The Kybalion Study Guide: The Universe is Mental

by Three Initiates, Mitch Horowitz

This special volume is a companion to the feature-length documentary, The Kybalion, starring occult scholar Mitch Horowitz and directed by award-winning filmmaker Ronni Thomas.

In addition to the complete classic text, Mitch’s new introduction highlights themes in the book and documentary, and it guides seekers through the occult work’s authentic connections to the Hermetic philosophy of Ancient Egypt.

In his introduction, Mitch explains how he came to understand The Kybalion as an authentic retention of esoteric Egyptian ideas―and how the insights of the ancients can remake your life and search today.

Is The Kybalion a real expression of Hermeticism? Yes, Mitch answers―but, as with all things Hermetic, the answer is never quite as simple as it seems. Discover―or rediscover―what The Kybalion offers you in this powerful companion edition.

“Some of the book’s concepts about mind, matter, and thought-creativity demonstrate genuine resonance with the ideas of Hermetic antiquity. This is no a small matter. The Kybalion . . . connects modern seekers, however tenuously, to concepts that once motivated acolytes from a vastly removed era.” ―Mitch Horowitz, Journal of Gnostic Studies

Genres: Philosophy

ebook

First published January 1, 1908

About the author

Pseudonym of William W. Atkinson

Reviews

[Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

The teachings of Thrice-Great Hermes as passed down by a secret tradition of initiates, here presented in brief form for modern people (the book was initially published in 1908). It is said that this book comes into your hands only when you're ready to receive its teachings. The teachings are presented as a series of principles for an awakened person to live by. This reader found it to be wise and profound. And perhaps I will leave it at that.

[Kevin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Has the full text of The Kybalion. Each chapter is followed with a few paragraphs of commentary by Mitch Horowitz. I appreciated his thoughts, but they weren't mind-blowing additions to a pretty straightforward text.

[Ember Hammond · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great insight

[Liaa Magsaysay]

“The lips of wisdom are closed except to the ears of understanding”


Nothing moves. Everything vibrates

[Shae Forest · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick read about new age thinking suggested by a friend. I liked learning about hermetic principles! And it makes me wanna read more philosophy books. I recommend it if you’re an open minded person who doesn’t have a specific religion you live by.

[brandi gaspard · Rating 5 out of 5]

context from mitch horowitz regarding the history and circumstances surrounding the book was essential for me to read this because until this, i thought the kybalion was just some wacky summary of hermeticism written by some guy published under a goofy and pretentious name. because horowitz is a self-proclaimed “believing historian,” he also provides invaluable personal anecdotes in order to answer “the sole question [he] honors when approaching a philosophy: does it work?" his commentary provides a fresh perspective and validity to a century old text that is often dismissed (by people like my former self).

[Gene Horecka · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn’t sure what to expect from The Kybalion, but it turned out to be better than I imagined. The book offers understandable and valuable insights, especially for anyone open to learning and exploring new ideas. It feels like this book found me at just the right time.

The Kybalion is worth a re-read. It’s a great beginner’s guide to occultism, and it’s sparked a genuine interest in learning more about the occult. One concept that stuck with me was, “The All is Mind; the Universe is Mental.” This idea suggests that everything in the universe comes from and is governed by a supreme, universal mind - what the book calls “The All.” Basically, it means that the entire universe is a mental construct within the mind of this infinite consciousness, and our reality is shaped by this mental energy.

Even though the book was written over a century ago, it feels ahead of its time. The language is surprisingly easy for modern readers, which I didn’t expect.

I’ve also read that The Kybalion is somewhat notorious in the occult world for not strictly adhering to traditional Hermetic principles, as it seems to be more influenced by Atkinson’s fascination with New Thought. However, I still think the book offers valuable insights and relevant lessons. Whether or not it’s pure Hermeticism, it still gives a unique perspective on understanding the universe and our place in it.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was interesting to see now more universal concepts expressed in Hermetic terms. It is a book of spirituality and not magic, in the same manner as Tolle's, Hahn's works and so many others.

One how-to (using Will to conform to the Law of Neutrality), I saw as out-dated and not aligned with the others. I attribute the misalignment to the gestalt of the industrial age when this text was recorded.

Today, Dr. Sue Morter says it better when she speaks of the "quantum flip" when discussing Object versus Subject.

[Robin Goodfellows · Rating 3 out of 5]

Whether or not it actually came direct from Thoth, and although it’s not the Bhagavad Gita.. The Kybalion is a perfect first step into occult literature, a succinct breakdown of the hermetic principles and a fine meditation aid, regardless of provenance. Accessible but quite deeply Esoteric. 3 stars one for each initiate.

[Kyle Iturraran · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was constantly waiting for the book to wrap up all the laws into one and or how you could utilize them to your advantage, but instead it insisted upon telling you that they would lead you to the magic kingdom with not details or data to back it up. The information had potential but the book did not quite do it for me.

[Kelley Richens · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book proports to come to those in divine timing. I'd agree. I took from it what I need. -1 star because it's incredibly wordy and redundant.
Is a 130 page book; could've been an email.