Occultism: Hermetic Philosophy

Even though this is the third installment in my series on the Occult or Occultism, it is really the first installment dealing precisely with a subject that directly influenced the esoteric arts “such as alchemy, astrology, and theurgy…”1

Preface

Due to the nature of the subject matter contained in this and future installments on the occult, I felt it necessary to provide some additional rationale as to why I’m writing about these subjects. My intention is not to encourage anyone to participate in or adopt any of the occult practices; my intention is to point out how occult philosophy and beliefs either resemble or diverge from biblical teachings. I believe my approach is necessary given the proliferation of occult, i.e., the supernatural, portrayals in popular TV shows, movies, music, and even certain wisdom teachings found on the web. I believe that it is best for the curious to get their information from a Christian perspective rather than through the media which never portrays biblical beliefs in an accurate or positive manner but either revers or celebrates those who engage in those occult practices forbidden in Deuteronomy chapter 18, verses 10 through 12.

Nevertheless, at least two of my references, Silva and Kissinger, contain chapters on how to apply Hermetic principles in order for their readers to transform their lives. To reiterate, this and none of my other writings will encourage participation in those afore mentioned forbidden occult practices.

Introduction

The focus of this installment is Hermetic Philosophy as opposed to delving into actual Hermetic practices. Specific occult practices influenced by Hermeticism such as astrology and alchemy will be addressed in separate installments.

As all religions and cults have precepts, laws, and principles, so does Hermeticism. According to the Kybalion, there are seven basic foundational occult principles as follows:

  1. Mentalism
  2. Correspondence
  3. Vibration
  4. Polarity
  5. Rhythm
  6. Cause and Effect
  7. Gender2

These seven principles will be examined to a lesser or greater degree in a section that follows. In addition to the principles, a section is devoted to an examination of what the Kybalion refers to as “THE ALL.”3

This installment begins by establishing the origin of Hermeticism—from where and from whom.

Hermes Trismegistus

Hermeticism or the Hermetic philosophy is believed to have been founded by Hermes Trismegistus, Trismegistus meaning “Thrice-Great.”4 or “thrice-born Hermes”5 according to Mari Silva.

Sources are somewhat ambiguous as to whether or not Hermes Trismegistus (“Hermes T”)6 was an actual person. According to Jewish tradition, Hermes T was a contemporary of Abraham while other sources claim he was a contemporary of Moses7 either way, it would imply that his teachings were known to the Egyptian magicians during Moses’ time.

The tale of Thoth-Hermes begins in ancient Egypt, where Thoth, a deity often depicted with the head of an ibis or a baboon, played a pivotal role. Thoth was revered as the god of wisdom, writing, mathematics, and magic.8

Silva states that Hermes T “is associated with the Greek god Hermes and the Egyptian god Thoth.” [emphasis mine]9 Silva by using the term “associated” implies that Hermes T was a real person not just a symbol of the two gods Hermes and Thoth. On the other hand, Stephens states that Hermes Trismegistus “ is a syncretic fusion of the Greek god Hermes and the Egyptian god Thoth.”10

In summary:

…Hermes Trismegistus, ‘the Thrice-Greatest Hermes,’ where Thoth-Hermes is revered as the fountainhead of Hermetic wisdom…touching upon topics like alchemy, astrology, and theurgy. Thoth-Hermes serves as both the messenger and the message, the conduit through which esoteric wisdom is revealed.11

The Seven Principles

#1. The Principle of Mentalism.
“THE ALL is MIND; the universe is mental.”12

Early on in The Kybalion, the Three Initiates describe, in detail, “mind of THE ALL.”13 In short, “THE ALL…is SPIRIT, which in itself is UNKNOWABLE and UNDEFINABLE, but which may be considered and thought of as AN UNIVERSAL, INFINITE, LIVING MIND.”14 And to paraphrase, all phenomenon exists in the Mind of THE ALL and by definition, all things are sustained by the Mind.15

Interestingly, the Kybalion explicitly associates the Mind of THE ALL with phenomenon but neglects to include mention of noumenon even though it teaches that THE ALL is SPIRIT which is not part of the intelligible world.16 Yet, since by extension, all unintelligible things are also part of the universe, it would follow that all those things would also exist in the Mind. Obviously, THE ALL is MIND is the definition of God in Hermeticism.

In contrast, the God of the Bible is far superior and explicit in revealing His nature as shown in the following scripture:

So Paul stood in the midst of the Areopagus and said, ‘Men of Athens, I observe that you are very religious in all respects.

‘For while I was passing through and examining the objects of your worship, I also found an altar with this inscription, “TO AN UNKNOWN GOD.” Therefore what you worship in ignorance, this I proclaim to you.

‘The God who made the world and all things in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands;

nor is He served by human hands, as though He needed anything, since He Himself gives to all people life and breath and all things… (Acts 17:22-25 NASB95)

I would argue that the philosophers gathered at the Areopagus were familiar with the Hermetic teachings since the inscription “TO AN UNKNOWN GOD” appears to be what Hermetic wisdom calls THE ALL which is “UNKNOWABLE.”17 Contrast this philosophy with the God described in the canonical 66 books of the Bible.

In the above verses, the God of the Hebrews; the God of Abraham, Issac, and Jacob (Exod. 3:6) is the one who sustains and gives life, not THE ALL but the “I AM.” (Exod. 3:14) The following quote is conclusive concerning both phenomenon and noumenon:

For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things have been created through Him and for Him.

He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. (Col. 1:16-17)

While Hermeticism declares that all phenomenon exists in the Mind of THE ALL, the God of the Bible declares “’Can a man hide himself in hiding places So I do not see him?’ declares the Lord. ‘Do I not fill the heavens and the earth?’ declares the Lord.” (Jer. 23:24)

In Harmony Kissinger’s introductory, self-help book, she states: “The principle of Mentalism becomes practical when you start recognizing how mental patterns create your experienced reality.” [emphasis mine]18 Obviously, a teaching on the Hermetic truth that “all phenomenon exists in the Mind of the ALL.” She further elaborates that “Your attention functions like a creative force that helps determine what becomes manifest in your experience.”19 So, what is the “creative force” she references?

Well according to Dr. Norman Vincent Peale in his popular book, The Power of Positive Thinking, he writes that “[p]rayer power is a manifestation of energy.”20 That statement, taken on its own, sounds dangerously close to describing God as an impersonal creative force which is a highly irregular statement to be made by an American Protestant clergyman. Was Peale influenced by Hermetic teachings? (I didn’t take the time to read all of Peale’s book since it was somewhat tedious being filled with anecdotes to prove points he was making.)

Again, I believe Peale crosses a line by stating “The formula is (1) PRAYERIZE, (2) PICTURIZE, (3) ACTUALIZE.” [emphasis mine]21 If Peale’s previous formula isn’t analogous to occult practices of meditation, ritual, and enchantment then I don’t know what is—and I haven’t even discussed those practices yet.

Nevertheless, Peale wrote a highly successful book by allegedly combining biblical teaching with Hermeticism. Compare a sample of Peale’s writing followed by a verse from Proverbs:

…Formulate and stamp indelibly on your mind a mental picture of yourself as succeeding.22

“For as he thinks within himself, so he is…” (Prov. 23:7)

#2. The Principle of Correspondence.
“As above, so below; as below, so above.”23

I believe in order to understand this principle; the reader first needs to understand the implication of the word “correspondence.” According to Thesaurus.com, “correspondence” is defined as agreement and lists synonyms “analogy,” a principal method of occult science,24 and “correlation” being defined as equivalence.

According to D.R. T Stephens in his book How Hermetic Principles Shape Modern Esoteric Thought, writes the following:

…what happens on one level of reality corresponds to events on another level. In simpler terms, it suggests a harmonious, interdependent relationship between the various planes of existence, whether those be physical, mental, or spiritual. [emphasis mine]25

Of course, in Christian theology, the Principle of Correspondence may have its closest relative meaning in the following scriptures:

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. (Eph. 6:12)

For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh, for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. (2 Cor. 10:3-4)

The Principle of Correspondence has also been incorporated into the health and wellness field as follows:

Even in the health and wellness sector, the idea that mental well-being corresponds to physical health echoes the same principle.26

Naturally, Scripture also provides another close relative meaning:

A joyful heart is good medicine, But a broken spirit dries up the bones. (Prov. 17:22)

#3. The Principle of Vibration.
“Nothing rests; everything moves; everything vibrates.”27

On the surface, the Principle of Vibration seems straightforward based on the definition provided by the Kybalion “…that nothing is at rest—that everything moves, vibrates, and circles.”28 However, the teaching becomes mystical when it states that “[e]very thought, emotion or mental state has its corresponding rate and motion of vibration;”29 where these vibrations can emanate from one person to another affecting their mind or thoughts by ‘induction,’30 an experience known as ‘telepathy.’31

Stephens takes Vibration a step further by adding “change”32 to the list of verbs: moves, vibrates, and circles. Stephens goes on to state that “®he [Vibration] concept extends from the macrocosm to the microcosm, affecting everything from celestial bodies to subatomic particles.” [emphasis mine]33 Since Hermeticism teaches that celestial bodies exist in The Mind of THE ALL, it would follow that celestial bodies would also include THE ALL, or God. On the other hand, the God of the Bible declares that: ‘For I, the Lord, do not change…’ (Mal. 3:6)

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.”34

As I quote in my blog post Occultism: Occult Science, “Two apparently opposite things are but different degrees of a single and same thing,” according to the ternary law.35

#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.”36

The first thing that comes to mind when I hear rhythm is music. The following quote is from a web article posted by Samuel Chase:

The main aspect of music that deals with time is rhythm…Every single piece of music you hear on the radio has a rhythm to it.

Rhythm in music refers to the pattern of sounds and silences that occur over time. It is the element of music that creates a sense of movement and forward momentum and is often described as the ‘heartbeat’ or ‘pulse’ of a piece of music.

In music, rhythm refers to the pattern of regularly recurring beats, including both accented and unaccented beats, and how they are grouped together.37

Chase, in his article, includes examples of rhythm with the rotation and revolutions of the Earth; human heart beats; and the ticking of a watch in complete agreement with the teachings in the Kybalion.38

Stephens expresses the Hermetic teaching on Rhythm in a more mystical context:

In the Hermetic tradition, the rhythms of the cosmos are expressions of underlying divine principles, almost like a celestial dance choreographed by the universal Mind. It underpins the transmutation processes in alchemy, where transformation follows a set path from base material to spiritual essence.39

The Kybalion includes mention of the Law of Compensation in their discussion on Rhythm to include a passing reference to a “previous incarnation”40 and reincarnation.41

Stephens also writes that “The principle has also been adapted into modern forms of ceremonial Magick and Theosophy.”42 These subjects along with others I plan to discuss in future posts.

#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.”43

The elucidation of the Principle, forces the reader to question the reference to “Law” which is not really defined. Since the summary doesn’t say “a” Law but just “Law,” the summary is self-referential, that is, the Law is what is being elaborated on and that being, “Every Cause has its Effect; Every Effect has its Cause.”

I believe I once heard someone say that “chance” is nothing and “luck” is nothing so to say that nothing happens by chance is not really saying much. So, does Divinity factor into this equation or are all causes initiated by humans? Well, it depends on your belief system; if you are Mari Silva the author of mystical books, for example, you would say humankind.44 Otherwise, you might be inclined to reference the following Scripture verses:

And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. [emphasis mine] (Rom. 8:28)

The steps of a man are established by the Lord, And He delights in his way. (Ps. 37:23)

‘I know that You can do all things, And that no purpose of Yours can be thwarted…’ (Job 42:2)

#7. The Principle of Gender.
“Gender is in everything; everything has its Masculine and Feminine Principles; Gender manifest on all planes.”45

On October 14, 2021, Texas state Rep. James Talarico, A self-identified Presbyterian seminarian, made the following statement: “God is both masculine and feminine and everything in between. God is non-binary.”46 Wow! That’s a pretty bold and revisionist position to take, but is he completely wrong or is there some truth hidden in his statement?

In order to answer the previous question, we first need to define “non-binary” or “nonbinary.” WebMD provides the following definition:

Nonbinary people identify as being a gender that’s not exclusively male or female. You might see yourself as a mix of both genders, somewhere in between them, or neither. The way you perceive your gender may not align with traditional views of the biological features (the sex) you were born with. [emphasis mine]47

As can be deduced from the above medical definition, nonbinary is a term individuals use to either identify, see, or perceive themselves to be; they do not, in a sense, become what they perceive themselves to be. And just because you “express” yourself in a nonbinary way doesn’t change the biological sex you were born with. That is, nonbinary is not a medical condition but a psychological one.

So then, is God non-binary as proposed by James Talarico? No, absolutely NOT!! God does not have an identity crisis. Let’s consider the following Scripture:

God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. (Gen. 1:27)

First, God refers to Himself using the masculine form “His” once and “He” twice in the above verse.

Second, the word “man” is Strong’s Hebrew #120 being interpreted as: any man(2), anyone(4), anyone’s(1), being(1), common sort(1), human(19), infantry(1), low degree(1), low(1), man(363), man’s(20), man(1), mankind(9), men(104), men of low degree(1), men’s(3), men(4), mortal(1), one(3), people(1), person(5), person(1), persons(3), population(1), someone(1).48 Since “man” can refer to one man, on person, or mankind the proper interpretation is derived from the context. Since God created man in His own image and since woman was fashioned from one of Adam’s ribs (Gen. 2:21-22) it follows that woman was created in God’s image also. If not, then in whose image was she created?

Third, God created them male and female, i.e., gender binary. Period!

Alternatively, by applying the Hermetic Principle of Polarity, we can say that both male and female genders are the same thing only varying in degrees; where feminine attributes prominent in biological males and masculine attributes prominent in biological females are merely variations in vibration. In other words, their gender attributes are either in- or out-of-tune with their biological sex.

THE ALL

The Kybalion devotes three, maybe four, chapters to teachings on the concept of a “Substantial Reality”49 identified by the Hermetic term: “THE ALL”50 the attributes of which were discussed earlier in this installment. However, where the teachings on THE ALL become more obscure, or esoteric, is during its discussion on the nature and creation of the Universe.

According to the Bible, the creation of the Universe was clear and straightforward, everything was created through God’s Word. (John 1:1-3) Repeatedly, throughout the creation narrative in Genesis chapter 1, the Scripture states: “Then God said…” leaving no room for ambiguity. However, in order to understand the creation of the Universe through THE ALL, the reader needs to understand many of the Hermetic Principles discussed earlier.

Again, to repeat the Hermetic truth that “the Universe is a Mental Creation of THE ALL”51 requires the student to accept the teaching that the Universe is a “mere illusion; an unreality…”52 but only from the perspective of “the Absolute and the Relative points of view.”53

To close out this section on THE ALL, I provide my interpretation or summary of the Hermetic creation of the Universe based on my understanding of The Principles:

  • The Universe was created in the Mind of THE ALL.
  • Based on the Principle of Correspondence, what was created above (Reality) was also created below (illusion).
  • Since the Universe is changing and has a beginning and an end (theoretically) it is subject to the Principle of Rhythm.
  • Matter exists because of its position in the lowest plane of correspondence.
  • Matter is illusory because of its relation to the Absolute; only THE ALL is real.
  • Matter vibrates at a lower rate than what is created in the Mind of THE ALL.

The statements above certainly won’t qualify me as an initiate, but I gave it my best shot.

Wrap Up and Next Steps

So, was Hermes Trismegistus a myth or a real historical person? According to a web page written by Nicole Lau, “The answer is: both, neither, and something more.”54

The reader should be wary of thinking that THE ALL is somehow just another word for the Christian God or the biblical Deity. The Kybalion includes a paragraph that demonstrates its contempt for God as the author(s) misinterpret how He’s being presented in the Bible.

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. [emphasis mine]55

Also, I believe there is either a typo or error on page 61 of the Kybalion which uses the word “Imminent” when proposing that THE ALL is not only above but within the Universe.56 However, according to theology, the word for this concept is “Immanent.”57

Coming up next, Kabbalah.

2013-2026 Gerard Sczepura. All rights reserved.

  1. STEPHENS, D.R. T. Hermeticism: The Blueprint of the Occult: How Hermetic Principles Shape Modern Esoteric Thought (p. 15). Kindle Edition. ↩

  2. Three Initiates, The Kybalion: Centenary Edition, (Tarcher, New York, 2018), x-xi. ↩

  3. Three Initiates, The Kybalion, 32. ↩

  4. Kissinger, Harmony. A Beginner’s Guide to Hermeticism: The Seven Sacred Laws of Universal Truth (p. 12). Kindle Edition. ↩

  5. Silva, Mari, Hermeticism: The Ultimate Guide to Understanding the Hermetica, Kybalion, and Hermetic Principles, (Independently published, 2021), 4. ↩

  6. Silva, Hermeticism: The Ultimate Guide, 3. ↩

  7. Silva, Hermeticism: The Ultimate Guide, 3, 7. ↩

  8. STEPHENS, D.R. T. Hermeticism: The Blueprint of the Occult: How Hermetic Principles Shape Modern Esoteric Thought (p. 11). Kindle Edition. ↩

  9. Silva, Hermeticism: The Ultimate Guide, 4. ↩

  10. Stephens, Hermeticism: The Blueprint of the Occult, 14. ↩

  11. Stephens, Hermeticism: The Blueprint of the Occult, 13. ↩

  12. Three Initiates, The Kybalion, 15. ↩

  13. Three Initiates, The Kybalion, 15. ↩

  14. Three Initiates, The Kybalion, 15. ↩

  15. Three Initiates, The Kybalion, 15. ↩

  16. Three Initiates, The Kybalion, 15. ↩

  17. Three Initiates, The Kybalion, 34. ↩

  18. Kissinger, Beginner’s Guide to Hermeticism, 27. ↩

  19. Kissinger, Beginner’s Guide to Hermeticism, 28. ↩

  20. Peale, Norman Vincent. The Power of Positive Thinking: 10 Traits for Maximum Results (p. 29). Touchstone. Kindle Edition. ↩

  21. Peale, Power of Positive Thinking, 30. ↩

  22. Peale, Power of Positive Thinking, 10. ↩

  23. Three Initiates, The Kybalion, 16. ↩

  24. Papus (Dr. Gérard Encausse), Elementary Treatise of Occult Science: Understanding the Theories & Symbols Used by the Ancients, the Alchemists, the Astrologers, the Freemasons & the Kabbalists, trans. Mark Anthony Mikituk (Llewellyn Publications, 2018), 17. ↩

  25. Stephens, Hermeticism: The Blueprint of the Occult, 34. ↩

  26. Stephens, Hermeticism: The Blueprint of the Occult, 36. ↩

  27. Three Initiates, The Kybalion, 17. ↩

  28. Three Initiates, The Kybalion, 86. ↩

  29. Three Initiates, The Kybalion, 92. ↩

  30. Three Initiates, The Kybalion, 91. ↩

  31. Three Initiates, The Kybalion, 91. ↩

  32. Stephens, Hermeticism: The Blueprint of the Occult, 37. ↩

  33. Stephens, Hermeticism: The Blueprint of the Occult, 37. ↩

  34. Three Initiates, The Kybalion, 19. ↩

  35. Gerard Sczepura, “Occultism: Occult Science,” Theological Ruminations (blog), April 30, 2026, Occultism: Occult Science – Gerard Sczepura. ↩

  36. Three Initiates, The Kybalion, 21. ↩

  37. Samuel Chase, “What Is Rhythm In Music? A Complete Guide,” Hello Music Theory, May 4, 2024, What Is Rhythm In Music? A Complete Guide. ↩

  38. Three Initiates, The Kybalion, 102-103. ↩

  39. Stephens, Hermeticism: The Blueprint of the Occult, 44. ↩

  40. Three Initiates, The Kybalion, 107. ↩

  41. Three Initiates, The Kybalion, 107. ↩

  42. Stephens, Hermeticism: The Blueprint of the Occult, 45. ↩

  43. Three Initiates, The Kybalion, 23. ↩

  44. Silva, Hermeticism: The Ultimate Guide, 79. ↩

  45. Three Initiates, The Kybalion, 24. ↩

  46. Peter Pinedo, Paul Steinhauser, “‘God is non-binary’: Texas Dem nominee Talarico’s past remarks on abortion, race and gender draw scrutiny.” Fox News. March 05, 2026. From ‘God is non-binary’ to the Bible justifies abortion: Rising Dem’s top hot takes | Fox News. ↩

  47. Evan Starkman, Shawna Seed, “‘What Does It Mean to Be Nonbinary?.” WebMD. October 24, 2024. Nonbinary People: Definitions, Challenges, and Support. ↩

  48. Robert L. Thomas, New American Standard Hebrew-Aramaic and Greek Dictionaries : Updated Edition (Anaheim: Foundation Publications, Inc., 1998). ↩

  49. Three Initiates, The Kybalion, 33. ↩

  50. Three Initiates, The Kybalion, 33. ↩

  51. Three Initiates, The Kybalion, 50. ↩

  52. Three Initiates, The Kybalion, 50. ↩

  53. Three Initiates, The Kybalion, 50. ↩

  54. Nicole Lau, “Hermes Trismegistus: Myth or Historical Figure?,” Mystic Ryst (blog), Hermes Trismegistus: Myth or Historical Figure? | The Evidence – Nicole’s ritual universe. ↩

  55. Three Initiates, The Kybalion, 34. ↩

  56. Three Initiates, The Kybalion, 61. ↩

  57. GotQuestions.org, “What is the immanence of God?,” Got Questions Ministries, What is the immanence of God? | GotQuestions.org. ↩

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