The book devotes a chapter to each of its seven "Principles", or axioms:
Principle of Mentalism
The Principle of Mentalism embodies the idea that "All is Mind."
Principle of Correspondence
The Principle of Correspondence embodies the idea that there
is always a correspondence between the laws of phenomena of the various
"planes" of being and life.[2] As above, so below;
as below, so above. This principle states that there is a harmony,
agreement and correspondence between these planes, delineated as:
- The Great Physical Plane
- The Great Mental Plane
- The Great Spiritual Plane
Principle of Vibration
The Principle of Vibration embodies the idea that motion is
manifest in everything in the Universe, that nothing rests, and
everything moves, vibrates, and circles.[3]
This principle explains that the differences between different
manifestations of Matter, Energy, Mind, and even Spirit, are the result
of only different "vibrations".[4] The higher a person is on the scale, the higher the rate of vibration will be. Here, The All
is said to be at an infinite level of vibration, almost to the point of
being at rest. There are said to be millions upon millions of varying
degrees between the highest level, The All, and the objects of the
lowest vibration.[5]
Mental Transmutation is described as the practical application of
this principle. To change one's mental state is to change vibration. One
may do this by an effort of Will, by means of deliberately "fixing the
attention" upon a more desirable state.[6]
Principle of Polarity
The Principle of Polarity embodies the idea that everything is dual, everything has two poles, and everything has its opposite.[7] All manifested things have two sides, two aspects, or two poles.[8]
Everything "is" and "isn't" at the same time, all truths are but half
truths and every truth is half false, there are two sides to everything,
opposites are identical in nature, yet different in degree, extremes
meet, and all paradoxes may be reconciled.[9]
Principle of Rhythm
The Principle of Rhythm embodies the idea that in everything
there is manifested a measured motion, a to and fro, a flow and inflow, a
swing backward and forward, a pendulum-like movement.[10]
This principle explains that there is rhythm between every pair of
opposites, or poles, and is closely related to the Principle of
Polarity.[11]
It can be seen that this Principle enables transition from one pole to
the other, and not necessarily poles of extreme opposites.
Principle of Cause and Effect
The Principle of Cause and Effect explains that there is a cause for every effect, and an effect for every cause.[12]
It also states that there is no such thing as chance, that chance is
merely a term indicating extant causes not recognized or perceived.[13] The Principle is clarified in the chapter Causation.
Principle of Gender
The Principle of Gender embodies the idea that gender is manifested in everything.[14]
The authors state that this does not relate explicitly to the commonly
understood notion of sex, but rather "... to beget; to procreate, to
generate, to create, or to produce..." in general.[15] Gender is manifested as the Masculine and Feminine principles, and manifests itself on all planes.
Mental Gender is described as a Hermetic concept which relates to the masculine and feminine principles. It does not refer to the physical gender
of someone, nor does it suggest that someone of a certain physical
gender necessarily has the same mental gender. Ideally, one wants to
have a balanced mental gender.[16]
The concept put forth in The Kybalion states that gender
exists on all planes of existence (Physical, Mental, and Spiritual), and
represents different aspects on different planes. It is also stated
that everything and everyone contains these two elements or principles.[17]
The Masculine principle is always in the direction of giving out or
expressing, and contents itself with the "Will" in its varied phases.[18]
The Feminine principle is always in the direction of receiving
impressions, and has a much more varied field of operation than the
Masculine. The Masculine conducts the work of generating new thoughts,
concepts, and ideas, including the work of the imagination.[19]
It is said that there must be a balance in these two forces. Without
the Feminine, the Masculine is apt to act without restraint, order, or
reason, resulting in chaos. The Feminine alone, on the other hand, is
apt to constantly reflect and fail to actually do anything, resulting in
stagnation. With both the Masculine and Feminine working in
conjunction, there is thoughtful action that breeds success, which
points out that both the Feminine and the Masculine fulfill each other.[20]
