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 Principle of Polarity manifests the fact that everything has its opposite, that everything has two poles. All phenomena have opposite and contrasted sets of qualities, properties, or powers, operating in opposite and contrasted directions. Every set of opposites constitutes a unity consisting of a reconciliation and balancing of the opposing poles.

The axiom also states that two contrasting sets of qualities are actually just two aspects or phases of the whole and not two separated and distinct things. Together they build the unity of the phenomen itself. For example, 'cold' and 'hot' appear as two different things but in fact are both temperature in different degrees.

The Principle of Polarity is closely related to the Principle of Vibration and the Principle of Rhythm.

From 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.

Source: http://www.corax.com/tarot/index.html?first-hermetic-principle

3. The Principle of Vibration

Nothing rests; everything moves; everything vibrates

The Principle of Vibration states that nothing in the universe is at rest, everything vibrates, everything is in motion. Vibration is in everything, from the tiniest molecule to the biggest rock, in physical and biological systems, we find vibration in matter, energy, light and sound.

In physics vibration is often called oscillation - either a movement back and fro as in the swing of a pendulum or random vibrations as are exhibited in the Brownian Movement. It can be described by three factors: the amplitude (size) , the frequency (rate) and the phase (timing).

Occultists state that differences in rate and character of vibration determine the different planes of being, seeing the highest plane as that with the highest rate of vibration. Also, every mental and/or emotional state has its own rate of vibration the knowledge of which could enable a skilled person to influence at will.

The Principle of Vibration is closely connected to the Principle of Polarity and the Principle of Rhythm.

From 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. 

Source:  http://www.corax.com/tarot/index.html?first-hermetic-principle

2. The Principle of Correspondence

As above, so below; as below, so above

The Principle of correspondence represents the Hermetic axiom 'As above, so below, as below, so above' indicating an analogy between the various planes of being and life, it also reflects the Arcane principle 'From One know All'. It says as much that all planes of being funcion after the same rules and patterns, and thus the unknown can be comprehended by the knowledge of the known.

Before you now jump to the conclusion that there is no unknown anymore since you can easily conclude from the known etc. etc., ask yourself how *known* the known really is. For example, ask a row of people what a television set is - you can be well sure that everybody will readily know this. Then ask them to explain how exactly a television set works...

From 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.

Source: http://www.corax.com/tarot/index.html?first-hermetic-principle

1. The Principle of Mentalism

The All is mind; the Universe is mental

The First Hermetic Principle is all about consciousness, stating that 'all is mind', putting consciousness over both matter and energy. The Principle of Mentalism implies a concept of natural, universal consciousness as the source and the essence of all being, as the creator and the creation, it is through consciousness that we - and all the beings in the universe - begin to exist as conscious ideas before we become physical realities.

Note that this concept is reflected in the procession from the Ace to the Ten in the Minor Arcana, from Kether to Malkuth in the Tree of Life. You will also find the 'Trinity' of Consciousness - Energy - and Matter.

As a sidepoint it should be said that this concept of an universal consciousness in which man is a part of the whole sharply collides with any idea of an omnipotent god or any other kind of divine ruler who would willfully manipulate the natural processes.

From 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.

Fuente:  http://www.corax.com/tarot/index.html?first-hermetic-principle

Alimentos para aumentar la concentración (consumer.es)

Harina de avena, arándanos, salmón, aguacate, té verde y chocolate negro son los seis alimentos elegidos para mantener una concentración plena durante todo el día

Mantener la mente activa durante las horas lectivas del día no siempre es fácil. Hay momentos en los que se baja la guardia y concentrarse resulta una difícil tarea. Los niveles de estrés actuales pasan factura y el cuerpo no siempre responde al 100%. Hay una relación directa entre las situaciones externas a las que está sometido el cuerpo y la respuesta que da bajo estas circunstancias. Una mala gestión de estas respuestas puede tener repercusiones en el sistema inmunitario, disminuir las defensas y aumentar la vulnerabilidad a contraer enfermedades, tanto físicas como psíquicas. Una buena alimentación es la base para mantener un equilibrio óptimo en el organismo. 

Saber elegir los alimentos adecuados y seguir una dieta sana es la mejor y casi única opción para estar al 100% durante todo el día. Realizar ejercicio de manera regular también ayuda a mantener este estado óptimo, cuya base siempre es la alimentación. Durante largos periodos de estrés o cansancio, el organismo pierde la capacidad de concentración. Según un estudio realizado por la revista Forbes, la alimentación es clave para evitar esta situación. Según el estudio, seis alimentos consiguen mantener el nivel de concentración en el organismo. La harina de avena, los arándanos, el salmón, el aguacate, el té verde y el chocolate negro son los seis elegidos como alimentos imprescindibles para mantener una concentración plena durante todo el día.

Chocolate y té verde para mejorar la concentración

El chocolate y el té verde son dos alimentos estimulantes

El chocolate y el té verde son estimulantes, lo que supone una inyección de energía para el cuerpo. Se recomienda el consumo de una taza de té verde al día para proporcionar al organismo la cantidad de cafeína necesaria para mantener la concentración en los momentos de baja actividad. Además, el consumo de este alimento proporciona sensación de saciedad, no contiene calorías, elimina la sed, previene la fatiga o evita indigestiones, entre otros. 

El chocolate negro es otro estimulante que, además de ser también natural, satisface el deseo o la necesidad de azúcar en el organismo. Estos factores ayudan al cuerpo a concentrarse o a mantener la concentración. Tiene un estimulante natural, similar a la cafeína, que ayuda a mantener la atención. Los expertos aseguran que la ingesta de una pequeña cantidad diaria ya es suficiente para notar sus efectos en el organismo.

Harina de avena, salmón y aguacate

La avena es un cereal muy completo, rico en proteínas, en grasas y vitaminas, sobre todo la timina (B1), cuya presencia beneficia el funcionamiento del sistema nervioso. La harina de avena destaca por un efecto equilibrante del sistema nervioso, de ahí que su consumo se indique en situaciones de nerviosismo, insomnio o momentos de estrés. Ayuda a mantener fresca la memoria a corto plazo durante todo el día. Otras cualidades son: un gran efecto saciante, baja en calorías, muy digestiva y una ayuda en el control del colesterol en sangre. Se puede consumir en el desayuno, en forma de cereales, o añadirla a los platos que se desee. 

El salmón, por su contenido de ácidos grasos omega 3, es otro de los alimentos esenciales para mejorar la concentración y el funcionamiento del cerebro. Su composición hace que este pescado azul ayude, además, a controlar los niveles de colesterol y disminuye el riesgo de sufrir enfermedades cardíacas. En esta misma línea, el aguacate es un alimento completo y rico en grasas saludables que, como el salmón, favorece que se mantenga y mejore el nivel de concentración. Es un alimento rico en ácidos grasos omega 3, así como en potasio, fibra y antioxidantes. Puede consumirse crudo o cocinado, aunque siempre es más puro en crudo.

ARÁNDANOS PARA LA MEMORIA

Los arándanos son el último grupo de alimentos que, según el estudio publicado en la revista Forbes, tiene efectos que aumentan la concentración durante todo el día. Es un alimento rico en antioxidantes, que ayudan a activar las enzimas protectoras del celebro y mejoran la memoria, y en potasio, un mineral necesario para la transmisión y la generación del impulso nervioso. Es una fruta con un bajo contenido calórico, ya que su aporte de hidratos de carbono es bajo, rica en vitamina C y una buena fuente de fibra, potasio, hierro y calcio.

Su principal característica es su abundancia en pigmentos naturales, los antocianos y carotenoides, que confieren a este alimento su color característico y su sabor. Algunos estudios consideran a los arándanos preventivos de enfermedades como el Parkinson y que ayudan a fortalecer la memoria a largo plazo.

¿Cómo se pueden consumir? Admiten numerosas formas: frescos, en zumo, mermeladas, jaleas, compotas o de relleno en pasteles o repostería. Son un buen alimento contra las infecciones urinarias, ya que contienen muy buenas acciones bactericidas e inhiben su crecimiento. También son un poderoso remedio para eliminar parásitos intestinales y, si se mezclan con leche, se consigue un gran reconstituyente para el organismo, incluso para los consumidores con una digestión más delicada. Son también una buena opción para curar eccemas cutáneos o para facilitar la cicatrización de heridas, si se empapa su zumo en un paño y se aplica sobre la zona.

Fuente: http://www.consumer.es/web/es/alimentacion/aprender_a_comer_bien/curiosidades/2012/04/03/208531.php