Hermetic philosophy, as explored in The Kybalion, flips our understanding of reality on its head. It describes the universe not as a collection of physical objects but as a vast thought—a kind of cosmic daydream in the mind of The All.
Think of it like this: instead of being plugged into a computer simulation à la The Matrix, we’re living in a projection of The All’s mind. Every chair, every planet, and every galaxy isn’t just physical matter—it’s a mental construct. If that doesn’t send your brain into orbit, nothing will.
Who or What is "The All"?
Naturally, this leads to the next big question: who or what is The All? The Kybalion describes it as spirit, a force so vast, powerful, and incomprehensible that trying to fully grasp it is like explaining the internet to a goldfish.
It’s tempting to imagine The All as a superpowered being meditating somewhere in the cosmos, but Hermetic philosophy encourages us to think bigger—much bigger. The All exists beyond human understanding, free from the limitations of time, space, and matter.
To put it in modern terms, if our minds are operating on “dial-up,” The All is pure fiber-optic infinity.
The Paradox of The Universe and The All
Is the Universe Part of The All?
Here’s where it gets wild: the universe exists within The All, but it isn’t the same as The All. Think of it like Russian nesting dolls. Each doll is contained within the larger one, but the smallest doll remains distinct. Similarly, the universe is a manifestation within The All, yet it’s not synonymous with it.
This is key: The All didn’t piece together the universe like some cosmic LEGO set using pre-existing material. Instead, the universe is a projection, a thought form arising within the infinite mind of The All.
How Did the Universe Come to Be?
This brings us to the paradox: if The All is eternal and unchanging, how did the universe, which is constantly in flux, come into existence? The Kybalion suggests that the universe wasn’t built but rather manifested—an act of pure mental creation.
If you’re picturing The All snapping its metaphorical fingers like Thanos (but without the grim consequences), you’re not far off. However, instead of physical creation, it’s more like an infinite mind imagining an infinitely complex dream. Every atom, star, and being is part of that dream.
How Can The All Be Unchanging While the Universe Changes?
This is one of Hermetic philosophy’s favorite paradoxes. The Kybalion explains that while the universe is in constant motion—a swirling dance of matter and energy—The All remains eternal and unmoving.
Imagine a stage where an elaborate play is unfolding. The actors, props, and scenery change constantly, but the stage itself remains unchanged. The All is the stage upon which the universe’s grand drama plays out.
What Does This Mean for How We See Reality?
If the universe is a thought within The All, it challenges us to rethink what we mean by “real.” Is reality the solid, tangible world we perceive, or is it the infinite mind from which that world arises?
This idea aligns surprisingly well with modern quantum physics, where matter at its most fundamental level is less about solid particles and more about probabilities and waves of energy. Hermetic philosophy reminds us that there’s more to existence than meets the eye—or the senses. "
The Mechanics of Creation
What Does It Mean for the Universe to Be a Mental Creation?
The Kybalion suggests that The All created the universe mentally, not by splitting itself apart or using physical materials, but through sheer thought. Imagine the universe as the ultimate thought bubble—a cosmic masterpiece imagined into existence by The All.
This is like an artist visualizing a work of art before painting it or an author dreaming up an entire world before writing it down. It’s the purest act of creation, using nothing but the power of mind.
Does This Mean We Can Create Universes Too?
Not exactly, but we can engage in micro-level mental creation. When you daydream about winning the lottery or envision a goal, you’re practicing a smaller-scale version of the same principle. The Hermetic axiom “As above, so below” reminds us that the same creative process The All used to manifest the universe is mirrored in our own minds.
Think about J.K. Rowling dreaming up Hogwarts or Tolkien imagining Middle-earth. They didn’t snap their fingers and make those places real, but they created them mentally first, and then brought them into being in another form. That’s the kind of creative power Hermetic philosophy hints at.
What Are the Three Ways to Create?
According to the Kybalion, there are three ways to bring something into existence:
- Using external materials: Like a sculptor shaping marble or a chef combining ingredients.
- Through procreation: Passing on a part of oneself to create something new.
- Mental creation: Using thought to bring something into being.
Why Does ‘The All’ Use Mental Creation?
Let’s break it down:
- Using external materials: For The All, this isn’t an option because it encompasses everything. There’s nothing “outside” of it to work with. It’s like trying to bake a cake using only the idea of ingredients.
- Procreation: This involves giving a part of oneself to create something new. But The All is already everything—there’s nothing extra to give away. Imagine millions of mini-universes running around. Chaos!
- Mental creation: This leaves the third option: creating through pure thought. Just as an author uses imagination to craft an entire world, The All brings the universe into existence mentally, without losing any part of itself.
The Power of Mental Creation
How Does Mental Creation Work?
Picture an author who builds an entire world—its landscapes, cultures, characters—using only their imagination. They don’t need physical materials or to give away a part of themselves to do it. In the same way, The All manifests the universe through its infinite mind.
This idea challenges us to rethink the nature of reality. If everything is a mental creation, then the physical world we perceive isn’t separate from mind—it’s an expression of it.
How Does This Relate to Our Lives?
We’re not creating planets, but we do engage in mental creation all the time. When we set goals, solve problems, or visualize success, we’re using the same principle on a smaller scale. By understanding and practicing this, we can harness our own creative potential to shape our lives.
Hermetic philosophy reminds us that the creative power isn’t just “out there” in the cosmos—it’s also within us. The question is, how will you use it? "
How Does The All Create?
Think about the concept of Inception—planting an idea so deeply that it becomes indistinguishable from reality. The Kybalion suggests something similar: The All creates the universe mentally, like an artist imagining a masterpiece or a dreamer conjuring entire worlds while asleep.
Our minds can create vivid daydreams, fictional characters, or complex ideas, but The All operates on an entirely different scale. Where we imagine fleeting scenarios, The All’s thoughts give birth to galaxies, dimensions, and everything in between.
Are We Living in a Cosmic Truman Show?
If the universe is a mental projection, does that make us like Truman, living in an elaborate set we can’t see beyond? The Kybalion acknowledges that our experience of reality feels tangible and real—because from our perspective, it is. But ultimately, we’re living within a construct of The All’s infinite consciousness.
It’s not controlled by some Ed Harris-type cosmic director pulling strings. Instead, it’s more mysterious and organic. We’re part of a dream so vast and intricate that we can’t see its edges—a universe that feels real because, for us, it is real.
The Infinite Possibilities of the All
Could There Be a Multiverse?
Hermetic philosophy invites us to imagine even broader possibilities. If the universe is a mental projection of The All, there’s nothing to suggest it’s the only one. There could be countless other universes, each with unique laws of physics, dimensions, and maybe even alternate versions of ourselves.
It’s like stepping out of a black-and-white world and realizing there’s a kaleidoscope of realities, each a unique expression of The All’s infinite imagination. If this doesn’t make you want to binge-watch sci-fi movies, what will?
Are We Just Cosmic Puppets?
The idea of being thoughts in the mind of The All raises questions about free will. Are we just passengers in a grand, predetermined script, or do we have agency? According to the Kybalion, the answer lies in understanding the relationship between the universal mind and our individual consciousness.
We’re not passive puppets. Instead, we’re like characters in a story who can still make choices, learn, and grow. Our individuality is part of The All’s grand design, giving us freedom within the framework of this cosmic dream.
The Principle of Gender
What Does Gender Mean in Hermetic Philosophy?
Before diving deeper, let’s clear up any misconceptions: Hermetic philosophy’s use of “gender” has nothing to do with societal roles or biological distinctions. Instead, it refers to two fundamental forces present in all of creation: the active (masculine) and passive (feminine) principles.
Think of them as the yin and yang of existence—dynamic and complementary forces that drive the creative process. They’re not tied to people or identities but to the energy that underpins the universe.
How Do These Forces Drive Creation?
The active principle is the force of action, will, and initiation—the spark that ignites creation. The passive principle is the receptive, nurturing energy that gives form and substance to that spark. Together, they make creation possible, from the birth of a star to the growth of a plant.
For example, in storytelling, the active force might be the plot-driving conflict, while the passive force is the emotional depth and character development that bring the story to life. One without the other would feel incomplete.
Hermetic philosophy teaches that these forces are present in everything, from the smallest atom to the grandest galaxy. By understanding and balancing them, we can align ourselves with the creative flow of the universe itself. "
What Are the Masculine and Feminine Principles?
Think of the classic yin and yang symbol: two forces that seem opposite yet are deeply interconnected and essential to each other. In Hermetic philosophy, creation arises from the interplay of these two principles:
- The Masculine Principle: The initiating, projective force—like the spark that starts a fire or the architect designing a blueprint.
- The Feminine Principle: The receptive, nurturing force—like the oxygen that sustains the fire or the construction crew building the architect’s vision.
These aren’t about societal roles or gender norms but symbolic representations of universal forces.
Why Do Both Principles Matter?
The universe’s “ultimate power couple” always works together, even when they seem to be at odds. The masculine principle provides the spark of action, while the feminine principle gives that action form and substance. One without the other would leave creation incomplete.
Imagine trying to bake cookies: the masculine principle gathers the ingredients and mixes the dough, but without the feminine principle—the oven to nurture the dough into cookies—you’d just have a bowl of raw batter. Delicious, maybe, but unfinished.
How Do These Principles Relate to The All?
While the masculine and feminine principles are essential for creation, The All transcends them entirely. These principles are expressions of The All’s infinite nature, tools it uses to manifest the universe.
Think of The All as the source of light that passes through a prism. The masculine and feminine principles are like the rainbow of colors created by that light. They’re distinct yet inseparable, reflections of a deeper unity.
How Do We See This in Nature?
This interplay isn’t limited to esoteric philosophy. We see it everywhere:
- Day and night: One brings light, the other nurtures rest.
- Tides: The push and pull of the ocean’s rhythm.
- The creative process: Inspiration sparks (masculine), and effort brings it to life (feminine).
Even in language, we intuitively understand these dualities. Terms like “God the Father” and “Mother Earth” hint at these principles, showing how ingrained they are in human thought.
Moving Beyond Duality
How Does Hermetic Philosophy Challenge Duality?
While our minds perceive these forces as separate—light vs. dark, active vs. receptive—Hermetic philosophy invites us to look deeper. Beneath the surface dualities is a single, unified source: The All.
It’s like an optical illusion where you see two images depending on your perspective. At first, you might see contrast, but with a shift in perspective, you recognize that both images are part of the same whole.
What Can We Learn From This Dance?
Creation isn’t about choosing between masculine and feminine forces; it’s about finding balance and harmony between them. This “dance” between action and receptivity mirrors the rhythm of the universe itself.
As Hermetic philosophy teaches, everything stems from The All. The dualities we perceive—masculine and feminine, light and dark—are expressions of that unity. Recognizing this interconnectedness can help us navigate life with greater understanding and balance.
How Do These Principles Shape the Universe?
The masculine and feminine principles aren’t just abstract ideas—they’re at the heart of everything. Together, they create the cycles, rhythms, and processes that shape the cosmos. This constant interplay manifests the incredible diversity of life and existence.
Understanding these principles is like learning the choreography of the universe’s dance. It’s not just about watching from the sidelines—it’s about finding your own rhythm within the greater flow.
What’s the Key Takeaway?
Creation is a constant collaboration between the masculine and feminine principles, both of which are expressions of The All. By recognizing this dynamic interplay, we can move beyond surface-level dualities and connect with the deeper unity underlying all things.
As Hermetic philosophy shows us, the universe isn’t just a series of random events. It’s an intricate dance of forces, a manifestation of The All’s boundless creativity. And the best part? We’re part of the performance. "
How Does the Dance of Creation Play Out?
This interplay between the masculine and feminine principles isn’t just a lofty idea—it’s happening all around us. Take any creative process as an example.
Imagine you’re writing a song:
- The Masculine Principle: The initial spark of inspiration—the melody, the hook, that flash of creative energy.
- The Feminine Principle: The process of shaping that raw energy—structuring verses, arranging harmonies, and refining the song into a polished masterpiece.
It’s like the masculine says, “Let there be rock and roll,” and the feminine replies, “Okay, but let’s add a killer bassline and a drum solo that’ll melt faces.” The end result? A collaboration between the two forces, manifesting something greater than either could achieve alone.
How Does This Apply Beyond Creativity?
These principles are at work in every aspect of life:
- In relationships: The masculine energy might initiate connection, while the feminine nurtures and deepens it.
- In personal growth: The masculine sets goals and intentions, while the feminine allows space for reflection and integration.
- In manifestation: The masculine principle sparks the desire, and the feminine brings it into tangible form.
If you’re stuck wishing for more time to write music but never sit down to do it, you’re experiencing a misalignment. The masculine spark is there, but the feminine follow-through needs attention.
Tuning Into Balance
What Does Balance Look Like in Practice?
Understanding and applying the principle of gender means recognizing which energy needs a little more attention. If you’re heavy on masculine energy, you might rush from one idea to the next without grounding it. If you’re leaning too much into feminine energy, you might over-reflect and never take action.
It’s about learning to surf the cosmos, as you beautifully put it. Ride the wave of creative currents already flowing through you.
Why is This Balance So Powerful?
When we align with these principles consciously, we tap into the creative power of The All. Hermetic philosophy teaches that we’re not separate from The All—we’re extensions of its infinite mind. This means we’re not just passengers in the universe. We’re co-creators with it, shaping our reality in collaboration with these universal forces.
It’s like being handed the ultimate cosmic paintbrush. What will you create with it?
The Question of Free Will
Do We Have a Say in Our Lives?
If The All is the ultimate creative force, do we have any real control over how our lives unfold? This question has puzzled thinkers for centuries. The Kybalion offers an intriguing perspective:
While we exist within the framework of The All’s infinite mind, we are endowed with individuality and the ability to make choices. Our free will operates within the universal laws, much like how a surfer rides a wave. You can’t control the wave itself, but you can decide how to ride it.
How Do We Use This Power?
By understanding these principles and working with them, we align ourselves more closely with the flow of the universe. This allows us to act as conscious creators, shaping our lives with intention rather than being swept along by unconscious forces.
It’s a delicate dance between destiny and free will. Hermetic philosophy reminds us that while we may not control everything, the choices we make and the energy we bring to those choices have profound effects on our reality.
What Does This Mean for Us?
Recognizing ourselves as co-creators with The All is both an incredible responsibility and a profound opportunity. It’s about harnessing our thoughts, beliefs, and actions to create lives that reflect our highest potential.
To borrow from Spider-Man: “With great power comes great responsibility.” But instead of battling villains, our challenge is to master the cosmic forces at play and use them to manifest a life of purpose, creativity, and balance. "
How Does Free Will Work in Hermetic Philosophy?
The Kybalion suggests that life is like a cosmic video game. The All creates the game board, designs the rules, and sets up the challenges, but within those parameters, we have the freedom to make choices.
You can’t rewrite the laws of gravity (that’s one of the rules of the game), but you can decide how you navigate the terrain, whether to explore boldly or play it safe. This freedom to experiment, learn, and grow within the framework of existence is what Hermetic philosophy sees as our agency.
What’s the Balance Between Destiny and Free Will?
We’re not entirely independent of The All—its influence is always present—but we’re not puppets either. Think of yourself as a player in a collaborative game:
- The All sets the stage.
- You make the moves.
- Every choice you make has consequences, rippling through your life and contributing to the universe’s ongoing evolution.
This perspective is both empowering and humbling. We’re active participants in the cosmic dance, shaping our lives and, in a small way, the universe itself.
Embracing Individuality and Interconnectedness
How Do We Reflect the Macrocosm?
Hermetic philosophy reminds us that we are each a microcosm of the macrocosm. The principles that govern the universe also operate within us. This means that while we’re individuals with unique experiences, we’re also deeply interconnected with The All.
Imagine a fractal: each tiny segment reflects the whole pattern. That’s us—distinct yet inseparably part of the greater whole. This understanding invites us to embrace both our individuality and our connection to the infinite.
What Does It Mean to Be a Co-Creator?
As players in this cosmic game, we carry the spark of creation within us. Every time we dream, build, or make a choice, we’re engaging with the same creative force that manifests galaxies.
For example:
- Setting a personal goal? You’re channeling the masculine principle of initiation.
- Nurturing a relationship or idea? That’s the feminine principle at work.
- Balancing both? You’re participating in the universe’s creative rhythm.
By understanding and applying these principles, we align more deeply with the creative flow of The All.
Final Reflections
What’s the Takeaway From Hermetic Philosophy?
The universe is vast, mysterious, and full of wonder, but that’s exactly why we should explore it. Asking big questions, challenging assumptions, and opening ourselves to new perspectives are all ways we engage with the infinite.
Remember, the same creative energy that brought the stars into existence resides within you. Whether you’re visualizing your next big goal or simply appreciating the beauty of the world, you’re participating in a cosmic dance as a co-creator with The All.
How Can We Apply This in Daily Life?
- Embrace curiosity: Ask questions and explore new ideas.
- Practice creativity: Use your imagination to build and manifest your dreams.
- Stay balanced: Harmonize the active and receptive forces within you.
- Recognize unity: See the interconnectedness in everything you do.
As we wrap this deep dive into Hermetic philosophy, let’s carry its wisdom into our everyday lives. Keep questioning, keep creating, and remember: you’re part of a vast, creative universe, reflecting the infinite potential of The All.