of the Ganges many advanced occultists wandered to the land of Egypt,
and sat at the feet of the Master. From him they obtained the Master-Key which explained
and reconciled their divergent views, and thus the Secret Doctrine was firmly established.
From other lands also came the learned ones, all of whom regarded Hermes as the Master
of Masters, and his influence was so great that in spite of the many wanderings from the
path on the part of the centuries of teachers in these different lands, there may still be found
a certain basic resemblance and correspondence which underlies the many and often quite
divergent theories entertained and taught by the occultists of these different lands today. The
student of Comparative Religions will be able to perceive the influence of the Hermetic
Teachings in every religion worthy of the name, now known to man, whether it be a dead
religion or one in full vigor in our own times. There is always a certain correspondence in
spite of the contradictory features, and the Hermetic Teachings act as the Great Reconciler.
The lifework of Hermes seems to have been in the direction of planting the great Seed-
Truth which has grown and blossomed in so many strange forms, rather than to establish a
school of philosophy which would dominate the world's thought. But, nevertheless, the
original truths taught by him have been kept intact in their original purity by a few men in
each age, who, refusing great numbers of half-developed students and followers, followed
the Hermetic custom and reserved their truth for the few who were ready to comprehend and
master it. From lip to ear the truth has been handed down among the few. There have
always been a few Initiates in each generation, in the various lands of the earth, who kept
alive the sacred flame of the Hermetic Teachings, and such have always been willing to use
their lamps to re-light the lesser lamps of the outside world, when the light of truth grew dim,
and clouded by reason of neglect, and when the wicks became clogged with foreign matter.
There were always a few to tend faithfully the altar of the Truth, upon which was kept alight
the Perpetual Lamp of Wisdom. These men devoted their lives to the labor of love which the
poet has so well stated in his lines:
“0, let not the flame die out! Cherished age after age in its dark cavern–in its holy temples
cherished. Fed by pure ministers of love –let not the flame die out!”
The Kybalion Page 5
These men have never sought popular approval, nor numbers of followers. They are
indifferent to these things, for they know how few there are in each generation who are ready
for the truth, or who would recognize it if it were presented to them. They reserve the “strong
meat for men,” while others furnish the “milk for babes.” They reserve their pearls of wisdom
for the few elect, who recognize their value and who wear them in their crowns, instead of
casting them before the materialistic vulgar swine, who would trample them in the mud and
mix them with their disgusting mental food. But still these men have never forgotten or
overlooked the original teachings of Hermes, regarding the passing on of the words of truth
to those ready to receive it, which teaching is stated in The Kybalion as follows: “Where fall
the footsteps of the Master, the ears of those ready for his Teaching open wide.” And
again:
“When the ears of the student are ready to hear, then cometh the lips to fill them with
wisdom.” But their customary attitude has always been strictly in accordance with the other
Hermetic aphorism, also in The Kybalion: “The lips of Wisdom are closed, except to the ears
of Understanding.”
There are those who have criticised this attitude of the Hermetists, and who have claimed
that they did not manifest the proper spirit in their policy of seclusion and reticence. But a
moment's glance back over the pages of history will show the wisdom of the Masters, who
knew the folly of attempting to teach to the world that which it was neither ready or willing to
receive. The Hermetists have never sought to be martyrs, and have, instead, sat silently
aside with a pitying smile on their closed lips, while the “heathen raged noisily about them” in
their customary amusement of putting to death and torture the honest but misguided
enthusiasts who imagined that they could force upon a race of barbarians the truth capable
of being understood only by the elect who had advanced along The Path.
And the spirit of persecution has not as yet died out in the land. There are certain
Hermetic Teachings, which, if publicly promulgated, would bring down upon the teachers a
great cry of scorn and revilement from the multitude, who would again raise the cry of
“Crucify! Crucify.”
In this little work we have endeavored to give you an idea of the fundamental teachings of
The Kybalion, striving to give you the working Principles, leaving you to apply them
yourselves, rather than attempting to work out the teaching in detail. If you are a true
student, you will be able to work out and apply these Principles–if not, then you must
develop yourself into one, for otherwise the Hermetic Teachings will be as “words, words,
words” to you.
THE THREE INITIATES.
The Kybalion Page 6
CHAPTER I
THE HERMETIC PHILOSOPHY.
“The lips of wisdom are closed, except to the ears of Understanding.”–The Kybalion.
From old Egypt have come the fundamental esoteric and occult teachings which have so
strongly influenced the philosophies of all races, nations and peoples, for several thousand
years. Egypt, the home of the Pyramids and the Sphinx, was the birthplace of the Hidden
Wisdom and Mystic Teachings. From her Secret Doctrine all nations have borrowed. India,
Persia, Chaldea, Medea, China, Japan, Assyria, ancient Greece and Rome, and other
ancient countries partook liberally at the feast of knowledge which the Hierophants and
Masters of the Land of Isis so freely provided for those who came prepared to partake of the
great store of Mystic and Occult Lore which the master-minds of that ancient land had
gathered together.
In ancient Egypt dwelt the great Adepts and Masters who have never been surpassed,
and who seldom have been equaled, during the centuries that have taken their processional
flight since the days of the Great Hermes. In Egypt was located the Great Lodge of Lodges
of the Mystics. At the doors of her Temples entered the Neophytes who afterward, as
Hierophants, Adepts, and Masters, traveled to the four corners of the earth, carrying with
them the precious knowledge which they were ready, anxious, and willing to pass on to
those who were ready to receive the same. All students of the Occult recognize the debt that
they owe to these venerable Masters of that ancient land.
But among these great Masters of Ancient Egypt there once dwelt one of whom Masters
hailed as “The Master of Masters.” This man, if “man” indeed he was, dwelt in Egypt in the
earliest days. He was known as Hermes Trismegistus. He was the father of the Occult
Wisdom; the founder of Astrology; the discoverer of Alchemy. The details of his life story are
lost to history, owing to the lapse of the years, though several of the ancient countries
disputed with each other in their claims to the honor of having furnished his birthplace–and
this thousands of years ago. The date of his sojourn in Egypt, in that his last incarnation on
this planet, is not now known, but it has been fixed at the early days of the oldest dynasties
of Egypt–long before the days of Moses. The best authorities regard him as a contemporary
of Abraham, and some of the Jewish traditions go so far as to claim that Abraham acquired a
portion of his mystic knowledge from Hermes himself.
As the years rolled by after his passing from this plane of life (tradition recording that he
lived three hundred years in the flesh), the Egyptians deified Hermes, and made him one of
their gods, under the name of Thoth. Years after, the people of Ancient Greece also made
him one of their many gods–calling him “Hermes, the god of Wisdom.” The Egyptians
revered his memory for many centuries–yes, tens of centuries–.calling him “the Scribe of the
Gods,” and bestowing upon him, distinctively, his ancient title, “Trismegistus,” which means
''the thrice-great”; “the great-great”; “the greatest-great”; etc. In all the ancient lands, the
name of Hermes Trismegistus was revered, the name being synonymous with the “Fount of
Wisdom.”
Even to this day, we use the term “hermetic” in the sense of “secret”; “sealed so that
nothing can escape”; etc., and this by reason of the fact that the followers of Hermes always
observed the principle of secrecy in their teachings. They did not believe in “casting pearls
before swine,” but rather held to the teaching “milk for babes; meat for strong men,” both of
which maxims are familiar to readers of the Christian scriptures, but both of which had been
used by the Egyptians for centuries before the Christian era.
And this policy of careful dissemination of the truth has always characterized the
Hermetics, even unto the present day. The Hermetic Teachings are to be found in all lands,
among all religions, but never identified with any particular country, nor with any particular
religious sect. This because of the warning of the ancient teachers against allowing the
The Kybalion Page 7
Secret Doctrine to become crystallized into a creed. The wisdom of this caution is apparent
to all students of history. The ancient occultism of India and Persia degenerated, and was
largely lost, owing to the fact that the teachers became priests, and so mixed theology with
the philosophy, the result being that the occultism of India and Persia has been gradually
lost amidst the mass of religious superstition, cults, creeds and “gods.” So it was with
Ancient Greece and Rome. So it was with the Hermetic Teachings of the Gnostics and Early
Christians, which were lost at the time of Constantine, whose iron hand smothered
philosophy with the blanket of theology, losing to the Christian Church that which was its
very essence and spirit, and causing it to grope throughout several centuries before it found
the way back to its ancient faith, the indications apparent to all careful observers in this
Twentieth Century being that the Church is now struggling to get back to its ancient mystic
teachings.
But there were always a few faithful souls who kept alive the Flame, tending it carefully,
and not allowing its light to become extinguished. And thanks to these staunch hearts, and
fearless minds, we have the truth still with us. But it is not found in books, to any great
extent. It has been passed along from Master to Student; from Initiate to Hierophant; from lip
to ear. When it was written down at all, its meaning was veiled in terms of alchemy and
astrology, so that only those possessing the key could read it aright. This was made
necessary in order to avoid the persecutions of the theologians of the Middle Ages, who
fought the Secret Doctrine with fire and sword; stake, gibbet and cross. Even to this day
there will be found but few reliable books on the Hermetic Philosop
hy, although there are
countless references to it in many books written on various phases of Occultism. And yet,
the Hermetic Philosophy is the only Master Key which will open all the doors of the Occult
Teachings!
In the early days, there was a compilation of certain Basic Hermetic Doctrines, passed on
from teacher to student, which was known as “THE KYBALION,” the exact significance and
meaning of the term having been lost for several centuries. This teaching, however, is known
to many to whom it has descended, from mouth to ear, on and on throughout the centuries.
Its precepts have never been written down, or printed, so far as we know. It was merely a
collection of maxims, axioms, and precepts, which were non-understandable to outsiders,
but which were readily understood by students, after the axioms, maxims, and precepts had
been explained and exemplified by the Hermetic Initiates to their Neophytes. These
teachings really constituted the basic principles of “The Art of Hermetic Alchemy,” which,
contrary to the general belief, dealt in the mastery of Mental Forces, rather than Material
Elements–the Transmutation of one kind of Mental Vibrations into others. instead of the
changing of one kind of metal into another. The legends of the “Philosopher's Stone” which
would turn base metal into Gold, was an allegory relating to Hermetic Philosophy, readily
understood by all students of true Hermeticism.
In this little book, of which this is the First Lesson, we invite our students to examine into
the Hermetic Teachings, as set forth in THE KYBALION, and as explained by ourselves,
humble students of the Teachings, who, while bearing the title of Initiates, are still students
at the feet of HERMES, the Master. We herein give you many of the maxims, axioms and
precepts of THE KYBALION, accompanied by explanations and illustrations which we deem
likely to render the teachings more easily comprehended by the modern student, particularly
as the original text is purposely veiled in obscure terms.
The original maxims, axioms, and precepts of “THE KYBALIDN” are printed herein, in
quotation marks, the proper credit being given. Our own work is printed in the regular way, in
the body of the work. We trust that the many students to whom we now offer this little work
will derive as much benefit from the study of its pages as have the many who have gone on
before, treading the same Path to Mastery throughout the centuries that have passed since
the times of HERMES TRISMEGISTUS–the Master of Masters–the Great-Great. In the
words of “THE KYBALION”:
The Kybalion Page 8
“Where fall the footsteps of the Master, the ears of those ready for his Teaching open wide.”–The Kybalion.
“When the ears of the student are ready to hear, then cometh the lips to fill them with Wisdom.”–The
Kybalion.
So that according to the Teachings, the passage of this book to those ready for the
instruction will attract the attention of such as are prepared to receive the Teaching. And,
likewise, when the pupil is ready to receive the truth, then will this little book come to him, or
her. Such is The Law. The Hermetic Principle of Cause and Effect, in its aspect of The Law
of Attraction, will bring lips and ear together–pupil and book in company. So mote it be!
The Kybalion Page 9
CHAPTER II.
THE SEVEN 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 Seven Hermetic Principles, upon which the entire Hermetic Philosophy is based, are
as follows:
I. THE PRINCIPLE OF MENTALISM.
II. THE PRINCIPLE OF CORRESPONDENCE.
III. THE PRINCIPLE OF VIBRATION.
IV. THE PRINCIPLE OF POLARITY.
V. THE PRINCIPLE OF RHYTHM.
VI. THE PRINCIPLE OF CAUSE AND EFFECT.
VII. THE PRINCIPLE OF GENDER.
These Seven Principles will be discussed and explained as we proceed with these
lessons. A short explanation of each, however, may as well be given at this point.
I. THE PRINCIPLE OF MENTALISM.
“THE ALL is MIND; The Universe is Mental.”–The Kybalion.
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.” This Principle, by
establishing the Mental Nature of the Universe, easily explains all of the varied mental and
psychic phenomena that occupy such a large portion of the public attention, and which,
without such explanation, are non-understandable and defy scientific treatment. An
understanding of this great Hermetic Principle of Mentalism enables the individual to readily
grasp the laws of the Mental Universe, and to apply the same to his well-being and
advancement. The Hermetic Student is enabled to apply intelligently the great Mental Laws,
instead of using them in a haphazard manner. With the Master-Key in his possession, the
student may unlock the many doors of the mental and psychic temple of knowledge, and
enter the same freely and intelligently. This Principle explains the true nature of “Energy,”
“Power,” and “Matter,” and why and how all these are subordinate to the Mastery of Mind.
One of the old Hermetic Masters wrote, long ages ago: “He who grasps the truth of the
Mental Nature of the Universe is well advanced on The Path to Mastery.” And these words
are as true to-day as at the time they were first written. Without this Master-Key, Mastery is
impossible, and the student knocks in vain at the many doors of The Temple.
II. THE PRINCIPLE OF CORRESPONDENCE.
The Kybalion Page 10
“As above, so below; as below, so above.”–The Kybalion
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 ancient Hermetists considered this Principle as
one of the most important mental instruments by which man was able to pry aside the
obstacles which hid from view the Unknown. Its use even tore aside the Veil of Isis to the
extent that a glimpse of the face of the goddess might be caught. Just as a knowledge of the
Principles of Geometry enables man to measure distant suns and their movements, while
seated in his observatory, so a knowledge of the Principle of Correspondence enables Man
to reason intelligently from the Known to the Unknown. Studying the monad, he understands
the archangel.
III. THE PRINCIPLE OF VIBRATION.
“Nothing rests; everything moves; everything vibrates.”–The Kybalion.
This Principle embodies the truth that “everything is in motion”; “everything vibrates”;
“nothing is at rest”; facts which Modern Science endorses, and which e
ach 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. Between these poles,
there are millions upon millions of varying degrees of vibration. From corpuscle and electron,
atom and molecule, to worlds and universes, everything is in vibratory motion. This is also
true on the planes of energy and force (which are but varying degrees of vibration); and also
on the mental planes (whose states depend upon vibrations); and even on to the spiritual
planes. An understanding of this Principle, with the appropriate formulas, enables Hermetic
students to control their own mental vibrations as well as those of others. The Masters also
apply this Principle to the conquering of Natural phenomena, in various ways. “He who
understands the Principle of Vibration, has grasped the sceptre of power,” says one of the
old writers.
IV. 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.”–The Kybalion.
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 antithesis 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 halfThe
Kybalion Page 11
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 same Principle operates on the Mental Plane. Let us take a radical and extreme
example that of “Love and Hate,” two mental states apparently totally different. And yet there
are degrees of Hate and degrees of Love, and a middle point in which we use the terms
“Like or Dislike,” which shade into each other so gradually that sometimes we are at a loss to
know whether we “like” or “dislike” or “neither.” And all are simply degrees of the same thing,
as you will see if you will but think a moment. And, more than this (and considered of more
importance by the Hermetists), it is possible to change the vibrations of Hate to the
vibrations of Love, in one's own mind, and in the minds of others. Many of you, who read
these lines, have had personal experiences of the involuntary rapid transition from Love to
Hate, and the reverse, in your own case and that of others. And you will therefore realize the
possibility of this being accomplished by the use of the Will, by means of the Hermetic
formulas. “Good and Evil” are but the poles of the same thing, and the Hermetist
understands the art of transmuting Evil into Good, by means of an application of the
Principle of Polarity. In short, the “Art of Polarization” becomes a phase of “Mental Alchemy”
known and practiced by the ancient and modern Hermetic Masters. An understanding of the
Principle will enable one to change his own Polarity, as well as that of others, if he will
devote the time and study necessary to master the art.
V. 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.”–
The Kybalion.
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
The Kybalion Page 12
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. All individuals who have attained any degree of Self-Mastery do this to a certain
degree, more or less unconsciously, but the Master does this consciously, and by the use of
his Will, and attains a degree of Poise and Mental Firmness almost impossible of belief on
the part of the masses who are swung backward and forward like a pendulum. This Principle
and that of Polarity have been closely studied by the Hermetists, and the methods of
counteracting, neutralizing, and USING them form an important part of the Hermetic Mental
Alchemy.
VI.
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.”–The
Kybalion.
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.
VII. THE PRINCIPLE OF GENDER.
“Gender is in everything; everything has its Masculine and Feminine Principles; Gender manifests on all
planes.”–The Kybalion.
VII. 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. We caution you that
this Principle has no reference to the many base, pernicious and degrading lustful theories,
The Kybalion Page 13
teachings and practices, which are taught under fanciful titles, and which are a prostitution of
the great natural principle of Gender. Such base revivals of the ancient infamous forms of
Phallicism tend to ruin mind, body and soul, and the Hermetic Philosophy has ever sounded
the warning note against these degraded teachings which tend toward lust, licentiousness,
and perversion of Nature's principles. if you seek such teachings, you must go elsewhere for
them–Hermeticism contains nothing for you along these lines. To the pure, all things are
pure; to the base, all things are base.
The Kybalion Page 14
CHAPTER III.
MENTAL TRANSMUTATION.
“Mind (as well as metals and elements) may be transmuted, from state to state; degree to degree; condition
to condition; pole to pole; vibration to vibration. True Hermetic Transmutation is a Mental Art.”–The Kybalion.
As we have stated, the Hermetists were the original alchemists, astrologers, and
psychologists, Hermes having been the founder of these schools of thought. From astrology
bas grown modern astronomy; from alchemy has grown modern chemistry; from the mystic
psychology has grown the modern psychology of the schools. But it must not be supposed
that the ancients were ignorant of that which the modern schools suppose to be their
exclusive and special property. The records engraved on the stones of Ancient Egypt show
conclusively that the ancients had a full comprehensive knowledge of astronomy, the very
building of the Pyramids showing the connection between their design and the study of
astronomical science. Nor were they ignorant of Chemistry, for the fragments of the ancient
writings show that they were acquainted with the chemical properties of things; in fact, the
ancient theories regarding physics are being slowly verified by the latest discoveries of
modern science, notably those relating to the constitution of matter. Nor must it be supposed
that they were ignorant of the so-called modern discoveries in psychology–on the contrary,
the Egyptians were especially skilled in the science of Psychology, particularly in the
branches that the modern schools ignore, but which, nevertheless, are being uncovered
under the name of “psychic science” which is perplexing the psychologists of today, and
making them reluctantly admit that “there may be something in it after all.”
The truth is, that beneath the material chemistry, astronomy and psychology (that is, the
psychology in its phase of “brain-action”), the ancients possessed a knowledge of
transcendental astronomy, called astrology; of transcendental chemistry, called alchemy; of
transcendental psychology, called mystic psychology. They possessed the Inner Knowledge
as well as the Outer Knowledge, the latter alone being possessed by modern scientists.
Among the many secret branches of knowledge possessed by the Hermetists, was that
known as Mental Transmutation, which forms the subject matter of this lesson.
“Transmutation” is a term usually employed to designate the ancient art of the
transmutation of metals–particularly of the base metals into gold. The word “Transmute”
means “to change from one nature, form, or substance, into another; to transform”
(Webster). And accordingly, “Mental Transmutation” means the art of changing and
transforming mental states, forms, and conditions, into others. So you may see that Mental
Transmutation is the “Art of Mental Chemistry,” if you like the term–a form of practical Mystic
Psychology.
But this means far more than appears on the surface. Transmutation, Alchemy, or
Chemistry, on the Mental Plane is important enough in its effects, to be sure, and if the art
stopped there it would still be one of the most important branches of study known to man.
But this is only the beginning. Let us see why!
The first of the Seven Hermetic Principles is the Principle of Mentalism, the axiom of
which is “THE ALL is Mind; the Universe is Mental,” which means that the Underlying Reality
of the Universe is Mind; and the Universe itself is Mental–that is, “existing in the Mind of THE
ALL.” We shall consider this Principle in succeeding lessons, but let us see the effect of the
principle if it be assumed to be true.
If the Universal is Mental in its nature, then Mental Transmutation must be the art of
CHANGING THE CONDITIONS OF THE UNIVERSE, along the lines of Matter, Force and
Mind. So you see, therefore, that Mental Transmutation is really the “Magic” of which the
ancient writers had so much to say in their mystical works, and about which they gave so
few practical instructions. If All be Mental, then the art which enables one to transmute
mental conditions must render the Master the controller of material conditions as well as
The Kybalion Page 15
those ordinarily called “mental.”
As a matter of fact, none but advanced Mental Alchem
ists have been able to attain the
degree of power necessary to control the grosser physical conditions, such as the control of
the elements of Nature; the production or cessation of tempests; the production and
cessation of earthquakes and other great physical phenomena. But that such men have
existed, and do exist to-day, is a matter of earnest belief to all advanced occultists of all
schools. That the Masters exist, and have these powers, the best teachers assure their
students, having had experiences which justify them in such belief and statements. These
Masters do not make public exhibitions of their powers, but seek seclusion from the crowds
of men, in order to better work their way along the Path of Attainment. We mention their
existence, at this point, merely to call your attention to the fact that their power is entirely
Mental, and operates along the lines of the higher Mental Transmutation, under the Hermetic
Principle of Mentalism. “The Universe is Mental”–The Kybalion.
But students and Hermetists of lesser degree than Masters–the Initiates and Teachers–
are able to freely work along the Mental Plane, in Mental Transmutation. In fact all that we
call “psychic phenomena”; “mental influence”; “mental science”; “new-thought phenomena,”
etc., operates along the same general lines, for there is but one principle involved, no matter
by what name the phenomena be called.
The student and practitioner of Mental Transmutation works among the Mental Plane,
transmuting mental conditions, states, etc., into others, according to various formulas, more
or less efficacious. The various “treatments,” “affirmations,” “denials,” etc., of the schools of
mental science are but formulas, often quite imperfect and unscientific, of The Hermetic Art.
The majority of modern practitioners are quite ignorant compared to the ancient masters, for
they lack the fundamental knowledge upon which the work is based.
Not only may the mental states, etc., of one's self be changed or transmuted by Hermetic
Methods; but also the states of others may be, and are, constantly transmuted in the same
way, usually unconsciously, but often consciously by some understanding the laws and
principles, in cases where the people affected are not informed of the principles of selfprotection.
And more than this, as many students and practitioners of modern mental
science know, every material condition depending upon the minds of other people may be
changed or transmuted in accordance with the earnest desire, will, and “treatments” of
person desiring changed conditions of life. The public are so generally informed regarding
these things at present, that we do not deem it necessary to mention the same at length, our
purpose at this point being merely to show the Hermetic Principle and Art underlying all of
these various forms of practice, good and evil, for the force can be used in opposite
directions according to the Hermetic Principles of Polarity.
In this little book we shall state the basic principles of Mental Transmutation, that all who
read may grasp the Underlying Principles, and thus possess the Master-Key that will unlock
the many doors of the Principle of Polarity.
We shall now proceed to a consideration of the first of the Hermetic Seven Principles–the
Principle of Mentalism, in which is explained the truth that “THE ALL is Mind; the Universe is
Mental,” in the words of The Kybalion. We ask the close attention, and careful study of this
great Principle, on the part of our students, for it is really the Basic Principle of the whole
Hermetic Philosophy, and of the Hermetic Art of Mental Transmutation.
The Kybalion Page 16
CHAPTER IV.
THE ALL.
“Under, and back of, the Universe of Time, Space and Change, is ever to be found The Substantial Reality–
the Fundamental Truth.”–The Kybalion.
“Substance” means: “that which underlies all outward manifestations; the essence; the
essential reality; the thing in itself,” etc. “Substantial” means: “actually existing; being the
essential element; being real,” etc. “Reality” means: “the state of being real; true, enduring;
valid; fixed; permanent; actual,” etc.
Under and behind all outward appearances or manifestations, there must always be a
Substantial Reality. This is the Law. Man considering the Universe, of which he is a unit,
sees nothing but change in matter, forces, and mental states. He sees that nothing really IS,
but that everything is BECOMING and CHANGING. Nothing stands still–everything is being
born, growing, dying–the very instant a thing reaches its height, it begins to decline–the law
of rhythm is in constant operation–there is no reality, enduring quality, fixity, or substantiality
in anything–nothing is permanent but Change. He sees all things evolving from other things,
and resolving into other things–a constant action and reaction; inflow and outflow; building
up and tearing down; creation and destruction; birth, growth and death. Nothing endures but
Change. And if he be a thinking man, he realizes that all of these changing things must be
but outward appearances or manifestations of some Underlying Power–some substantial
Reality.
All thinkers, in all lands and in all times, have assumed the necessity for postulating the
existence of this Substantial Reality. All philosophies worthy of the name have been based
upon this thought. Men have given to this Substantial Reality many names–some have
called it by the term of Deity (under many titles); others have called it “The Infinite and
Eternal Energy”; others have tried to call it “Matter”–but all have acknowledged its existence.
It is self-evident–it needs no argument.
In these lessons we have followed the example of some of the world's greatest thinkers,
both ancient and modern–the Hermetic Masters–and have called this Underlying Power–this
Substantial Reality by the Hermetic name of “THE ALL,” which term we consider the most
comprehensive of the many terms applied by Man to THAT which transcends names and
terms.
We accept and teach the view of the great Hermetic thinkers of all times, as well as of
those illumined souls who have reached higher planes of being, both of whom assert that the
inner nature of THE ALL is UNKNOWABLE. This must be so, for naught by THE ALL itself
can comprehend its own nature and being.
The Hermetists believe and teach that THE ALL, “in itself,” is and must ever be
UNKNOWABLE. They regard all the theories, guesses and speculations of the theologians
and metaphysicians regarding the inner nature of THE ALL, as but the childish efforts of
mortal minds to grasp the secret of the Infinite. Such efforts have always failed and will
always fail, from the very nature of the task. One pursuing such inquiries travels around and
around in the labyrinth of thought, until he is lost to all sane reasoning, action or conduct,
and is utterly unfitted for the work of life. He is like the squirrel which frantically runs around
and around the circling treadmill wheel of his cage, travelling ever and yet reaching
nowhere–at the end a prisoner still, and standing just where he started.
And still more presumptuous are those who attempt to ascribe to THE ALL the
personality, qualities, properties, characteristics and attributes of themselves, ascribing to
THE ALL the human emotions, feelings, and characteristics, even down to the pettiest
qualities or mankind, such as jealousy, susceptibility to flattery and praise, desire for
offerings and worship, and all the other survivals from the days of the childhood of the race.
Such ideas are not worthy of grown men and women, and are rapidly being discarded.
The Kybalion Page 17
(At this point, it may be proper for me to state that we make a distinction between
Religion and Theology–between Philosophy an
d Metaphysics. Religion, to us, means that
intuitional realization of the existence of THE ALL, and one's relationship to it; while
Theology means the attempts of men to ascribe personality, qualities, and characteristics to
it; their theories regarding its affairs, will, desires, plans, and designs; and their assumption
of the office of “middle-men” between THE ALL and the people. Philosophy, to us, means
the inquiry after knowledge of things knowable and thinkable; while Metaphysics means the
attempt to carry the inquiry over and beyond the boundaries and into regions unknowable
and unthinkable, and with the same tendency as that of Theology. And consequently, both
Religion and Philosophy mean to us things having roots in Reality, while Theology and
Metaphysics seem like broken reeds, rooted in the quicksands of ignorance, and affording
naught but the most insecure support for the mind or soul of Man. We do not insist upon our
students accepting these definitions–we mention them merely to show our position. At any
rate, you shall hear very little about Theology and Metaphysics in these lessons.)
But while the essential nature of THE ALL is Unknowable, there are certain truths
connected with its existence which the human mind finds itself compelled to accept. And in
examination of these reports form a proper subject of inquiry, particularly as they agree with
the reports of the Illumined on higher planes. And to this inquiry we now invite you.
“THAT which is the Fundamental Truth–the Substantial Reality–is beyond true naming, but the Wise Men call
it THE ALL. “–The Kybalion.
“In its Essence, THE ALL is UNKNOWABLE.”–The Kybalion.
“But, the report of Reason must be hospitably received, and treated with respect.”–The Kybalion.
The human reason, whose reports we must accept so long as we think at all, informs us
as follows regarding THE ALL, and that without attempting to remove the veil of the
Unknowable:
1. THE ALL must be ALL that REALLY IS. There can be nothing existing outside of THE
ALL, else THE ALL would not be THE ALL.
2. THE ALL must be INFINITE, for is nothing else to define, confine, bound, limit or
restrict THE ALL It must be Infinite in Time, or ETERNAL,–it must have always continuously
existed, for there is nothing else to have ever created it, and something can never evolve
from nothing, and if it had ever “not been,” even for a moment, it would not “be” now,–it must
continuously exist forever, for there is nothing to destroy it, and it can never “not-be,” even
for a moment, because something can never become nothing. It must be Infinite in Space–it
must be Everywhere, for there is no place outside of THE ALL–it cannot be otherwise than
continuous in Space, without break, cessation, separation, or interruption, for there is
nothing to break, separate, or interrupt its continuity, and nothing with which to “fill in the
gaps.” It must be Infinite in Power, or Absolute, for there is nothing to limit, restrict, restrain,
confine, disturb or condition it–it is subject to no other Power, for there is no other Power.
3. THE ALL must be IMMUTABLE, or not subject to change in its real nature, for there is
nothing to work changes upon it; nothing into which it could change, nor from which it could
have changed. It cannot be added to nor subtracted from; increased nor diminished; nor
become greater or lesser in any respect whatsoever. It must have always been, and must
always remain, just what it is now–THE ALL–there has never been, is not now, and never
will be, anything else into which it can change.
THE ALL being Infinite, Absolute, Eternal and Unchangeable it must follow that anything
finite, changeable, fleeting, and conditioned cannot be THE ALL. And as there is Nothing
outside of THE ALL, in Reality, then any and all such finite things must be as Nothing in
Reality. Now do not become befogged, nor frightened–we are not trying to lead you into the
Christian Science field under cover of Hermetic Philosophy. There is a Reconciliation of this
apparently contradictory state of affairs. Be patient, we will reach it in time.
We see around us that which is called “Matter,” which forms the physical foundation for all
The Kybalion Page 18
forms. Is THE ALL merely Matter? Not at all! Matter cannot manifest Life or Mind, and as Life
and Mind are manifested in the Universe, THE ALL cannot be Matter, for nothing rises
higher than its own source–nothing is ever manifested in an effect that is not in the cause–
nothing is evolved as a consequent that is not involved as an antecedent. And then Modern
Science informs us that there is really no such thing as Matter–that what we call Matter is
merely “interrupted energy or force,” that is, energy or force at a low rate of vibration. As a
recent writer has said “Matter has melted into Mystery.” Even Material Science has
abandoned the theory of Matter, and now rests on the basis of “Energy.”
Then is THE ALL mere Energy or Force? Not Energy or Force as the materialists use the
terms, for their energy and force are blind, mechanical things, devoid of Life or Mind. Life
and Mind can never evolve from blind Energy or Force, for the reason given a moment ago:
“Nothing can rise higher than its source–nothing is evolved unless it is involved–nothing
manifests in the effect, unless it is in the cause.” And so THE ALL cannot be mere Energy or
Force, for, if it were, then there would be no such things as Life and Mind in existence, and
we know better than that, for we are Alive and using Mind to consider this very question, and
so are those who claim that Energy or Force is Everything.
What is there then higher than Matter or Energy that we know to be existent in the
Universe? LIFE AND MIND! Life and Mind in all their varying degrees of unfoldment! “Then,”
you ask, “do you mean to tell us that THE ALL is LIFE and MIND?” Yes! and No! is our
answer. If you mean Life and Mind as we poor petty mortals know them, we say No! THE
ALL is not that! “But what kind of Life and Mind do you mean?” you ask.
The answer is “LIVING MIND, as far above that which mortals know by those words, as
Life and Mind are higher than mechanical forces, or matter–INFINITE LIVING MIND as
compared to finite Life and Mind.” We mean that which the illumined souls mean when they
reverently pronounce the word: “SPIRIT!”
“THE ALL” is Infinite Living Mind–the Illumined call it SPIRIT!
The Kybalion Page 19
CHAPTER V.
THE MENTAL UNIVERSE.
“The Universe is Mental–held in the Mind of THE ALL.”–The Kybalion.
THE ALL is SPIRIT! But what is Spirit? This question cannot be answered, for the reason
that its definition is practically that of THE ALL, which cannot be explained or defined. Spirit
is simply a name that men give to the highest conception of Infinite Living Mind–it means
“the Real Essence”–it means Living Mind, as much superior to Life and Mind as we know
them, as the latter are superior to mechanical Energy and Matter. Spirit transcends our
understanding, and we use the term merely that we may think or speak of THE ALL. For the
purposes of thought and understanding, we are justified in thinking of Spirit as Infinite Living
Mind, at the same time acknowledging that we cannot fully understand it. We must either do
this or stop thinking of the matter at all.
Let us now proceed to a consideration of the nature of the Universe, as a whole and in its
parts. What is the Universe? We have seen that there can be nothing outside of THE ALL.
Then is the Universe THE ALL? No, this cannot be, because the Universe seems to be
made up of MANY, and is constantly changing, and in other ways it does not measure up to
the ideas that we are compelled to accept regarding THE ALL, as stated in our last lesson.
Then if the Universe be not THE ALL, then it must be Nothing–such is the inevitable
conclusion of the mind at first thought. But this will not satisfy the question, for we are
sensible of the existence of the Universe. Then if the Universe is neither THE ALL, nor
Nothing, what can it be! Let us examine this question.
If the Universe exists at all, or seems to exist, it must proceed in some way from THE
ALL–It must be a creation of THE ALL. But as something can never come from nothing, from
what could THE ALL have created it? Some philosophers have answered this question by
saying that THE ALL created the Universe from ITSELF–that is, from the being and
substance of THE ALL. But this will not do, for THE ALL cannot be subtracted from, nor
divided, as we have seen, and then again if this be so, would not each particle in the
Universe be aware of its being THE ALL -THE ALL could not lose its knowledge of itself, nor
actually BECOME an atom, or blind force, or lowly living thing. Some men, indeed, realizing
that THE ALL is indeed ALL, and also recognizing that they, the men, existed, have jumped
to the conclusion that they and THE ALL were identical, and they have filled the air with
shouts of “I AM GOD,” to the amusement of the multitude and the sorrow of sages. The
claim of the corpuscle that: “I am Man!” would be modest in comparison.
But, what indeed is the Universe, if it be not THE ALL, not yet created by THE ALL having
separated itself into fragments? What else can it be–of what else can it be made? This is the
great question. Let us examine it carefully. We find here that the “Principle of
Correspondence” (see Lesson I.) comes to our aid here. The old Hermetic axiom, “As above
so below,” may be pressed into service at this point. Let us endeavor to get a glimpse of the
workings on higher planes by examining those on our own. The Principle of Correspondence
must apply to this as well as to other problems.
Let us see! On his own plane of being, how does Man create? Well, first, he may create
by making something out of outside materials. But this will not do, for there are no materials
outside of THE ALL with which it may create. Well, then, secondly, Man pro-creates or
reproduces his kind by the process of begetting, which is self-multiplication accomplished by
transferring a portion of his substance to his offspring. But this will not do, because THE ALL
cannot transfer or subtract a portion of itself, nor can it reproduce or multiply itself–in the first
place there would be a taking away, and in the second case a multiplication or addition to
THE ALL, both thoughts being an absurdity. Is there no third way in which MAN creates!
Yes, there is–he CREATES MENTALLY! And in so doing he uses no outside materials, nor
does he reproduce himself, and yet his Spirit pervades the Mental Creation.
The Kybalion Page 20
Following the Principle of Correspondence, we are justified in considering that THE ALL
creates the Universe MENTALLY, in a manner akin to the process whereby Man creates
Mental Images. And, here is where the report of Reason tallies precisely with the report of
the Illumined, as shown by their teachings and writings. Such are the teachings of the Wise
Men. Such was the Teaching of Hermes.
THE ALL can create in no other way except mentally, without either using material (and
there is none to use), or else reproducing itself (which is also impossible). There is no
escape from this conclusion of the Reason, which, as we have said, agrees with the highest
teachings of the Illumined. Just as you, student, may create a Universe of your own in your
mentality, so does THE ALL create Universes in its own Mentality. But your Universe is the
mental creation of a Finite Mind, whereas that of THE ALL is the creation of an Infinite. The
two are similar in kind, but infinitely different in degree. We shall examine more closely into
the process of creation and manifestation, as we proceed. But this is the point to fix in your
minds at this stage: THE UNIVERSE, AND ALL IT CONTAINS, IS A MENTAL CREATION
OF THE ALL. Verily, indeed, ALL IS MIND!
“THE ALL creates in its Infinite Mind countless Universes, which exist for aeons of Time–and yet, to THE ALL,
the creation, development, decline and death of a million Universes is as the time of the twinkling of an eye.”–The
Kybalion.'
“The Infinite Mind -of THE ALL is the womb of Universes.”–The Kybalion.
The Principle of Gender (see Lesson I. and other lessons to follow) is manifested on all
planes of life, material, mental and spiritual. But, as we have said before, “Gender” does not
mean “Sex”–sex is merely a material manifestation of gender. “Gender” means “relating to
generation or creation.” And wherever anything is generated or created, on any plane, the
Principle of Gender must be manifested. And this is true even in the creation of Universes.
Now do not jump to the conclusion that we are teaching that there is a male and female
God, or Creator. That idea is merely a distortion of the ancient teachings on the subject. The
true teaching is that THE ALL, in itself, is above Gender, as it is above every other Law,
including those of Time and Space. It is the Law, from which the Laws proceed, and it is not
subject to them. But when THE ALL manifests on the plane of generation or creation, then it
acts according to Law and Principle, for it is moving on a lower plane of Being. And
consequently it manifests the Principle of Gender, in its Masculine and Feminine aspects, on
the Mental Plane, of course.
This idea may seem startling to some of you who hear it for the first time, but you have all
really passively accepted it in your everyday conceptions. You speak of the Fatherhood of
God, and the Motherhood of Nature–of God, the Divine Father, and Nature the Universal
Mother–and have thus instinctively acknowledged the Principle of Gender in the Universe. Is
this not sol
But, the Hermetic teaching does not imply a real duality–THE ALL is ONE–the Two
Aspects are merely aspects of manifestation. The teaching is that The Masculine Principle
manifested by THE ALL stands, in a way, apart from the actual mental creation of the
Universe. It projects its Will toward the Feminine Principle (which may be called “Nature”)
whereupon the latter begins the actual work of the evolution of the Universe, from simple
“centres of activity” on to man, and then on and on still higher, all according to wellestablished
and firmly enforced Laws of Nature. If you prefer the old figures of thought, you
may think of the Masculine Principle as GOD, the Father, and of the Feminine Principle as
NATURE, the Universal Mother, from whose womb all things have been born. This is more
than a mere poetic figure of speech–it is an idea of the actual process of the creation of the
Universe. But always remember, that THE ALL is but One, and that in its Infinite Mind the
Universe is generated, created and exists.
It may help you to get the proper idea, if you will apply the Law of Correspondence to
yourself, and your own mind. You know that the part of You which you call “I,” in a sense,
The Kybalion Page 21
stands apart and witnesses the creation of Mental Images in your own mind. The part of your
mind in which the mental generation is accomplished may be called the “Me” in distinction
from the “I” which stands apart and witnesses and examines the thoughts, ideas and images
of the “Me.” “As above, so below,” remember, and the phenomena of one plane may be
employed to solve the riddles of higher or lower planes.
Is it any wonder that You, the child, feel that instinctive reverence for THE ALL, which
feeling we call “religion”–that respect, and reverence for THE FATHER MIND? Is it any
wonder that, when you consider the works and wonders of Nat
ure, you are overcome with a
mighty feeling which has its roots away down in your inmost being? It is the MOTHER MIND
that you are pressing close up to, like a babe to the breast.
Do not make the mistake of supposing that the little world you see around you–the Earth,
which is a mere grain of dust in the Universe–is the Universe itself. There are millions upon
millions of such worlds, and greater. And there are millions of millions of such Universes in
existence within the Infinite Mind of THE ALL. And even in our own little solar system there
are regions and planes of life far higher than ours, and beings compared to which we earthbound
mortals are as the slimy life-forms that dwell on the ocean's bed when compared to
Man. There are beings with powers and attributes higher than Man has ever dreamed of the
gods' possessing. And yet these beings were once as you, and still lower–and you willCHAPTER V.
THE MENTAL UNIVERSE.
“The Universe is Mental–held in the Mind of THE ALL.”–The Kybalion.
THE ALL is SPIRIT! But what is Spirit? This question cannot be answered, for the reason
that its definition is practically that of THE ALL, which cannot be explained or defined. Spirit
is simply a name that men give to the highest conception of Infinite Living Mind–it means
“the Real Essence”–it means Living Mind, as much superior to Life and Mind as we know
them, as the latter are superior to mechanical Energy and Matter. Spirit transcends our
understanding, and we use the term merely that we may think or speak of THE ALL. For the
purposes of thought and understanding, we are justified in thinking of Spirit as Infinite Living
Mind, at the same time acknowledging that we cannot fully understand it. We must either do
this or stop thinking of the matter at all.
Let us now proceed to a consideration of the nature of the Universe, as a whole and in its
parts. What is the Universe? We have seen that there can be nothing outside of THE ALL.
Then is the Universe THE ALL? No, this cannot be, because the Universe seems to be
made up of MANY, and is constantly changing, and in other ways it does not measure up to
the ideas that we are compelled to accept regarding THE ALL, as stated in our last lesson.
Then if the Universe be not THE ALL, then it must be Nothing–such is the inevitable
conclusion of the mind at first thought. But this will not satisfy the question, for we are
sensible of the existence of the Universe. Then if the Universe is neither THE ALL, nor
Nothing, what can it be! Let us examine this question.
If the Universe exists at all, or seems to exist, it must proceed in some way from THE
ALL–It must be a creation of THE ALL. But as something can never come from nothing, from
what could THE ALL have created it? Some philosophers have answered this question by
saying that THE ALL created the Universe from ITSELF–that is, from the being and
substance of THE ALL. But this will not do, for THE ALL cannot be subtracted from, nor
divided, as we have seen, and then again if this be so, would not each particle in the
Universe be aware of its being THE ALL -THE ALL could not lose its knowledge of itself, nor
actually BECOME an atom, or blind force, or lowly living thing. Some men, indeed, realizing
that THE ALL is indeed ALL, and also recognizing that they, the men, existed, have jumped
to the conclusion that they and THE ALL were identical, and they have filled the air with
shouts of “I AM GOD,” to the amusement of the multitude and the sorrow of sages. The
claim of the corpuscle that: “I am Man!” would be modest in comparison.
But, what indeed is the Universe, if it be not THE ALL, not yet created by THE ALL having
separated itself into fragments? What else can it be–of what else can it be made? This is the
great question. Let us examine it carefully. We find here that the “Principle of
Correspondence” (see Lesson I.) comes to our aid here. The old Hermetic axiom, “As above
so below,” may be pressed into service at this point. Let us endeavor to get a glimpse of the
workings on higher planes by examining those on our own. The Principle of Correspondence
must apply to this as well as to other problems.
Let us see! On his own plane of being, how does Man create? Well, first, he may create
by making something out of outside materials. But this will not do, for there are no materials
outside of THE ALL with which it may create. Well, then, secondly, Man pro-creates or
reproduces his kind by the process of begetting, which is self-multiplication accomplished by
transferring a portion of his substance to his offspring. But this will not do, because THE ALL
cannot transfer or subtract a portion of itself, nor can it reproduce or multiply itself–in the first
place there would be a taking away, and in the second case a multiplication or addition to
THE ALL, both thoughts being an absurdity. Is there no third way in which MAN creates!
Yes, there is–he CREATES MENTALLY! And in so doing he uses no outside materials, nor
does he reproduce himself, and yet his Spirit pervades the Mental Creation.
The Kybalion Page 20
Following the Principle of Correspondence, we are justified in considering that THE ALL
creates the Universe MENTALLY, in a manner akin to the process whereby Man creates
Mental Images. And, here is where the report of Reason tallies precisely with the report of
the Illumined, as shown by their teachings and writings. Such are the teachings of the Wise
Men. Such was the Teaching of Hermes.
THE ALL can create in no other way except mentally, without either using material (and
there is none to use), or else reproducing itself (which is also impossible). There is no
escape from this conclusion of the Reason, which, as we have said, agrees with the highest
teachings of the Illumined. Just as you, student, may create a Universe of your own in your
mentality, so does THE ALL create Universes in its own Mentality. But your Universe is the
mental creation of a Finite Mind, whereas that of THE ALL is the creation of an Infinite. The
two are similar in kind, but infinitely different in degree. We shall examine more closely into
the process of creation and manifestation, as we proceed. But this is the point to fix in your
minds at this stage: THE UNIVERSE, AND ALL IT CONTAINS, IS A MENTAL CREATION
OF THE ALL. Verily, indeed, ALL IS MIND!
“THE ALL creates in its Infinite Mind countless Universes, which exist for aeons of Time–and yet, to THE ALL,
the creation, development, decline and death of a million Universes is as the time of the twinkling of an eye.”–The
Kybalion.'
“The Infinite Mind -of THE ALL is the womb of Universes.”–The Kybalion.
The Principle of Gender (see Lesson I. and other lessons to follow) is manifested on all
planes of life, material, mental and spiritual. But, as we have said before, “Gender” does not
mean “Sex”–sex is merely a material manifestation of gender. “Gender” means “relating to
generation or creation.” And wherever anything is generated or created, on any plane, the
Principle of Gender must be manifested. And this is true even in the creation of Universes.
Now do not jump to the conclusion that we are teaching that there is a male and female
God, or Creator. That idea is merely a distortion of the ancient teachings on the subject. The
true teaching is that THE ALL, in itself, is above Gender, as it is above every other Law,
including those of Time and Space. It is the Law, from which the Laws proceed, and it is not
subject to them. But when THE ALL manifests on the plane of generation or creation, then it
acts according to Law and Principle, for it is moving on a lower plane of Being. And
consequently it manifests the Principle of Gender, in its Masculine and Feminine aspects, on
the Mental Plane, of course.
This idea may seem startling to some of you who hear it for the first time, but you have all
really passively accepted it in your everyday conceptions. You speak of the Fatherhood of
God, and the Motherhood of Nature–of God, the Divine Father, and Nature the Universal
Mother–and have thus instinctively acknowledged the Principle of Gender in the Universe. Is
this not sol
But, the Hermetic teaching does not imply a real duality–THE ALL is ONE–the Two
Aspects are merely aspects of manifestation. The teaching is that The Masculine Principle
manifested by THE ALL stands, in a way, apart from the actual mental creation of the
Universe. It projects its Will toward the Feminine Principle (which may be called “Nature”)
whereupon the latter begins the actual work of the evolution of the Universe, from simple
“centres of activity” on to man, and then on and on still higher, all accord
ing to wellestablished
and firmly enforced Laws of Nature. If you prefer the old figures of thought, you
may think of the Masculine Principle as GOD, the Father, and of the Feminine Principle as
NATURE, the Universal Mother, from whose womb all things have been born. This is more
than a mere poetic figure of speech–it is an idea of the actual process of the creation of the
Universe. But always remember, that THE ALL is but One, and that in its Infinite Mind the
Universe is generated, created and exists.
It may help you to get the proper idea, if you will apply the Law of Correspondence to
yourself, and your own mind. You know that the part of You which you call “I,” in a sense,
The Kybalion Page 21
stands apart and witnesses the creation of Mental Images in your own mind. The part of your
mind in which the mental generation is accomplished may be called the “Me” in distinction
from the “I” which stands apart and witnesses and examines the thoughts, ideas and images
of the “Me.” “As above, so below,” remember, and the phenomena of one plane may be
employed to solve the riddles of higher or lower planes.
Is it any wonder that You, the child, feel that instinctive reverence for THE ALL, which
feeling we call “religion”–that respect, and reverence for THE FATHER MIND? Is it any
wonder that, when you consider the works and wonders of Nature, you are overcome with a
mighty feeling which has its roots away down in your inmost being? It is the MOTHER MIND
that you are pressing close up to, like a babe to the breast.
Do not make the mistake of supposing that the little world you see around you–the Earth,
which is a mere grain of dust in the Universe–is the Universe itself. There are millions upon
millions of such worlds, and greater. And there are millions of millions of such Universes in
existence within the Infinite Mind of THE ALL. And even in our own little solar system there
are regions and planes of life far higher than ours, and beings compared to which we earthbound
mortals are as the slimy life-forms that dwell on the ocean's bed when compared to
Man. There are beings with powers and attributes higher than Man has ever dreamed of the
gods' possessing. And yet these beings were once as you, and still lower–and you will be
even as they, and still higher, in time, for such is the Destiny of Man as reported by the
Illumined.
And Death is not real, even in the Relative sense–it is but Birth to a new life–and You
shall go on, and on, and on, to higher and still higher planes of life, for aeons upon aeons of
time. The Universe is your home, and you shall explore its farthest recesses before the end
of Time. You are dwelling in the Infinite Mind of THE ALL, and your possibilities and
opportunities are infinite, both in time and space. And at the end of the Grand Cycle of
Aeons, when THE ALL shall draw back into itself all of its creations–you will go gladly, for
you will then be able to know the Whole Truth of being At One with THE ALL. Such is the
report of the Illumined–those who have advanced well along The Path.
And, in the meantime, rest calm and, serene–you are safe and protected by the Infinite
Power of the FATHER-MOTHER MIND.
“Within the Father-Mother Mind, mortal children are at home.”–The Kybalion.
“There is not one who is Fatherless, nor Motherless in the Universe”–The Kybalion.
The Kybalion Page 22
CHAPTER VI.
THE DIVINE PARADOX.
“The half-wise, recognizing the comparative unreality of the Universe, imagine that they may defy its Laws–
such are vain and presumptuous fools, and they are broken against the rocks and torn asunder by the elements
by reason of their folly. The truly wise, knowing the nature of the Universe, use Law against laws; the higher
against the lower; and by the Art of Alchemy transmute that which is undesirable into that which is worthy, and
thus triumph. Mastery consists not in abnormal dreams, visions and fantastic imaginings or living, but in using the
higher forces against the lower–escaping the pains of the lower planes by vibrating on the higher. Transmutation,
not presumptuous denial, is the weapon of the Master.”–The Kybalion.
This is the Paradox of the Universe, resulting from the Principle of Polarity which
manifests when THE ALL begins to Create–hearken to it for it points the difference between
half-wisdom and wisdom. While to THE INFINITE ALL, the Universe, its Laws, its Powers, its
Life, its Phenomena, are as things witnessed in the state of Meditation or Dream; yet to all
that is Finite, the Universe must be treated as Real, and life, and action, and thought, must
be based thereupon, accordingly, although with an ever understanding of the Higher Truth.
Each according to its own Plane and Laws. Were THE ALL to imagine that the Universe
were indeed Reality, then woe to the Universe, for there would be then no escape from lower
to higher, divineward–then would the Universe become a fixity and progress would become
impossible. And if Man, owing to half-wisdom, acts and lives and thinks of the Universe as
merely a dream (akin to his own finite dreams) then indeed does it so become for him, and
like a sleep-walker he stumbles ever around and around in a circle, making no progress, and
being forced into an awakening at last by his falling bruised and bleeding over the Natural
Laws which he ignored. Keep your mind ever on the Star, but let your eyes watch over your
footsteps, lest you fall into the mire by reason of your upward gaze. Remember the Divine
Paradox, that while the Universe IS NOT, still IT IS. Remember ever the Two Poles of Truth–
the Absolute and the Relative. Beware of Half-Truths.
What Hermetists know as “the Law of Paradox” is an aspect of the Principle of Polarity.
The Hermetic writings are filled with references to the appearance of the Paradox in the
consideration of the problems of Life and Being. The Teachers are constantly warning their
students against the error of omitting the “other side” of any question. And their warnings are
particularly directed to the problems of the Absolute and the Relative, which perplex all
students of philosophy, and which cause so many to think and act contrary to what is
generally known as “common sense.” And we caution all students to be sure to grasp the
Divine Paradox of the Absolute and Relative, lest they become entangled in the mire of the
Half-Truth. With this in view this particular lesson has been written. Read it carefully!
The first thought that comes to the thinking man after he realizes the truth that the
Universe is a Mental Creation of THE ALL, is that the Universe and all that it contains is a
mere illusion; an unreality; against which idea his instincts revolt. But this, like all other great
truths, must be considered both from the Absolute and the Relative points of view. From the
Absolute viewpoint, of course, the Universe is in the nature of an illusion, a dream, a
phantasmagoria, as compared to THE ALL in itself. We recognize this even in our ordinary
view, for we speak of the world as “a fleeting show” that comes and goes, is born and dies–
for the element of impermanence and change, finiteness and unsubstantiality, must ever be
connected with the idea of a created Universe when it is contrasted with the idea of THE
ALL, no matter what may be our beliefs concerning the nature of both. Philosopher,
metaphysician, scientist and theologian all agree upon this idea, and the thought is found in
all forms of philosophical thought and religious conceptions, as well as in the theories of the
respective schools of metaphysics and theology.
So, the Hermetic Teachings do not preach the unsubstantiality of the Universe in any
stronger terms than those more familiar to you, although their presentation of the subject
may seem somewhat more startling. Anything that has a
beginning and an ending must be,
The Kybalion Page 23
in a sense, unreal and untrue, and the Universe comes under the rule, in all schools of
thought. From the Absolute point of view, there is nothing Real except THE ALL, no matter
what terms we may use in thinking of, or discussing the subject. Whether the Universe be
created of Matter, or whether it be a Mental Creation in the Mind of THE ALL–it is
unsubstantial, non-enduring, a thing of time, space and change. We want you to realize this
fact thoroughly, before you pass judgment on the Hermetic conception of the Mental nature
of the Universe. Think over any and all of the other conceptions, and see whether this be not
true of them.
But the Absolute point of view shows merely one side of the picture–the other side is the
Relative one. Absolute Truth has been defined as “Things as the mind of God knows them,”
while Relative Truth is “Things as the highest reason of Man understands them.” And so
while to THE ALL the Universe must be unreal and illusionary, a mere dream or result of
meditation–nevertheless, to the finite minds forming a part of that Universe, and viewing it
through mortal faculties, the Universe is very real indeed, and must be so considered. In
recognizing the Absolute view, we must not make the mistake of ignoring or denying the
facts and phenomena of the Universe as they present themselves to our mortal faculties–we
are not THE ALL, remember.
To take familiar illustrations, we all recognize the fact that Matter “exists” to our senses–
we will fare badly if we do not. And yet, even our finite minds understand the scientific dictum
that there is no such thing as Matter from a scientific point of view–that which we call Matter
is held to be merely an aggregation of atoms, which atoms themselves are merely a
grouping of units of force, called electrons or “ions,” vibrating and in constant circular motion.
We kick a stone and we feel the impact–it seems to be real, notwithstanding that we know it
to be merely what we have stated above. But remember that our foot, which feels the impact
by means of our brains, is likewise Matter, so constituted of electrons, and for that matter so
are our brains. And, at the best, if it were not by reason of our Mind, we would not know the
foot or stone at all.
Then again, the ideal of the artist or sculptor, which he is endeavoring to reproduce in
stone or on canvas, seems very real to him. So do the characters in the mind of the author,
or dramatist, which he seeks to express so that others may recognize them. And if this be
true in the case of our finite minds, what must be the degree of Reality in the Mental Images
created in the Mind of the Infinite? Oh, friends, to mortals this Universe of Mentality is very
real indeed–it is the only one we can ever know, though we rise from plane to plane, higher
and higher in it. To know it otherwise, by actual experience, we must be THE ALL itself. It is
true that the higher we rise in the scale–the nearer to “the mind of the Father” we reach–the
more apparent becomes the illusory nature of finite things, but not until THE ALL finally
withdraws us into itself does the vision actually vanish.
So, we need not dwell upon the feature of illusion. Rather let us, recognizing the real
nature of the Universe, seek to understand its mental laws, and endeavor to use them to the
best effect in our upward progress through life, as we travel from plane to plane of being.
The Laws of the Universe are none the less “Iron Laws” because of the mental nature. All,
except THE ALL, are bound by them. What is IN THE INFINITE MIND OF THE ALL is REAL
in a degree second only to that Reality itself which is vested in the nature of THE ALL
So, do not feel insecure or afraid–we are all HELD FIRMLY IN THE INFINITE MIND OF
THE ALL, and there is naught to hurt us or for us to fear. There is no Power outside of THE
ALL to affect us. So we may rest calm and secure. There is a world of comfort and security
in this realization when once attained. Then “calm and peaceful do we sleep, rocked in the
Cradle of the Deep“–resting safely on the bosom of the Ocean of Infinite Mind, which is THE
ALL. In THE ALL, indeed, do “we live and move and have our being.”
Matter is none the less Matter to us, while we dwell on the plane of Matter, although we
know it to be merely an aggregation of “electrons,” or particles of Force, vibrating rapidly and
gyrating around each other in the formations of atoms; the atoms in turn vibrating and
gyrating, forming molecules, which latter in turn form larger masses of Matter. Nor does
The Kybalion Page 24
Matter become less Matter, when we follow the inquiry .still further, and learn from the
Hermetic Teachings, that the “Force” of which the electrons are but units is merely a
manifestation of the Mind of THE ALL, and like all else in the Universe is purely Mental in its
nature. While on the Plane of Matter, we must recognize its phenomena–we may control
Matter (as all Masters of higher or lesser degree do), but we do so by applying the higher
forces. We commit a folly when we attempt to deny the existence of Matter in the relative
aspect. We may deny its mastery over us–and rightly so–but we should not attempt to ignore
it in its relative aspect, at least so long as we dwell upon its plane.
Nor do the Laws of Nature become less constant or effective, when we know them,
likewise, to be merely mental creations. They are in full effect on the various planes. We
overcome the lower laws, by applying still higher ones–and in this way only.
But we cannot escape Law or rise above it entirely. Nothing but THE ALL can escape
Law–and that because THE ALL is LAW itself, from which all Laws emerge. The most
advanced Masters may acquire the powers usually attributed to the gods of men; and there
are countless ranks of being, in the great hierarchy of life, whose being and power
transcends even that of the highest Masters among men to a degree unthinkable by mortals,
but even the highest Master, and the highest Being, must bow to the Law, and be as Nothing
in the eye of THE ALL. So that if even these highest Beings, whose powers exceed even
those attributed by men to their gods–if even these are bound by and are subservient to
Law, then imagine the presumption of mortal man, of our race and grade, when he dares to
consider the Laws of Nature as “unreal,” visionary and illusory, because he happens to be
able to grasp the truth that the Laws are Mental in nature, and simply Mental Creations of
THE ALL. Those Laws which THE ALL intends to be governing Laws are not to be defied or
argued away. So long as the Universe endures, will they endure–for the Universe exists by
virtue of these Laws which form its framework and which hold it together.
The Hermetic Principle of Mentalism, while explaining the true nature of the Universe
upon the principle that all is Mental, does not change the scientific conceptions of the
Universe, Life, or Evolution. In fact, science merely corroborates the Hermetic Teachings.
The latter merely teaches that the nature of the Universe is “Mental,” while modern science
has taught that it is “Material”; or (of late) that it is “Energy” at the last analysis. The Hermetic
Teachings have no fault to find with Herbert Spencer’s basic principle which postulates the
existence of an “Infinite and Eternal Energy, from which all things proceed.” In fact, the
Hermetics recognize in Spencer’s philosophy the highest outside statement of the workings
of the Natural Laws that have ever been promulgated, and they believe Spencer to have
been a reincarnation of an ancient philosopher who dwelt in ancient Egypt thousands of
years ago, and who later incarnated as Heraclitus, the Grecian philosopher who lived B.C.
500. And they regard his statement o
f the “Infinite and Eternal Energy” as directly in the line
of the Hermetic Teachings, always with the addition of their own doctrine that his “Energy” is
the Energy of the Mind of THE ALL. With the Master-Key of the Hermetic Philosophy, the
student of Spencer will be able to unlock many doors of the inner philosophical conceptions
of the great English philosopher, whose work shows the results of the preparation of his
previous incarnations. His teachings regarding Evolution and Rhythm are in almost perfect
agreement with the Hermetic Teachings regarding the Principle of Rhythm.
So, the student of Hermetics need not lay aside any of his cherished scientific views
regarding the Universe. All he is asked to do is to grasp the underlying principle of “THE ALL
is Mind; the Universe is Mental–held in the Mind of THE ALL.” He will find that the other six
of the Seven Principles will “fit into” his scientific knowledge, and will serve to bring out
obscure points and to throw light in dark corners. This is not to be wondered at, when we
realize the influence of the Hermetic thought on the early philosophers of Greece, upon
whose foundations of thought the theories of modern science largely rest. The acceptance of
the First Hermetic Principle (Mentalism) is the only great point of difference between Modern
Science and Hermetic students, and Science is gradually moving toward the Hermetic
The Kybalion Page 25
position in its groping in the dark for a way out of the Labyrinth into which it has wandered in
its search for Reality.
The purpose of this lesson is to impress upon the minds of our students the fact that, to
all intents and purposes, the Universe and its laws, and its phenomena, are just as REAL, so
far as Man is concerned, as they would be under the hypotheses of Materialism or
Energism. Under any hypothesis the Universe in its outer aspect is changing, ever-flowing,
and transitory–and therefore devoid of substantiality and reality. But (note the other pole of
the truth) under any of the same hypotheses, we are compelled to ACT AND LIVE as if the
fleeting things were real and substantial. With this difference, always, between the various
hypotheses–that under the old views Mental Power was ignored as a Natural Force, while
under Mentalism it becomes the Greatest Natural Force. And this one difference
revolutionizes Life, to those who understand the Principle and its resulting laws and practice.
So, finally, students all, grasp the advantage of Mentalism, and learn to know, use and
apply the laws resulting therefrom. But do not yield to the temptation which, as The Kybalion
states, overcomes the half-wise and which causes them to be hypnotized by the apparent
unreality of things, the consequence being that they wander about like dream-people
dwelling in a world of dreams, ignoring the practical work and life of man, the end being that
“they are broken against the rocks and torn asunder by the elements, by reason of their
folly.” Rather follow the example of the wise, which the same authority states, “use Law
against Laws; the higher against the lower; and by the Art of Alchemy transmute that which
is undesirable into that which is worthy, and thus triumph.” Following the authority, let us
avoid the half-wisdom (which is folly) which ignores the truth that: “Mastery consists not in
abnormal dreams, visions, and fantastic imaginings or living, but in using the higher forces
against the lower–escaping the pains of the lower planes by vibrating on the higher.”
Remember always, student, that “Transmutation, not presumptuous denial, is the weapon of
the Master.” The above quotations are from The Kybalion, and are worthy of being
committed to memory by the student
We do not live in a world of dreams, but in an Universe which, while relative, is real so far
as our lives and actions are concerned. Our business in the Universe is not to deny its
existence, but to LIVE, using the Laws to rise from lower to higher–living on, doing the best
that we can under the circumstances arising each day, and living, so far as is possible, to
our highest ideas and ideals. The true Meaning of Life is not known to men on this plane–if,
indeed, to any–but the highest authorities, and our own intuitions, teach us that we will make
no mistake in living up to the best that is in us, so far as is possible, and realizing the
Universal tendency in the same direction in spite of apparent evidences to the contrary. We
are all on The Path–and the road leads upward ever, with frequent resting places.
Read the Message of The Kybalion–and follow the example of “the wise”–avoiding the
mistake of “the half-wise” who perish by reason of their folly.CHAPTER VII.
“THE ALL” IN ALL.
“While All is in THE ALL, it is equally true that THE ALL is in All. To him who truly understands this truth hath
come great knowledge.”–The Kybalion.
How often have the majority of people heard repeated the statement that their Deity
(called by many names) was “All in All,” and how little have they suspected the inner occult
truth concealed by these carelessly uttered words? The commonly used expression is a
survival of the ancient Hermetic Maxim quoted above. As the Kybalion says: “To him who
truly understands this truth, hath come great knowledge.” And, this being so, let us seek this
truth, the understanding of which means so much. In this statement of truth–this Hermetic
Maxim–is concealed one of the greatest philosophical, scientific and religious truths.
We have given you the Hermetic Teaching regarding the Mental Nature of the Universe–
the truth that “the Universe is Mental–held in the Mind of THE ALL.” As the Kybalion says, in
the passage quoted above: “All is in THE ALL. But note also the co-related statement, that:
“It is equally true that THE ALL is in ALL.” This apparently contradictory statement is
reconcilable under the Law of Paradox. It is, moreover, an exact Hermetic statement of the
relations existing between THE ALL and its Mental Universe. We have seen how “All is in
THE ALL”–now let us examine the other aspect of the subject.
The Hermetic Teachings are to the effect that THE ALL is Imminent in (“remaining within;
inherent; abiding within”) its Universe, and in every part, particle, unit, or combination, within
the Universe. This statement is usually illustrated by the Teachers by a reference to the
Principle of Correspondence. The Teacher instructs the student to form a mental Image of
something, a person, an idea, something having a mental form, the favorite example being
that of the author or dramatist forming an idea of his characters; or a painter or sculptor
forming an image of an ideal that he wishes to express by his art. In each case, the student
will find that while the image has its existence, and being, solely within his own mind, yet he,
the student, author, dramatist, painter, or sculptor, is, in a sense, immanent in; remaining
within; or abiding within, the mental image also. In other words, the entire virtue, life, spirit, of
reality in the mental image is derived from the “immanent mind” of the thinker. Consider this
for a moment, until the idea is grasped.
To take a modern example, let us say that Othello, Iago, Hamlet, Lear, Richard III, existed
merely in the mind of Shakespeare, at the time of their conception or creation. And yet,
Shakespeare also existed within each of these characters, giving them their vitality, spirit,
and action. Whose is the “spirit” of the characters that we know as Micawber, Oliver Twist
Uriah Heep–is it Dickens, or have each of -these characters a personal spirit, independent of
their creator? Have the Venus of Medici, the Sistine Madonna, the Appollo Belvidere, spirits
and reality of their own, or do they represent the spiritual and mental power of their creators?
The Law of Paradox explains that both propositions are true, viewed from the proper
viewpoints. Micawber is both Micawber, and yet Dickens. And, again, while Micawber may
be said to be Dickens, yet Dickens is not identical with Micawber. Man, like Micawber, may
exclaim: “The Spirit of my Creator is inherent within me–and yet I am not HE!” How different
this from the shocking half-truth so vociferously announced by certain of the half-wise, who
fill the air with their raucous cries of: “I Am God!” Imagine poor Micawber, or the sneaky
Uriah Heep, crying: “I Am Dickens”; or some of the lowly clods in one of Shakespeare's
plays, grandiloquently announcing that: “I Am Shakespeare!” THE ALL is in the earth-worm,
and yet the earth-worm is far from being THE ALL. And still the wonder remains, that though
the earth-worm exists merely as a lowly thing, created and having its being solely within the
The Kybalion Page 27
Mind of THE ALL–yet THE ALL is immanent in the earth-worm, and in the particles that go to
make up the earthworm. Can there be any greater mystery than this of “All in THE ALL; and
THE ALL in All?”
The student will, of course, realize that the illustrations given above are necessarily
imperfect and inadequate, for they represent the creation of mental images in finite minds,
while the Universe is a creation of Infinite Mind–and the difference between the two poles
separates them. And yet it is merely a matter of degree–the same Principle is in operationthe
Principle of Correspondence manifests in each–“As above, so Below; as Below, so
above.”
And, in the degree that Man realizes the existence of the Indwelling Spirit immanent
within his being, so will he rise in the spiritual scale of life. This is what spiritual development
means–the recognition, realization, and manifestation of the Spirit within us. Try to
remember this last definition–that of spiritual development. It contains the Truth of True
Religion.
There are many planes of Being–many sub-planes of Life–many degrees of existence in
the Universe. And all depend upon the advancement of beings in the scale, of which scale
the lowest point is the grossest matter, the highest being separated only by the thinnest
division from the SPIRIT of THE ALL. And, upward and onward along this Scale of Life,
everything is moving. All are on the Path, whose end is THE ALL. All progress is a Returning
Home. All is Upward and Onward, in spite of all seemingly contradictory appearances. Such
is the Message of the Illumined.
The Hermetic Teachings concerning the process of the Mental Creation of the Universe,
are that at the beginning of the Creative Cycle, THE ALL, in its aspect of “Being,” projects its
Will toward its aspect of “Becoming,” and the process of creation begins. It is taught that the
process consists of the lowering of Vibration until a very low degree of vibratory energy is
reached, at which point the grossest possible form of Matter is manifested. This process is
called the stage of Involution, in which THE ALL becomes “involved,” or “wrapped up,” in its
creation. This process is believed by the Hermetists to have a Correspondence to the mental
process of an artist, writer, or inventor, who becomes so wrapped up in his mental creation
as to almost forget his own existence and who, for the time being, almost “lives in his
creation”. If instead of “wrapped” we use the word “rapt,” perhaps we will give a better idea
of what is meant.
This Involuntary stage of Creation is sometimes called the “Outpouring” of the Divine
Energy, just as the Evolutionary state is called the “Indrawing.” The extreme pole of the
Creative process is considered to be the furthest removed from THE ALL, while the
beginning of the Evolutionary stage is regarded as the beginning of the return swing of the
pendulum of Rhythm–a “coming home” idea being held in all of the Hermetic Teachings.
The Teachings are that during the “Out-pouring,” the vibrations become lower and lower
until finally the urge ceases, and the return swing begins. But there is this difference, that
while in the “Outpouring” the creative forces manifest compactly and as a whole, yet from the
beginning of the Evolutionary or “Indrawing” stage, there is manifested the Law of
Individualization–that is, the tendency to separate into Units of Force, so that finally that
which left THE ALL as unindividualized energy returns to its source as countless highly
developed Units of Life, having risen higher and higher in the scale by means of Physical,
Mental and Spiritual Evolution.
The ancient Hermeti
sts use the word “Meditation,” in describing the process of the mental
creation of the Universe in the Mind of THE ALL, the word “Contemplation” also being
frequently employed. But the idea intended seems to be that of the employment of the Divine
Attention. “Attention” is a word derived from the Latin root, meaning “to reach out; to stretch
out,” and so the act of Attention is really a mental “reaching out; extension” of mental energy,
so that the underlying idea is readily understood when we examine into the real meaning of
The Kybalion Page 28
“Attention.”
The Hermetic Teachings regarding the process of Evolution are that, THE ALL, having
meditated upon the beginning of the Creation–having thus established the material
foundations of the Universe–having thought it into existence–then gradually awakens or
rouses from its Meditation and in so doing starts into manifestation the process of Evolution,
on the material, mental and spiritual planes, successively and in order. Thus the upward
movement begins–and all begins to move Spiritward. Matter becomes less gross; the Units
spring into being; the combinations begin to form; Life appears and manifests in higher and
higher forms; and Mind becomes more and more in evidence–the vibrations constantly
becoming higher. In short, the entire process of Evolution, in all of its phases, begins, and
proceeds according to the established Laws of the “Indrawing” process. All of this occupies
æons upon æons of Man's time, each æon containing countless millions of years, but yet the
Illumined inform us that the entire creation, including Involution and Evolution, of an
Universe, is but “as the twinkle of the eye” to THE ALL. At the end of countless cycles of
æons of time, THE ALL withdraws its Attention–its Contemplation and Meditation–of the
Universe, for the Great Work is finished–and All is withdrawn into THE ALL from which it
emerged. But Mystery of Mysteries–the Spirit of each soul is not annihilated, but is infinitely
expanded–the Created and the Creator are merged. Such is the report of the Illumined!
The above illustration of the “meditation,” and subsequent “awakening from meditation,”
of THE ALL, is of course but an attempt of the Teachers to describe the Infinite process by a
finite example. And, yet: “As Below, so Above.” The difference is merely in degree. And just
as THE ALL arouses itself from the meditation upon the Universe, so does Man (in time)
cease from manifesting upon the Material Plane, and withdraws himself more and more into
the Indwelling Spirit, which is indeed “The Divine Ego.”
There is one more matter of which we desire to speak in this lesson, and that comes very
near to an invasion of the Metaphysical field of speculation, although our purpose is merely
to show the futility of such speculation. We allude to the question which inevitably comes to
the mind of all thinkers who have ventured to seek the Truth. The question is: “WHY does
THE ALL create Universes?” The question may be asked in different forms, but the above is
the gist of the inquiry.
Men have striven hard to answer this question, but still there is no answer worthy of the
name. Some have imagined that THE ALL had something to gain by it, but this is absurd, for
what could THE ALL gain that it did not already possess? Others have sought the answer in
the idea that THE ALL “wished something to love;” and others that it created for pleasure, or
amusement; or because it “was lonely”; or to manifest its power;–all puerile explanations and
ideas, belonging to the childish period of thought.
Others have sought to explain the mystery by assuming that THE ALL found itself
“compelled” to create, by reason of its own “internal nature”–its “creative instinct.” This idea
is in advance of the others, but its weak point lies in the idea of THE ALL being “compelled”
by anything, internal or external. If its ''internal nature,” or ''creative instinct,” compelled it to
do anything, then the “internal nature” or “creative instinct” would be the Absolute, instead of
THE ALL, and so accordingly that part of the proposition falls. And, yet, THE ALL does
create and manifest, and seems to find some kind of satisfaction in so doing. And it is
difficult to escape the conclusion that in some infinite degree it must have what would
correspond to an “inner nature,” or “creative instinct” in man, with correspondingly infinite
Desire and Will. It could not act unless it Willed to Act; and it would not Will to Act, unless it
Desired to Act; and it would not Desire to Act unless it obtained some Satisfaction thereby.
And all of these things would belong to an “Inner Nature,” and might be postulated as
existing according to the Law of Correspondence. But, still, we prefer to think of THE ALL as
acting entirely FREE from any influence, internal as well as external. That is the problem
which lies at the root of difficulty–and the difficulty that lies at the root of the problem.
The Kybalion Page 29
Strictly speaking, there cannot be said to be any “Reason” whatsoever for THE ALL to
act, for a “reason” implies a “cause.” and THE ALL is above Cause and Effect, except when
it Wills to become a Cause, at which time the Principle is set into motion. So, you see, the
matter is Unthinkable, just as THE ALL is Unknowable. Just as we say THE ALL merely
“IS”–so we are compelled to say that “THE ALL ACTS BECAUSE IT ACTS.” At the last, THE
ALL is All Reason in Itself; All Law in Itself; All Action in Itself–and it may be said, truthfully,
that THE ALL is Its Own Reason; its own Law; its own Act–or still further, that THE ALL; Its
Reason; Its Act; its Law; are ONE, all being names for the same thing. In the opinion of
those who are giving you these present lessons, the answer is locked up in INNER SELF of
THE ALL, along with its Secret of Being. The Law of Correspondence, in our opinion,
reaches only to that aspect of THE ALL, which may be spoken of as “The Aspect of
BECOMING.” Back of that Aspect is “The Aspect of BEING,“ in which all Laws are lost in
LAW; all Principles merge into PRINCIPLE–and THE ALL; PRINCIPLE; and BEING; are
IDENTICAL, ONE AND THE SAME. Therefore, Metaphysical speculation on this point is
futile. We go into the matter here, merely to show that we recognize the question, and also
the absurdity of the ordinary answers of metaphysics and theology.
In conclusion, it may be of interest to our students to learn that while some of the ancient,
and modern, Hermetic Teachers have rather inclined in the direction of applying the Principle
of Correspondence to the question, with the result of the “Inner Nature” conclusion,–still the
legends have it that HERMES, the Great, when asked this question by his advanced
students, answered them by PRESSING HIS LIPS TIGHTLY TOGETHER and saying not a
word, indicating that there WAS NO ANSWER. But, then, he may have intended to apply the
axiom of his philosophy, that: “The lips of Wisdom are closed, except to the ears of
Understanding,” believing that even his advanced students did not possess the
Understanding which entitled them to the Teaching. At any rate, if Hermes possessed the
Secret, he failed to impart it, and so far as the world is concerned THE LIPS OF HERMES
ARE CLOSED regarding it. And where the Great Hermes hesitated to speak, what mortal
may dare to teach?
But, remember, that whatever be the answer to this problem, if indeed there be an
answer–the truth remains that: “While All is in THE ALL, it is equally true that THE ALL is in
All.” The Teaching on this point is emphatic. And, we may add the concluding words of the
quotation: “To him who truly understands this truth, hath come great knowledge.”
The Kybalion Page 30
CHAPTER VIII.
THE PLANES OF CORRESPONDENCE.
“As above, so below; as below, so above”–The Kybalion.
The great Second Hermetic Principle embodies the truth that there is a harmony,
agreement, and correspondence between the several planes of Manifestation, Life and
Being. This truth is a truth because all that is included in the Universe emanates from the
same source, and the same laws, principles, and characteristics apply to each unit, or
combination of units of activity, as each manifests its own phenomena upon its own plane.
For the purpose of convenience of thought and study, the Hermetic Philosophy considers
that the Universe may be divided into three great classes of phenomena, known as the
Three Great Planes, namely:
I. The Great Physical Plane.
II. The Great Mental Plane.
III. The Great Spiritual Plane.
These divisions are more or less artificial and arbitrary, for the truth is that all of the three
divisions are but ascending degrees of the great scale of Life, the lowest point of which is
undifferentiated Matter, and the highest point that of Spirit. And, moreover, the different
Planes shade into each other, so that no hard and fast division may be made between the
higher phenomena of the Physical and the lower of the Mental; or between the higher of the
Mental and the lower of the Physical.
In short, the Three Great Planes may be regarded as three great groups of degrees of
Life Manifestation. While the purposes of this little book do not allow us to enter into an
extended discussion of, or explanation of, the subject of these different planes, still we think
it well to give a general description of the same at this point.
At the beginning we may as well consider the question so often asked by the neophyte,
who desires to be informed regarding the meaning of the word “Plane,” which term has been
very freely used, and very poorly explained, in many recent works upon the subject of
occultism, The question is generally about as fellows: “Is a Plane a place having dimensions,
or is it merely a condition or state?” We answer: “No, not a place, nor ordinary dimension of
space; and yet more than a state or condition. it may be considered as a state or condition,
and yet the state or condition is a degree of dimension, in a scale subject to measurement.”
Somewhat paradoxical, is it not? But let us examine the matter. A “dimension,” you know, is
“a measure in a straight line, relating to measure,” etc. The ordinary dimensions of space
are length, breadth, and height, or perhaps length, breadth, height, thickness or
circumference. But there is another dimension of “created things,” or “measure in a straight
line,” known to occultists, and to scientists as well, although the latter have not as yet applied
the term “dimension” to it–and this new dimension, which, by the way, is the much
speculated about “Fourth Dimension,” is the standard used in determining the degrees or
“planes.”
This Fourth Dimension may be called “the Dimension of Vibration.” It is a fact well known
to modern science, as well as to the Hermetists who have embodied the truth in their “Third
Hermetic Principle,” that “everything is in motion; everything vibrates; nothing is at rest.”
From the highest manifestation, to the lowest, everything and all things Vibrate. Not only do
they vibrate at different rates of motion, but as in different directions and in a different
manner. The degrees of the “rate” of vibrations constitute the degrees of measurement on
the Scale of Vibrations–in other words the degrees of the Fourth Dimension. And these
The Kybalion Page 31
degrees form what occultists call “Planes.” The higher the degree of rate of vibration, the
higher the plane, and the higher the manifestation of Life occupying that plane. So that while
a plane is not “a place,” nor yet “a state or condition,” yet it possesses qualities common to
both. We shall have more to say regarding the subject of the scale of Vibrations in our next
lessons, in which we shall consider the Hermetic Principle of Vibration.
You will kindly remember, however, that the Three Great Planes are not actual divisions
of the phenomena of the Universe, but merely arbitrary terms used by the Hermetists in
order to aid in the thought and study of the various degrees and forms of universal activity
and life. The atom of matter, the unit of force, the mind of man, and the being of the archangel
are all but degrees in one scale, and all fundamentally the same, the difference
between solely a matter of degree, and rate of vibration–all are creations of THE ALL, and
have their existence solely within the Infinite Mind of THE ALL.
The Hermetists sub-divide each of the Three Great Planes into Seven Minor Planes, and
each of these latter are also sub-divided into seven sub-planes, all divisions being more or
less arbitrary, shading into each other, and adopted merely for convenience of scientific
study and thought.
The Great Physical Plane, and its Seven Minor Planes, is that division of the phenomena
of the Universe which includes all that relates to physics, or material things, forces, and
manifestations. It includes all forms of that which we call Matter, and all forms of that which
we call Energy or Force. But you must remember that the Hermetic Philosophy does not
recognize Matter as a “thing in itself,” or as having a separate existence even in the Mind of
THE ALL. The Teachings are that Matter is but a form of Energy–that is, Energy at a low rate
of vibrations of a certain kind. And accordingly the Hermetists classify Matter under the head
of Energy, and give to it three of the Seven Minor Planes of the Great Physical Plane.
These Seven Minor Physical Planes are as follows:
I. The Plane of Matter (A).
II. The Plane of Matter (B).
III. The Plane of Matter Â.
IV. The Plane of Ethereal Substance.
V. The Plane of Energy (A).
VI. The Plane of Energy (B).
VII. The Plane of Energy Â.
The Plane of Matter (A) comprises the forms of Matter in its form of solids, liquids, and
gases, as generally recognized by the text-books on physics. The Plane of Matter (B)
comprises certain higher and more subtle forms of Matter of the existence of which modern
science is but now recognizing, the phenomena of Radiant Matter, in its phases of radium,
etc., belonging to the lower sub-division of this Minor Plane. The Plane of Matter Â
comprises forms of the most subtle and tenuous Matter, the existence of which is not
suspected by ordinary scientists. The Plane of Ethereal Substance comprises that which
science speaks of as “The Ether,” a substance of extreme tenuity and elasticity, pervading
all Universal Space, and acting as a medium for the transmission of waves of energy, such
as light, heat, electricity, etc. This Ethereal Substance forms a connecting link between
Matter (so-called) and Energy, and partakes of the nature of each. The Hermetic Teachings,
however, instruct that this plane has seven sub-divisions (as have all of the Minor Planes),
and that in fact there are seven ethers, instead of but one.
Next above the Plane of Ethereal Substance comes the Plane of Energy (A), which
comprises the ordinary forms of Energy known to science, its seven sub-planes being,
respectively, Heat; Light; Magnetism; Electricity, and Attraction (including Gravitation,
Cohesion, Chemical Affinity, etc.) and several other forms of energy indicated by scientific
The Kybalion Page 32
experiments but not as yet named or classified. The Plane of Energy (B) comprises seven
sub-planes of higher forms of energy not as yet discovered by science, but which have been
called “Nature's Finer Forces” and which are called into operation in manifestations of
certain forms of mental phenomena, and by which such phenomena becomes possible. The
Plan
e of Energy  comprises seven sub-planes of energy so highly organized that it bears
many of the characteristics of “life,” but which is not recognized by the minds of men on the
ordinary plane of development, being available for the use on beings of the Spiritual Plane
alone–such energy is unthinkable to ordinary man, and may be considered almost as “the
divine power.” The beings employing the same are as “gods” compared even to the highest
human types known to us.
The Great Mental Plane comprises those forms of “living things” known to us in ordinary
life, as well as certain other forms not so well known except to the occultist. The
classification of the Seven Minor Mental Planes is more or less satisfactory and arbitrary
(unless accompanied by elaborate explanations which are foreign to the purpose of this
particular work), but we may as well mention them. They are as follows:
I. The Plane of Mineral Mind.
II. The Plane of Elemental Mind (A).
III. The Plane of Plant Mind.
IV. The Plane of Elemental Mind (B)
V. The Plane of Animal Mind.
VI. The Plane of Elemental Mind Â.
VII. The Plane of Human Mind.
The Plane of Mineral Mind comprises the “states or conditions” of the units or entities, or
groups and combinations of the same, which animate the forms known to us as “minerals,
chemicals, etc.” These entities must not be confounded with the molecules, atoms and
corpuscles themselves, the latter being merely the material bodies or forms of these entities,
just as a man's body is but his material form and not “himself.” These entities may be called
“souls “in one sense, and are living beings of a low degree of development, life, and mind–
just a little more than the units of “living energy” which comprise the higher sub-divisions of
the highest Physical Plane. The average mind does not generally attribute the possession of
mind, soul, or life, to the Mineral kingdom, but all occultists recognize the existence of the
same, and modern science is rapidly moving forward to the point-of-view of the Hermetic, in
this respect. The molecules, atoms and corpuscles have their “loves and hates”; likes and
dislikes; “attractions and repulsions”; “affinities and non-affinities,” etc., and some of the
more daring of modern scientific minds have expressed the opinion that the desire and will,
emotions and feelings, of the atoms differ only in degree from those of men. We have no
time or space to argue this matter here. All occultists know it to be a fact, and others are
referred to some of the more recent scientific works for outside corroboration. There are the
usual seven sub-divisions to this plane.
The Plane of Elemental Mind (A) comprises the state or condition, and degree of mental
and vital development of a class of entities unknown to the average man, but recognized to
occultists. They are invisible to the ordinary senses of man, but, nevertheless, exist and play
their part of the Drama of the Universe. Their degree of intelligence is between that of the
mineral and chemical entities on the one hand, and of the entities of the plant kingdom on
the other. There are seven sub-divisions to this plane, also.
The Plane of Plant Mind, in its seven sub-divisions, comprises the states or conditions of
the entities comprising the kingdoms of the Plant World, the vital and mental phenomena of
which is fairly well understood by the average intelligent person, many new and interesting
scientific works regarding “Mind and Life in Plants” having been published during the last
The Kybalion Page 33
decade. Plants have life, mind and “souls,” as well as have the animals, man, and superman.
The Plane of Elemental Mind (B), in its seven sub-divisions, comprises the states and
conditions of a higher form of “elemental” or unseen entities, playing their part in the general
work of the Universe, the mind and life of which form a part of the scale between the Plane
of Plant Mind and the Plane of Animal Mind, the entities partaking of the nature of both.
The Plane of Animal Mind, in its seven sub-divisions, comprises the states and conditions
of the entities, beings, or souls, animating the animal forms of life, familiar to us all. It is not
necessary to go into details regarding this kingdom or plane of life, for the animal world is as
familiar to us as is our own.
The Plane of Elemental Mind Â, in its seven sub-divisions, comprises those entities or
beings, invisible as are all such elemental forms, which partake of the nature of both animal
and human life in a degree and in certain combinations. The highest forms are semi-human
in intelligence.
The Plane of Human Mind, in its seven sub-divisions, comprises those manifestations of
life and mentality which are common to Man, in his various grades, degrees, and division. In
this connection, we wish to point out the fact that the average man of today occupies but the
fourth sub-division of the Plane of Human Mind, and only the most intelligent have crossed
the borders of the Fifth Sub-Division. It has taken the race millions of years to reach this
stage, and it will take many more years for the race to move on to the sixth and seventh subdivisions,
and beyond. But, remember, that there have been races before us which have
passed through these degrees, and then on to higher planes. Our own race is the fifth (with
stragglers from the fourth) which has set foot upon The Path. And, then there are a few
advanced souls of our own race who have outstripped the masses, and who have passed on
to the sixth and seventh sub-division, and some few being still further on. The man of the
Sixth Sub-Division will be “The Super-Man”; he of the Seventh will be “The Over-Man.”
In our consideration of the Seven Minor Mental Planes, we have merely referred to the
Three Elementary Planes in a general way. We do not wish to go into this subject in detail in
this work, for it does not belong to this part of the general philosophy and teachings. But we
may say this much, in order to give you a little clearer idea of the relations of these planes to
the more familiar ones–the Elementary Planes bear the same relation to the Planes of
Mineral, Plant, Animal and Human Mentality and Life, that the black keys on the piano do to
the white keys. The white keys are sufficient to produce music, but there are certain scales,
melodies, and harmonies, in which the black keys play their part, and in which their presence
is necessary. They are also necessary as “connecting links” of soul-condition; entity states,
etc., between the several other planes, certain forms of development being attained therein–
this last fact giving to the reader who can “read between the lines” a new light upon the
processes of Evolution, and a new key to the secret door of the “leaps of life” between
kingdom and kingdom. The great kingdoms of Elementals are fully recognized by all
occultists, and the esoteric writings are full of mention of them. The readers of Bulwer's
“Zanoni'' and similar tales will recognize the entities inhabiting these planes of life.
Passing on from the Great Mental Plane to the Great Spiritual Plane, what shall we say?
How can we explain these higher states of Being, Life and Mind, to minds as yet unable to
grasp and understand the higher sub-divisions of the Plane of Human Mind? The task is
impossible. We can speak only in the most general terms. How may Light be described to a
man born blind–how sugar, to a man who has never tasted anything sweet–how harmony, to
one born deaf?
All that we can say is that the Seven Minor Planes of the Great Spiritual Plane (each
Minor Plane having its seven sub-divisions) comprise Beings possessing Life, Mind and
Form as far above that of Man of to-day as the latter is above the earthworm, mineral or
even certain forms
of Energy or Matter. The Life of these Beings so far transcends ours, that
The Kybalion Page 34
we cannot even think of the details of the same; their Minds so far transcend ours, that to
them we scarcely seem to “think,” and our mental processes seem almost akin to material
processes; the Matter of which their forms are composed is of the highest Planes of Matter,
nay, some are even said to be “clothed in Pure Energy.” What may be said of such Beings?
On the Seven Minor Planes of the Great Spiritual Plane exist Beings of whom we may
speak as Angels; Archangels; Demi-Gods. On the lower Minor Planes dwell those great
souls whom we call Masters and Adepts. Above them come the Great Hierarchies of the
Angelic Hosts, unthinkable to man; and above those come those who may without
irreverence be called “'The Gods,” so high in the scale of Being are they, their being,
intelligence and power being akin to those attributed by the races of men to their
conceptions of Deity. These Beings are beyond even the highest flights of the human
imagination, the word “Divine” being the only one applicable to them. Many of these Beings,
as well as the Angelic Host, take the greatest interest in the affairs of the Universe and play
an important part in its affairs. These Unseen Divinities and Angelic Helpers extend their
influence freely and powerfully, in the process of Evolution, and Cosmic Progress. Their
occasional intervention and assistance in human affairs have led to the many legends,
beliefs, religions and traditions of the race, past and present. They have super-imposed their
knowledge and power upon the world, again and again, all under the Law of THE ALL, of
course.
But, yet, even the highest of these advanced Beings exist merely as creations of, and in,
the Mind of THE ALL, and are subject to the Cosmic Processes and Universal Laws. They
are still Mortal. We may call them “gods” if we like, but still they are but the Elder Brethren of
the Race,–the advanced souls who have outstripped their brethren, and who have foregone
the ecstacy of Absorption by THE ALL, in order to help the race on its upward journey along
The Path. But, they belong to the Universe, and are subject to its conditions–they are
mortal–and their plane is below that of Absolute Spirit.
Only the most advanced Hermetists are able to grasp the Inner Teachings regarding the
state of existence, and the powers manifested on the Spiritual Planes. The phenomena is so
much higher than that of the Mental Planes that a confusion of ideas would surely result from
an attempt to describe the same. Only those whose minds have been carefully trained along
the lines of the Hermetic Philosophy for years–yes, those who have brought with them from
other incarnations the knowledge acquired previously – can comprehend just what is meant
by the Teaching regarding these Spiritual Planes. And much of these inner Teachings is held
by the Hermetists as being too sacred, important and even dangerous for general public
dissemination. The intelligent student may recognize what we mean by this when we state
that the meaning of “Spirit” as used by the Hermetists is akin to “Living Power”; “Animated
Force”; “Inner Essence”; “Essence of Life,“ etc., which meaning must not be confounded with
that usually and commonly employed in connection with the term, i.e., “religious;
ecclesiastical; spirituelle; ethereal; holy,” etc., etc. To occultists the word “Spirit” is used in
the sense of “The Animating Principle,” carrying with it the idea of Power, Living Energy,
Mystic Force, etc. And occultists know that that which is known to them as “Spiritual Power”
may be employed for evil as well as good ends (in accordance with the Principle of Polarity),
a fact which has been recognized by the majority of religions in their conceptions of Satan,
Beelzebub, the Devil, Lucifer, Fallen Angels, etc. And so the knowledge regarding these
Planes has been kept in the Holy of Holies in all Esoteric Fraternities and Occult Orders,–in
the Secret Chamber of the Temple. But this may be said here, that those who have attained
high spiritual powers and have misused them, have a terrible fate in store for them, and the
swing of the pendulum of Rhythm will inevitably swing them back to the furthest extreme of
Material existence, from which point they must retrace their steps Spiritward, along the
weary rounds of The Path, but always with the added torture of having always with them a
lingering memory of the heights from which they fell owing to their evil actions. The legends
The Kybalion Page 35
of the Fallen Angels have a basis in actual facts, as all advanced occultists know. The
striving for selfish power on the Spiritual Planes inevitably results in the selfish soul losing its
spiritual balance and falling back as far as it had previously risen. But to even such a soul,
the opportunity of a return is given–and such souls make the return journey, paying the
terrible penalty according to the invariable Law.
In conclusion we would again remind you that according to the Principle of
Correspondence, which embodies the truth: “As Above so Below; as Below, so Above,” all of
the Seven Hermetic Principles are in full operation on all of the many planes, Physical,
Mental and Spiritual. The Principle of Mental Substance of course applies to all the planes,
for all are held in the Mind of THE ALL. The Principle of Correspondence manifests in all, for
there is a correspondence, harmony and agreement between the several planes. The
Principle of Vibration manifests on all planes, in fact the very differences that go to make the
“planes” arise from Vibration, as we have explained. The Principle of Polarity manifests on
each plane, the extremes of the Poles being apparently opposite and contradictory. The
Principle of Rhythm manifests on each Plane, the movement of the phenomena having its
ebb and flow, rise and flow, incoming and outgoing. The Principle of Cause and Effect
manifests on each Plane, every Effect having its Cause and every Cause having its effect.
The Principle of Gender manifests on each Plane, the Creative Energy being always
manifest, and operating along the lines of its Masculine and Feminine Aspects.
“As Above so Below; as Below, so Above.” This centuries old Hermetic axiom embodies
one of the great Principles of Universal Phenomena. As we proceed with our consideration
of the remaining Principles, we will see even more clearly the truth of the universal nature of
this great Principle of Correspondence.CHAPTER IX
VIBRATION.
“Nothing rests; everything moves; everything vibrates.”–The Kybalion.
The great Third Hermetic Principle–the Principle of Vibration–embodies the truth that
Motion is manifest in everything in the Universe–that nothing is at rest–that everything
moves, vibrates, and circles. This Hermetic Principle was recognized by some of the early
Greek philosophers who embodied it in their systems. But, then, for centuries it was lost
sight of by the thinkers outside of the Hermetic ranks. But in the Nineteenth Century physical
science re-discovered the truth and the Twentieth Century scientific discoveries have added
additional proof of the correctness and truth of this centuries-old Hermetic doctrine.
The Hermetic Teachings are that not only is everything in constant movement and
vibration, but that the “differences” between the various manifestations of the universal
power are due entirely to the varying rate and mode of vibrations. Not only this, but that even
THE ALL, in itself, manifests a constant vibration of such an infinite degree of intensity and
rapid motion that it may be practically considered as at rest, the teachers directing the
attention of the students to the fact that even on the physical plane a rapidly moving object
(such as a revolving wheel) seems to be at rest. The Teachings are to the effect that Spirit is
at one end of the Pole of Vibration, the other Pole being certain extremely gross forms of
Matter. Between these two poles are millions upon millions of different rates and modes of
vibration.
Modern Science has proven that all that we call Matter and Energy are but “modes of
vibratory motion,” and some of the more advanced scientists are rapidly moving toward the
positions of the occultists who hold that the phenomena of Mind are likewise modes of
vibration or motion. Let us see what science has to say regarding the question of vibrations
in matter and energy.
In the first place, science teaches that all matter manifests, in some degree, the vibrations
arising from temperature or heat. Be an object cold or hot–both being but degrees of the
same things–it manifests certain heat vibrations, and in that sense is in motion and vibration.
Then all particles of Matter are in circular movement, from corpuscle to suns. The planets
revolve around suns, and many of them turn on their axes. The suns move around greater
central points, and these are believed to move around still greater, and so on, ad infinitum.
The molecules of which the particular kinds of Matter are composed are in a state of
constant vibration and movement around each other and against each other. The molecules
are composed of Atoms, which, likewise, are in a state of constant movement and vibration.
The atoms are composed of Corpuscles, sometimes called “electrons,” “ions,” etc., which
also are in a state of rapid motion, revolving around each other, and which manifest a very
rapid state and mode of vibration. And, so we see that all forms of Matter manifest Vibration,
in accordance with the Hermetic Principle of Vibration.
And so it is with the various forms of Energy. Science teaches that Light, Heat,
Magnetism and Electricity are but forms of vibratory motion connected in some way with,
and probably emanating from the Ether. Science does not as yet attempt to explain the
nature of the phenomena known as Cohesion, which is the principle of Molecular Attraction;
nor Chemical Affinity, which is the principle of Atomic Attraction; nor Gravitation (the greatest
mystery of the three), which is the principle of attraction by which every particle or mass of
Matter is bound to every other particle or mass. These three forms of Energy are not as yet
understood by science, yet the writers incline to the opinion that these too are manifestations
of some form of vibratory energy, a fact which the Hermetists have held and taught for ages
past.
The Kybalion Page 37
The Universal Ether, which is postulated by science without its nature being understood
clearly, is held by the Hermetists to be but a higher manifestation of that which is
erroneously called matter–that is to say, Matter at a higher degree of vibration–and is called
by them “The Ethereal Substance.” The Hermetists teach that this Ethereal Substance is of
extreme tenuity and elasticity, and pervades universal space, serving as a medium of
transmission of waves of vibratory energy, such as heat, light, electricity, magnetism, etc.
The Teachings are that The Ethereal Substance is a connecting link between the forms of
vibratory energy known as “Matter” on the one hand, and “Energy or Force” on the other;
and also that it manifests a degree of vibration, in rate and mode, entirely its own.
Scientists have offered the illustration of a rapidly moving wheel, top, or cylinder, to show
the effects of increasing rates of vibration. The illustration supposes a wheel, top, or
revolving cylinder, running at a low rate of speed–we will call this revolving thing “the object”
in following out the illustration. Let us suppose the object moving slowly. It may be seen
readily, but no sound of its movement reaches the ear. The speed is gradually increased. In
a few moments its movement becomes so rapid that a deep growl or low note may be heard.
Then as the rate is increased the note rises one in the musical scale. Then, the motion being
still further increased, the next highest note is distinguished. Then, one after another, all the
notes of the musical scale appear, rising higher and higher as the motion is increased.
Finally when the motions have reached a certain rate the final note perceptible to human
ears is reached and the shrill, piercing shriek dies away, and silence follows. No sound is
heard from the revolving object, the rate of motion being so high that the human ear cannot
register the vibrations. Then comes the perception of rising degrees of Heat. Then after quite
a time the eye catches a glimpse of the object becoming a dull dark reddish color. As the
rate increases, the red becomes brighter. Then as the speed is increased, the red melts into
an orange. Then the orange melts into a yellow. Then follow, successively, the shades of
green, blue, indigo, and finally violet, as the rate of speed increases. Then the violet shades
away, and all color disappears, the human eye not being able to register them. But there are
invisible rays emanating from the revolving object, the rays that are used in photographing,
and other subtle rays of light. Then begin to manifest the peculiar rays known as the “X
Rays,” etc., as the constitution of the object changes. Electricity and Magnetism are emitted
when the appropriate rate of vibration is attained.
When the object reaches a certain rate of vibration its molecules disintegrate, and resolve
themselves into the original elements or atoms. Then the atoms, following the Principle of
Vibration, are separated into the countless corpuscles of which they are composed. And
finally, even the corpuscles disappear and the object may be said to be composed of The
Ethereal Substance. Science does not dare to follow the illustration further, but the
Hermetists teach that if the vibrations be continually increased the object would mount up
the successive states of manifestation and would in turn manifest the various mental stages,
and then on Spiritward, until it would finally re-enter THE ALL, which is Absolute Spirit. The
“object,” however, would have ceased to be an “object” long before the stage of Ethereal
Substance was reached, but otherwise the illustration is correct inasmuch as it shows the
effect of constantly increased rates and modes of vibration. It must be remembered, in the
above illustration, that at the stages at which the “object” throws off vibrations of light,
heat,
etc., it is not actually “resolved” into those forms of energy (which are much higher in the
scale), but simply that it reaches a degree of vibration in which those forms of energy are
liberated, in a degree, from the confining influences of its molecules, atoms and corpuscles,
as the case may be. These forms of energy, although much higher in the scale than matter,
are imprisoned and confined in the material combinations, by reason of the energies
manifesting through, and using material forms, but thus becoming entangled and confined in
their creations of material forms, which, to an extent, is true of all creations, the creating
force becoming involved in its creation.
The Kybalion Page 38
But the Hermetic Teachings go much further than do those of modern science. They
teach that all manifestation of thought, emotion, reason, will or desire, or any mental state or
condition, are accompanied by vibrations, a portion of which are thrown off and which tend to
affect the minds of other persons by “induction.” This is the principle which produces the
phenomena of “telepathy”; mental influence, and other forms of the action and power of mind
over mind, with which the general public is rapidly becoming acquainted, owing to the wide
dissemination of occult knowledge by the various schools, cults and teachers along these
lines at this time.
Every thought, emotion or mental state has its corresponding rate and mode of vibration.
And by an effort of the will of the person, or of other persons, these mental states may be
reproduced, just as a musical tone may be reproduced by causing an instrument to vibrate at
a certain rate–just as color may be reproduced in the same way. By a knowledge of the
Principle of Vibration, as applied to Mental Phenomena, one may polarize his mind at any
degree he wishes, thus gaining a perfect control over his mental states, moods, etc. In the
same way he may affect the minds of others, producing the desired mental states in them. In
short, be may be able to produce on the Mental Plane that which science produces on the
Physical Plane–namely, “Vibrations at Will.” This power of course may be acquired only by
the proper instruction, exercises, practice, etc., the science being that of Mental
Transmutation, one of the branches of the Hermetic Art.
A little reflection on what we have said will show the student that the Principle of Vibration
underlies the wonderful phenomena of the power manifested by the Masters and Adepts,
who are able to apparently set aside the Laws of Nature, but who, in reality, are simply using
one law against another; one principle against others; and who accomplish their results by
changing the vibrations of material objects, or forms of energy, and thus perform what are
commonly called “miracles.”
As one of the old Hermetic writers has truly said: “He who understands the Principle of
Vibration, has grasped the sceptre of Power.”
The Kybalion Page 39
CHAPTER X.
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.“–The Kybalion.
The great Fourth Hermetic Principle–the Principle of Polarity–embodies the truth that all
manifested things have “two sides”; “two aspects”; “two poles”; a “pair of opposites,” with
manifold degrees between the two extremes. The old paradoxes, which have ever perplexed
the mind of men, are explained by an understanding of this Principle. Man has always
recognized something akin to this Principle, and has endeavored to express it by such
sayings, maxims and aphorisms as the following: “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”;
“there is a reverse side to every shield,” etc., etc.
The Hermetic Teachings are to the effect that the difference between things seemingly
diametrically opposed to each other is merely a matter of degree. It teaches that “the pairs of
opposites may be reconciled,” and that “thesis and anti-thesis are identical in nature, but
different in degree”; and that the “universal reconciliation of opposites” is effected by a
recognition of this Principle of Polarity. The teachers claim that illustrations of this Principle
may be had on every hand, and from an examination into the real nature of anything. They
begin by showing that Spirit and Matter are but the two poles of the same thing, the
intermediate planes being merely degrees of vibration. They show that THE ALL and The
Many are the same, the difference being merely a matter of degree of Mental Manifestation.
Thus the LAW and Laws are the two opposite poles of one thing. Likewise, PRINCIPLE and
Principles. Infinite Mind and finite minds.
Then passing on to the Physical Plane, they illustrate the Principle by showing that Heat
and Cold are identical in nature, the differences being merely a matter of degrees. The
thermometer shows many degrees of temperature, the lowest pole being called “cold,” and
the highest “heat.” Between these two poles are many degrees of “heat” or “cold,” call them
either and you are equally correct. The higher of two degrees is always “warmer,” while the
lower is always “colder.” There is no absolute standard–all is a matter of degree. There is no
place on the thermometer where heat ceases and cold begins. It is all a matter of higher or
lower vibrations. The very terms “high” and “low,” which we are compelled to use, are but
poles of the same thing–the terms are relative. So with “East and West”–travel around the
world in an eastward direction, and you reach a point which is called west at your starting
point, and you return from that westward point. Travel far enough North, and you will find
yourself traveling South, or vice versa.
Light and Darkness are poles of the same thing, with many degrees between them. The
musical scale is the same–starting with “C” you move upward until you reach another “C,”
and so on, the differences between the two ends of the board being the same, with many
degrees between the two extremes. The scale of color is the same–higher and lower
vibrations being the only difference between high violet and low red. Large and Small are
relative. So are Noise and Quiet; Hard and Soft follow the rule. Likewise Sharp and Dull.
Positive and Negative are two poles of the same thing, with countless degrees between
them.
Good and Bad are not absolute–we call one end of the scale Good and the other Bad, or
one end Good and the other Evil, according to the use of the terms. A thing is “less good”
than the thing higher in the scale; but that “less good” thing, in turn, is “more good” than the
thing next below it–and so on, the “more or less” being regulated by the position on the
scale.
The Kybalion Page 40
And so it is on the Mental Plane. “Love and Hate” are generally regarded as being things
diametrically opposed to each other; entirely different; unreconcilable. But we apply the
Principle of Polarity; we find that there is no such thing as Absolute Love or Absolute Hate,
as distinguished from each other. The two are merely terms applied to the two poles of the
same thing. Beginning at any point of the scale we find “more love,” or “less hate,” as we
ascend the scale; and “more hate” or “less love” as we descend–this being true no matter
from what point, high or low, we may start. There are degrees of Love and Hate, and there is
a middle point where “Like and Dislike” become so faint that it is difficult to distinguish
between them. Courage and Fear come under the same rule.
The Pairs of Opposites exist
everywhere. Where you find one thing you find its opposite–the two poles.
And it is this fact that enables the Hermetist to transmute one mental state into another,
along the lines of Polarization. Things belonging to different classes cannot be transmuted
into each other, but things of the same class may be changed, that is, may have their
polarity changed. Thus Love never becomes East or West, or Red or Violet–but it may and
often does turn into Hate–and likewise Hate may be transformed into Love, by changing its
polarity. Courage may be transmuted into Fear, and the reverse. Hard things may be
rendered Soft. Dull things become Sharp. Hot things become Cold. And so on, the
transmutation always being between things of the same kind of different degrees. Take the
case of a Fearful man. By raising his mental vibrations along the line of Fear-Courage, he
can be filled with the highest degree of Courage and Fearlessness. And, likewise, the
Slothful man may change himself into an Active, Energetic individual, simply by polarizing
along the lines of the desired quality
The student who is familiar with the processes by which the various schools of Mental
Science, etc., produce changes in the mental states of those following their teachings, may
not readily understand the principle underlying many of these changes. When, however, the
Principle of Polarity is once grasped, and it is seen that the mental changes are occasioned
by a change of polarity–a sliding along the same scale–the matter is more readily
understood. The change is not in the nature of a transmutation of one thing into another
thing entirely different–but is merely a change of degree in the same things, a vastly
important difference. For instance, borrowing an analogy from the Physical Plane, it is
impossible to change Heat into Sharpness, Loudness, Highness, etc., but Heat may readily
be transmuted into Cold, simply by lowering the vibrations. In the same way Hate and Love
are mutually transmutable; so are Fear and Courage. But Fear cannot be transformed into
Love, nor can Courage be transmuted into Hate. The mental states belong to innumerable
classes, each class of which has its opposite poles, along which transmutation is possible.
The student will readily recognize that in the mental states, as well as in the phenomena
of the Physical Plane, the two poles may be classified as Positive and Negative,
respectively. Thus Love is Positive to Hate; Courage to Fear; Activity to Non-Activity, etc.,
etc. And it will also be noticed that even to those unfamiliar with the Principle of Vibration,
the Positive pole seems to be of a higher degree than the Negative, and readily dominates it.
The tendency of Nature is in the direction of the dominant activity of the Positive pole.
In addition to the changing of the poles of one's own mental states by the operation of the
art of Polarization, the phenomena of Mental Influence, in its manifold phases, shows us that
the principle may be extended so as to embrace the phenomena of the influence of one
mind over that of another, of which so much has been written and taught of late years. When
it is understood that Mental Induction is possible, that is that mental states may be produced
by “induction” from others, then we can readily see how a certain rate of vibration, or
polarization of a certain mental state, may be communicated to another person, and his
polarity in that class of mental states thus changed. It is along this principle that the results of
many of the “mental treatments” are obtained. For instance, a person is “blue,” melancholy
and full of fear. A mental scientist bringing his own mind up to the desired vibration by his
The Kybalion Page 41
trained will, and thus obtaining the desired polarization in his own case, then produces a
similar mental state in the other by induction, the result being that the vibrations are raised
and the person polarizes toward the Positive end of the scale instead toward the Negative,
and his Fear and other negative emotions are transmuted to Courage and similar positive
mental states. A little study will show you that these mental changes are nearly all along the
line of Polarization, the change being one of degree rather than of kind.
A knowledge of the existence of this great Hermetic Principle will enable the student to
better understand his own mental states, and those of other people. He will see that these
states are all matters of degree, and seeing thus, he will be able to raise or lower the
vibration at will–to change his mental poles, and thus be Master of his mental states, instead
of being their servant and slave. And by his knowledge he will be able to aid his fellows
intelligently, and by the appropriate methods change the polarity when the same is desirable.
We advise all students to familiarize themselves with this Principle of Polarity, for a correct
understanding of the same will throw light on many difficult subjects.
The Kybalion Page 42
CHAPTER XI.
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.”–
The Kybalion.
The great Fifth Hermetic Principle–the Principle of Rhythm–embodies the truth that in
everything there is manifested a measured motion; a to-and-from movement; a flow and
inflow; a swing forward and backward; a pendulum-like movement a tide-like ebb and flow; a
high-tide and a low-tide; between the two-poles manifest on the physical, mental or spiritual
planes. The Principle of Rhythm is closely connected with the Principle of Polarity described
in the preceding chapter. Rhythm manifests between the two poles established by the
Principle of Polarity. This does not mean, however, that the pendulum of Rhythm swings to
the extreme poles, for this rarely happens; in fact, it is difficult to establish the extreme polar
opposites in the majority of cases. But the swing is ever “toward” first one pole and then the
other.
There is always an action and reaction; an advance and a retreat; a rising and a sinking;
manifested in all of the airs and phenomena of the Universe. Suns, worlds, men, animals,
plants, minerals, forces, energy, mind and matter, yes, even Spirit, manifests this Principle.
The Principle manifests in the creation and destruction of worlds; in the rise and fall of
nations; in the life history of all things; and finally in the mental states of Man.
Beginning with the manifestations of Spirit–of THE ALL–it will be noticed that there is ever
the Outpouring and the Indrawing; the “Outbreathing and Inbreathing of Brahm,” as the
Brahmans word it. Universes are created; reach their extreme low point of materiality; and
then begin their upward swing. Suns spring into being, and then their height of power being
reached, the process of retrogression begins, and after æons they become dead masses of
matter, awaiting another impulse which starts again their inner energies into activity and a
new solar life cycle is begun. And thus it is with all the worlds; they are born, grow and die;
only to be reborn. And thus it is with all the things of shape and form; they swing from action
to reaction; from birth to death; from activity to inactivity–and then back again. Thus it is with
all living things; they are born, grow, and die–and then are reborn. So it is with all great
movements, philosophies, creeds, fashions, governments, nations, and all else–birth,
growth, maturity, decadence, death–and then newbirth. The swing of the pendulum is ever in
evidence.
Night follows day; and day night. The pendulum swings from Summer to Winter, and then
back again. The corpuscles, atoms, molecules, and all masses of matter, swing around the
cir
cle of their nature. There is no such thing as absolute rest, or cessation from movement,
and all movement partakes of Rhythm. The principle is of universal application. It may be
applied to any question, or phenomena of any of the many planes of life. It may be applied to
all phases of human activity. There is always the Rhythmic swing from one pole to the other.
The Universal Pendulum is ever in motion. The Tides of Life flow in and out, according to
Law.
The Principle of Rhythm is well understood by modern science, and is considered a
universal law as applied to material things. But the Hermetists carry the principle much
further, and know that its manifestations and influence extend to the mental activities of Man,
and that it accounts for the bewildering succession of moods, feelings and other annoying
and perplexing changes that we notice in ourselves. But the Hermetists by studying the
operations of this Principle have learned to escape some of its activities by Transmutation.
The Hermetic Masters long since discovered that while the Principle of Rhythm was
invariable, and ever in evidence in mental phenomena, still there were two planes of its
The Kybalion Page 43
manifestation so far as mental phenomena are concerned. They discovered that there were
two general planes of Consciousness, the Lower and the Higher, the understanding of which
fact enabled them to rise to the higher plane and thus escape the swing of the Rhythmic
pendulum which manifested on the lower plane. In other words, the swing of the pendulum
occurred on the Unconscious Plane, and the Consciousness was not affected. This they call
the Law of Neutralization. Its operations consist in the raising of the Ego above the vibrations
of the Unconscious Plane of mental activity, so that the negative-swing of the pendulum is
not manifested in consciousness, and therefore they are not affected. It is akin to rising
above a thing and letting it pass beneath you. The Hermetic Master, or advanced student,
polarizes himself at the desired pole, and by a process akin to “refusing” to participate in the
backward swing, or, if you prefer, a “denial” of its influence over him, he stands firm in his
polarized position, and allows the mental pendulum to swing back along the unconscious
plane. All individuals who have attained any degree of self-mastery, accomplish this, more or
less unknowingly, and by refusing to allow their moods and negative mental states to affect
them, they apply the Law of Neutralization. The Master, however, carries this to a much
higher degree of proficiency, and by the use of his Will he attains a degree of Poise and
Mental Firmness almost impossible of belief on the part of those who allow themselves to be
swung backward and forward by the mental pendulum of moods and feelings.
The importance of this will be appreciated by any thinking person who realizes what
creatures of moods, feelings and emotion the majority of people are, and how little mastery
of themselves they manifest. If you will stop and consider a moment, you will realize how
much these swings of Rhythm have affected you in your life–how a period of Enthusiasm
has been invariably followed by an opposite feeling and mood of Depression. Likewise, your
moods and periods of Courage have been succeeded by equal moods of Fear. And so it has
ever been with the majority of persons–tides of feeling have ever risen and fallen with them,
but they have never suspected the cause or reason of the mental phenomena. An
understanding of the workings of this Principle will give one the key to the Mastery of these
rhythmic swings of feeling, and will enable him to know himself better and to avoid being
carried away by these inflows and outflows. The Will is superior to the conscious
manifestation of this Principle, although the Principle itself can never be destroyed. We may
escape its effects, but the Principle operates, nevertheless. The pendulum ever swings,
although we may escape being carried along with it.
There are other features of the operation of this Principle of Rhythm of which we wish to
speak at this point. There comes into its operations that which is known as the Law of
Compensation. One of the definitions or meanings of the word “Compensate” is, “to
counterbalance,” which is the sense in which the Hermetists use the term. It is this Law of
Compensation to which the Kybalion refers when it says: “The measure of the swing to the
right is the measure of the swing to the left; rhythm compensates.”
The Law of Compensation is that the swing in one direction determines the swing in the
opposite direction, or to the opposite pole–the one balances, or counterbalances, the other.
On the Physical Plane we see many examples of this Law. The pendulum of the clock
swings a certain distance to the right, and then an equal distance to the left. The seasons
balance each other in the same way. The tides follow the same Law. And the same Law is
manifested in all the phenomena of Rhythm. The pendulum, with a short swing in one
direction, has but a short swing in the other; while the long swing to the right invariably
means the long swing to the left. An object hurled upward to a certain height has an equal
distance to traverse on its return. The force with which a projectile is sent upward a mile is
reproduced when the projectile returns to the earth on its return journey. This Law is
constant on the Physical Plane, as reference to the standard authorities will show you.
But the Hermetists carry it still further. They teach that a man's mental states are subject
to the same Law. The man who enjoys keenly, is subject to keen suffering; while he who
The Kybalion Page 44
feels but little pain is capable of feeling but little joy. The pig suffers but little mentally, and
enjoys but little–he is compensated. And on the other hand, there are other animals who
enjoy keenly, but whose nervous organism and temperament cause them to suffer exquisite
degrees of pain. And so it is with Man. There are temperaments which permit of but low
degrees of enjoyment, and equally low degrees of suffering; while there are others which
permit the most intense enjoyment, but also the most intense suffering. The rule is that the
capacity for pain and pleasure, in each individual, are balanced. The Law of Compensation
is in full operation here.
But the Hermetists go still further in this matter. They teach that before one is able to
enjoy a certain degree of pleasure, he must have swung as far, proportionately, toward the
other pole of feeling. They hold, however, that the Negative is precedent to the Positive in
this matter, that is to say that in experiencing a certain degree of pleasure it does not follow
that he will have to “pay up for it” with a corresponding degree of pain; on the contrary, the
pleasure is the Rhythmic swing, according to the Law of Compensation, for a degree of pain
previously experienced either in the present life, or in a previous incarnation. This throws a
new light on the Problem of Pain.
The Hermetists regard the chain of lives as continuous, and as forming a part of one life
of the individual, so that in consequence the rhythmic swing is understood in this way, while
it would be without meaning unless the truth of reincarnation is admitted.
But the Hermetists claim that the Master or advanced student is able, to a great degree,
to escape the swing toward Pain, by the process of Neutralization before mentioned. By
rising on to the higher plane of the Ego, much of the experience that comes to those dwelling
on the lower plane is avoided and escaped.
The Law of Compensation plays an important part in the lives of men and women. It will
he noticed that one generally “pays the price” of anything he possesses or lacks. If he has
one thing, he lacks another–the balance is struck. No one can “keep his
penny and have the
bit of cake” at the same time. Everything has its pleasant and unpleasant sides. The things
that one gains are always paid for by the things that one loses. The rich possess much that
the poor lack, while the poor often possess things that are beyond the reach of the rich. The
millionaire may have the inclination toward feasting, and the wealth wherewith to secure all
the dainties and luxuries of the table, while he lacks the appetite to enjoy the same; he
envies the appetite and digestion of the laborer, who lacks the wealth and inclinations of the
millionaire, and who gets more pleasure from his plain food than the millionaire could obtain
even if his appetite were not jaded, nor his digestion ruined, for the wants, habits and
inclinations differ. And so it is through life. The Law of Compensation is ever in operation,
striving to balance and counter-balance, and always succeeding in time, even though
several lives may be required for the return swing of the Pendulum of Rhythm.CHAPTER XII.
CAUSATION.
“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.”–The
Kybalion.
The great Sixth Hermetic Principle–the Principle of Cause and Effect–embodies the truth
that Law pervades the Universe; that nothing happens by Chance; that Chance is merely a
term indicating cause existing but not recognized or perceived; that phenomena is
continuous, without break or exception.
The Principle of Cause and Effect underlies all scientific thought, ancient and modern,
and was enunciated by the Hermetic Teachers in the earliest days. While many and varied
disputes between the many schools of thought have since arisen, these disputes have been
principally upon the details of the operations of the Principle, and still more often upon the
meaning of certain words. The underlying Principle of Cause and Effect has been accepted
as correct by practically all the thinkers of the world worthy of the name. To think otherwise
would be to take the phenomena of the universe from the domain of Law and Order, and to
relegate it to the control of the imaginary something which men have called “Chance.”
A little consideration will show anyone that there is in reality no such thing as pure
Chance. Webster defines the word 'Chance” as follows: “A supposed agent or mode of
activity other than a force, law or purpose; the operation or activity of such agent; the
supposed effect of such an agent; a happening; fortuity; casualty, etc.” But a little
consideration will show you that there can be no such agent as “Chance,” in the sense of
something outside of Law–something outside of Cause and Effect. How could there be a
something acting in the phenomenal universe, independent of the laws, order, and continuity
of the latter? Such a something would be entirely independent of the orderly trend of the
universe, and therefore superior to it. We can imagine nothing outside of THE ALL being
outside of the Law, and that only because THE ALL is the LAW in itself. There is no room in
the universe for a something outside of and independent of Law. The existence of such a
Something would render all Natural Laws ineffective, and would plunge the universe into
chaotic disorder and lawlessness.
A careful examination will show that what we call “Chance” is merely an expression
relating to obscure causes; causes that we cannot perceive; causes that we cannot
understand. The word Chance is derived from a word meaning “to fall” (as the falling of
dice), the idea being that the fall of the dice (and many other happenings) are merely a
“happening” unrelated to any cause. And this is the sense in which the term is generally
employed. But when the matter is closely examined, it is seen that there is no chance
whatsoever about the fall of the dice. Each time a die falls, and displays a certain number, it
obeys a law as infallible as that which governs the revolution of the planets around the sun.
Back of the fall of the die are causes, or chains of causes, running back further than the
mind can follow. The position of the die in the box; the amount of muscular energy expended
in the throw; the condition of the table, etc., etc., all are causes, the effect of which may be
seen. But back of these seen causes there are chains of unseen preceding causes, all of
which had a bearing upon the number of the die which fell uppermost.
If a die be cast a great number of times, it will be found that the numbers shown will be
about equal, that is, there will be an equal number of one-spot, two-spot, etc., coming
uppermost. Toss a penny in the air, and it may come down either “heads” or “tails”; but make
a sufficient number of tosses, and the heads and tails will about even up. This is the
operation of the law of average. But both the average and the single toss come under the
Law of Cause and Effect, and if we were able to examine into the preceding causes, it would
The Kybalion Page 46
be clearly seen that it was simply impossible for the die to fall other than it did, under the
same circumstances and at the same time. Given the same causes, the same results will
follow. There is always a “cause” and a “because” to every event. Nothing ever “happens”
without a cause, or rather a chain of causes.
Some confusion has arisen in the minds of persons considering this Principle, from the
fact that they were unable to explain how one thing could cause another thing–that is, be the
“creator” of the second thing. As a matter of fact, no “thing” ever causes or “creates” another
“thing.” Cause and Effect deals merely with events.” An “event” is “that which comes, arrives
or happens, as a result or consequent of some preceding event.” No event “creates” another
event, but is merely a preceding link in the great orderly chain of events flowing from the
creative energy of THE ALL. There is a continuity between all events precedent, consequent
and subsequent. There is a relation existing between everything that has gone before, and
everything that follows. A stone is dislodged from a mountain side and crashes through a
roof of a cottage in the valley below. At first sight we regard this as a chance effect, but when
we examine the matter we find a great chain of causes behind it. In the first place there was
the rain which softened the earth supporting the stone and which allowed it to fall; then back
of that was the influence of the sun, other rains, etc., which gradually disintegrated the piece
of rock from a larger piece; then there were the causes which led to the formation of the
mountain, and its upheaval by convulsions of nature, and so on ad infinitum. Then we might
follow up the causes behind the rain, etc. Then we might consider the existence of the roof.
In short, we would soon find ourselves involved in a mesh of cause and effect, from which
we would soon strive to extricate ourselves.
Just as a man has two parents, and four grandparents, and eight great-grandparents, and
sixteen great-great-grandparents, and so on until when, say, forty generations are calculated
the numbers of ancestors run into many millions–so it is with the number of causes behind
even the most trifling event or phenomena, such as the passage of a tiny speck of soot
before your eye. It is not an easy matter to trace the bit of soot back to the early period of the
world's history when it formed a part of a massive tree-trunk, which was afterward converted
into coal, and so on, until as the speck of soot it now passes before your vision on its way to
other adventures. And a mighty chain of events, causes and effects, brought it to its present
condition, and the latter is but one of the chain of events which will go to produce other
events hundreds of years from now. One of the series of events arising from the tiny bit of
soot was the writing of these lines, which caused the typesetter to perform certain work; the
proofreader to do likewise; and which will arouse certain thoughts in your mind, and that of
others, which in turn will affect others, and so on, and on, and on, beyond the ability of man
to think further–and all from the passage of a tiny bit of soot, all of which shows the relativity
and association of things, and the further fact that “-there is no great; there is no small; in the
mind that causeth all.”
Stop to think a moment. If a certain man had not met a certain maid, away back in the
dim period of the Stone Age–you who are now reading these lines would not now be here.
And if, perhaps, the same couple had failed to meet, we who now write these lines would not
now be here. And the very act of writing, on our part, and the act of reading
, on yours, will
affect not only the respective lives of yourself and ourselves, but will also have a direct, or
indirect, affect upon many other people now living and who will live in the ages to come.
Every thought we think, every act we perform, has its direct and indirect results which fit into
the great chain of Cause and Effect.
We do not wish to enter into a consideration of Free-Will, or Determinism, in this work, for
various reasons. Among the many reasons, is the principal one that neither side of the
controversy is entirely right–in fact, both sides are partially right, according to the Hermetic
Teachings. The Principle of Polarity shows that both are but Half-Truths–the opposing poles
of Truth. The Teachings are that a man may be both Free and yet bound by Necessity,
The Kybalion Page 47
depending upon the meaning of the terms, and the height of Truth from which the matter is
examined. The ancient writers express the matter thus: “The further the creation is from the
Centre, the more it is bound; the nearer the Centre it reaches, the nearer Free is it.”
The majority of people are more or less the slaves of heredity, environment, etc., and
manifest very little Freedom. They are swayed by the opinions, customs and thoughts of the
outside world, and also by their emotions, feelings, moods, etc. They manifest no Mastery,
worthy of the name. They indignantly repudiate this assertion, saying, “Why, I certainly am
free to act and do as I please–I do just what I want to do,” but they fail to explain whence
arise the “want to” and “as I please.” What makes them “want to” do one thing in preference
to another; what makes them “please” to do this, and not do that? Is there no “because” to
their “pleasing” and “wanting”? The Master can change these “pleases” and “wants” into
others at the opposite end of the mental pole. He is able to “Will to will,” instead of to will
because some feeling, mood, emotion, or environmental suggestion arouses a tendency or
desire within him so to do.
The majority of people are carried along like the falling stone, obedient to environment,
outside influences and internal moods, desires, etc., not to speak of the desires and wills of
others stronger than themselves, heredity, environment, and suggestion, carrying them
along without resistence on their part, or the exercise of the Will. Moved like the pawns on
the checkerboard of life, they play their parts and are laid aside after the game is over. But
the Masters, knowing the rules of the game, rise above the plane of material life, and placing
themselves in touch with the higher powers of their nature, dominate their own moods,
characters, qualities, and polarity, as well as the environment surrounding them and thus
become Movers in the game, instead of Pawns–Causes instead of Effects. The Masters do
not escape the Causation of the higher planes, but fall in with the higher laws, and thus
master circumstances on the lower plane. They thus form a conscious part of the Law,
instead of being mere blind instruments. While they Serve on the Higher Planes, they Rule
on the Material Plane.
But, on higher and on lower, the Law is always in operation. There is no such things as
Chance. The blind goddess has been abolished by Reason. We are able to see now, with
eyes made clear by knowledge, that everything is governed by Universal Law–that the
infinite number of laws are but manifestations of the One Great Law–the LAW which is THE
ALL. It is true indeed that not a sparrow drops unnoticed by the Mind of THE ALL–that even
the hairs on our head are numbered–as the scriptures have said. There is nothing outside of
Law; nothing that happens contrary to it. And yet, do not make the mistake of supposing that
Man is but a blind automaton–far from that. The Hermetic Teachings are that Man may use
Law to overcome laws, and that the higher will always prevail against the lower, until at last
he has reached the stage in which he seeks refuge in the LAW itself, and laughs the
phenomenal laws to scorn. Are you able to grasp the inner meaning of this?
The Kybalion Page 48
CHAPTER XIII.
GENDER.
“Gender is in everything; everything has its Masculine and Feminine Principles; Gender manifests on
planes.”–The Kybalion.
The great Seventh Hermetic Principle–the Principle of Gender–embodies the truth that
there is Gender manifested in everything–that the Masculine and Feminine principles are
ever present and active in all phases of phenomena, on each and every plane of life. At this
point we think it well to call your attention to the fact that Gender, in its Hermetic sense, and
Sex in the ordinarily accepted use of the term, are not the same.
The word “Gender” is derived from the Latin root meaning “to beget; to procreate; to
generate; to create; to produce.”
A moment’s consideration will show you that the word has a much broader and more
general meaning than the term “Sex,” the latter referring to the physical distinctions between
male and female living things. Sex is merely a manifestation of Gender on a certain plane of
the Great Physical Plane–the plane of organic life. We wish to impress this distinction upon
your minds, for the reason that certain writers, who have acquired a smattering of the
Hermetic Philosophy, have sought to identify this Seventh Hermetic Principle with wild and
fanciful, and often reprehensible, theories and teachings regarding Sex.
The office of Gender is solely that of creating, producing, generating, etc., and its
manifestations are visible on every plane of phenomena. It is somewhat difficult to produce
proofs of this along scientific lines, for the reason that science has not as yet recognized this
Principle as of universal application. But still some proofs are forthcoming from scientific
sources. In the first place, we find a distinct manifestation of the Principle of Gender among
the corpuscles, ions, or electrons, which constitute the basis of Matter as science now knows
the latter, and which by forming certain combinations form the Atom, which until lately was
regarded as final and indivisible.
The latest word of science is that the atom is composed of a multitude of corpuscles,
electrons, or ions (the various names being applied by different authorities) revolving around
each other and vibrating at a high degree and intensity. But the accompanying statement is
made that the formation of the atom is really due to the clustering of negative corpuscles
around a positive one–the positive corpuscles seeming to exert a certain influence upon the
negative corpuscles, causing the latter to assume certain combinations and thus “create” or
”generate” an atom. This is in line with the most ancient Hermetic Teachings, which have
always identified the Masculine principle of Gender with the “Positive,” and the Feminine with
the “Negative” Poles of Electricity (so-called).
Now a word at this point regarding this identification. The public mind has formed an
entirely erroneous impression regarding the qualities of the so-called 'Negative” pole of
electrified or magnetized Matter. The terms Positive and Negative are very wrongly applied
to this phenomenon by science. The word Positive means something real and strong, as
compared with a Negative unreality or weakness. Nothing is further from the real facts of
electrical phenomena. The so-called Negative pole of the battery is really the pole in and by
which the generation or production of new forms and energies is manifested. There is
nothing “negative” about it. The best scientific authorities now use the word “Cathode” in
place of “Negative,” the word Cathode coming from the Greek root meaning “descent; the
path of generation, etc.” From the Cathode pole emerge the swarm of electrons or
corpuscles; fr
om the same pole emerge those wonderful “rays” which have revolutionized
scientific conceptions during the past decade. The Cathode pole is the Mother of all of the
strange phenomena which have rendered useless the old text-books, and which have
The Kybalion Page 49
caused many long accepted theories to be relegated to the scrap-pile of scientific
speculation. The Cathode, or Negative Pole, is the Mother Principle of Electrical
Phenomena, and of the finest forms of matter as yet known to science. So you see we are
justified in refusing to use the term “Negative” in our consideration of the subject, and in
insisting upon substituting the word “Feminine” for the old term. The facts of the case bear
us out in this, without taking the Hermetic Teachings into consideration. And so we shall use
the word “Feminine” in the place of “Negative” in speaking of that pole of activity.
The latest scientific teachings are that the creative corpuscles or electrons are Feminine
(science says “they are composed of negative electricity–we say they are composed of
Feminine energy).
A Feminine corpuscle becomes detached from, or rather leaves, a Masculine corpuscle,
and starts on a new career. It actively seeks a union with a Masculine corpuscle, being
urged thereto by the natural impulse to create new forms of Matter or Energy. One writer
goes so far as to use the term “it at once seeks, of its own volition, a union,” etc. This
detachment and uniting form the basis of the greater part of the activities of the chemical
world. When the Feminine corpuscle unites with a Masculine corpuscle, a certain process is
begun. The Feminine particles vibrate rapidly under the influence of the Masculine energy,
and circle rapidly around the latter. The result is the birth of a new atom. This new atom is
really composed of a union of the Masculine and Feminine electrons, or corpuscles, but
when the union is formed the atom is a separate thing, having certain properties, but no
longer manifesting the property of free electricity. The process of detachment or separation
of the Feminine electrons is called “ionization.” These electrons, or corpuscles, are the most
active workers in Nature's field. Arising from their unions, or combinations, manifest the
varied phenomena of light, heat, electricity, magnetism, attraction, repulsion, chemical
affinity and the reverse, and similar phenomena. And all this arises from the operation of the
Principle of Gender on the plane of Energy.
The part of the Masculine principle seems to be that of directing a certain inherent energy
toward the Feminine principle, and thus starting into activity the creative processes. But the
Feminine principle is the one always doing the active creative work–and this is so on all
planes. And yet, each principle is incapable of operative energy without the assistance of the
other. In some of the forms of life, the two principles are combined in one organism. For that
matter, everything in the organic world manifests both genders–there is always the
Masculine present in the Feminine form, and the Feminine form. The Hermetic Teachings
include much regarding the operation of the two principles of Gender in the production and
manifestation of various forms of energy, etc., but we do not deem it expedient to go into
detail regarding the same at this point, because we are unable to back up the same with
scientific proof, for the reason that science has not as yet progressed thus far. But the
example we have given you of the phenomena of the electrons or corpuscles will show you
that science is on the right path, and will also give you a general idea of the underlying
principles.
Some leading scientific investigators have announced their belief that in the formation of
crystals there was to be found something that corresponded to “sex-activity,” which is
another straw showing the direction the scientific winds are blowing. And each year will bring
other facts to corroborate the correctness of the Hermetic Principle of Gender. It will be
found that Gender is in constant operation and manifestation in the field of inorganic matter,
and in the field of Energy or Force. Electricity is now generally regarded as the “Something”
into which all other forms of energy seem to melt or dissolve. The “Electrical Theory of the
Universe” is the latest scientific doctrine, and is growing rapidly in popularity and general
acceptance. And it thus follows that if we are able to discover in the phenomena of
electricity–even at the very root and source of its manifestations–a clear and unmistakable
evidence of the presence of Gender and its activities, we are justified in asking you to
The Kybalion Page 50
believe that science at last has offered proofs of the existence in all universal phenomena of
that great Hermetic Principle–the Principle of Gender.
It is not necessary to take up your time with the well known phenomena of the “attraction
and repulsion” of the atoms; chemical affinity; the “loves and hates” of the atomic particles;
the attraction or cohesion between the molecules of matter. These facts are too well known
to need extended comment from us. But, have you ever considered that all of these things
are manifestations of the Gender Principle?
Can you not see that the phenomena is “on all fours” with that of the corpuscles or
electrons? And more than this, can you not see the reasonableness of the Hermetic
Teachings which assert that the very Law of Gravitation–that strange attraction by reason of
which all particles and bodies of matter in the universe tend toward each other–is but
another manifestation of the Principle of Gender, which operates in the direction of attracting
the Masculine to the Feminine energies, and vice versa? We cannot offer you scientific proof
of this at this time–but examine the phenomena in the light of the Hermetic Teachings on the
subject, and see if you have not a better working hypothesis than any offered by physical
science. Submit all physical phenomena to the test, and you will discern the Principle of
Gender ever in evidence.
Let us now pass on to a consideration of the operation of the Principle on the Mental
Plane. Many interesting features are there awaiting examination.CHAPTER XIV.
MENTAL GENDER.
Students of psychology who have followed the modern trend of thought along the lines of
mental phenomena are struck by the persistence of the dual-mind idea which has
manifested itself so strongly during the past ten or fifteen years, and which has given rise to
a number of plausible theories regarding the nature and constitution of these “two minds.”
The late Thomson J. Hudson attained great popularity in 1893 by advancing his well-known
theory of the “objective and subjective minds” which he held existed in every individual.
Other writers have attracted almost equal attention by the theories regarding the “conscious
and sub-conscious minds”; the “voluntary and involuntary minds”; “the active and passive
minds,” etc., etc. The theories of the various writers differ from each other, but there remains
the underlying principle of “the duality of mind.”
The student of the Hermetic Philosophy is tempted to smile when he reads and hears of
these many “new theories” regarding the duality of mind, each school adhering tenaciously
to its own pet theories, and each claiming to have “discovered the truth.” The student turns
back the pages of occult history, and away back in the dim beginnings of occult teachings he
finds references to the ancient Hermetic doctrine of the Principle of Gender on the Mental
Plane–the manifestation of Mental Gender. And examining further he finds that the ancient
philosophy took cognizance of the phenomenon of the “dual mind,” and accounted for it by
the theory of Mental Gender. This idea of Mental Gender may be explained in a few words to
students who are familiar with the modern theories just alluded to. The Masculine Principle
of Mind corresponds to the so-called Objective Mind; Conscious Mind; Voluntary Mind;
Active Mind, etc. And the Feminine Principle of Mind corresponds to the so-called Subjective
Mind; Subconscious Mind; Involuntary Mind; Passive Mind, etc. Of course the Hermetic
Teachings do not agree with the many modern theories regarding the nature of the two
phases of mind, nor does it admit many of the facts claimed for the two respective aspects–
some of the said theories and claims being very far-fetched and incapable of standing the
test of experiment and demonstration. We point to the phases of agreement merely for the
purpose of helping the student to assimilate his previously acquired knowledge with the
teachings of the Hermetic Philosophy. Students of Hudson will notice the statement at the
beginning of his second chapter of “The Law of Psychic Phenomena,” that: “The mystic
jargon of the Hermetic philosophers discloses the same general idea”–i. e., the duality of
mind. If Dr. Hudson had taken the time and trouble to decipher a little of “the mystic jargon of
tile Hermetic Philosophy,” he might have received much light upon the subject of “the dual
mind”–but then, perhaps, his most interesting work might not have been written. Let us now
consider the Hermetic Teachings regarding Mental Gender.
The Hermetic Teachers impart their instruction regarding this subject by bidding their
students examine the report of their consciousness regarding their Self. The students are
bidden to turn their attention inward upon the Self dwelling within each. Each student is led
to see that his consciousness gives him first a report of the existence of his Self–the report is
“I Am.” This at first seems to be the final words from the consciousness, but a little further
examination discloses the fact that this “I Am” may be separated or split into two distinct
parts, or aspects, which while working in unison and in conjunction, yet, nevertheless, may
be separated in consciousness.
While at first there seems to be only an “I” existing, a more careful and closer examination
reveals the fact that there exists an “I” and a “Me.” These mental twins differ in their
characteristics and nature, and an examination of their nature and the phenomena arising
from the same will throw much light upon many of the problems of mental influence.
Let us begin with a consideration of the “Me,” which is usually mistaken for the “I” by the
The Kybalion Page 52
student, until he presses the inquiry a little further back into the recesses of consciousness.
A man thinks of his Self (in its aspect of “Me”) as being composed of certain feelings, tastes,
likes, dislikes, habits, peculiar ties, characteristics, etc., all of which go to make up his
personality, or the “Self” known to himself and others. He knows that these emotions and
feelings change; are born and die away; are subject to the Principle of Rhythm, and the
Principle of Polarity, which take him from one extreme of feeling to another. He also thinks of
the “Me” as being certain knowledge gathered together in his mind, and thus forming a part
of himself. This is the ”Me” of a man.
But we have proceeded too hastily. The “Me” of many men may be said to consist largely
of their consciousness of the body and their physical appetites, etc. Their consciousness
being largely bound up with their bodily nature, they practically “live there.” Some men even
go so far as to regard their personal apparel as a part of their “Me,” and actually seem to
consider it a part of themselves. A writer has humorously said that “men consist of three
parts–soul, body and clothes.” These “clothes conscious” people would lose their personality
if divested of their clothing by savages upon the occasion of a ship-wreck. But even many
who are not so closely bound up with the idea of personal raiment stick closely to the
consciousness of their bodies being their “Me.” They cannot conceive of a Self independent
of the body. Their mind seems to them to be practically “a something belonging to” their
body–which in many cases it is indeed.
But as man rises in the scale of consciousness he is able to disentangle his “Me” from his
idea of body, and is able to think of his body as “belonging to” the mental part of him. But
even then he is very apt to identify the “Me” entirely with the mental states, feelings, etc.,
which he feels to exist within him. He is very apt to consider these internal states as identical
with himself, instead of their being simply “things” produced by some part of his mentality,
and existing within him–of him, and in him, but still not “himself.” He sees that he may
change these internal states of feelings by an effort of will, and that he may produce a
feeling or state of an exactly opposite nature, in the same way, and yet the same “Me”
exists. And so after a while he is able to set aside these various mental states, emotions,
feelings, habits, qualities, characteristics, and other personal mental belongings–he is able
to set them aside in the “not-me” collection of curiosities and encumbrances, as well as
valuable possessions. This requires much mental concentration and power of mental
analysis on the part of the student. But still the task is possible for the advanced student, and
even those not so far advanced are able to see, in the imagination, how the process may be
performed.
After this laying-aside process has been performed, the student will find himself in
conscious possession of a “Self” which may be considered in its “I” and “Me” dual aspects.
The “Me” will be felt to be a Something mental in which thoughts, ideas, emotions, feelings,
and other mental states may be produced. It may be considered as the “mental womb,” as
the ancients styled it–capable of generating mental offspring. It reports to the consciousness
as a “Me” with latent powers of creation and generation of mental progeny of all sorts and
kinds. Its powers of creative energy are felt to
be enormous. But still it seems to be
conscious that it must receive some form of energy from either its “I” companion, or else
from some other “I,” ere it is able to bring into being its mental creations. This consciousness
brings with it a realization of an enormous capacity for mental work and creative ability.
But the student soon finds that this is not all that he finds within his inner consciousness.
He finds that there exists a mental Something which is able to Will that the “Me” act along
certain creative lines, and which is also able to stand aside and witness the mental creation.
This part of himself he is taught to call his “I.” He is able to rest in its consciousness at will.
He finds there not a consciousness of an ability to generate and actively create, in the sense
of the gradual process attendant upon mental operations, but rather a sense and
consciousness of an ability to project an energy from the “I” to the “Me”–a process of “willing”
The Kybalion Page 53
that the mental creation begin and proceed. He also finds that the “I” is able to stand aside
and witness the operations of the “Me's” mental creation and generation. There is this dual
aspect in the mind of every person. The “I” represents the Masculine Principle of Mental
Gender–the “Me” represents the Female Principle. The “I” represents the Aspect of Being;
the “Me” the Aspect of Becoming. You will notice that the Principle of Correspondence
operates on this plane just as it does upon the great plane upon which the creation of
Universes is performed. The two are similar in kind, although vastly different in degree. “As
above, so below; as below, so above.”
These aspects of mind–the Masculine and Feminine Principles–the “I” and the “Me”–
considered in connection with the well-known mental and psychic phenomena, give the
master-key to these dimly known regions of mental operation and manifestation. The
principle of Mental Gender gives the truth underlying the whole field of the phenomena of
mental influence, etc.
The tendency of the Feminine Principle is always in the direction of receiving
impressions, while the tendency of the Masculine Principle is always in. the direction of
giving out, or expressing. The Feminine Principle has a much more varied field of operation
than has the Masculine Principle. The Feminine Principle conducts the work of generating
new thoughts, concepts, ideas, including the work of the imagination. The Masculine
Principle contents itself with the work of the “Will,” in its varied phases. And yet without the
active aid of the Will of the Masculine Principle, the Feminine Principle is apt to rest content
with generating mental images which are the result of impressions received from outside,
instead of producing original mental creations.
Persons who can give continued attention and thought to a subject actively employ both
of the Mental Principles–the Feminine in the work of active mental generation, and the
Masculine Will in stimulating and energizing the creative portion of the mind. The majority of
persons really employ the Masculine Principle but little and are content to live according to
the thoughts and ideas instilled into the “Me” from the “I” of other minds. But it is not our
purpose to dwell upon this phase of the subject, which may be studied from any good textbook
upon psychology, with the key that we have given you regarding Mental Gender.
The student of Psychic Phenomena is aware of the wonderful phenomena classified
under the head of Telepathy; Thought Transference; Mental Influence; Suggestion;
Hypnotism, etc. Many have sought for an explanation of these varied phases of phenomena
under the theories of the various “dual mind” teachers. And in a measure they are right, for
there is clearly a manifestation of two distinct phases of mental activity. But if such students
will consider these “dual minds” in the light of the Hermetic Teachings regarding Vibrations
and Mental Gender, they will see that the long sought for key is at hand.
In the phenomena of Telepathy it is seen how the Vibratory Energy of the Masculine
Principle is projected toward the Feminine Principle of another person, and the latter takes
the seed-thought and allows it to develop into maturity. In the same way Suggestion and
Hypnotism operates. The Masculine Principle of the person giving the suggestions directs a
stream of Vibratory Energy or Will-Power toward the Feminine Principle of the other person,
and the latter accepting it makes it its own and acts and thinks accordingly. An idea thus
lodged in the mind of another person grows and develops, and in time is regarded as the
rightful mental offspring of the individual, whereas it is in reality like the cuckoo egg placed in
the sparrow's nest, where it destroys the rightful offspring and makes itself at home. The
normal method is for the Masculine and Feminine Principles in a person's mind to coordinate
and act harmoniously in conjunction with each other. But, unfortunately, the
Masculine Principle in the average person is too lazy to act–the display of Will-Power is too
slight–and the consequence is that such persons are ruled almost entirely by the minds and
wills of other persons, whom they allow to do their thinking and willing for them. How few
original thoughts or original actions are performed by the average person? Are not the
The Kybalion Page 54
majority of persons mere shadows and echoes of others having stronger wills or minds than
themselves? The trouble is that the average person dwells almost altogether in his “Me”
consciousness, and does not realize that he has such a thing as an “I.” He is polarized in his
Feminine Principle of Mind, and the Masculine Principle, in which is lodged the Will, is
allowed to remain inactive and not employed.
The strong men and women of the world invariably manifest the Masculine Principle of
Will, and their strength depends materially upon this fact. Instead of living upon the
impressions made upon their minds by others, they dominate their own minds by their Will,
obtaining the kind of mental images desired, and moreover dominate the minds of others
likewise, in the same manner. Look at the strong people, how they manage to implant their
seed-thoughts in the minds of the masses of the people, thus causing the latter to think
thoughts in accordance with the desires and wills of the strong individuals. This is why the
masses of people are such sheep-like creatures, never originating an idea of their own, nor
using their own powers of mental activity.
The manifestation of Mental Gender may be noticed all around us in everyday life. The
magnetic persons are those who are able to use the Masculine Principle in the way of
impressing their ideas upon others. The actor who makes people weep or cry as he wills, is
employing this principle. And so is the successful orator, statesman, preacher, writer or other
people who are before the public attention. The peculiar influence exerted by some people
over others is due to the manifestation of Mental Gender along the Vibratorial lines above
indicated. In this principle lies the secret of personal magnetism, personal influence,
fascination, etc., as well as the phenomena generally grouped under the name of
Hypnotism.
The student who has familiarized himself with the phenomena generally spoken of as
“psychic” will have discovered the important part played in the said phenomena by that force
which science has styled “Suggestion,” by which term is meant the process or method
whereby an idea is transferred to, or “impressed upon” the mind of another, causing the
second mind to act in accordance therewith. A correct understanding of Suggestion is
necessary in order to intelligently comprehend the varied psychical phenomena
which
Suggestion underlies. But, still more is a knowledge of Vibration and Mental Gender
necessary for the student of Suggestion. For the whole principle of Suggestion depends
upon the principle of Mental Gender and Vibration.
It is customary for the writers and teachers of Suggestion to explain that it is the
“objective or voluntary” mind which make the mental impression, or suggestion, upon the
“subjective or involuntary” mind. But they do not describe the process or give us any analogy
in nature whereby we may more readily comprehend the idea But if you will think of the
matter in the light of the Hermetic Teachings, you will be able to see that the energizing of
the Feminine Principle by the Vibratory Energy of the Masculine Principle is in accordance to
the universal laws of nature, and that the natural world affords countless analogies whereby
the principle may be understood. In fact, the Hermetic Teachings show that the very creation
of the Universe follows the same law, and that in all creative manifestations, upon the planes
of the spiritual, the mental, and the physical, there is always in operation this principle of
Gender–this manifestation of the Masculine and the Feminine Principles. “As above, so
below; as below, so above.” And more than this, when the principle of Mental Gender is
once grasped and understood, the varied phenomena of psychology at once becomes
capable of intelligent classification and study, instead of being very much in the dark. The
principle “works out” in practice, because it is based upon the immutable universal laws of
life.
We shall not enter into an extended discussion of, or description of, the varied
phenomena of mental influence or psychic activity. There are many books, many of them
quite good, which have been written and published on this subject of late years. The main
The Kybalion Page 55
facts stated in these various books are correct, although the several writers have attempted
to explain the phenomena by various pet theories of their own. The student may acquaint
himself with these matters, and by using the theory of Mental Gender he will be able to bring
order out of the chaos of conflicting theory and teachings, and may, moreover, readily make
himself a master of the subject if he be so inclined. The purpose of this work is not to give an
extended account of psychic phenomena, but rather to give to the student a master-key
whereby he may unlock the many doors leading into the parts of the Temple of Knowledge
which he may wish to explore. We feel that in this consideration of the teachings of The
Kybalion, one may find an explanation which will serve to clear away many perplexing
difficulties–a key that will unlock many doors. What is the use of going into detail regarding
all of the many features of psychic phenomena and mental science, provided we place in the
hands of the student the means whereby he may acquaint himself fully regarding any phase
of the subject which may interest him. With the aid of The Kybalion one may go through any
occult library anew, the old Light from Egypt illuminating many dark pages, and obscure
subjects. That is the purpose of this book. We do not come expounding a new philosophy,
but rather furnishing the outlines of a great world-old teaching which will make clear the
teachings of others–which will serve as a Great Reconciler of differing theories, and
opposing doctrines.
The Kybalion Page 56
CHAPTER XV.
HERMETIC AXIOMS.
“The possession of Knowledge, unless accompanied by a manifestation and expression
in Action, is like the hoarding of precious metals–a vain and foolish thing. Knowledge, like
Wealth, is intended for Use. The Law of Use is Universal, and he who violates it suffers by
reason of his conflict with natural forces.“–The Kybalion.
The Hermetic Teachings, while always having been kept securely locked up in the minds
of the fortunate possessors thereof, for reasons which we have already stated, were never
intended to be merely stored away and secreted. The Law of Use is dwelt upon in the
Teachings, as you may see by reference to the above quotation from The Kybalion, which
states it forcibly. Knowledge without Use and Expression is a vain thing, bringing no good to
its possessor, or to the race. Beware of Mental Miserliness, and express into Action that
which you have learned. Study the Axioms and Aphorisms, but practice them also.
We give below some of the more important Hermetic Axioms, from The Kybalion, with a
few comments added to each. Make these your own, and practice and use them, for they
are not really your own until you have Used them.
“To change your mood or mental state–change your vibration.”–The Kybalion.
One may change his mental vibrations by an effort of Will, in the direction of deliberately
fixing the Attention upon a more desirable state. Will directs the Attention, and Attention
changes the Vibration. Cultivate the Art of Attention, by means of the Will, and you have
solved the secret of the Mastery of Moods and Mental States.
“To destroy an undesirable rate of mental vibration, put into operation the Principle of
Polarity and concentrate upon tile opposite pole to that which you desire to suppress. Kill out
the undesirable by changing its polarity.”–The Kybalion.
This is one of the most important of the Hermetic Formulas. It is based upon true
scientific principles. We have shown you that a mental state and its opposite were merely
the two poles of one thing, and that by Mental Transmutation the polarity might be reversed.
This principle is known to modern psychologists, who apply it to the breaking up of
undesirable habits by bidding their students concentrate upon the opposite quality. If you are
possessed of Fear, do not waste time trying to “kill out” Fear, but instead cultivate the quality
of Courage, and the Fear will disappear. Some writers have expressed this idea most
forcibly by using the illustration of the dark room. You do not have to shovel out or sweep out
the Darkness, but by merely opening the shutters and letting in the Light the Darkness has
disappeared. To kill out a Negative quality, concentrate upon the Positive Pole of that same
quality, and the vibrations will gradually change from Negative to Positive, until finally you
will become polarized on the Positive pole instead of the Negative. The reverse is also true,
as many have found out to their sorrow, when they have allowed themselves to vibrate too
constantly on the Negative pole of things. By changing your polarity you may master your
moods, change your mental states, remake your disposition, and build up character. Much of
the Mental Mastery of the advanced Hermetics is due to this application of Polarity, which is
one of the important aspects of Mental Transmutation. Remember the Hermetic Axiom
(quoted previously), which says:
“Mind (as well as metals and elements) may be transmuted from state to state; degree to
degree; condition to condition; pole to pole; vibration to vibration.”–The Kybalion.
The mastery of Polarization is the mastery of the fundamental principles of Mental
Transmutation or Mental Alchemy, for unless one acquires the art of changing his own
polarity, he will be unable to affect his environment. An understanding of this principle will
enable one to change his own Polarity, as well as that of others, if he will but devote the
time, care, study and practice necessary to master the art. The principle is true, but the
The Kybalion Page 57
results obtained depend upon the persistent patience and practice of the student.
“Rhythm may be neutralized by an application of the Art of Polarization.”–The Kybalion.
As we have explained in previous chapters, the Hermetists hold that the Principle of
Rhythm manifests on the Mental Plane as well as on the Physical Plane, and that the
bewildering
succession of moods, feelings, emotions, and other mental states, are due to the
backward and forward swing of the mental pendulum, which carries us from one extreme of
feeling to the other.
The Hermetists also teach that the Law of Neutralization enables one, to a great extent,
to overcome the operation of Rhythm in consciousness. As we have explained, there is a
Higher Plane of Consciousness, as well as the ordinary Lower Plane, and the Master by
rising mentally to the Higher Plane causes the swing of the mental pendulum to manifest on
the Lower Plane, and he, dwelling on his Higher Plane, escapes the consciousness of the
swing backward. This is effected by polarizing on the Higher Self, and thus raising the
mental vibrations of the Ego above those of the ordinary plane of consciousness. It is akin to
rising above a thing, and allowing it to pass beneath you. The advanced Hermetist polarizes
himself at the Positive Pole of his Being–the “I Am” pole rather than the pole of personality,
and by “refusing” and “denying” the operation of Rhythm, raises himself above its plane of
consciousness, and standing firm in his Statement of Being he allows the pendulum to swing
back on the Lower Plane without changing his Polarity. This is accomplished by all
individuals who have attained any degree of self-mastery, whether they understand the law
or not. Such persons simply “refuse” to allow themselves to be swung back by the pendulum
of mood and emotion, and by steadfastly affirming the superiority, they remain polarized on
the Positive pole. The Master, of course, attains a far greater degree of proficiency, because
he understands the law which he is overcoming by a higher law, and by the use of his Will
he attains a degree of Poise and Mental Steadfastness almost impossible of belief on the
part of those who allow themselves to be swung backward and forward by the mental
pendulum of moods and feelings.
Remember, always, however, that you do not really destroy the Principle of Rhythm, for
that is indestructible. You simply overcome one law by counter-balancing it with another, and
thus maintain an equilibrium. The laws of balance and counter-balance are in operation on
the mental as well as on the physical planes, and an understanding of these laws enables
one to seem to overthrow laws, whereas he is merely exerting a counterbalance.
“Nothing escapes the Principle of Cause and Effect, but there are many Planes of
Causation, and one may use the laws of the higher to overcome the laws of the lower.“–The
Kybalion.
By an understanding of the practice of Polarization, the Hermetists rise to a higher plane
of Causation and thus counter-balance the laws of the lower planes of Causation. By rising
above the plane of ordinary Causes they become themselves, in a degree, Causes instead
of being merely Caused. By being able to master their own moods and feelings, and by
being able to neutralize Rhythm, as we have already explained, they are able to escape a
great part of the operations of Cause and Effect on the ordinary plane. The masses of
people are carried along, obedient to their environment; the wills and desires of others
stronger than themselves; the effect of inherited tendencies; the suggestions of those about
them; and other outward causes; which tend to move them about on the chess-board of life
like mere pawns. By rising above these influencing causes, the advanced Hermetists seek a
higher plane of mental action, and by dominating their moods, emotions, impulses and
feelings, they create for themselves new characters, qualities and powers, by which they
overcome their ordinary environment, and thus become practically players instead of mere
Pawns. Such people help to play the game of life understandingly, instead of being moved
about this way and that way by stronger influences and powers and wills. They use the
Principle of Cause and Effect, instead of being used by it. Of course, even the highest are
The Kybalion Page 58
subject to the Principle as it manifests on the higher planes, but on the lower planes of
activity, they are Masters instead of Slaves. As The Kybalion says:
“The wise ones serve on the higher, but rule on the lower. They obey the laws coming
from above them, but en their own plane, and those below them, they rule and give orders.
And, yet, in so doing, they form a part of the Principle, instead of opposing it. The wise man
falls in with the Law, and by understanding its movements he operates it instead of being its
blind slave. Just as does the skilled swimmer turn this way and that way, going and coming
as he will, instead of being as the log which is carried here and there–so is the wise man as
compared to the ordinary man–and yet both swimmer and log; wise man and fool, are
subject to Law. He who understands this is well on the road to Mastery.“–The Kybalion.
In conclusion let us again call your attention to the Hermetic Axiom:
“True Hermetic Transmutation is a Mental Art.”–The Kybalion.
In the above axiom, the Hermetists teach that the great work of influencing one's
environment is accomplished by Mental Power. The Universe being wholly mental, it follows
that it may be ruled only by Mentality. And in this truth is to be found an explanation of all the
phenomena and manifestations of the various mental powers which are attracting so much
attention and study in these earlier years of the Twentieth Century. Back of and under the
teachings of the various cults and schools, remains ever constant the principle of the Mental
Substance of the Universe. If the Universe be Mental in its substantial nature, then it follows
that Mental Transmutation must change the conditions and phenomena of the Universe. If
the Universe is Mental, then Mind must be the highest power affecting its phenomena. If this
be understood then all the so-called “miracles” and “wonder-workings are seen plainly for
what they are.
“THE ALL is MIND; The Universe is Mental.”–The Kybalion.
- You must be logged in to reply to this topic.
