The 7 principles refer to a set of guidelines that can help improve various aspects of life. These principles provide a framework for living with purpose, fulfillment, and greater harmony with oneself and others. The principles encourage reflective thinking, conscious decision making, and taking mindful action. When practiced consistently, the 7 principles can lead to profound personal growth and positive change.
Principle 1: The Principle of Mentalism
The first principle is the Principle of Mentalism, which states that “all is mind.” This principle suggests that our thoughts and beliefs shape our reality. We do not see the world as it is, but rather as we are. Our perceptions are filtered through the lens of our beliefs, expectations, and past experiences. When we change our thinking and mindset, we change our outer experience. By taking control of our thoughts and beliefs, we take control of our lives and reality. This principle encourages positive thinking, an open mind, and recognizing the power of perspective.
| Key Points | Description |
|---|---|
| Our thoughts shape our reality | We do not see the world as it is, but as we are. Our perceptions are filtered by our beliefs. |
| Changing our thinking changes our lives | When we change our mindset and outlook, we change our lives and reality. |
| Adopt positive thinking | Positive, empowering thoughts create a positive life. Negative thoughts create a negative life. |
| Be open-minded | Remaining open and flexible allows us to see more possibilities. |
| Perspective is powerful | How we look at things shapes our experiences. See life from empowering perspectives. |
Principle 2: The Principle of Correspondence
The second principle is the Principle of Correspondence, which states “as above, so below; as below, so above.” This principle conveys the interconnected nature of the universe. What manifests on the physical plane is a reflection or external expression of what exists on the mental and spiritual planes. There is a constant interplay between these levels of reality. This principle also suggests that there are universal patterns and rhythms that repeat throughout the cosmos on both macro and micro levels. By studying these recurring patterns and relationships, we gain greater understanding of the universe and insight into how to live in greater harmony.
| Key Points | Description |
|---|---|
| “As above, so below” | The physical world reflects the mental and spiritual realms. |
| Universal interconnectedness | Everything in the universe is interconnected and interdependent. |
| Recurring natural patterns | There are natural rhythms and patterns that repeat endlessly in the cosmos. |
| Part reflects whole | Parts are reflective of, and connected to, the greater whole. |
| Study natural laws | By studying nature’s laws and patterns we gain wisdom. |
Examples of Correspondence
Some examples of correspondence include:
- As pride grows, humility diminishes
- A happy person has happy relationships
- A chaotic room reflects a distracted mind
- Learning about atoms teaches us about galaxies
- The shape of a seashell echoes the spiral shape of galaxies
Principle 3: The Principle of Vibration
The third principle is the Principle of Vibration, which states “nothing rests; everything moves; everything vibrates.” This principle conveys that all matter and energy vibrate at specific frequencies. It also suggests that thought is a powerful vibration that corresponds to a frequency of energy. Our thoughts and emotions literally vibrate out into the universe, attracting back to us energies on a similar wavelength. This principle encourages being conscious of our energetic state and thoughts and choosing ones that uplift us and all creation.
| Key Points | Description |
|---|---|
| Everything is in motion | All matter and energy vibrate at various frequencies. |
| Thoughts as vibration | Our thoughts and emotions are vibrations emitting into the universe. |
| Law of attraction | We attract energies matching our dominant thoughts and vibration. |
| Uplifting thoughts | Higher frequency thoughts uplift and inspire. |
| Conscious energy | Monitor your energetic state and vibration. |
Examples of Vibration
Some examples of the principle of vibration include:
- Light and sound travel in waves of vibrations
- Feelings of love vibrate at a high frequency
- Thoughts of anger or fear vibrate at a lower frequency
- Beautiful music has an uplifting vibration
- Being around nature raises our vibration
Principle 4: The Principle of Polarity
The fourth principle is the Principle of Polarity, which states “everything is dual; everything has poles; everything has its pair of opposites.” This principle conveys that opposites are two extremes of the same thing. Heat and cold may seem totally different, yet they are just variations of temperature. Up and down work together to allow motion. Light and dark coexist so we can see. In the same way, positive and negative expressions exist in all things. When understood, polarity allows us to see life’s bigger picture of wholeness transcending any apparent opposites.
| Key Points | Description |
|---|---|
| Everything has an opposite | All things have two poles or opposing aspects. |
| Opposites complement each other | Opposites work together to create wholeness. |
| Extremes of the same thing | Opposites are two sides of the same coin. |
| Synthesis transcends duality | Integrating opposites leads to wholeness. |
| Find the positive in negatives | See both sides of a situation to gain perspective. |
Examples of Polarity
Some examples of polarity include:
- Light and dark
- Happy and sad
- Male and female
- Winning and losing
- Loud and quiet
Principle 5: The Principle of Rhythm
The fifth principle is the Principle of Rhythm, which states “everything flows, out and in; everything has its tides; all things rise and fall.” This principle conveys that life unfolds in cycles, seasons, and patterns. Just like the ocean’s tides, life has its natural ebbs and flows. There are times of activity and times of rest. There are periods of growth and periods of decline. When we recognize life’s natural rhythms, we can flow in greater harmony with them rather than resist the natural order of things. Change is constant, and being adaptable allows us to align with life’s unfolding.
| Key Points | Description |
|---|---|
| Cycles and seasons | Life unfolds in repeating cycles and natural periods. |
| Ebb and flow | There are natural ups and downs in life. |
| Natural order | Working with life’s flow allows harmony. |
| Allow change | Being flexible helps us adapt to change. |
| Find balance | Seek balance between opposite rhythms and cycles. |
Examples of Rhythm
Some examples of the principle of rhythm include:
- Daily cycles of waking and sleeping
- The four seasons
- High and low tides
- Periods of peace and war
- Times of activity and rest
Principle 6: The Principle of Cause and Effect
The sixth principle is the Principle of Cause and Effect, which states “every cause has its effect; every effect has its cause.” This principle conveys that nothing happens by chance. For every action, there is a reaction. What we sow is what we reap. Even small acts can lead to significant results over time. By being conscious of actions and choices, we can make positive causes that create desired effects. We shape our lives and destiny through intentional thoughts, words, and deeds.
| Key Points | Description |
|---|---|
| Action and reaction | All actions generate corresponding reactions. |
| Sow and reap | We get back what we put out into the world. |
| Powerful consequences | Even small acts can lead to big results over time. |
| Take responsibility | We are responsible for the effects we cause. |
| Make conscious choices | We shape our destiny by choices made daily. |
Examples of Cause and Effect
Some examples of cause and effect include:
- Studying leads to good grades
- Saving money enables future purchases
- Regular exercise improves health
- Procrastination causes stress
- Kindness fosters happy relationships
Principle 7: The Principle of Gender
The seventh principle is the Principle of Gender, which states “gender is in everything; everything has its masculine and feminine principles.” This principle suggests that the masculine and feminine aspects exist in all people, animals, plants and even forces of nature. The masculine represents expressive, active qualities. The feminine represents receptive, nurturing qualities. When masculine and feminine qualities are balanced, greater harmony and efficiency is achieved. By embracing the fullness of masculinity and femininity within, we become more integrated and complete.
| Key Points | Description |
|---|---|
| Masculine qualities | Active, expressive, goal-driven |
| Feminine qualities | Receptive, nurturing, collaborative |
| Balanced qualities | Healthy masculine and feminine balance maximizes potentials. |
| Gender in all things | All forms have masculine and feminine aspects. |
| Integrate polarities | Integrating masculine and feminine leads to wholeness. |
Examples of Gender
Some examples of the principle of gender include:
- The sun’s expressive, radiant energy is masculine
- The moon’s receptive, reflective energy is feminine
- Men have feminine qualities like nurturing
- Women have masculine qualities like strength
- Partnerships work best with balanced roles
Conclusion
The 7 Hermetic Principles provide a powerful framework for understanding ourselves and the world. When practiced consciously, these timeless principles allow us to take charge of shaping our reality and lives in positive ways. We unlock our highest potentials by embracing mental mastery, universal wisdom, and balanced integration of all qualities within ourselves. Living and breathing these principles leads to profound personal growth, self-mastery, and harmony with All That Is.