The Kybalion is a book of hermetic philosophy of ancient Egypt and Greece. In early times, there was a collection of basic hermetic doctrines taught by the teacher to the student. This compendium was known as the “Kybalion”, although the Kybalion can only represent parts of hermeticism as it is intended for public use. The exact meaning of the word “Kybalion” was lost centuries ago. These teachings and allusions are known to many scholars of the scriptures to whom they have been passed down over the centuries.
The first known paper on these teachings appeared in 1908 with the title “Kybalion” and was published in Chicago. The authors of this book are not mentioned by name. Only three initiates are mentioned as authors. Hermes Trismegistus is mentioned in various sources as the father of Kybalion.
The Kybalion is a major work of hermeticism. It consists of seven hermetic principles. Which, with recognition and understanding, can represent a master key in all stages of life. Hermetic philosophy is based on seven hermetic principles, which describe the principle of mentality, the principle of correspondence, the principle of vibration, the principle of polarity, the principle of rhythm, the principle of cause and effect and the principle of gender. The seven hermetic principles are a guide to the Teachings of Wisdom. The practice of this Ageless Wisdom is part of the heritage of Western mystery schools and the traditional initiatory path.
From the perspective of the mystery tradition, the Kybalion explains only theoretical aspects, since the practical tools are reserved for authentic mystery training. This confirms that the authors were “real” initiates and kept their obligations of secrecy. They published only those areas that were intended for public use. Other principles they kept hidden.
The Kybalion is a complex work which includes tools of transformation such as “mental transformation”. For the true hermetic transmutation is a mental art. One of the many secret branches of hermetic knowledge, the mental transmutation, is the topic of discussion in Kybalion. “Transmutation” is an expression commonly used as a term of alchemical art referring to the transformation of metals. This refers primarily to the transformation of lower metals such as lead into gold. The term “transmutation” signifies transforming something from one form or substance into another. Therefore, “mental transmutation” indicates an art of transforming mental states or forms into others. This is the true art of “hermetic alchemy”. The Kybalion is a guide for the vivid alchemy. It explains laws and processes such as the divine paradox, hermetic axioms or the laws of cause and effect.
Finally, it can be concluded that the principles of hermetic initiation are the true and hidden keys for transformation. These are mentioned in Kybalion. According to the words in Kybalion: “Where fall the footsteps of the Master, the ears of those ready for his Teaching open wide.”
