What does “as above, so below” mean, and where does it originate?
"As above, so below" is a Principle that reflects the belief that the microcosm and the macrocosm mirror each other, meaning that the same laws that govern the universe also apply to the individual. It is a phrase that has been used in various spiritual and philosophical traditions and is often used to suggest that the microcosm (individual) and the macrocosm (universe) are intimately connected and that one can learn about the nature of the universe by studying the individual self.
The phrase "as above, so below" is believed to have originated from Hermeticism, a philosophical and religious tradition that combines elements of Egypt and Greek philosophy. Hermeticism is based on the teachings of Hermes Trismegistus, a god of Greek and Egyptian mythology who was believed to be the author of a collection of texts known as the Hermetica. In these texts, the principle of "as above, so below" is discussed about the spiritual laws that govern the universe and the individual.
It also appears in other spiritual and philosophical traditions such as alchemy, Kabbalah, and astrology, it is believed that the cosmos and the individual share a spiritual connection and that the principles of the cosmos can be used to understand and improve the individual.
In summary, "As above, so below" is a principle that suggests that the microcosm and the macrocosm mirror each other and that the same laws that govern the universe also apply to the individual. The phrase is believed to have originated from Hermeticism, but it also appears in other spiritual and philosophical traditions such as alchemy, Kabbalah, and astrology.
What Does "As Above, So Below" Mean?
"As above, so below" is a principle that reflects the belief that the microcosm and the macrocosm mirror each other. This means that the same laws and patterns that govern the universe also apply to the individual, and vice versa. The idea behind this principle is that there is a fundamental interconnectedness between the individual and the universe and that one can learn about the nature of the universe by studying the individual self.The principle is often used to suggest that the universe and the individual are intimately connected and that the study of the self can reveal insights about the nature of the universe. It is a phrase that has been used in various spiritual and philosophical traditions, particularly Hermeticism, an ancient spiritual and philosophical tradition that blends elements of Egyptian and Greek philosophy.
In Hermeticism, the principle of "As above, so below" is used to describe the spiritual laws that govern the universe, and how they also apply to the individual. The principle is also used in other spiritual and philosophical traditions such as alchemy, Kabbalah, and astrology.
In summary, "As above, so below" is a principle that suggests that the microcosm and the macrocosm mirror each other, and that the same laws and patterns that govern the universe also apply to the individual, and vice versa. It reflects the interconnectedness between the universe and the individual and it is a principle used in various spiritual and philosophical traditions.
What Is the Origin of "As Above, So Below?"
The origin of the phrase "As above, so below" is believed to come from Hermeticism, an ancient spiritual and philosophical tradition that blends elements of Egyptian and Greek philosophy. The principle is found in the Corpus Hermeticum, a collection of texts attributed to the god Hermes Trismegistus that was written during the 2nd and 3rd century AD. The Corpus Hermeticum contains spiritual teachings, cosmological ideas, and practical advice for attaining spiritual enlightenment.The Emerald Tablet of Hermes Trismegistus
The Emerald Tablet, also known as the Smaragdine Table, or Tabula Smaragdina, is a compact and cryptic hermetic text that is believed to contain the secret principles of the universe and the alchemical process of transmutation. It is said to have been written by the god Hermes Trismegistus, and to have been inscribed on a tablet of emerald. The text describes a process for obtaining knowledge and understanding of the universe, and for achieving a spiritual transformation.The Emerald Tablet is divided into several parts and contains statements such as "That which is below is like that which is above" and "As all things were from one." These statements reflect the Hermetic principle of the interconnectedness of all things and the belief that the macrocosm (universe) is reflected in the microcosm (individual).
The tablet's text is also known to contain alchemical instructions, related to the philosopher's stone, which would allow the transmutation of base metals into gold. The tablet's text is considered the foundation of Hermeticism.
It is important to note that the authenticity and authorship of the text are debated among scholars and researchers and that many versions of the text exist. Additionally, the text's interpretation varies in different Hermetic traditions and schools of thought.
In summary, The Emerald Tablet, also known as the Smaragdine Table, or Tabula Smaragdina, is a hermetic text that is believed to contain the secret principles of the universe and the alchemical process of transmutation. It is said to have been written by Hermes Trismegistus, it reflects the principle of interconnectedness and contains alchemical instructions, related to the philosopher's stone, and is considered the foundation of Hermeticism.
What Is Hermeticism?
Hermeticism, also known as Hermetism, is a spiritual and philosophical tradition that dates back to ancient Egypt and Greece. It is based on the teachings of the god Hermes Trismegistus, who was revered as the patron of alchemy, astrology, and other forms of arcane wisdom.Hermeticism combines elements of Egyptian religion, Greek philosophy, and Jewish and Christian mysticism, and it emphasizes the attainment of spiritual knowledge and understanding through direct experience and self-transformation. Hermeticism teaches that the individual and the universe are interconnected and that the same principles that govern the universe also apply to the individual.
The central text of Hermeticism is the Corpus Hermeticum, a collection of texts attributed to Hermes Trismegistus, and it contains spiritual teachings, cosmological ideas, and practical advice for attaining spiritual enlightenment. The text contains the principle of "As above, so below" and it reflects the belief that the same laws and principles that govern the universe also apply to the individual.
Hermeticism also contains elements of alchemy, the medieval chemical philosophy that aimed to turn base metals into gold and create an elixir of immortality, and astrology, the study of the movements and relative positions of celestial bodies and their influence on human affairs.
Hermeticism was influential in the Western world during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. Hermetic teachings and practices have had a significant influence on the development of Western esotericism and have been an important source for the Western esoteric tradition.
In summary, Hermeticism is a spiritual and philosophical tradition that combines elements of ancient Egyptian religion, Greek philosophy, and Jewish and Christian mysticism. Its central belief is the interconnectedness of the individual and the universe and it emphasizes the attainment of spiritual knowledge and understanding through direct experience and self-transformation. It contains elements of alchemy, astrology, and the principle of "As above, so below" which reflects the interconnectedness of all things.
Examples of "As Above, So Below" in Sentences
Here are a few examples of how the phrase "As above, so below" can be used in sentences:1. The teacher explained that the principle of "as above, so below" is reflected in the structure of the universe, and also in the individual human being.
2. In the practice of alchemy, "as above, so below" is used to illustrate the idea that the same laws that govern the universe also govern the human body.
3. The counselor noted that her patient's struggles with addiction were related to unresolved emotional issues, illustrating the "as above, so below" principle.
4. The spiritual leader emphasized that the principle of "as above, so below" is reflected in the way that the individual's thoughts and actions affect the world around them.
5. The astrologer explained that the principle of "as above, so below" is reflected in the way that the positions of the planets in the sky can influence events on Earth.
6. The philosopher said that the principle of "as above, so below" highlights the interconnectedness of all things and the way the smallest actions can have the biggest impact on the world.
These examples illustrate that the "as above, so below" principle can be used in various spiritual and philosophical contexts, it reflects the interconnectedness of all things, and the same laws that govern the universe also apply to the individual.
