The Kybalion: A Study of The Hermetic Philosophy of Ancient Egypt and Greece

by Three Initiates

The Kybalion (full The A Study of the Hermetic Philosophy of Ancient Egypt and Greece) is a book written in 1908 by "Three Initiates" (commonly identified as New Thought pioneer William Walker Atkinson, 1862-1932) that professes to communicate Hermes Trismegistus' teachings.

While it shares some characteristics with ancient and medieval Hermetic texts, such as philosophical mentalism, the concept of 'as above, so below,' and the idea that everything is made up of gendered polar opposites, it owes more to the ideas of modern occultist authors, particularly those of the New Thought movement, to which Atkinson belonged. It is a contemporary Hermetic tract that has had a large influence in New Age circles during the twentieth century.

Genres: Philosophy, Nonfiction, Spirituality, Religion

88 pages, Paperback

Published March 6, 2023

About the author

Pseudonym of William W. Atkinson

Reviews

[Rick Wong · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing book that ties very simple rules together to explain how the universe was created and how it operates.

A great read and manages to tie the earliest aspects of religion to the most modern discoveries of science. The overall concept of the book is great --- take simple, measurable laws that can be observed and expand them towards magnitudes that we have not yet been able to observe.

With just 7 simple rules of the universe, and assumptions that those rules persist and permeate through time and space -- very interesting conclusions can be drawn.

[Robert · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a very hard read if you’re not into deep science. I often feel like things are explained in a very sophisticated way therefore making it hard to read fluently. It took me quite awhile to finish because it just wasn’t very enjoyable to read. I did pick up a few concepts and principles which made me think of the universe a bit deeper. I could not wait to get to my next book hoping to read about a more enjoyable subject for me.

[Donald · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read it. Pretty sure I understand what it has to tell me. But I already thought like this, so it wasn't exactly ground breaking stuff. And it puts forth an idea fairly succinctly then proceeds to flog it to death.
That being said, I'd like to read it again at some point because this is the sort of thing one does read more than once; the sort of thing one can see slightly differently once some time has passed. Perhaps then I'll present more patience for the flogging.

[Christopher Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a tough read, and while interesting it took me a while to get through. The concepts and principles themselves I feel require further exploration and the baseline of them made sense, but some of the deeper points eluded me. I’d be interested to learn more on the topic in more of an ELI5 writing style.

[Desiree Batiste · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is fascinating. I didn't realize that most known beliefs and philosophies tie into hermetic philosophy...and when you learn about what the base principles are of that philosophy, it makes so much sense.

[Paulina Felix · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book entitles the philosophy of LAW and THE ALL. The Laws of the universe and the Law of attraction. The 7 concepts of the hermetic philosophy. Navigating through the universal power of the mind.

[Eric · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book for the 2nd time, it's been about two years since the first time I picked it up, and I felt I got a lot more out of this time.

[Janice Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those books you could read many times over and still get something from it. I plan to re-read this often.

[Mysoulsonice]

Supreme Esoteric Wisdom...

[Antoni Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Kybalion is one of those books that sits at the crossroads of mysticism, philosophy, and ancient wisdom—and depending on the edition, the experience can feel either deeply illuminating or unnecessarily cryptic. This Illustrated Edition transforms that experience into something far more accessible, engaging, and visually meaningful.

What impressed me most is how this edition keeps the original text intact while enhancing it in ways that genuinely help you understand the “Seven Hermetic Principles” rather than simply memorizing them.

Here’s what makes this version stand out:

✔ Visual illustrations that clarify abstract ideas
Hermetic philosophy can be symbolic and metaphor-heavy. The illustrations in this edition are thoughtfully placed to reinforce the concepts—especially Mentalism, Correspondence, and Rhythm. They make the deeper teachings feel more tangible and intuitive.

✔ Clean, modern formatting that’s easy on the eyes
Older versions of The Kybalion often have cramped layouts, inconsistent typography, or low-quality scans. This edition is refreshingly clean, readable, and beautifully structured. A perfect balance between classic content and modern design.

✔ Gentle explanations woven into the structure
While not fully annotated, the editorial design choices make the text easier to follow. Section breaks, highlighted principles, and clear chapter headings help guide the reader through the philosophical progression.

✔ A respectful, faithful presentation
This edition doesn’t alter the teachings. Instead, it honors the tone and spirit of the original while offering a smooth, enjoyable reading experience that works for both newcomers and seasoned Hermetic readers.

✔ Ideal for reflection and re-reading
The illustrations add an almost meditative quality. I found myself pausing more, reflecting more, and connecting the dots between ancient ideas and modern life.

If you’re curious about Hermetic philosophy, spiritual self-mastery, or the roots of esoteric thought, this edition is a perfect entry point. And if you’ve read The Kybalion before, this version will help you see it with fresh clarity and appreciation.

A classic text—elevated, beautifully presented, and thoughtfully made for today’s reader.

Highly recommended.

[Grace =^_^= · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'll likely have to read it again and again to get relatively close to understanding each principle.

[Peter Kalnin · Rating 1 out of 5]

PURE RUBBISH

Magical thinking in opaque words and rubbish "occult knowledge." I don't buy any of this for a second, but it's fun to see what the tinfoil hat wearers are buying into.

[Kay Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many lessons. You can literally re-read this book a zillion times and pick up on something new each time!!! Definitely a read for everyone....

[Bill Johnson]

It was a great book to begin with. It really opened my eyes and my mind, especially as I want to explore more of the history and background. It really stirred a fire of desire in my soul.

[Heidi’s Zee · Rating 2 out of 5]

A long utterance for simple truths.