The Kybalion

by Three Initiates

Since its publication in the early 20th century, the unique concepts and teachings in “The Kybalion” have and continue to enjoy a significant impact in New Age circles. Initially published in 1908 under the authorship of Three Initiates, which is thought to be a pen name of New Thought pioneer William Walker Atkinson, the book is a modern Hermetic tract. Based on the purported teachings of legendary Hellenistic figure Hermes Trismegistus, “The Kybalion” adds a uniquely modern twist and engagingly accessible perspective to medieval Hermetic texts.

Readers new to the Hermetic philosophy will find much here that is illuminating and thought-provoking. The seven Hermetic principles of mentalism, correspondence, vibration, polarity rhythm, cause and effect, and gender are all covered in great detail. Readers who have a basic knowledge of ancient and medieval Hermetica will be particularly interested that “The Kybalion” offers a new slant on the ancient teachings. It is mainly preoccupied with the mental agility and transformation of the practitioner, as opposed to solely focusing on the contemplation and reverence for the divine. Although sometimes criticized as dismissing the historical traditions of Hermetic philosophy in favour of early 20th-century ideas, “The Kybalion” is an insightful and engaging introduction to Hermetic thought.

Genres: Philosophy

124 pages, Paperback

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.