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Title: The Kybalion A Study of The Hermetic Philosophy of Ancient Egypt and Greece

Author: Three Initiates

Release Date: November 29, 2004 [EBook #14209]

Language: English

*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE KYBALION ***

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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"

1912

COPYRIGHT 1912

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED BY

THE YOGI PUBLICATION SOCIETY MASONIC TEMPLE CHICAGO, ILLINOIS

ISBN 0 911662-25-1

TO HERMES TRISMEGISTUS

KNOWN BY THE ANCIENT EGYPTIANS AS

"THE GREAT GREAT" AND "MASTER OF MASTERS"

THIS LITTLE VOLUME OF HERMETIC TEACHING IS REVERENTLY DEDICATED

Table of Contents
I. The Hermetic Philosophy
II. The Seven Hermetic Principles
1. The Principle of Mentalism
2. The Principle of Correspondence
3. The Principle of Vibration
4. The Principle of Polarity
5. The Principle of Rhythm
6. The Principle of Cause and Effect
7. The Principle of Gender
III. Mental Transmutation
IV. The All
V. The Mental Universe
VI. The Divine Paradox
VII. "The All" in All
VIII. Planes of Correspondence
IX. Vibration
X. Polarity
XI. Rhythm
XII. Causation
XIII. Gender
XIV. Mental Gender
XV. Hermetic Axioms
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, not withstanding 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 this 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 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 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:

"O, 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!"

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 criticized 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 therm 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.

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
masterminds 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 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 Philosophy, 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 KYBALION are printed herein, in italics, 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":

"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!

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:

1. The Principle of Mentalism. 2. The Principle of Correspondence. 3. The Principle of

Vibration. 4. The Principle of Polarity. 5. The Principle of Rhythm. 6. The Principle of
Cause and Effect. 7. The Principle of Gender.

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.

1. 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 today 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.

2. The Principle of Correspondence

"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.

3. 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 each 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 scepter of power," says one of the old writers.

4. 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 half-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.

5. 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 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.

6. 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.

7. The Principle of Gender

"Gender is in everything; everything has its Masculine and Feminine Principles; Gender
manifests on all planes."—The Kybalion.

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, 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.

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 has 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 to-day, 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 Universe 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 those ordinarily called "mental."

As a matter of fact, none but advanced Mental Alchemists 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 today, 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 may 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 self-protection. 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.

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—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, traveling 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 of 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.

(At this point, it may be proper for me to state that we make a distinction between Religion and
Theology—between Philosophy and 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 an 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 there 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 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!

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.

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
whenever 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 so?

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 "centers of activity" on to man, and then on and on still
higher, all according to well-established 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, 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 earth-bound 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.

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, 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, but 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 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 of 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 of 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 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 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 biggest 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 realising the Universal tendency in the same direction in spite of apparent
evidence 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 Apollo 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, eloquently announcing that: "I Am Shakespeare!" THE ALL is in the earthworm,
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 Mind of
THE ALL—yet THE ALL is immanent in the earthworm, and in the particles that go to make up the
earth-worm. 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 operation—the 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 "Outpouring," 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 Hermetists 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 "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 aeons upon aeons of Man's time, each aeon 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 aeons 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.

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; is 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 the 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."

CHAPTER VIII
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:

1. The Great Physical Plane.

2. The Great Mental Plane.
3. 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 follows: "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 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 arch -angel 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:

1. The Plane of Matter (A) 2. The Plane of Matter (B) 3. The Plane of Matter (C) 4. The
Plane of Ethereal Substance 5. The Plane of Energy (A) 6. The Plane of Energy (B) 7. The
Plane of Energy (C)

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 (C) 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 experiments but not as yet named or classified.
The Plane of Energy (B) comprises seven subplanes 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 Plane of Energy (C) 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:
 1. The Plane of Mineral Mind 2. The Plane of Elemental Mind (A) 3. The Plane of Plant
Mind 4. The Plane of Elemental Mind (B) 5. The Plane of Animal Mind 6. The Plane of
Elemental Mind (C) 7. 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 subdivisions 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 decade. Plants have life, mind and
"souls," as well as have the animals, man, and super-man.

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 (C), 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 divisions. 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 sub-divisions, 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 "Sanoni" 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 subdivisions 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 earth-worm, mineral or even certain forms of Energy or
Matter. The Life of these Beings so far transcends ours, that 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 superimposed 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 ecstasy 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;
spiritual; 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 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 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 sped 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.

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 may. 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, he 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 scepter of Power."

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.

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 hatter is 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 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.
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 in their upward
swing. Suns spring into being, and then their height of power being reached, the process of
retrogression begins, and after aeons 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 new-birth. 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 circle 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 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 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 be 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 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 hack 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 later 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, 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 resistance 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 thing 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 AL—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?

CHAPTER XIII
GENDER

"Gender is in everything; everything has its Masculine and Feminine Principles; Gender
manifests on all 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 phenomenon. 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; from 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 textbooks, and which have 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
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 subconscious 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; Sub-conscious 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 the 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 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 shipwreck. 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 all 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" 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 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 the 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 text-book 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 sparrows 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 co-ordinate 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 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 sheeplike 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 Vibrational 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 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.

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 the 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 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 effects 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 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 on 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.

FINIS
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