WHO:
Written by "Three Initiates"
Some believe it was written by occultist Paul Foster Case, founder of the Builders of the Adytum society
"Three Initiates" is most likely a pseudonym used by William Walker Atkinson, a popular New Thought writer and publisher in the early 20th century (another pseudonym used was Yogi Ramacharaka)
WHAT:
Divided into seven fundamental principles, which it says form the core of occult philosophy: The Seven Hermetic Principles
References itself as being based on the teachings of Hermes Trismegistus
Explains "The Art of Hermetic Alchemy" - mastery of Mental Forces, instead of Material Elements
Transmuting one kind of Mental Vibration into another, as related to changing one kind of metal to another. The "Philosopher's Stone" legend which would turn base metal into Gold, was a reference to Hermetic Philosophy
"The truly wise, knowing the nature of the Universe, use Law against laws; the higher against the lower; and by the Art of Alchemy transmute that which is undesirable into that which is worthy, and thus triumph. . . . . Transmutation, not presumptuous denial, is the weapon of the Master." (Kybalion 48)
"Mastery consists not in abnormal dreams, visions, and fantastic imaginings or living, but in using the higher forces against the lower—escaping the paints of the lower planes by vibrating on the higher." (Kybalion)
WHEN:
First published in 1908
WHY:
"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." (Kybalion 1)
"When it [Hermetic Teachings] was written down at all, its meaning was veiled in terms of alchemy and astrology, so that only those possessing the key could read it aright." (Kybalion 10)
"The lips of wisdom are closed, except to the ears of understanding. . . . When the ears of the student are ready to hear, then cometh the lips to fill them with wisdom." (Kybalion 4)
"The possession of Knowledge, unless accompanied by a manifestation and expression in Action, is like the hoarding of precious metals—a vain and foolish thing. Knowledge, like Wealth, is intended for Use. The Law of Use is Universal, and he who violates it suffers by reason of his conflict with natural forces." (Kybalion 137)
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