Hermes Trismegistus

The Three Initiates

Jane Ma'ati Smith C.Hyp. Msc.D.

Includes multiple versions of the Emerald Tablet translated by others, such as Jābir ibn Ḥayyān and Isaac Newton.

Two Classic Bookson Hermetic Philosophy

The Emerald Tablet of Hermes and the Kybalion

The The Emerald Tablet of Hermes & Kybalion compose two pillars of Hermetic thought. Combined here in one volume, these two works share true wisdom with those ready to receive it. "When the ears of the student are ready to hear, then cometh the lips to fill them with wisdom." The Kybalion was first published anonymously in 1908 by "The Three Initiates." The true authorship of the work is unknown, although theories suggest it was written entirely or in part by William Walker Atkinson. Atkinson was a prolific writer and supported the New Thought movement of the 19th and early 20th centuries. New Thought included the belief that our realities can be manifested by mental effort, which is also suggested in Hermetic principles. Scholars point to similarities in style and content between The Kybalion and Atkinson's own The Arcane Teachings as evidence that he was one (or all) of "The Three Initiates." The Kybalion provides an introduction to the teachings of Hermes Trismegistus--Hermes "the Thrice-Greatest." This "Master of Masters" is said in The Kybalion to have lived 300 years on Earth, and believed by some to be the founder of both astrology and alchemy (precursors to astronomy and chemistry, respectively). Hermes Trismegistus was deified after his death as Toth by the ancient Egyptians, and Hermes by the Greeks. In both pantheons, this man-turned-god was considered a symbol of great wisdom. The Kybalion's explanation of Hermetic teachings are claimed to have been passed down orally for centuries, eventually reaching "The Three Initiates." The fundamental Hermetic traditions presented in The Kybalion consist of seven "working principles" Mentalism, Correspondence, Vibration, Polarity, Rhythm, Cause and Effect, and Gender. Within these seven principles is true wisdom, tied to no particular place and no particular religion. It is the "sacred flame" kept lit by a chosen few used to "re-light the lesser lamps of the outside world when the light of truth grew dim..." In short, these are the truths of the universe, regardless of era or creed. The Emerald Tablet of Hermes is a short, ancient text attributed to Hermes Trismegistus himself. Unlike The Kybalion, which aims to provide some explanation and instruction, the brief Emerald Tablet has been puzzling and fascinating scholars for over 1,000 years. Consisting of a mere 14 stanzas, the Emerald Tablet is said to contain the secrets of prima materia--the foundational material of the universe. The Emerald Tablet and its teaching influenced freemasonry and philosophy throughout history. The text of the tablet has been translated and commented on by a variety of scholars, including Sir Isaac Newton who was inspired by its teachings throughout his life and work. The earliest known version of the text comes from an Arabic work written between the 6th and 8th centuries by Balinas. He claimed to have found the tablet hidden in a vault beneath a statue of Hermes. Another story claims the tablet was written by Seth, the third son of Adam and Eve. And yet another says the tablet was uncovered and then reburied by Alexander the Great. The source and material of the physical tablet is unknown. It was reported to be a rectangular green stone, with text in raised bas-relief rather than engraved. Some even claim there never was a physical tablet at all, although several accounts claim it was on display in Egypt in 330 BCE. Whatever its origins and history, the work was first introduced to the West in the 12th century through Latin translations. Since then, this cryptic text has been translated and re-translated, pored-over and analyzed by philosophers, historians, and theologians alike.

Two Classic Books on Hermetic Philosophy

The Emerald Tablet of Hermes & The Kybalion

The Kybalion

The Kybalion - The Three Initiates - The Kybalion: Hermetic Philosophy, originally published in 1908 under the pseudonym of "the Three Initiates", is a book claiming to be the essence of the teachings of Hermes TrismegistusThe Kybalion: Hermetic Philosophy, originally published in 1908 under the pseudonym of "the Three Initiates", is a book claiming to be the essence of the teachings of Hermes Trismegistus.Since 1908, it has served as a study of basic hermetic teachings that outline an ageless wisdom. In ancient times (and even today), these teachings were not understood by the lay person, but were readily understood by students after the axioms and principles had been explained and exemplified by the Hermetic Initiates and Masters to their Neophytes."The purpose of this work is not the enunciation of any special philosophy or doctrine, but rather is to give to the students a statement of the Truth that will serve to reconcile the many bits of occult knowledge that they may have acquired, but which are apparently opposed to each other and which often serve to discourage and disgust the beginner in the study. Our intent is not to erect a new Temple of Knowledge, but rather to place in the hands of the student a Master-Key with which he may open the many inner doors in the Temple of Mystery through the main portals he has already entered." -- The Kybalion

A number of other books has been written about the "Seven Universal Principles" or "Seven Laws of Nature" using somewhat more modern language, but The Kybalion is the classic. This is not just a theory or a philosophy - the principles, being universal, are down-to-earth practical. If you apply them consciously in your life, your life will change. While in times long gone by, these may have seemed to be only arbitrary spiritual principles, they are in accord with the view of quantum physics. Kybalion states that universe is mind-like in nature; quantum physics states that the universe is composed out of intelligent energy. The rest of the book describes how to manifest anything with one's thoughts - the process of manifestation, and it reminds of the book "Dimensional Structure of Consciousness" by Samuel Avery. The most important part of this book - other than pointing out these principles is that they are UNIVERSAL - they allways work, they express throughout nature and if you use them and apply the consciously, you can create whatever you can possibly desire in your life. You will know then that there is a law and that it works with mathematical precision, and that you can ALWAYS count on it. The moment you grasp this truth, you will never ever again wish or hope for something to happen, you will know that you have the power to create it and you will be certain of it. And when you use this principles consciously and experience the truth of them - no one in the entire world will ever be able to talk you out of fulfilling your heart's desires. Even if the entire world doubts and laughs at you, you will not care because you'll KNOW that you CAN. You will have the "key".

A Study of the Hermetic Philosophy of Ancient Egypt and Greece

First published in 1908 under the anonymous authorship of "Three Initiates" by the Yogi Publishing Society, The Kybalion expounds upon the veiled teachings of Hermes Trismegistus in layman's terms for the first time since the work was rediscovered in the 19th Century. In the study of Esoteric texts such as The Kybalion, individuals can gain powerful insights into themselves and the world. Freemasonry assists each member in the work of self-improvement, which can be greatly enhanced by understanding the nature of reality. This statement, however, begs the question: "What is the fundamental nature of reality?" The underlying teaching of The Kybalion is that everything is governed by seven universal laws. These laws are categorized in the book as the Principles of Mentalism, Correspondence, Vibration, Polarity, Rhythm, Cause and Effect, and Gender. The Kybalion explains that by examining these principles, and applying them to life, scholars can increase their wisdom and knowledge.

The Kybalion: A Study of The Hermetic Philosophy of Ancient Egypt and Greece is a relatively modern addition to the body of work devoted to Hermes, an icon of ancient teachings that reveal the path to self transformation. In this revised edition, we have corrected many editorial issues inherent within the original text, creating a clearer presentation of the book's message: The Seven Hermetic Principles. These principles complement other Hermetic teachings and provide a foundation for your own spiritual awakening. As the book states, "The lips of wisdom are closed, except to the ears of understanding."

The Kybalion - Revised and Updated Edition

♥♥ The Kybalion by The Three Initiates ♥♥ The Kybalion: A Study of The Hermetic Philosophy of Ancient Egypt and Greece is a concise and elegant treatise on occultism and High Magic in Greece and Egypt. Here you will be introduced to the Seven Hermetic Principles, a foundation upon which one can build their own personal spiritual path. ♥♥ The Kybalion by The Three Initiates ♥♥ The Kybalion (full title: The Kybalion: A Study of the Hermetic Philosophy of Ancient Egypt and Greece) is a book originally published in 1908 by "Three Initiates" (often identified as the New Thought pioneer William Walker Atkinson, 1862–1932) that purports to convey the teachings of Hermes Trismegistus. ♥♥ The Kybalion by The Three Initiates ♥♥ A modern Hermetic tract, it has been widely influential in New Age circles since the twentieth century.

The Kybalion by The Three Initiates

The Kybalion: A Study of the Hermetic Philosophy of Ancient Egypt and Greece is a book originally published in 1908 by New Thought author William Walker Atkinson under the pseudonym “The Three Initiates”. This book is not exactly The Kybalion itself, it is more of a critical interpretation by Atkinson on hermetic philosophy. As such, it should be read with this in mind that it is not an authoritative hermetic text, but one only dedicated to Hermes Trismegistus. The Kybalion presents seven universal principles it proposes to be the Severn Hermetic Principles: Mentalism, Correspondence, Vibration, Polarity, Rhythm, Cause and Effect, and Gender. These principles are essentially explications of cycles, and before these principles is the notion of the primacy of mind as the cause of All (philosophical mentalism). This idea of mentalism is inspired by what is written about the Mind in The Hermetica. Coinciding with Spiritualism, New Thought, and Theosophy, the book became very popular in New Age movements, particularly with its notion of spiritual and mental alchemy. The Kybalion is a text which must be read with this in mind, while it is an interpretation of hermetic philosophy, it is in part still a relic of its time. Its influence cannot be understated, and the need to read it critically cannot be overstated.

A Study of The Hermetic Philosophy of Ancient Egypt and Greece

The Kybalion & The Emerald Tablet of Hermes compose two pillars of Hermetic thought. Combined here in one volume, these two works share true wisdom with those ready to receive it. "When the ears of the student are ready to hear, then cometh the lips to fill them with wisdom." The Kybalion was first published anonymously in 1908 by "The Three Initiates." The true authorship of the work is unknown, although theories suggest it was written entirely or in part by William Walker Atkinson. Atkinson was a prolific writer and supported the New Thought movement of the 19th and early 20th centuries. New Thought included the belief that our realities can be manifested by mental effort, which is also suggested in Hermetic principles. Scholars point to similarities in style and content between The Kybalion and Atkinson's own The Arcane Teachings as evidence that he was one (or all) of "The Three Initiates." The Kybalion provides an introduction to the teachings of Hermes Trismegistus--Hermes "the Thrice-Greatest." This "Master of Masters" is said in The Kybalion to have lived 300 years on Earth, and believed by some to be the founder of both astrology and alchemy (precursors to astronomy and chemistry, respectively). Hermes Trismegistus was deified after his death as Toth by the ancient Egyptians, and Hermes by the Greeks. In both pantheons, this man-turned-god was considered a symbol of great wisdom. The Kybalion's explanation of Hermetic teachings are claimed to have been passed down orally for centuries, eventually reaching "The Three Initiates." The fundamental Hermetic traditions presented in The Kybalion consist of seven "working principles" Mentalism, Correspondence, Vibration, Polarity, Rhythm, Cause and Effect, and Gender. Within these seven principles is true wisdom, tied to no particular place and no particular religion. It is the "sacred flame" kept lit by a chosen few used to "re-light the lesser lamps of the outside world when the light of truth grew dim..." In short, these are the truths of the universe, regardless of era or creed. The Emerald Tablet of Hermes is a short, ancient text attributed to Hermes Trismegistus himself. Unlike The Kybalion, which aims to provide some explanation and instruction, the brief Emerald Tablet has been puzzling and fascinating scholars for over 1,000 years. Consisting of a mere 14 stanzas, the Emerald Tablet is said to contain the secrets of prima materia--the foundational material of the universe. The Emerald Tablet and its teaching influenced freemasonry and philosophy throughout history. The text of the tablet has been translated and commented on by a variety of scholars, including Sir Isaac Newton who was inspired by its teachings throughout his life and work. The earliest known version of the text comes from an Arabic work written between the 6th and 8th centuries by Balinas. He claimed to have found the tablet hidden in a vault beneath a statue of Hermes. Another story claims the tablet was written by Seth, the third son of Adam and Eve. And yet another says the tablet was uncovered and then reburied by Alexander the Great. The source and material of the physical tablet is unknown. It was reported to be a rectangular green stone, with text in raised bas-relief rather than engraved. Some even claim there never was a physical tablet at all, although several accounts claim it was on display in Egypt in 330 BCE. Whatever its origins and history, the work was first introduced to the West in the 12th century through Latin translations. Since then, this cryptic text has been translated and re-translated, pored-over and analyzed by philosophers, historians, and theologians alike.

Two Essential Texts of Hermetic Philosophy

The Kybalion & The Emerald Tablet of Hermes

Written about the Hermetic Philosophy in 1908, this book is claiming to be the essence of the teachings of Hermes Trismegistus, published anonymously by a group or person under the pseudonym of "the Three Initiates".

A Study of Hermetic Philosophy of Ancient Egypt and Greece

The Kybalion Hermetic Philosophy, originally published by the Yogi Publication Society in 1908 by a person or persons under the pseudonym of "the Three Initiates", is a book claiming to be the essence of the teachings of Hermes Trismegistus. Its philosophies, in conjunction with others, have become founding pillars within the New Thought movement of the early 1910s. The book early on makes the claim that it makes its appearance in one's life when the time is appropriate and includes axioms and insights similar to those found in the Book of Proverbs.

7 Ancient Egypt Laws, Original 1908 Edition by the Three Initiates

The Kybalion Hermetic Philosophy

The Kybalion: Hermetic Philosophy, originally published in 1908 under the pseudonym of "the Three Initiates", is a book claiming to be the essence of the teachings of Hermes Trismegistus. The Kybalion was first published in 1908 by the Yogi Publication Society in Chicago, Illinois and has been in the public domain since 1977. Purportedly based upon ancient Hermeticism, its philosophies became founding pillars within the New Thought movement of the early 1910s. The book early on makes the claim that it makes its appearance in one's life when the time is appropriate and includes axioms and insights similar to those found in the Book of Proverbs.

The Three Initiates

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