As without so within

The adage "as above, so below" is a principle that has been embraced by various philosophical, spiritual, and occult traditions throughout history. It is often attributed to the ancient Greek philosopher Hermes Trismegistus, who is believed to have inscribed it on the famous Emerald Tablet, an ancient text that is said to contain the secrets of the universe. If you were to make a visual representation of it, it would be the Yin Yang or Tao, harmony between both the spiritual plane and the physical plane. Imagine if you will a sacred tree growing both upwards and downwards.

The idea behind the adage is that there is a fundamental correspondence or correspondence between the macrocosm (the universe as a whole) and the microcosm (individual human beings and the world around them). In other words, the same principles that govern the universe and the celestial bodies also apply to human beings and the earth.

The Emerald Tablet is said to have been created by Hermes Trismegistus, the patron of alchemy and the occult sciences. The tablet is said to contain the key to unlocking the secrets of the universe and achieving enlightenment. It is believed to be the source of the Hermetic principles, which form the basis of many occult and esoteric traditions.

The Emerald Tablet is a critical text in the history of the occult sciences and divine magic. It is believed to have been passed down through the centuries, from the ancient Egyptians to the Greek alchemists and eventually to the medieval alchemists of Europe. The tablet has been studied and interpreted by many great minds throughout history, and its teachings continue to be studied and applied by modern occultists and esoteric practitioners.

Despite its importance, the Emerald Tablet remains shrouded in mystery and intrigue. Thought we know of Hermeticism throughout the ages, Its true origins are unknown, and the text itself is written in a cryptic and enigmatic language that has puzzled scholars for centuries. Some believe that the tablet was created by Hermes Trismegistus himself, while others believe it is a composite text created by multiple authors over time. Often we see these words, as above so below, written on a tree of life or a celtic tree.

Hermetic Occult

The Emerald Tablet, also known as the Smaragdine Table, is an ancient text that is said to contain the secrets of alchemy and the knowledge of the universe. Here are five key points about the Emerald Tablet:

1. Origins: The origins of the Emerald Tablet are shrouded in mystery, with various legends and theories about its origins. Some say it was written by the ancient Egyptian god Hermes Trismegistus, while others attribute it to the Persian philosopher and alchemist, Jabir ibn Hayyan.
2. Content: The text is written in a cryptic and symbolic language, which makes it difficult to interpret. However, it is said to contain instructions for creating the Philosopher's Stone, a legendary substance that was believed to have the power to turn base metals into gold and to give eternal youth.
3. Influence: The Emerald Tablet has had a significant influence on alchemy and the occult throughout history. Many alchemists, including Isaac Newton, were said to have studied the text and believed in its teachings.
4. Translation: Many different translations of the Emerald Tablet exist, each with their own interpretation of the text. One of the most well-known translations is that of Isaac Newton, which was discovered among his papers after his death.
5. Mystical Significance: It's also considered to be a spiritual text by some, containing teachings about the nature of the universe, the nature of the soul, the path to enlightenment and much more. They also believed that It contains the knowledge of the ultimate unity and oneness of all things and the laws that govern the universe.

It's worth noting that while the tablet has been widely studied by alchemists and occultists, its authenticity and true meaning is widely debated among scholars.

Regardless of its origins, the Emerald Tablet and the adage "as above, so below" continue to hold a profound significance in the world of the occult. For many practitioners, the tablet is a source of wisdom and guidance, providing insight into the mysteries of the universe and the nature of reality. Its teachings continue to inspire and inform the practices of modern occultists, who seek to understand and harness the powerful forces at work in the world around us.  When you realize that the physical and the mental are the same, the law of attraction makes more sense, everything meets at the middle you bring your thoughts into the material plane, this is the essence of hermetic magic. 

The adage and the wicca

The adage "As above, so below" is a principle that is commonly associated with Wicca and other forms of modern paganism and spirituality. It is believed to express the idea that there is a connection between the spiritual and physical worlds, and that what happens in the spiritual realm is reflected in the physical world.

-Correspondences: The principle of "As above, so below" is closely related to the Wiccan concept of correspondences. This principle states that everything in the physical world is connected to a corresponding element in the spiritual realm. Wiccans often use this principle in their rituals, by invoking the elements and powers of the spiritual realm to bring about change in the physical world.

-The microcosm-macrocosm: The adage is also related to the Hermetic principle of the microcosm-macrocosm, which states that the human being is a reflection of the cosmos, and that the human body is a microcosm of the larger macrocosm. Wiccans use this principle to understand the connection between themselves and the universe, as well as to understand the importance of balance and harmony in the world.

-Symmetry and balance: Wicca and many other pagan traditions, have a strong emphasis on balance, symmetry and harmony, that the adage "As above so below" reflects this emphasis, it is a reminder that what happens in the spiritual realm affects the physical realm and vice versa. And that it is important to maintain balance and harmony in both the physical and spiritual realms in order to bring about positive change in the world.

-Divination: In divination practices such as tarot, the adage is also used to remind that the cards represents not only the individual's current reality but also the spiritual and cosmic forces that shapes it.

It's worth noting that the adage "As above, so below" predates Wicca and can be found in various spiritual and philosophical traditions throughout history. Wiccans, and many other modern pagans, have adopted this principle and use it as a way to understand the connection between the physical and spiritual realms, and to bring about positive change in the world.