Colour Symbolism in Freemasonry

Colour is a fundamental element of masonic symbolism. It appears in the descriptions of aprons, sashes and other items of regalia, in the furnishings and wall-hangings of the lodge room for each degree or ceremony, in the robes worn in certain degrees, and in many other masonic accoutrements. The colours specified in each case appear to have no rational justification. As A.E. Waite wrote: "There is no recognized scheme or science of colors in Masonry. Here and there in our rituals we find an 'explanation' for the use of a certain colour, but this usually turns out to be merely a peg on which to hang a homiletic lecture about it, having little if any connection with the origins of its use."

This paper seeks to find some rationale behind the selection of colours as masonic symbols, restricting our examination to the Craft degrees, and those of the Ancient and Accepted (Scottish) Rite, with occasional reference to the Royal Arch.

It was early recognized that colours have a strong influence on the mind and therefore can be employed for certain moral or aesthetic ends, through symbolical, allegorical and mystical allusions. Newton wrote of 'the sensual and moral effects of colour,' where sensual must be understood as 'transmitted by the senses.' Goethe, too, wrote extensively on colour (over 2,000 pages! ).

Masonic Blue

Blue, then, is the Craft colour par excellence, used in aprons, collars, and elsewhere. Let us quote Bro. Chetwode Crawley. "The ordinary prosaic enquirer will see in the selection of blue as the distinctive colour of Freemasonry only the natural sequence of the legend of King Solomon's Temple. For the Jewshad been Divinely commanded to wear...a 'riband of blue' (Numbers 15:38).' A modern translation of that verse in Numbers is: 'You are to take tassels on the comers of your garments with a blue cord on each tassel.' The biblical text, then, refers to blue cords to be incorporated in the tassels worn by pious Jews, while Bro. Chetwode Crawley is speaking of blue ribbons which somehow became the embellishments of aprons, sashes and collars.

Another suggested source of the colour men-tioned by Bro. Chetwode Crawley could be its association with St. Mary, mother of Jesus, 'so prominent a figure in the pre-Reformation invo-cations of the Old Charges, drawing in her train the red ensign of St. George of Cappadocia, her steward and our Patron Saint.'

Blue and red, the heraldic azure and gules are sometimes associated with the chevron of the Arms of the Masons' Company.

The Masonic Symbolism of Colours

a) White

White, the original colour of the masonic apron, was always considered an emblem of purity and innocence, exemplified in images such as the white lily or fallen snow.

Plato asserts that white is par excellence the colour of the gods. In the Bible, Daniel sees God as a very old man, dressed in robes white as snow (Daniel 7:9). In the New Testament Jesus is transfigured on Mount Tabor before Peter, James and John, when his clothes became 'daz-zling white, whiter than anyone in the world could bleach them' (Mark 9:3). Officiating priests of many religions wore and still wear white garments. In ancient Jerusalem both the priests and the Levites who performed the Temple rites assumed white clothing.

Among Romans, the unblemished character of a person aspiring to public office was indicated by a toga whitened with chalk. This is the origin of the word 'candidate,' from candidatus 'dressed in white.' Verdicts at trials were decid-ed by small stones (calculi) thrown into an urn: white to absolve, black to condemn.

White signifies beginnings, virtualities, the white page facing the writer, 'the space where the possible may become reality.' White is therefore understandably the colour of initiation. It is a symbol of perfection, as represented by the swan in the legend of Lohengrin. In this aspect it is related to light or sky blue, which in Hebrew is tchelet and may be connected semantically with tichla (perfection, completeness) and tach-lit (completeness, purpose). (See also the obser-vations on the symbolism of blue.) Among the Celts the sacred colours of white, blue and green were understood to stand for light, truth and hope. Druids were robed in white.

White is also connected with the idea of death and resurrection. Shrouds are white; spirits are represented as wearing white veils. White, rather than black, is sometimes the colour of mourning, among the ancient kings of France, for instance, and in Japan. White, finally, can signify joy. Leukos (Greek) means both white and cheerful; as does candidus in Latin. The Romans marked festive days with lime and unlucky days with charcoal.

b) Blue

Blue is the colour of the canopy of heaven:

azure, cerulean or sky blue. 'Universally, it denotes immortality, eternity, chastity, fidelity; pale blue, in particular, represents prudence and goodness.' In the Royal Arch, the Third Principal is told that it is an emblem of benefi-cence and charity.

In biblical times, blue was closely related to purple. Generations of scholars have puzzled over the correct meaning of tchelet (light blue) and argaman (purple), usually mentioned together, without reaching satisfactory conclu-sions. Only recently has the problem been final-ly solved in the course of far-reaching research into the dyestuffs and dyeing methods used by the ancient Phoenicians and Hebrews. Both colours, it turns out, were produced with dyeing materials extracted from murex, a shellfish abun-dant on the coast of Lebanon. The tchelet was obtained from a short-variety (murex trunculus); the argaman came from two kinds: the single-spined murex brandaris and, to a lesser extent, the Red-mouth (thais haemastoma).

Some historians have concluded that, in the Middle Ages in Europe, blue was low in popular esteem. The favourite colour was then red because the dyers could achieve strong shades of it which brought to mind the prestigious purple of the ancient world. Towards the end of that period, blue gradually became recognized as a princely colour, the 'Royal Blue' which dis-placed red at court, red then being used by the lower classes and so regarded as vulgar. Blue and gold (or yellow) then became the colours of choice for shields, banners and livery.

It may not be by chance, therefore, that the Master was said to be clothed in 'yellow jacket and blue breeches,' in the famous metaphor first used in an exposure, 'The Mystery of Free-Masonry,' which appeared in The Daily Journal in 1730. The traditional explanations of the phrase relate it to the compasses, the arms of gold, gilt or brass and the points of steel or iron. (Steel can certainly appear blue; iron can not!)

Blue was used royally in France noticeably as the background to the fleur-de-lys. It became associated with terms of prestige such as blue blood, cordon bleu (originally the sash of the Order of the Holy Spirit), blue riband (of the Atlantic) and blue chip.

c) Purple

Purple is a symbol of imperial royalty and rich-ness but can also relate to penitence and the solemnity of Lent and Advent in the seasons of the Christian church.

Although described (in the Royal Arch, for instance) as 'an emblem of union, being com-posed of blue and crimson,' I believe this to be a somewhat contrived explanation. But an interest-ing fact, which appears to have escaped most writers on this subject, is that in the Cabbala, the Hebrew word for purple, argaman, is a mnemon-ic, representing the initials of the names of the five principal angels in Jewish esoterism.

d) Red

Red or crimson, the colour of fire and heat, is traditionally associated with war and the mili-tary. In Rome the paludamentum, the robe wom by generals, was red. The colour of blood is nat-urally connected with the idea of sacrifice, strug-gle and heroism. It also signifies charity, devo-tion, abnegation--perhaps recalling the pelican that feeds its progeny with its own blood.

In Hebrew, the name of the first man, Adam, is akin to red, blood and earth. This connection with earth may explain, perhaps, the connection of red with the passions, carnal love, the cosmet-ics used by women to attract their lovers. It is the colour of youth. Generally, it represents expan-sive force and vitality. It is the emblem of faith and fortitude and, in the Royal Arch, of fervency and zeal. It has also a darker side, connected with the flames of hell, the appearance of demons, the apoplectic face of rage.

Scarlet was the distinctive colour of the Order of the Golden Fleece, established in 1429 by Philip the Good, Duke of Burgundy (1419-67). Not only was the mantle scarlet, but also the robe and a special hat--the chaperon--with hanging streamers.

e) Green

Green has been directly associated with the ideas of resurrection and immortality...The aca-cia (the masonic evergreen) has been suggested as a symbol of a moral life or rebirth, and also of immortality. To the ancient Egyptians, green was the symbol of hope.

The Grand Lodge of Scotland has adopted green as its emblematic colour, and, in varying shades, it is incorporated in the dress and fur-nishings of degrees and Orders beyond the Craft in English, Irish and Scottish Freemasonry.

f) Yellow

Yellow is rarely seen in lodge, except perhaps on the Continent. It is an ambivalent colour, rep-resenting both the best and the worst, the colour of brass and honey, but also the colour of sulphur and cowardice. Yellow is the perfection of the Golden Age, the priceless quality of the Golden Fleece and the golden apples of the Hesperides. It is also the colour of the patch imposed on the Jews as a badge of infamy. In the sixteenth cen-tury, the door of a traitor's home was painted yellow. A 'jaundiced view' expresses hostility, but the most memorable symbolism of yellow is that it reminds us of the sun and of gold.

g) Black

The three fundamental colours found in all civ-ilizations, down to the Middle Ages in Europe, are white, red and black. These, too, may be regarded as the principal colours of Freemasonry: the white of the Craft degrees, the red of the Royal Arch and of certain of the degrees of the Ancient and Accepted (Scottish) Rite, and the black of some of its others, and of the Knights of Malta. The other colours of the rainbow find limited uses; they serve only to frame or line the white lambskin upon which so many aprons are based, or for sashes and other items of regalia.

Traditionally, black is the colour of darkness, death, the underworld although it was not introduced for mouming until about the middle of the fourteenth century, such use becoming habitual only in the sixteenth. The 'black humour' of melancholy (atara hilis) the black crow of ill omen, the black mass, black market, 'black days': all refer to negative aspects. The Black Stone at Mecca is believed by Muslims to have been at one time white; the sins of man caused the transformation.

Black has also a positive aspect, that of gravity and sobriety; the Reformation in Europe frowned upon colourful clothing. Formal dress for day and evening wear continues to be black. It is associated with the outlaw and the banners of pirates and anarchists, but also with rebirth and transformation.

In the French and Scottish Rites, the lodge in the third degree is decorated in black and is strewn with white or silver tears, representing the sorrow caused by the death of Hiram Abif.

Conclusion

A review of the traditional explanations for the choice of certain colours in masonic symbol-ism reveals their weaknesses. In considering the use of blue in the English regalia of a Master Mason, it has been possible to find a connection between one of the Hebrew words for that colour and the Holy Bible.

Lecture: Kabalion 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 benothing existing outside of THE ALL, else THE ALL wouldnot be THE ALL. 

(2) THE ALL must be INFINITE, for there is nothing elseto define, confine, bound, limit; or restrict THE ALL.It must be Infinite in Time, or ETERNAL,--it must havealways continuously existed, for there is nothing else tohave ever created it, and something can never evolve fromnothing, 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 neverbecome nothing. It must be Infinite in Space--it must beEverywhere, for there is no place outside of THE ALL--itcannot be otherwise than continuous in Space, without break,cessation, separation, or interruption, for there is nothingto break, separate, or interrupt its continuity, and nothingwith which to "fill in the gaps." It must be Infinite inPower, or Absolute, for there is nothing to limit, restrict,restrain, confine, disturb or condition it--it is subject tono other Power, for there is no other Power. 

(3) THE ALL must be IMMUTABLE, or not subject to change inits real nature, for there is nothing to work changes upon itnothing into which it could change, nor from which it couldhave changed. It cannot be added to nor subtracted from;increased nor diminished; nor become greater or lesser in anyrespect whatsoever. It must have always been, and must alwaysremain, just what it is now--THE ALL--there has never been,is not now, and never will be, anything else into which itcan 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!

Lecture: Kabalion 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.

Lecture: Kabalion 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.

Lecture: Kabalion 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!

The Hermetic Philosophy

- Hermetic Philosophy -

"The lips of Wisdom will remain closed until they find a sympathetic ear" - The Kybalion.

I. Introduction: Hermetika

"The science of light magic, the science of fire hermetika." (Eliphas Levi)

in Egypt rose to universal science of magic, which is attributed to Thoth, the god of magic. Thoth is not only magic, but also the creator of this universal dogma, and all esoteric knowledge is created. In his guardian figure of archaic initiations.

According to Egyptian mythology, the god of wisdom Thoth the "source or the desert, or locked away in front of the speaker, or open in front of the listener" - sounds like a prayer addressed to. He coined the twenty-two ancient sounds that make up speech. He scribe of the gods, who, during the otherworldly journey of the soul after megméretése record your answers. Íbiszként or íbiszfejű man, sometimes appears as an ape.

In Greek mythology Hermes, herald of the gods. In Roman mythology, it keeps track Merkúriuszként.

The European tradition defines the method hermetika name that took in Alexandria and created a solid body of tradition so that people appointed by the ancient image of Hermes Trismegistus. The hermetika very much taken over the Egyptian, Hebrew, Chaldean, Iranian and Hindu traditions. These teachings were the center of the metaphysical nature of anthropology, which ultimately forms the basis of the doctrine of universal üdvről and life. The hermetikát to be separated from the gnózistól carefully because of the tradition has been employed and self-gnosis.

The gnosis is named after gnosos's (meaningful cognition), the way of salvation because they're seeing the mental cognition as the Hindu Jnana (jnana) yoga. "The victorious Christian Hermes, founded the doctrine of salvation, as so much else, vanished. Alchemy and anthropology could not beat the new East-religious occult literature generated and flowed back to the intermediation of Islam to the West." - writes John Rushka.

The Hermetic tradition of Western Christianity under the surface like hidden deep in the earth waters, live constantly. The most hermetic works (approx arose after the II century BC and survived in Greek..): Tabula Smaragdina, Asclepius, Poimandresz, Key, son Tathoz. The title of the collection summary Corpus Hermeticum.

The " Tabula Smaragdina known as the foundational science of alchemists:

"It is no lie, certain and true.
That which is down, the same as what is there and what is there, the same as it is down there. So you know it is the only miracle.
And as all things come from the One to the one of thoughts, they accepted it was all created things.
father's Day, mother of the moon.
the wind carried the womb.
nurse on earth.
This is a source of the world's first material.
power is perfect if you turn back into the ground.
Select the land of fire the rough fine to, gentle, understanding.
fly into the sky from the earth, and then to the ground, receiving the higher and lower forces.
So you reach out to the world's greatest glory.
from then running away from you all darkness.
This is the power of high-power power . it all down more gaseous and still firmly imbued
thus created the world.
he who follows this method, the result will be amazing.
it is therefore called Hermes Trismegistus, because three of the world's knowledge rom is part of my possession.
What I said on the day of the operation, I finished. "

(Translation Hamvas Béla)

Tabula Smaragdina metaphysical transmutation of the human personality and spiritual regeneration. The remaining approx. Thirteen sentence expect the European hermetic teachings root. It feeds on astrology, alchemy, the Kabbalah and magic.

"The hermetic art is both a religion, philosophy and science. As a religion, it is the ancient magicians and every era initiate of religion as a philosophy, the foundations can be found in the Alexandria school and Pythagoras's theories as a science and methods need to learn Paracelsustól, Nicholas Flameltől and Raimundus Lullustól. science is only real for those who recognize and understand, step forward and become successful alone adept who has attained the monopoly and will thus become the world's primary captain in both philosophy and religion. " - formulates Eliphas Levi : The Science of Hermes c. his book.

Tabula Smaragdina origin of many legends report. One of them is the sign of Abraham's wife, Sarah, found in a cave in Hebron, the dead hands of Hermes, a few centuries after the flood. According to other views Nagy Sándor found in the tomb of Hermes campaigns, which he discovered. And according to another legend, the pyramid of Cheops panel found. This is the only key to deciphering all the esoteric knowledge: the knowledge triangle and reason triangle. Both the holy hexagramot, the balance, the ancient symbol of life and death life and death explore.

The Corpus Hermeticum writes the following about the meaning of human life. "The man's duty to his soul direct meaning, and hence of the divine things approach to lead him to devote too little attention mortal part, attached to in order to preserve the lower world From the end that man may be perfect in both of respect. "

Hermes, I do not know how, but revealed the whole truth.

Dr. Kássa László

The Hermetic Philosophy

The esoteric and occult teachings come from both foundations of the old Egypt, which are strongly influenced by the philosophy of all the life for thousands of years, so that the people and nations as well. The Pyramids and the Sphinx homeland, Egypt was the birthplace of the Hidden Wisdom and mystical teachings as well. The Secret Doktrínákból all nations borrowed. India, Persia, Chaldea, Medea, China, Japan, Assyria, ancient Greece and Rome, and other ancient states abundantly received pleasure from the knowledge that Hierofantok and Masters from the Isis templomaiból were handed over willingly to those who are prepared to come to receive Knowing the mystical and occult vast storehouse of what this ancient world of the master minds gathered.

In ancient Egypt, they lived in a big Experts and Masters, who could never emulate, and rarely could become an equal footing with them. For centuries, the great time of Hermes continued their work. Egypt was the gates of the Main Gate of Miracles well. They entered the door of the Temple of the new converts, who then, as Hierofantok, Experts and Masters traveled to the four corners of the earth, taking with them valuable knowledge. They were ready and eagerly waiting for it to pass on their knowledge to those who also were ready to accept them. All research occultist recognizes the obligation to belong to this ancient land venerable masters.

But among those who lived between the ancient Egyptian Masters is a great master, who was called "The Master of Masters". This man, if he was truly "man" lived in Egypt during the initial period. He was the one who is known as Hermes Trismegistus. He was the father of occult wisdom that be the founder of Astrology, the discoverer of Alchemy. Details of his life are lost due to the passage of time, however, many of the ancient state argued that thousands of years ago where this person was glorious. time temporary residence in Egypt still does not know exactly - if it was the last reincarnation on this planet - but it is certain that the ancient Egyptian dynasties inception - lived long before the time of Moses. According to the most authoritative references in the meantime he goes to a few old Abraham and the Jewish tradition to be a part of Hermes mystical teachings of Abraham mastered.

As the years passed by their (the tradition is preserved her that she lived about three thousand years ago, as the flesh), the Egyptians worshiped him and did a god, also known as Thoth. Years later, in ancient Greece, citizens also have made him one of many gods - Hermes as the god of wisdom. The Egyptians revered the memory for many centuries - yes, for thousands of years - they called him as "the Gods literate" and donated them to distinguish the "Triszmegistosz" ancient title. It does not mean anything more than "triple major"; "Very large"; "The most high" and so on. Every ancient civilization called Hermes Trismegistus was honorable, and the name meant the "source of wisdom".

Even the word "hermetic" in the sense used today to "secret"; "Something of a closed, from which nothing can escape it," and so on. This is why the fact that the followers of Hermes always observed the principle of secrecy in their teachings. They did not believe that "pearl must be sprayed before swine," but rather believed that retaining the teachings of the "infant milk, the strong man's food", both saying sound familiar to Christian scripture readers, but the Egyptians too much early in Christ saying both had been used before.

And the truth of this policy of careful dissemination has always characterized the Hermetikusokat, even today. The Hermetic Teachings in every religion and every country can be found, but could never isolate one country or religious sect either, which only spoke about it. Therefore, they warn teachers against ancient secret doctrines that have been crystallized in a religion. The wisdom of this caution is apparent to all researchers in history. India and ancient Persia Occultism skewed and largely lost, due to the fact that the teachers were mixed priest and theology to philosophy. As a result it was that basically, India and Persia Occultism lost in the mass of religious superstition, worship, faith and "the gods" in the midst. So it was in ancient Greece and Rome as well. And it happened this early Gnostic and Hermetic teachings of Christ, which lost at the time of Constantine. They paved the spirit of philosophy, theology iron hand, they were insensitive toward the Christ Church, which is very foundation and essence of these teachings. This is the reason that only groping for centuries, until you return to the ancient creed. The signs are apparent. Every caution must be to keep this Twentieth Century being is that the Church is still struggling to leave and return to the ancient mystical teachings.

But there was always a few faithful souls who cheered the flame protectively nurtured, and not left to fade out the light. And thanks to these brave and selfless hearts minds, we know the truth, and do not forget. Although it is not found in books or a size too much. It spreads between Master and Disciple; Beavatottaktól of the Hierofantokig; It spreads by word of mouth. If this has been reported at all, meaning it was hidden alchemy and astrology words. So they can only obtain the key, who know exactly what to read, understood. This was necessary to avoid persecution in the Middle Ages theologians who fought with fire, iron stake gallows and a cross against the Hermetic Doctrine. They can be found even today, but reliable books on the Hermetic philosophy - although several references to it in other books too - describe the different stages of the Occult. And yet, the Hermetic Philosophy is the only Master Key which will open all the doors of the occultist Teachings!

In the early days Hermetic collected some basic tenets of what the teachers passed on to students. This is named after that "The Kybalion". The precise meaning of the words and meaning is lost over the centuries. Many people knew this teaching, and depicted on each other by word of mouth over the centuries. As we know today, these are the rules, principles never written down or printed out. These are guidelines, rules and basic truths were, quite simply, that are incomprehensible to the outsider, but what this research topic easy to understand. The basic principles, guidelines and rules not only explain, but also support Initiates examples of the new arrivals. These teachings really are the basis of the "Art of Hermetic Alchemy," which is contrary to the general belief. They'd rather deal with the mental energy dominance as the tangible elements that are more concerned Mental vibration of a kind of metamorphosis into another, such as a metallic transformation of another. The "Philosopher's Stone" legend, according to which gold can do with a basic metal compound only allegorically refers to Hermetic philosophy, however, it is easy to understand for all the true hermetic scientist.

In this small book, which is the First Lesson, dear readers are invited to get to know us, our magyarázatainkkal the Hermetic Teachings, as it is written in the Kybalion in. We are humble teachings of this research, we still learn from the Master, at the feet of Hermes, though he bear the title of Initiates. We hereby hand over to you the wealth of basic justice and rule policy, accompanied by examples and illustrations that are found in the Kybalion. From these we hope that there can be more clearly through the teachings to modern research, the more that the original text was intentionally disguised, vague form of words.

The Kybalion original guidelines, rules and basic truths are given quotations, with their authenticity. My munkásságunkat, placed in the middle of the paper in the normal way. We hope that the many students to whom this small our work now recommend shaking will gain an advantage in studying these pages, like so many others before them. go through the same paths on which for centuries the Masters, Hermes Trismegistus - the Master of Masters, the very large - ever since. "The Kybalion" word:

"Where the Master's footsteps fell, made clear the ears wide open to listen to teachings." - The Kybalion.

"Where the disciples' ears were ready, he came to the lips to fill them with wisdom." - The Kybalion.

As the Teachings say those who study this book and prepared the instructions, they will give you a warning, to prepare themselves for the teachings. And also, when the learner is ready to receive the truth, it would come to this little book. This Act. Cause and effect of the Hermetic Principles, which is the external manifestation of the Law of Attraction, will bring together the lips and ears - both students and books. So be it!

The hermetic philosophers

One of the wise men was a writer, Artephius, whose works exceedingly famous among the Hermetic philosophers - so much so that even the great writer and still very open-minded critical reputation Olaus Borrichius also recommends that these books read everything with due care, out of this sublime philosophy knowledge you want to learn. Arthepius reportedly developed a mysterious magnet, which has the special property of being able to auras, or the mysterious human soul surreptitiously withdrawn from the flourishing ifjakból; as a collection of this salvation healthy and full of life resources and intervene strongly applied - by inhalation, through sweat or other ways - accumulated countless young reformation of its old centralized body. Young lives this suffering damage, and those who were stalked as prey, some substantially exhausted, then also passed as a result of the magic. Because he lived spell, it has taken place in addition suspicion whatsoever that young, fresh life has been extracted and used his strength dangerous, greedy organization without their knowledge. This may seem absurd now, but not so much as you think.

The sacrosanct me say this view of history. We all know the story of Dávid király, who, when he "is old and aged", in the city of a Sune called Abishag "very nice girl" take who as we know it, "asleep in his arms" that "warms him", even though the king him " I knew not. " This last phrase, which can be found in a book I wrote about the King (1.4), interprets all major critical one way, including those whose name Munster, Vossius Grotius and explanations are attached. The Muslim harem kéjvágyóbb have much meaning, as it is assumed in general. It seems the ancient unforgivably young doctors knew the importance of the company's vitality renewal terms hegyire entire story.

Elixir of life have been produced by other less fraudulent or specific ways in addition to those described above. They came from the secret nature of chemical laboratories, experts. The famous chemist Robert Boyle mentions a manufacturing method works, of which he reported in the company of a well-known doctor and another a learned man Dr. Le Fevre. The doctor's close friend - how Boyle mentions - a mere curiosity if swallow this medication wine was an old lady friend; because the drink taste was pleasant, the woman who was nearly seventy years of her saw a ten or twelve-day course of treatment, without knowing it what the doctor impregnated with it and what it may lead to this drink at all. The old woman has undergone enormous change: become much more agile demeanor brighten the look has become much more pleasant, even - decided to step into a young age - has undergone some purification pressure is so certified serious signs that a thorough look frightened: so I, the doctor was very surprised success and determined, further attempts to shut down and that no one mentions about this wonderful szíverősítőről, fearing that it would create panic among the novelty stubborn, prejudiced people.

But - as far as a hundred years old are - we can meet with a report, which mentioned that some people even eléltek for hundreds of years, occasionally wandered from country to country; When the time came to a natural age, when we should have died, but changed their name and looked up as a different person in a different place, far outliving all those who knew them, thus avoiding certainty of detection. The Rosicrucians always been the legféltékenyebben kept these secrets, they talked about them the most in cipher. Mottójukká made at the advice of one member from among the early Christian Gnostic Age group: "Learn to know everything, but stay thyself unknown." I can not even get people to the true Rosicrucians committed to involve any clear and remain in this world; certain privileges and indulgences, which fully explains their intentions; not necessarily because they were lonely people; on the contrary, they were very social animals, because freely mingled with all kinds of social layers.

The idea of ​​landless unit, i.e. the relative landless unit was very different from that which currently prevails world. They felt that neither the ruling nor their wealth can bring not the people who consider themselves grander than anyone; therefore deliberately renounced riches. The enlightened, that enlightened brothers insisted on the purity, so - unique view Vallvé female non-creation of a real soundness - held religious, ie, unmarried status according to the Providence objective, as in all things, which may be related to the human fallible nature, it has to rekeszthetnék the curse - this unfortunate situation - the body. They trusted in nature, although not all the ingredients of because they thought the treacherous nature in a sense, and that is endowed with powers not only beneficial, as most people thought. This is not intended to discuss in more detail these very bigoted nature of the association by-passing very meticulous and obscure arguments against now.

To some extent sacrificed behavior residing; Just as long as we are free to comment; Limitations of this goal is easy to understand, however, is quite wide, although we are totally against it, to cross them all too clear explanations, or to exaggerate the Rosicrucians strange beliefs regarding.

Excellent source comes from below, on the subject odd story happened in Venice, which caused a sensation in those ancient town, and we now fully relates to the readers, such as the mysterious and enjoyable. Those who nowadays are in Venice, and even those who were previously there, but still live in their memories, are aware that freedom and peace prevail at a level among residents appealing, it is difficult at this aloof, diffident country to realize. Doubt on the respectability, until he convinced us down not Arm; This is what has become a certain stilted, sullen effect from the English, it went up from the burden of damage and perhaps access all besides occasionally. Towards the end of the seventeenth century, a summer day a stranger came to Venice, he settled down in the oldest part of the city, and who has been included due to the remarkable appearance and unique, sophisticated, cool and elegant manners of the best in companies - although nobody knew anything in life, the person of exactly. It was very proportionate figure, his face elongated, oval and pale, high forehead; intellectual abilities and proved shockingly prominent and conspicuous excellent. Long black hair fluttered in the wind, indescribably charming smile, yet melancholy; if you looked closely at the man's eyes seemed to glow a deep accused emotions and experiences of historic times. His speech - he just feels like you held that talked about at all - amazing bespoke knowledge, but as if it had always tried to stay in the background and do not talk much, although there was no striking of tight-lipped. He introduced himself as Signor Gualdi, and was considered a simple, modest, self-contained property with a separate gentleman. In short, it was an interesting character.

This gentleman was in Venice for a few months, became famous as "sober Signior" in public life, in order to regular life, the behavior of composure, simplicity and discreet outfits; He constantly wore simple, modest, black-colored clothes. It characterized by three things during your stay in Venice. First, there was a tiny, nice collection of pictures, which showed everyone happy, who wanted to see; then it was perfectly skilled in all kinds of art and disciplines, and always talked about them so meticulous with that dropped astonishing - indeed, forced to listen to - his audience, as it seemed, experienced the things referred to which, and occasionally corrected the minutest facts is a surprise . Thirdly - as noted - he never wrote or received a letter, did not ask for a loan, but always paid for everything with cash, unused bank vouchers, bills, credit letter. Nevertheless, it seemed to have enough money and that he lived honestly, though not pomp and glitter.

Signor Gualdi a day - shortly after his arrival in Venice - a coffee house in which regularly visited, he met a friendly Venetian noble man who is crazy about art's sake; After a couple of these various exchanges of views, and often they conversed with many things and activities that have proved interesting for both of them. The esteemed acquaintance mature friendship, and noble Signor Gualdit invited into the house, where - as there was a widow - Signor Gualdi first met the gentleman beautiful, highly intelligent and talented eighteen year old daughter. She had returned to her father's house at the time of a monastery, that is, a convent, where nuns were raised. Shortly after her - ever since the company's accounts and listening - Desdemona ground gradually fell in love with is the mysterious strange land; although Signor Gualdi was not brown-skinned Moorish, but merely a learned gentleman - thinking rather than acting type. Sometimes increased authority through expressions; with fabulous treatises; strange, eerie attraction just grew and grew when he appeared happier and more alive than usual. If you think about it, it seemed a mysterious figure blessed with a rare talent; But mingled with the crowd he could hardly point out; You would not see him for who does not find some relatives thought speech browser.

And now a few words on the Rosicrucians attributed peculiarities. Their existence however is denied, project activities - which are barely mentioned but see these mysterious people's history - so delightful at the same time bear witness olyfokú pimaszságról, even if you do not believe in them - that it is impossible nature is inevitable hubris - we can not get rid of without valid reasons from the belief that they are very naughty too reckless. The whole humanity has been argued as if it were beneath them in the distance; boundless pride, when viewed from the outside they are humble. Shine the landless and have to say that this status is destined to them: although boast universal riches. All kinds despise human affection, or resorting to them only escape salvation way - the only semblance of love is commitment agrees to reap kényelmeket due to integration or to reach a world, they adapted kívánalmaikhoz or industrial conditions. Very elegantly they mingle in the company of women, even though their hearts are utterly incapable of that kind of tenderness; also criticized them in thought, as if the men would be diametrically different species of womanhood. Simple and respectful appearance, and yet if their hearts turn önméltatásba dwelling in self-esteem, the sky's the limit. To some degree, they are the most honest people on earth, but also proves to be too soft rock áthatolhatatlanságukhoz. Unlike hermetika experts, poor rulers, and massive wealth is despicable. The wise side of the most educated and tökkelütöttek is just boob. Ácsingóznak not fame, they condemn and despise it. When you become famous, happens despite the intention of not seeking the honor, the honor because these people can not find satisfaction. Fervent desire to roam seamlessly take, and elszórakoztassák themselves in this world, because they live in it, and because of this they find around them. So disapproval towards mankind and the affirmative to each other: reticent, önmegvilágosodottak, you-all animals, but they are always ready to do good works whenever possible or safe.

This boundless rose séghez what units, what majesty may correspond to? Everyday units now in use are not taken. Occult philosophers of this state or the sublime peak, or the absurd. The world - as incapable of understanding - insists that declare them and to provide useless. The outcome depends on every bit, if only imaginary facts or ideas with the hermetic philosophers. the most shocking part of the investigation that these thorough authors of studies are full of treatises on the most devious and complicated topics and write a brilliant chapter to each of them - the metal nature of the medical science of the elements unknown properties, theological and ontological assumptions, the idea of ​​subject matter and nature in general - all these served to the reader a fabulous way.

Lecture: Ripley's Alchemy Part 13 RECAPITULATION

So to bring this treatise to a final end,
And briefly to conclude all these secrets here,
Diligently look at, and attend to your figure,
Which contains in it all these secrets great and small,
And if you conceive it, both theoretically and practically,
By figures and colours, by scripture plain,
It wisely conceived, you may not work in vain.

Consider first the latitude of this precious stone,
Beginning in the first side noted in the West,
Where the red man and the white woman be made one,
Espoused with the spirit of life to live in rest,
Earth and water equally proportioned, that is best,
And one part of the earth is good, and of the spirit three,
Which twelve to four also of the earth may be.

Three of the wife, and one of the man you take,
And the less of the spirit in this dispousation,
The better your Calcination for certain you shall make,
Then forth into the North proceed by obscuration,
Called the Eclipsing of the red man and his white wife,
Loosening them and altering them between winter and spring,
Turning earth into water, dark and nothing clear.

From thence by many colours into the East ascend,
Then shall the Moon be full appearing by day light,
Then is the purgatory passed, and her course at an end,
There is the uprising of the Sun appearing bright,
There is Summer after Spring, and day after night:
The earth and water which were black be turned to air,
And clouds of darkness blown over, and all appears fair.

And as the beginning of your practice was in the West,
And in the North the perfect mean of profound alteration,
So in the East after them is the beginning of speculation,
But of this course the Sun makes consummation up in the South,
There the elements are turned into fire by circulation,
Then to win your desire you need not be in doubt,
For the wheel of our philosophy you have turned about.

But turn your wheel about again two times,
Which being comprehended all the secrets of our philosophy,
In twelve chapters made plain to you, if you conceive this well,
And all the secrets by and by of our lower Astronomy,
Of how you shall calcine bodies, perfect, dissolve, divide, and putrefy,
With perfect knowledge of all the poles which be in our heaven,
Shining with inexplicable colours, never were a scene more gay.

And thus our secret conclusion know without fail,
Our red man tinges not, nor his wife, until they be tinged,
Therefore if you will lift yourself by this craft to avail,
Hide the altitude of bodies, and show out their profundity,
Destroying the first quality in every one of your materials,
And repair anon in them secondary qualities more glorious,
And in one glass, and with one rule, turn four natures into one.

Pale and black with false citrine, imperfect white and red,
The Peacock's feathers in gay colours, the rainbow which shall go over,
The spotted panther, the lion green, the Crows bill blue as lead.
These shall appear before you perfect white, and many more others.
And after the perfect white, grey, false citrine also,
And after these, there shall appear the red body invariable,
Then you have a medicine of the third order of his own kind multipliable.

You must divide your white Elixir into two parts,
Before you rubify, and into two glasses let these be done,
If you will have your Elixir for Sun and Moon do both so,
And multiply these soon into Mercury to great quantity,
And even if you had not at the beginning enough to fill a spoon,
Yet may you so multiply both white and red,
That if you live a thousand years, they shall stand you in stead.

Therefore I counsel you have recourse to your wheel,
And study well to know each chapter truly,
Meddle with no phantastic multipliers, but let them be,
Who will flatter you, feigning to be cunning in Philosophy,
Do as I bid you, them dissolve these aforesaid bases wisely,
And turn them into perfect oils with our true ardent water,
By circulation that must be done according to our intent.

These oils will fix crude Mercury and convert all bodies,
Into perfect Sun and Moon, when you shall make Projection,
That oily substance pure and fixed which Raimund Lully did call,
His Basilisk, of which he never made so plain detection,
Pray for me to God, that I may be one of his elect,
And that he will at domesday know me for one of his,
And grant me his bliss to reign with him forever. Amen

End of the Recapituation.