The phrase “As Above, So Below” originates from Hermeticism, a philosophical and religious tradition based primarily upon writings attributed to Hermes Trismegistus. It appears in the “Emerald Tablet,” a foundational text of Hermetic philosophy, which is often attributed to Hermes. The exact quote from the Emerald Tablet is:

“That which is Below corresponds to that which is Above, and that which is Above corresponds to that which is Below, to accomplish the miracle of the One Thing.”

Historical Context and Source

The Emerald Tablet is an ancient text that has been influential in various esoteric and philosophical traditions, including alchemy, astrology, and magic. Its origins are somewhat obscure, but it is believed to have been written between the 6th and 8th centuries, drawing on earlier Greek, Egyptian, and possibly Babylonian traditions. The text itself is written in a concise, cryptic style that lends itself to various interpretations.

Meaning

The phrase “As Above, So Below” encapsulates the Hermetic principle of correspondence. This principle asserts that there is a harmony, or a reflective relationship, between different levels of existence. Here are some of the key interpretations and implications of this principle:

1. Microcosm and Macrocosm: The idea suggests that the microcosm (the small, individual components of reality, such as humans or individual elements) reflects the macrocosm (the larger, universal components, such as the cosmos or the divine). This means that understanding one aspect can lead to understanding the other. For example, the movements of celestial bodies (the macrocosm) are believed to influence human affairs (the microcosm).

2. Unity of the Universe: It implies an intrinsic unity in the universe, where everything is interconnected. Changes in the heavens (above) are mirrored by changes on earth (below). This viewpoint fosters a holistic understanding of the world, suggesting that nothing is isolated.

3. Spiritual and Material Worlds: Hermetic philosophy often views the material and spiritual worlds as reflections of each other. Spiritual truths can be gleaned from physical observations, and vice versa. This principle encourages looking beyond the material to understand the spiritual, and using spiritual insights to influence the material world.

4. Alchemical Processes: In alchemy, “As Above, So Below” is interpreted to mean that the transformations occurring in the laboratory are reflections of spiritual transformations. Alchemists believed that by purifying and transforming substances, they were also engaging in a spiritual purification and transformation.

Practical Applications

In practice, the principle of “As Above, So Below” has been applied in various ways:

• Astrology: The positions and movements of celestial bodies are used to predict and understand events on earth.
• Magic and Rituals: Magicians use symbols and rituals that correspond to larger cosmic principles to effect change in the world.
• Psychology: Carl Jung, influenced by Hermeticism, applied this principle in his concept of the collective unconscious, where individual psyches are seen as reflective of universal archetypes.

Overall, “As Above, So Below” serves as a profound reminder of the interconnectedness of all things, encouraging a deeper exploration of both the universe and the self to uncover the fundamental unity underlying existence.