The Seven Principles
The Seven Principles describe the laws of nature as expressed in Hermetic Philosophy. Their breadth is wide enough to illustrate phenomena as diverse as electricity, emotions, cosmology, ecology, etc. Understanding these laws allows one to use them to act in a manner harmonious with nature and life. Though simply stated, the principles are extraordinarily profound in meaning, and one's comprehension of these laws increases as one attains higher levels of awareness.
For more information, see The Stellar Man by John Baines
1. The Principle of Mentalism
"THE ALL IS MIND; The Universe is Mental." This principle refers to the Hermetic understanding that everything in the universe, matter and energy, is composed of a single substance – Mind. Rocks, trees, people, planets and constellations are all Mind at different levels of density. This suggests the unity of all things, as well as the latent power of the human mind.
2. The Principle of Correspondence
"As above, so below, as below, so above." In one sense, this law states that the "whole" of a body is reflected in one "part." This has been referred to in physics as the holographic nature of the Universe. This law describes many natural relationships, such as a cell of an organism containing the entire genetic information of the whole body, a person's emotional disposition being reflected back to him by his environment.
3. The Principle of Vibration
"Nothing rests; everything moves; everything vibrates." Everything vibrates, and its vibratory rate determines its quality and place in the world. A person, for example, can have a high vibration (happiness, confidence, high energy) or a low vibration (depression, hate, fear, etc). Through methods of Hermetic philosophy, one can change a low vibration to a high vibration, and vice versa.
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 law of polarity teaches us to see things as localized on a continuum between two opposite "poles", or extremes. For example, 58 degrees Celcius is just one location on the scale of temperature, the poles of which may be described as "hot" and "cold." Among other things, this law aids us to see a grander, more unified view of our surroundings.
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 law of rhythm helps us to see the patterns that are an inextricable part of life as it relates to time. Days, nights, breaths, sleep, and wake cycles, the birth and death of nations, people, and solar systems all follow the law of rhythm. By being aware of these rhythms, we are able to make decisions, form and break habits, and see the possible outcomes of actions, and understand the world in which we live.
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." We learn through this that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. There is no phenomenon which does not have a cause, or which is not the effect of something else. By carefully studying life with this law in mind, we come to be more aware of our actions and ourselves.
7. The Principle of Gender
"Gender is in everything; everything has its Masculine and Feminine Principles; Gender manifests on all planes." The law of gender states that in the creation of anything, two forces are necessary: an active (masculine) force, and a passive (feminine) force. The most common example of this is in human procreation – a child must be conceived by both a mother and a father. Note that this law is not limited to biological events.
Message from Michael
Here are the Keys, do not fall asleep at the wheel.
Awaken and learn to drive this vehicle called your body.
We are Spirits in the Material World...
You are a Vessel....
Tune into the manuel and please remember to drive safely!
LOVE & LIGHT
Michael
Hermeticism