The Kybalion: A Study of The Hermetic Philosophy of Ancient Egypt and Greece Flashcards
Three Initiates · Public domain edition · 55 cards · 16 chapters
The Kybalion presents seven Hermetic principles—Mentalism, Correspondence, Vibration, Polarity, Rhythm, Cause and Effect, and Gender—as the core of ancient Egyptian and Greek philosophy. The deck covers each principle's definition, the text's claims about secrecy and mental transmutation, and its distinction between Masters and lesser practitioners.
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Chapter 1 · Question
What does the title 'Trismegistus' mean, and to whom was it given?
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Chapter 1 · Answer
The Egyptians gave the title 'Trismegistus' to Hermes, meaning 'the thrice-great,' 'the great-great,' or 'the greatest-great.' They also called him 'the Scribe of the Gods.' After his death the Egyptians deified him as Thoth, and the Greeks later made him 'Hermes, the god of Wisdom.' Tradition records that he lived three hundred years in the flesh.
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CHAPTER I4 cards
What does the title 'Trismegistus' mean, and to whom was it given?
The Egyptians gave the title 'Trismegistus' to Hermes, meaning 'the thrice-great,' 'the great-great,' or 'the greatest-great.' They also called him 'the Scribe of the Gods.' After his death the Egyptians deified him as Thoth, and the Greeks later made him 'Hermes, the god of Wisdom.' Tradition records that he lived three hundred years in the flesh.
Chapter 1
Why did the Hermetic teachers insist on secrecy and avoid creeds?
The author argues the Hermetics kept secrecy because they did not believe in 'casting pearls before swine,' preferring 'milk for babes' and 'meat for strong men.' They also warned against letting the Secret Doctrine crystallize into a creed. The author claims this caution proved wise, since occultism in India, Persia, Greece, and Rome degenerated once teachers became priests and mixed theology with philosophy.
Chapter 1
According to the chapter, what was the real subject of Hermetic Alchemy?
The chapter states that Hermetic Alchemy, contrary to general belief, dealt with mastery of Mental Forces rather than Material Elements—the transmutation of one kind of Mental Vibration into another, not the changing of metals. The legend of the Philosopher's Stone turning base metal into gold was, the author argues, an allegory for Hermetic Philosophy understood by true students of Hermeticism.
Chapter 1
How were the Kybalion's precepts transmitted, and why were they veiled?
The Kybalion was a compilation of maxims, axioms, and precepts passed from teacher to student, from lip to ear, and reportedly never written down or printed. When written at all, its meaning was veiled in alchemy and astrology so only holders of the key could read it. The chapter says this was necessary to avoid persecution by medieval theologians who fought the Secret Doctrine with fire and sword.
Chapter 1
CHAPTER II4 cards
What are the seven Hermetic Principles named in this chapter?
Mentalism, Correspondence, Vibration, Polarity, Rhythm, Cause and Effect, and Gender. The chapter calls them the Principles of Truth, seven in number, and says one who knows them understandingly holds the Magic Key before whose touch all the Doors of the Temple fly open. They form the basis of the entire Hermetic Philosophy and are explained further in later lessons.
Chapter 2
How does the Principle of Mentalism describe THE ALL and the universe?
It states 'THE ALL IS MIND; The Universe is Mental.' THE ALL, the Substantial Reality underlying matter, energy, life, and appearances, is Spirit—unknowable and undefinable in itself but considered a Universal, Infinite, Living Mind. The phenomenal universe is a Mental Creation of THE ALL, existing in that Mind, in which we 'live and move and have our being.'
Chapter 2
How does the Principle of Polarity treat opposites like heat and cold?
It holds that everything is dual and has two poles, but opposites are identical in nature and differ only in degree, with extremes meeting. Heat and cold are the same thing, differing only in degrees of vibration; there is no absolute heat or cold. The chapter applies this to light and darkness, love and hate, and good and evil, and says Hermetists can transmute one pole into the other by Will.
Chapter 2
How do Hermetists use the Principle of Rhythm to resist its pendulum swing?
The chapter says everything moves in tides and pendulum swings between the poles, and Hermetists cannot annul the Principle but can escape its effects on themselves to a degree. They apply Mental Neutralization: the Master polarizes himself at the point where he wishes to rest, then neutralizes the rhythmic swing that would carry him to the opposite pole, achieving poise through Will.
Chapter 2
CHAPTER III4 cards
How does the chapter define Mental Transmutation?
The chapter defines Mental Transmutation as the art of changing and transforming mental states, forms, and conditions into others, calling it the 'Art of Mental Chemistry' and a form of practical Mystic Psychology. The word 'transmute' means to change from one nature, form, or substance into another.
Chapter 3
What does the chapter claim about ancient versus modern knowledge?
The author argues the ancients possessed both Inner and Outer Knowledge, while modern scientists possess only the Outer. The chapter claims astrology, alchemy, and mystic psychology are transcendental counterparts of astronomy, chemistry, and brain-action psychology, and that Egyptian records and the Pyramids show advanced astronomical and chemical knowledge.
Chapter 3
What does the chapter say Mental Transmutation becomes under the Principle of Mentalism?
If the Universe is Mental, the chapter reasons that Mental Transmutation becomes the art of changing the conditions of the Universe along the lines of Matter, Force, and Mind. It is thus the 'Magic' of ancient writers, making the Master a controller of material as well as mental conditions.
Chapter 3
What does the chapter say about Masters and lesser practitioners?
The author asserts that advanced Mental Alchemists alone attain power over gross physical conditions like tempests and earthquakes, and that such Masters exist today but seek seclusion. Initiates and Teachers work freely on the Mental Plane, and psychic phenomena, mental influence, and mental science all operate on the same single principle.
Chapter 3
CHAPTER IV1 cards
What does the chapter conclude THE ALL is, and how does it distinguish Religion from Theology?
The chapter concludes THE ALL is Infinite Living Mind—far above mortal Life and Mind—which the Illumined call SPIRIT. It distinguishes Religion (intuitional realization of THE ALL and one's relationship to it) from Theology (ascribing personality and qualities to it and acting as middle-men), and Philosophy (inquiry into the knowable) from Metaphysics (inquiry into the unknowable).
Chapter 4
CHAPTER V4 cards
How does the chapter argue THE ALL creates the Universe, and why reject other modes?
The author argues THE ALL creates the Universe mentally, by the Principle of Correspondence with how Man creates mental images. Creating from outside materials is impossible since nothing exists outside THE ALL; self-multiplication is impossible since THE ALL cannot be subtracted from or added to. Man's third mode, mental creation, uses no outside materials and does not reproduce himself, yet his spirit pervades the creation.
Chapter 5
What does the chapter mean by Gender, and is THE ALL male or female?
The chapter states Gender means 'relating to generation or creation,' not sex, which is merely its material manifestation. THE ALL in itself is above Gender and every other Law, being the Law from which Laws proceed. When manifesting on the plane of generation, THE ALL acts according to Law and shows Gender's Masculine and Feminine aspects on the Mental Plane. The author denies real duality: THE ALL is One, and the Two Aspects are merely aspects of manifestation.
Chapter 5
How does the chapter describe the Masculine and Feminine Principles in creation?
The author argues the Masculine Principle manifested by THE ALL stands somewhat apart from the actual mental creation, projecting its Will toward the Feminine Principle, called 'Nature.' Nature then begins the actual work of evolution, from simple 'centers of activity' up to man and higher, according to firmly enforced Laws of Nature. The author says one may think of these as God the Father and Nature the Universal Mother, while always remembering THE ALL is One.
Chapter 5
What does the chapter claim about Death and humanity's destiny?
The author argues Death is not real even in the relative sense but is Birth to a new life, and that one goes on to higher and higher planes for aeons. The chapter says there are beings with powers higher than Man has dreamed of gods possessing, who were once as we are, and we will be as they and higher. At the end of the Grand Cycle, THE ALL draws all creations back into itself.
Chapter 5
CHAPTER VI4 cards
According to the chapter, how does the 'truly wise' person deal with the laws of the Universe?
The author argues the truly wise use Law against laws, the higher against the lower, transmuting the undesirable into the worthy and thus triumphing. Mastery is not abnormal dreams or fantastic imaginings but using higher forces against lower ones, escaping lower pains by vibrating on higher planes. Transmutation, not presumptuous denial, is the Master's weapon; the half-wise who imagine they may defy the laws are broken against the rocks.
Chapter 6
How does the chapter distinguish the Absolute and Relative views of the Universe?
From the Absolute viewpoint the Universe is an illusion, dream, or phantasmagoria compared to THE ALL, since anything with a beginning and ending is in a sense unreal. But to finite minds viewing through mortal faculties, the Universe is very real and must be so considered. The author warns that ignoring or denying its facts and phenomena is a mistake, since we are not THE ALL.
Chapter 6
What happens to the person who treats the Universe as merely a dream, per the chapter?
The author argues that if Man, owing to half-wisdom, acts and lives and thinks of the Universe as merely a dream akin to his own finite dreams, then it becomes so for him. Like a sleep-walker he stumbles around in a circle making no progress, and is forced into awakening by falling bruised and bleeding over the Natural Laws he ignored.
Chapter 6
Does the chapter say the mental nature of the Universe makes its laws escapable?
No. The author argues the Laws of the Universe are none the less 'Iron Laws' because of their mental nature; all except THE ALL are bound by them. We overcome lower laws only by applying higher ones, but cannot escape Law entirely. Even the highest Masters and Beings must bow to the Law and be as Nothing before THE ALL.
Chapter 6
CHAPTER VII3 cards
According to the Kybalion, how does THE ALL relate to its universe?
The Kybalion states that "All is in THE ALL" and equally that "THE ALL is in ALL." THE ALL is immanent—remaining within, inherent, abiding within—its universe and every part, particle, unit, or combination in it. The apparent contradiction is reconciled under the Law of Paradox. The author argues this is an exact Hermetic statement of the relation between THE ALL and its Mental Universe.
Chapter 7
What illustration do Hermetic Teachers use to explain THE ALL's immanence?
Teachers use the Principle of Correspondence: a student forms a mental image, as an author or dramatist conceives characters, or a painter or sculptor forms an ideal. The image exists solely in the creator's mind, yet the creator is immanent within it, giving it vitality and spirit. The Kybalion notes such illustrations are imperfect, since they involve finite minds creating, while the Universe is a creation of Infinite Mind—a difference of degree only.
Chapter 7
How does the Kybalion define spiritual development?
The author argues that spiritual development means the recognition, realization, and manifestation of the Indwelling Spirit within us. In the degree that Man realizes the existence of the Indwelling Spirit immanent within his being, so will he rise in the spiritual scale of life. The text calls this definition the Truth of True Religion, and warns against the "half-wise" who cry "I am God"—since THE ALL is in the earthworm, yet the earthworm is not THE ALL.
Chapter 7
CHAPTER VIII4 cards
How does the Kybalion define a 'Plane' in the Hermetic scheme?
A plane is not a place nor an ordinary dimension of space, yet more than a state or condition. It may be considered a state or condition that is a degree of dimension on a measurable scale. That scale is the Fourth Dimension, the Dimension of Vibration, where degrees of vibration rate determine the plane. Higher vibration rate means a higher plane and higher manifestation of life.
Chapter 8
What are the Three Great Planes, and are they real divisions?
The Hermetic Philosophy divides the Universe into the Great Physical Plane, the Great Mental Plane, and the Great Spiritual Plane. The author argues these divisions are more or less artificial and arbitrary, adopted merely for convenience of thought and study. The planes shade into each other with no hard and fast boundary, being ascending degrees of one great scale of Life from undifferentiated Matter to Spirit.
Chapter 8
How do the Hermetists classify Matter on the Great Physical Plane?
The Hermetic Philosophy does not recognize Matter as a thing in itself or as having separate existence even in the Mind of THE ALL. Matter is but a form of Energy, meaning Energy at a low rate of vibration of a certain kind. Accordingly the Hermetists classify Matter under Energy and give it three of the Seven Minor Planes of the Great Physical Plane: Matter (A), (B), and (C).
Chapter 8
Which sub-division of the Plane of Human Mind does the average person occupy?
The author argues the average man of today occupies but the fourth sub-division of the Plane of Human Mind, and only the most intelligent have crossed into the Fifth. The man of the Sixth Sub-Division will be 'The Super-Man'; he of the Seventh will be 'The Over-Man.' The author says the race took millions of years to reach this stage and more years are needed to advance.
Chapter 8
CHAPTER IX4 cards
According to the Hermetic teachings, what causes differences between manifestations of universal power?
The Hermetic Teachings hold that differences between the various manifestations of the universal power are due entirely to the varying rate and mode of vibrations. Spirit sits at one pole of vibration and extremely gross Matter at the other, with millions of different rates and modes between them. Even THE ALL manifests vibration so intense it may practically be considered at rest, like a rapidly revolving wheel that seems still.
Chapter 9
How does the revolving object illustration trace increasing vibration rates?
The illustration starts with a slowly revolving object, silent and visible. As speed increases, a low note is heard, rising through the musical scale until the shrill note dies into silence. Then heat is perceived, then dull red brightening through orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet, then invisible rays and X Rays, then electricity and magnetism. At certain rates molecules disintegrate into atoms, atoms into corpuscles, and finally the object becomes Ethereal Substance.
Chapter 9
What do the Hermetists teach about mental states and vibration?
The Hermetists teach that all manifestations of thought, emotion, reason, will, or desire are accompanied by vibrations, a portion of which are thrown off and tend to affect other minds by 'induction,' producing telepathy and mental influence. Every mental state has its corresponding rate and mode of vibration, and by an effort of will these states may be reproduced. By knowledge of this Principle one may polarize the mind at any degree and gain control over mental states, though only through proper instruction and practice.
Chapter 9
What does the author argue about Masters, Adepts, and so-called miracles?
The author argues that the Principle of Vibration underlies the phenomena of power manifested by Masters and Adepts, who appear to set aside the Laws of Nature but in reality use one law against another and one principle against others. They accomplish results by changing the vibrations of material objects or forms of energy, thus performing what are commonly called 'miracles.' The author closes with the old Hermetic saying that whoever understands the Principle of Vibration has grasped the scepter of Power.
Chapter 9
CHAPTER X4 cards
According to the chapter, how do the pairs of opposites relate to each other?
The chapter states that opposites are identical in nature but differ only in degree, with many degrees between two poles. Heat and cold, light and dark, love and hate are examples of the same thing at different points on a scale. The author argues there is no absolute standard dividing the poles, and that all truths are but half-truths.
Chapter 10
What does the chapter say about transmuting mental states via Polarization?
The author argues that things of the same class can change polarity, but different classes cannot. Love may become hate and fear may become courage by shifting degree along the same scale, but fear cannot become love. A fearful person raises vibrations along the Fear-Courage line to become courageous, and a slothful person polarizes toward activity.
Chapter 10
How does the chapter illustrate polarity using the thermometer and directions?
The chapter says heat and cold are identical in nature, differing only in degrees shown on a thermometer, with no point where heat ceases and cold begins. Similarly, traveling far enough east brings you to what is called west, and traveling far enough north puts you traveling south. The terms high and low are relative poles of the same thing.
Chapter 10
How does the chapter describe mental influence and 'mental treatments' through polarity?
The author argues mental states can be induced from one mind to another. A mental scientist raises his own vibrations by trained will, then produces a similar state in a melancholy or fearful person by induction, polarizing them toward the Positive end. The change is one of degree along the same scale rather than of kind, and the Positive pole tends to dominate.
Chapter 10
CHAPTER XI4 cards
What does the Principle of Rhythm state about movement in all things?
The chapter defines Rhythm as the truth that everything manifests a measured, to-and-from motion: a flow and inflow, a pendulum-like swing, a tide-like ebb and flow between two poles. This swing occurs on the physical, mental, and spiritual planes, and is closely connected to the Principle of Polarity, since rhythm manifests between the two poles Polarity establishes. The swing moves toward each pole rather than reaching the extremes.
Chapter 11
How do Hermetic Masters escape the mental swings of Rhythm?
The chapter says Masters discovered two planes of consciousness, Lower and Higher. By raising the Ego above the vibrations of the Unconscious Plane, the negative swing is not manifested in consciousness. This is the Law of Neutralization: polarizing at the desired pole and refusing to participate in the backward swing. The author argues self-mastered individuals do this unknowingly by refusing to let moods affect them; Masters do it through Will.
Chapter 11
What is the Law of Compensation as described in the chapter?
The chapter states the Law of Compensation means the swing in one direction determines an equal swing in the opposite direction; one balances the other. The Kybalion is quoted: the measure of the swing to the right is the measure of the swing to the left. Examples include a clock pendulum, balanced seasons, and tides. The author argues mental states follow the same law: capacity for pain and pleasure in each individual are balanced.
Chapter 11
According to the chapter, how does the Law of Compensation relate to pleasure and pain?
The author argues that before one can enjoy a certain degree of pleasure, one must have swung proportionately toward the opposite pole of feeling. The Negative is precedent to the Positive: pleasure is not paid for with later pain, but is the rhythmic swing compensating for pain previously experienced, either in this life or a previous incarnation. The Hermetists regard the chain of lives as continuous, so this requires admitting reincarnation.
Chapter 11
CHAPTER XII4 cards
According to the Kybalion, what is 'Chance' really?
The chapter states that Chance is merely a name for Law not recognized. What people call chance is really obscure causes they cannot perceive or understand. The author argues there is no agent outside of Law, since such a something would render Natural Laws ineffective and plunge the universe into chaos. Even the fall of dice obeys law as infallible as planetary revolution.
Chapter 12
How does the chapter use the falling stone and bit of soot?
The author uses a stone dislodged from a mountainside and a speck of soot to show that even trifling events have vast chains of preceding causes—rain, sun, the mountain's formation, and so on back indefinitely. The soot's passage leads to the writing of these lines and thoughts in readers' minds, illustrating the relativity and association of all things.
Chapter 12
Does the chapter claim Cause and Effect deals with things or events?
The chapter states that no 'thing' ever causes or creates another 'thing'; Cause and Effect deals merely with events. No event creates another event but is a preceding link in the orderly chain flowing from the creative energy of THE ALL. There is continuity between all events precedent, consequent and subsequent, and a relation between everything before and everything after.
Chapter 12
How do the Masters differ from the majority regarding causation?
The author argues most people are slaves of heredity, environment, moods and suggestion, carried along like a falling stone, unable to explain whence their 'wants' arise. The Masters, knowing the rules, dominate their moods, qualities and environment, becoming Causes instead of Effects. They do not escape higher-plane causation but fall in with higher laws, serving on higher planes while ruling on the material plane.
Chapter 12
CHAPTER XIV4 cards
How does the Hermetic doctrine of Mental Gender map onto modern dual-mind theories?
The Masculine Principle corresponds to the so-called Objective, Conscious, Voluntary, or Active Mind; the Feminine Principle corresponds to the Subjective, Sub-conscious, Involuntary, or Passive Mind. The Hermetics point to this agreement only to help students assimilate prior knowledge, and they do not endorse the many modern theories or all the facts claimed for either aspect, some being far-fetched and unable to withstand experiment and demonstration.
Chapter 14
What two aspects does self-consciousness reveal, and what does each represent?
Inward attention first reports "I Am," which closer examination splits into an "I" and a "Me." The "Me" is the mental womb in which thoughts, feelings, and mental states are generated, needing energy from the "I" or another "I." The "I" wills that the "Me" act and can stand aside to witness its creations. The "I" is the Masculine Principle and Aspect of Being; the "Me" is the Feminine Principle and Aspect of Becoming.
Chapter 14
How do the two mental principles differ in tendency and function?
The Feminine Principle tends toward receiving impressions and conducts the generation of new thoughts, concepts, ideas, and imagination. The Masculine Principle tends toward giving out or expressing and works through the Will in its varied phases. Without the active aid of the Masculine Will, the Feminine Principle tends to rest content generating mental images from outside impressions rather than producing original mental creations.
Chapter 14
How does Mental Gender explain telepathy, suggestion, and hypnotism?
The Masculine Principle's vibratory energy or Will-Power is projected toward the Feminine Principle of another person, which accepts the seed-thought and develops it to maturity, as in telepathy, suggestion, and hypnotism. The idea grows and is later mistaken for the person's own mental offspring, like a cuckoo egg in a sparrow's nest. Normally the two principles should co-ordinate, but the average person's Masculine Principle is too lazy to act.
Chapter 14
XV. Hermetic Axioms4 cards
According to the Introduction, what was the purpose of this work?
The author states the purpose is not to enunciate a special philosophy or doctrine, but to give students a statement of Truth that reconciles apparently opposed bits of occult knowledge. The intent is not to build a new Temple of Knowledge but to place a Master-Key in the student's hands to open inner doors of the Temple of Mystery through portals already entered.
Chapter 15
How did the Hermetists justify reserving their teachings for the few?
The author argues the Masters knew the folly of teaching the world what it was neither ready nor willing to receive. Hermetists reserved 'strong meat for men' and pearls for the elect rather than casting them before the vulgar. They never sought popular approval or numbers of followers, and the author claims history shows the wisdom of this reticence.
Chapter 15
What does the Kybalion say about when wisdom is transmitted?
The chapter quotes two aphorisms: 'Where fall the footsteps of the Master, the ears of those ready for his Teaching open wide,' and 'When the ears of the student are ready to hear, then cometh the lips to fill them with wisdom.' A third states: 'The lips of Wisdom are closed, except to the ears of Understanding.'
Chapter 15
What does the chapter say about the fate of those who tried to force truth on the masses?
The author claims the Hermetists never sought martyrdom, instead sitting silently aside while heathens raged and put to death honest but misguided enthusiasts who imagined they could force truth on a race of barbarians. The author also says persecution has not died out, and some Hermetic teachings, if publicly promulgated, would bring scorn and the cry 'Crucify! Crucify.'
Chapter 15
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According to the Kybalion, what is knowledge without action compared to?
The Kybalion states that possessing knowledge without manifesting and expressing it in Action is like hoarding precious metals—a vain and foolish thing. Knowledge, like wealth, is intended for Use, and the Law of Use is Universal. The text warns against Mental Miserliness and urges students to study the axioms but also practice them, since teachings are not truly one's own until used.
Chapter 16
How do the Hermetists advise destroying an undesirable mental vibration?
By applying the Principle of Polarity: concentrate upon the opposite pole of the quality you wish to suppress, rather than trying to kill it out directly. The text illustrates this with a dark room—you don't shovel out darkness, you let in light. So to remove Fear, cultivate Courage. The author argues this matches methods used by modern psychologists to break undesirable habits.
Chapter 16
What does the Kybalion mean by saying wise ones serve on the higher but rule on the lower?
The author argues that by mastering moods and neutralizing Rhythm, advanced Hermetists rise to a higher plane of Causation, becoming causes rather than merely being caused. They still obey laws from above, but on their own and lower planes they rule. The Kybalion compares them to a skilled swimmer moving as he wills, versus a log carried here and there—both still subject to Law.
Chapter 16
Source and licence
Text used: Project Gutenberg eBook #14209 (Public domain in the United States). Generated from the full text; cards paraphrase the source.
Version: Public domain edition. Retrieved 2026-10-28. Cards reviewed 2026-10-28.
These cards paraphrase the text for study. They are not a substitute for reading the book, and they do not reproduce long passages.
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