"As above, so below, as within, so without, as the universe, so the soul…” Hermes Trismegistus
This principle, which pervades all things, is perfectly exemplified in the video above where world famous scientist Neil DeGrasse Tyson answers the question of “what is the most astounding fact about the universe?” It is a fascinating example of Hermetic law.
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The Seven Principles taught by Hermes Trismegistus
These are the seven principles taught by Hermes Trismegistus, also known as Hermes, the Greek God of travelers/thieves/commerce and the messenger of the Gods. He was also known as the great priest Thoth to the Egyptians.
“….it is understood that these ideas where passed from Master to Initiate for generations, for the purpose of personal growth and with the intention of achieving a greater and deeper understanding of the self, the world and beyond. For the student of religion, philosophy and science, the Hermetic teachings act as the key to tying all of the different schools of thought into one cohesive body of knowledge.”
The Seven Principles of the Universe:
1. Principle of Mentalism: “All is Mind”
2. Principle of Correspondence: “As is above, so is below. As is below, so is above.”
3. Principle of Vibration: “Nothing rests; everything moves; everything vibrates.”
4. Principle of Polarity: “Everything is dual; everything has an opposite, and opposites are identical in nature but different in degree.”
5. Principle of Rhythm: “Everything flows, out and in; the pendulum-swing manifests in everything; the measure of the swing to the right is the measure of the swing to the left- rhythm compensates.”
6. Principle of Cause and Effect: “Every cause has its effect; every effect has its cause.”
7. Principle of Gender: “Everything has its masculine and feminine principles.”
Replies
” As above, so below ” this refers to as things live in the sky, so so things live in the ground. A more obscure reference may have hinted at the religious beliefs of the time. Referring to God(s) above, and God(s) below.
“As within, so without” refers to how if we look within we find that everyone around us is just like us
“As the universe, so the soul” Refers to the order, rythm, seasons, chaos, and beauty in the universe is mirrored by the same order, rhythm, seasons, chaos, and beauty in the soul.