Short but dense book, The Kybalion, written by "Three Initiates," sets out the foundations of the hermetic philosophy inherited from ancient Egypt. It is aimed at those who want to understand the invisible mechanisms—called Principles or Laws—that govern the universe and our behavior. It is a surprising read: behind sometimes dated language lies a vision of the world that is surprisingly close to certain recent scientific discoveries (vibrations, polarities, informational fields, consciousness).
This text recalls a truth that many traditions intuited before science confirmed it: intuition often precedes proof. It also brings out a central idea: everything is Spirit, everything is Mind, and the universe is interconnected.
The Seven Hermetic Principles: A Map of Reality
THE Kybalion is based on seven main principles, each describing a fundamental law at work in the universe. Here is a summary overview:
Mentalism : everything is Spirit. The universe is a mental creation, which implies that we can transform our inner states—and by resonance, our outer reality.
The Correspondence : "As above, so below." What applies to the individual is found in the collective, and vice versa.
The Vibration : everything moves, everything vibrates. Nothing is fixed, including our thoughts and emotions. Working on oneself therefore involves mastering the frequencies we emit.
Polarity : Opposites are two extremes of the same reality. Love and hate, hot and cold, it's all a matter of degree. This principle underpins methods of inner transformation.
The Rhythm : everything is cyclical. Like a pendulum, the universe swings between two poles. Knowledge allows us to anticipate the flows and avoid being subjected to the oscillations.
Cause and Effect : every effect has a cause. Nothing happens by chance. This principle reminds us of our responsibility in the construction of our reality.
Gender : everything has a masculine and feminine polarity. It is in their balance that creation resides.
Ancient wisdom, current relevance
What makes The Kybalion What makes it so fascinating is that it offers both a framework for interpreting the world and a tool for personal transformation. It's not about believing in it, but about experimenting. These laws are not dogmas, but ways to "transmute" one's mental states, escape victimization, understand cycles and better navigate the complexity of the world.
For support practitioners (coaches, therapists, teachers), the Kybalion can be a powerful source of inspiration, provided that it is read rigorously, not dogmatically, and applied with discernment.
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