What is the meaning of “as above, so below”?
How to make the Law of Correspondence work for you
‘As above, so below; as below, so above.’ This Principle embodies the truth that there is always a correspondence between the laws and phenomena of the various planes of Being and Life.” — The Kybalion
The Law of Correspondence, also known as the Principle of Correspondence, is one of the Seven Hermetic Principles outlined in the text The Kybalion.
It states:
“As above, so below; as below, so above.”
This principle suggests that there is always a correspondence between the laws and phenomena of the different planes of existence, and that the same principles that govern the universe also govern the individual.
The Law of Correspondence suggests that there is a relationship between the macrocosm (the universe) and the microcosm (the individual), and that the universe is a reflection of the individual and vice versa. It implies that the individual is a microcosm of the universe and the universe is a macrocosm of the individual.
This principle can be applied in many ways, for example, in the study of astrology, where it suggests that the positions and movements of celestial bodies correspond to human affairs, and in the study of alchemy, where it suggests that the processes that occur in the laboratory correspond to processes that occur in the universe.
Furthermore, in spiritual practice, the Law of Correspondence suggests that by understanding the principles that govern the universe, individuals can understand the principles that govern themselves and by working on themselves, they can change the world around them.
In summary, the Law of Correspondence, also known as the Principle of Correspondence, is one of the Seven Hermetic Principles that states that there is always a correspondence between the laws and phenomena of the different planes of existence and that the same principles that govern the universe also govern the individual.
It suggests that the individual and the universe are interconnected, and that the individual is a microcosm of the universe and the universe is a macrocosm of the individual. This principle can be applied in many different ways, such as in the study of astrology, alchemy and spiritual practice, to understand the underlying principles that govern the universe and the individual, and to create positive change in one’s own life and in the world around them.
The Solar System and the Atom
The principle of “as above, so below” can also be applied to the relationship between the solar system and the atom. The solar system is made up of a central star (the sun) and a number of orbiting planets, and is believed to be a reflection of the structure of the atom.
Just as the sun is the central point of energy and gravity in the solar system, the nucleus of an atom is the central point of energy and gravity in the atom. The planets in the solar system orbit around the sun, in the same way, the electrons orbit around the nucleus in an atom. The planets in the solar system are held in their orbits by the gravitational force of the sun, while the electrons in an atom are held in their orbits by the electromagnetic force of the nucleus.
This principle suggests that the same principles that govern the structure and behavior of the solar system also govern the structure and behavior of the atom. It also suggests that the universe is made up of a hierarchy of structures, each of which is a reflection of the structures above and below it.
Furthermore, just as the solar system is a part of a larger galaxy and universe, the atom is a part of larger molecules and matter. The principle of “as above, so below” can be used to understand how the behavior and properties of atoms are connected to the behavior and properties of molecules, and ultimately the behavior and properties of the universe.
In Quantum Physics
The principle of “as above, so below” can also be applied to quantum physics, which is the study of the behavior of matter and energy on the atomic and subatomic level.
One of the key principles in quantum physics is the observer effect, which states that the act of observation can affect the outcome of an experiment. This principle is similar to the principle of “as above, so below” in that it suggests that the microcosm (the individual observer) is connected to and can affect the macrocosm (the physical universe).
Another principle in quantum physics is the principle of superposition, which states that a quantum particle can exist in multiple states or locations at the same time until it is observed. This principle can be related to the principle of “as above, so below” by understanding that the same principles that govern the behavior of subatomic particles also govern the behavior of larger structures such as atoms, molecules, and even the universe.
In addition, the principle of non-locality, which states that particles can instantaneously affect one another regardless of the distance between them, can be related to the principle of “as above, so below” as it suggests that everything in the universe is interconnected and that the same principles that govern the behavior of subatomic particles also govern the behavior of larger structures such as atoms, molecules, and even the universe.
In summary, the principle of “as above, so below” can be applied to quantum physics by understanding that the same principles and patterns that govern the behavior of subatomic particles also govern the behavior of larger structures such as atoms, molecules, and even the universe. It suggests that the universe is interconnected and that the microcosm is connected to and can affect the macrocosm.
The Golden Ratio
The principle of “as above, so below” can be applied to the concept of the golden ratio, which is a mathematical proportion that is believed to be a fundamental principle of the universe. The golden ratio, also known as the divine proportion or phi, is approximately equal to 1.6180339887.
The golden ratio can be found in many natural and man-made structures, from the spiral patterns of seashells to the proportions of the Parthenon in Greece. It is believed that the golden ratio is a reflection of the underlying principles that govern the universe and that the same principles that govern the golden ratio also govern the universe.
The principle of “as above, so below” suggests that the same patterns and principles that exist in the larger universe also exist within the individual. By understanding and working with the golden ratio, individuals can align themselves with the natural flow of the universe and create balance and harmony in their own lives.
In art, design and architecture, the golden ratio is used to create a sense of balance and harmony, this can be related to the principle of “as above, so below” as the same principles that govern the balance and harmony in art, design and architecture also govern the balance and harmony in the universe.
In summary, the principle of “as above, so below” can be applied to the concept of the golden ratio by understanding that the golden ratio is a reflection of the underlying principles that govern the universe and that the same principles that govern the golden ratio also govern the individual. By understanding and working with the golden ratio, individuals can align themselves with the natural flow of the universe and create balance and harmony in their own lives.
Here are some examples of where the golden ratio is found:
- The proportions of the human face and body, including the distance between the eyes and the mouth, and the length of the fingers.
- The spiral patterns of seashells, such as the nautilus and the chambered spiral.
- The proportions of the Parthenon in Greece and many other ancient Greek and Roman buildings.
- The Fibonacci sequence, a series of numbers in which each number is the sum of the two preceding ones, also found in many natural patterns such as in the branching of trees and the arrangement of leaves on a stem.
- The shape of the spiral galaxy, which is also known as the “Golden Spiral”
- The proportions of the Mona Lisa painting by Leonardo da Vinci
- The proportions of many religious buildings such as the Great Mosque of Kairouan in Tunisia and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem
- The proportions of the Great Pyramid of Giza, and many other ancient Egyptian pyramids
- The proportions of many works of art such as the Starry Night painting by Vincent van Gogh and the Scream painting by Edvard Munch.
- The proportions of many modern architectural buildings such as the Sydney Opera House and the Louvre Pyramid.
Vitruvian Man
The Vitruvian Man, a drawing by Leonardo da Vinci, is a famous illustration of the human body and is believed to demonstrate the ideal proportions of the human body according to the principles of the Roman architect Vitruvius. The drawing is based on the idea that the human body is a microcosm of the universe, and that the same principles that govern the universe also govern the human body.
The golden ratio, also known as the divine proportion or phi, is found in many parts of the Vitruvian man drawing. For example, the distance from the top of the head to the navel and the distance from the navel to the floor are both in the golden ratio to the distance from the top of the head to the floor. Additionally, the distance between the tips of the outspread fingers and the distance from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger is also in the golden ratio.
The Principle in Spiritual Traditions
The principle of “as above, so below” is a fundamental concept in many spiritual and philosophical traditions.
Christianity
“The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and perch in its branches.” — Matthew 13:31–32
The principle of “as above, so below” is not a direct concept in Christianity, but there are similar ideas present in Christian theology. Christianity teaches that God is the creator of the universe and that everything in the universe reflects God’s nature and character. Christianity also teaches that the individual is created in God’s image, and that the individual reflects God’s nature and character.
One concept in Christianity that is similar to the principle of “as above, so below” is the idea of the “microcosm” and “macrocosm” which suggests that the individual is a reflection of the universe and that the universe is a reflection of God. This idea can be found in the Bible, in the book of Genesis where it says that “God created man in his own image” (Gen 1:27)
Additionally, the Christian belief in the trinity, that is the belief that the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit are one, can be seen as a reflection of the principle of “as above, so below” as it suggests that the individual, the universe and God are all interconnected and that the same principles govern all of them.
In Christianity, the idea of the fall of man, where the first man and woman were created in the image of God, but sinned, is also related to the principle of “as above, so below” by understanding that the fall of man affected both the individual and the universe.
Hinduism and Buddhism
“As is the human body, so is the cosmic body. As is the human mind, so is the cosmic mind. As is the microcosm, so is the macrocosm. As is the atom, so is the universe.” — The Upanishads
The principle also is reflected in the concept of the chakras in Hindu and Buddhist traditions. The chakras are energy centers in the body, located along the spine, that are believed to govern different aspects of an individual’s physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
The crown chakra, for example, is located at the top of the head and is associated with the individual’s connection to the spiritual realm. When this chakra is balanced and open, the individual is said to feel a sense of inner peace, wisdom, and spiritual connection. On the other hand, when this chakra is blocked or imbalanced, the individual may experience feelings of disconnection, confusion, and lack of purpose.
The principle of “as above, so below” suggests that this energy center in the body corresponds to the crown chakra in the universe, and that the same principles that govern the balance and flow of energy in the body also govern the balance and flow of energy in the universe.
Taoism
“The greater whole is undivided.” — Lao-Tzu
Taoism is a Chinese philosophy and religious tradition that emphasizes living in harmony with the Tao, which is often translated as “the way” or “the path.” The Taoist belief system includes concepts that are similar to the principle of “as above, so below.”
Taoism teaches that the individual and the universe are intimately connected and that the same principles govern both. The Tao Te Ching, one of the main texts of Taoism, states that “the Tao is both the source and the guiding principle of all things.” This suggests that the same principles that govern the universe also govern the individual.
In Taoism, the concept of Yin and Yang is often used to explain the balance and harmony of the universe. Yin represents the feminine, dark, and passive aspects of the universe, while Yang represents the masculine, light, and active aspects. This concept can be related to the principle of “as above, so below” by understanding that the same principles that govern the balance and harmony of the universe also govern the balance and harmony of the individual.
Additionally, the concept of Wu Wei in Taoism, which is the idea of non-action or non-interference, can also be related to the principle of “as above, so below” as it suggests that the individual should align themselves with the natural flow of the universe rather than trying to control or manipulate it.
Hermeticism
“As above, so below; as within, so without; as the universe, so the soul.” — The Hermetica
One of the most well-known versions of this principle comes from hermeticism, an ancient spiritual tradition that originated in Egypt and Greece. Hermeticism teaches that the universe is a living, conscious being, and that the same laws that govern the universe also govern the individual. This includes the laws of cause and effect, which state that every action has a corresponding reaction, as well as the laws of correspondence and vibration, which state that everything in the universe is connected and that everything vibrates at a specific frequency.
Kabbalah
“The microcosm is an exact reflection of the macrocosm” — The Zohar
In Kabbalah, the principle of “as above, so below” is used to explain the relationship between God and the individual. Kabbalists believe that God is the ultimate source of all energy and that the individual is a reflection of that energy. By studying the Kabbalistic Tree of Life, an individual can gain insight into the nature of God and their own place in the universe.
Alchemy
In alchemy, for example, the principle is often used to explain the relationship between the physical and spiritual realms. Alchemists believe that the same processes that transform matter on a physical level also transform the individual on a spiritual level.
Astrology
In astrology, the principle of “as above, so below” is used to explain the relationship between the planets and the individual. Astrologers believe that the positions of the planets at the time of an individual’s birth have a profound influence on that person’s character and destiny. By studying the positions of the planets, astrologers can gain insight into an individual’s strengths and weaknesses and predict their future.
Applying the Principle in Your Life
This principle can be applied not only to chakras but also to other aspects of life such as personal relationships, career, and finances. For example, if an individual experiences financial difficulties, it may be a reflection of an imbalance in their thoughts and beliefs about money, and by addressing these internal issues, they may be able to improve their financial situation.
Additionally, this principle also suggests that the individual has the power to influence and shape their own reality. By understanding and working with the laws and principles that govern the universe, the individual can create positive change in their own life and in the world around them.
Individuals can apply the concept of “as above, so below” in their lives to be more joyful, fulfilled, and free by understanding that the same principles and patterns that govern the universe also govern their own lives. By understanding and working with these principles, individuals can create positive change in their own lives and in the world around them.
One way to apply this concept is to align oneself with the natural flow of the universe. By understanding that the universe is always in a state of change and evolution, individuals can let go of resistance and control and align themselves with the natural flow of things. This can lead to a greater sense of peace and fulfillment.
Another way to apply this concept is to understand the connection between the mind and the body. By understanding that the mind and the body are interconnected and that the same principles that govern the body also govern the mind, individuals can work on improving their physical and mental well-being. This can be done by practicing mindfulness, meditation, and yoga, which can lead to a greater sense of peace and joy.
Additionally, by understanding the principle of “as above, so below” individuals can work on understanding and addressing the internal issues that may be preventing them from achieving their goals and aspirations. By addressing these internal issues, individuals can create positive changes in their lives.
Finally, by understanding the principle of “as above, so below” individuals can work on developing their spiritual connection with the universe and with themselves. By understanding the interconnectedness of all things, individuals can develop a deeper sense of purpose and meaning in their lives.
Curt Mercadante helps fellow humans live their lives of joy, fulfillment, and freedom. He is a CEO, entrepreneur, keynote speaker, and author of Five Pillars of the Freedom Lifestyle. Click here to get access to his FREE Freedom Lifestyle Audio Course.
