The Kybalion

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.