The second of the seven great Hermetic Principles is that of Correspondence. This Principle has often been a great aid when trying to understand those things which were previously beyond my understanding.

Using the Principal of Correspondence, one can take the knowledge of one thing and apply the Principal to understand another thing. In all things there is a correspondence. The physical corresponds with the mental. The Principle of Correspondence is what gives metaphors their truth, it is nature of the universe in all things that creates patterns which once understood, can help one perceive correlations that will identify truths.

“As above; so below. As below; so above.” – The Kybalion

This Principle embodies the truth that there is always a correspondence between all the planes of being because everything comes from THE ALL (nature, God, the universe or whatever one wishes to call the higher power), and everything obeys the same laws of creation. According to The Kybalion, the planes of being can be divided into three great classes of phenomena:

1. The Great Physical Plane
2. The Great Mental Plane
3. The Great Spiritual Plane

These classes can all be divided into their own subclasses, but those subclasses will not be addressed in this post. The three Great Planes are not meant to be literal but are to be used to aid in understanding the various degrees and forms of universal activity and life.

For all phenomena are of the same thing, differing in degree and rate of vibration. Everything is vibration, which science will confirm. For example, matter is but a form of energy at a low rate of vibration, just as light is a form of energy at a different rate of vibration, but both come from THE ALL, being fundamentally the same, differing in degree and rate of vibration.

What is important to understand about The Principle of Correspondence is that for every physical phenomenon, there is a corresponding mental and spiritual phenomenon. For example, if you find yourself to be physically weak, by using the Principle of Correspondence, you will be able to see that there is a corresponding weakness in your mental and spiritual planes, and by correcting one, you may, in turn, correct the others, for all planes of being correspond.

By observing that a person is messy, you can infer that their corresponding mental state is also out of order. Likewise, by observing how a person speaks, moves, and how they carry themselves you will be able to see into their minds and find correspondence in their thoughts and beliefs.

Although the Principle of Correspondence can aid in seeing through others, it is wiser to turn the same use of the Principle on oneself. By doing so you are able to find fault in yourself that you can then work to correct and perfect. In the world of self-improvement we use the Principle of Correspondence to identify deficiencies in realms previously unseen.

We strengthen our bodies and see the corresponding mental strength that is developed. Exercise is difficult, if it was easy, then everyone would do it. Exercise is difficult because it requires a strong mind to endure the discomfort, and a strong spirit to persevere when the body wants to give up. When the body has been strengthened, you know there is a corresponding mental strength behind it. Find me a physically fit person who doesn’t have mental discipline and spiritual strength. I don’t think they exist.

A great way to start doing this is by observing your posture. First, learn correct posture, then actively correct your posture when you become aware of it slipping, and see if you can find correspondence between your physical posture and your mental states. With careful observation and practice, you may discover how correcting your posture can correct crookedness of the mind as well.

Things that happen on the physical plane have a corresponding mental effect and vice versa. Strengthening one area will strengthen the other. Allowing weakness into your mind will reflect on the physical plane eventually. People with good control over their minds also have good control over their bodies. The anxious person fidgets around nervously. The mentally centered person moves with grace and decisiveness.

To change something you dislike in the physical realm, figure out what it corresponds to in your mind. Get to the source of problems by using the Principle of Correspondence to see their invisible mental roots. Strengthen your body and you can strengthen your mind. Correct the warps and twists in your mind and you can change your physical reality. Everything obeys the laws of creation, everything corresponds.

The triskelion is an ancient symbol, often found in Celtic culture that has many meanings, but is often used to symbolize the harmony of energies, the body, the mind, and the spirit. I like to use it to remember the Principle of Correspondence between the physical, mental, and spiritual planes of reality. The author has created a sticker of the triskelion for readers how are interested in providing themselves with a reminder of the Principle of Correspondence that you can put anywhere and recall the important concepts of this truth. Click the link below to get yours.

 Triskelion Sticker on the Eclectic Method shop on StickerMule

Click the banner below to receive a $10 credit towards your first purchase!

Like what you read? Subscribe to receive the latest content!

Support the Eclectic Method and get cool stickers in return! Click the banner or the link below to shop on the Eclectic Method store at StickerMule and get a $10 credit! Search @theeclecticmethod and browse for unique designs and artwork created by the author.