The Kybalion Summary | All 7 Principles Explained

The “Kybalion: Hermetic Philosophy” is a book originally published in 1908 by an anonymous person or group under the pseudonym “The Three Initiates”. 

It aims to elucidate the essence of Hermetic Philosophy, offering insights into the nature of reality, the mind, and the cosmos. It draws upon ancient Hermeticism, an esoteric tradition that dates back to Egypt and Greece, associated with the writings attributed to Hermes Trismegistus, a legendary Hellenistic figure who is often regarded as a synthesis of the Greek god Hermes and the Egyptian god Thoth.

Summary

The Kybalion centers around seven primary principles or axioms, which are thought to encapsulate the core teachings of Hermeticism. These principles are not only intended to provide a framework for understanding the universe but also serve as a guide for personal growth and spiritual development. 

Here’s a brief overview of each:

1. The Principle of Mentalism asserts that “The All is Mind; The Universe is Mental.” This principle posits that the universe is ultimately mental in nature, and reality is created by the mind.
2. The Principle of Correspondence is summarized by the adage “As above, so below; as below, so above.” It suggests that there is a harmony, agreement, and correspondence between the different planes of existence, from the physical to the spiritual.
3. The Principle of Vibration states that “Nothing rests; everything moves; everything vibrates.” This principle highlights the constant state of motion and change in the universe, indicating that everything is composed of vibrating energies at different frequencies.
4. The Principle of Polarity posits that “Everything is Dual; everything has poles; everything has its pair of opposites.” It suggests that opposites are essentially the same in nature but differ in degree, and that the extremes can be reconciled through the understanding of this principle.
5. The Principle of Rhythm asserts that “Everything flows, out and in; everything has its tides; all things rise and fall.” This principle recognizes the cyclical nature of the universe, where every action brings about a reaction of an equal or greater force.
6. The Principle of Cause and Effect states that “Every Cause has its Effect; every Effect has its Cause.” It emphasizes that nothing happens by chance, and that there is a cause for every effect and an effect for every cause.
7. The Principle of Gender posits that “Gender is in everything; everything has its Masculine and Feminine Principles.” This principle suggests that gender exists on all planes of existence and manifests as the masculine and feminine aspects of things.

The Kybalion serves as a guide to understanding and applying these principles in one’s life. It teaches that by mastering these principles, individuals can achieve a deeper understanding of the universe and their place within it, ultimately leading to spiritual enlightenment and the ability to influence their reality. 

The book has been influential in the New Thought movement and continues to be a foundational text for students of Hermeticism, esotericism, and metaphysics.

The 7 Principles

1. The Principle of Mentalism

The Principle of Mentalism is a cornerstone of Hermetic Philosophy, emphasizing the idea that the universe is fundamentally mental in nature. 

According to this principle, the entire cosmos is a manifestation of the mind, which implies that all phenomena in the universe are essentially mental creations. 

This principle posits that “The All,” a term used to describe the ultimate, infinite, and omnipresent consciousness or source, is purely mental. Everything that exists in the physical, mental, and spiritual planes is thought to emerge from this universal mind.

This concept encourages the understanding that our reality is shaped by our perceptions, beliefs, and thoughts. Since everything is a mental construct, it suggests that individuals have the power to influence their reality through the use of their mind. 

Mastery of this principle allows one to comprehend the true nature of energy, power, and matter, leading to profound implications for personal development, spiritual growth, and the ability to consciously create one’s desired outcomes in life.

2. The Principle of Correspondence

The Principle of Correspondence is based on the idea that there is a direct relationship between the various planes of existence, from the most gross physical level to the highest spiritual level. The famous adage “As above, so below; as below, so above” encapsulates this concept, indicating that the macrocosm is reflected in the microcosm and vice versa. 

This principle suggests that by understanding the laws and phenomena of the higher realms, one can understand the workings of the lower realms, and that insights gained on one level of reality can be applied to others.

This principle is not only metaphysical in its implications but also practical, as it allows one to draw analogies and gain insights into the nature of the unseen by studying the seen. 

It teaches that there is a harmony and correspondence between the spiritual, mental, and physical realms, and that understanding this correspondence enables one to uncover the hidden truths of the universe. 

This principle is crucial for the practice of Hermetic magic, the formulation of esoteric knowledge, and the pursuit of wisdom.

3. The Principle of Vibration

The Principle of Vibration asserts that everything in the universe is in a state of constant motion and vibration. 

Nothing is static; everything moves, vibrates, and is in a state of flux. This principle extends beyond physical matter to include the vibrations of thoughts, emotions, and spiritual states. 

According to Hermetic teachings, different states of being, matter, energy, and consciousness are all differentiated by their rate of vibration.

This principle underlies the modern understanding of the universe in terms of energy, frequency, and vibration. 

It explains the differences among various forms of matter and energy as being the result of varying rates of vibration. For instance, solid matter vibrates at a lower frequency than more ethereal substances like thoughts or even light. 

By understanding and applying the Principle of Vibration, one can change their personal vibration to resonate with higher frequencies, which is associated with higher states of consciousness, better health, and more positive realities.

The Principle of Vibration also explains the phenomena of resonance and the law of attraction, suggesting that like vibrations attract like vibrations. 

Mastery of this principle enables one to understand the true nature of energy, transformation, and the interconnectivity of all things, leading to a deeper appreciation of the universe and one’s ability to influence it.

4. The Principle of Polarity

The Principle of Polarity elaborates on the concept of duality within the universe, suggesting that everything is dual and has two poles or opposite aspects. 

These opposites are not separate entities but rather two extremes of the same thing, varying only in degree. For example, hot and cold are not fundamentally different but are variations of temperature; similarly, light and dark are variations of illumination.

This principle teaches that opposites are complementary and that the tension between them is what leads to the dynamism and progression of life. By understanding and harmonizing these opposites, individuals can achieve balance and insight. 

This principle is key in many spiritual and philosophical traditions, indicating a path toward transcendence by reconciling the dualities within oneself and the world. 

It also underlies many practices in psychology, alchemy, and esoteric teachings, where the transformation process often involves balancing opposing forces.

5. The Principle of Rhythm

The Principle of Rhythm speaks to the constant flow of events and phenomena in the universe, characterized by a cyclical nature of movement. 

This principle observes that everything has its periods of rise and fall, expansion and contraction, similar to the tides and seasons. 

It suggests that these cycles are not random but are governed by laws that can be observed and predicted.

This rhythmic motion is evident in the cycles of nature, human experiences, societies, and even the cosmos. Understanding this principle helps one to navigate life’s ups and downs more gracefully, knowing that after every high comes a low and vice versa. 

It encourages one to work with the flow of life’s rhythms rather than against them, promoting harmony and balance. In practical terms, it can be applied to personal growth, business cycles, and understanding societal changes.

6. The Principle of Cause and Effect

The Principle of Cause and Effect underlines the law of causation, stating that nothing happens by chance or outside the Universal Laws. Every effect has a specific and predictable cause, and every cause produces a specific and predictable effect. 

This principle asserts that the universe operates in an orderly fashion, where the same conditions will always produce the same results.

This concept is foundational to both scientific inquiry and spiritual understanding, suggesting that individuals can shape their destinies by aligning their actions with desired outcomes. 

It promotes the idea of taking responsibility for one’s life, recognizing that personal and collective realities are the result of past actions. Mastery of this principle allows for the conscious creation of future experiences by making intentional choices.

7. The Principle of Gender

The Principle of Gender illustrates that gender is present in everything, with all things containing both masculine and feminine components. This principle extends beyond physical sex to encompass broad metaphysical concepts. 

The masculine principle is often associated with qualities like action, direction, and assertiveness, while the feminine principle is related to receptivity, nurturance, and creativity.

This principle is evident across all levels of creation, from physical reproduction in plants and animals to the creative synthesis of ideas and the birth of new projects. 

Understanding and balancing these masculine and feminine energies within oneself is crucial for personal development and spiritual growth. 

This balance leads to a more harmonious and effective interaction with the external world, enabling the creative power inherent in the blending of these energies.

Final Thoughts

The Seven Hermetic Principles offer a profound and timeless wisdom that can be applied to understand the universe and oneself on a deeper level. 

These principles provide a framework for navigating the complexities of life, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all things and the power of the mind in shaping reality. 

By contemplating and integrating these into one’s daily life, individuals can achieve greater awareness, balance, and harmony, both within themselves and in their interactions with the world around them.