Recap: The Road So Far
Last time, we dipped our toes into the concept of Mentalism—the idea that everything around us, from the mundane to the majestic, starts with thought. Today, we’re taking the next step in Hermetic philosophy: Correspondence. You might’ve heard it expressed as “As above, so below; as within, so without.”
Put simply, it suggests that there’s a direct relationship between the big and the small—between the cosmos and our inner worlds, the outer and the inner, the macro and the micro. It’s not about astronomy class vs. therapy sessions, but rather understanding that what happens on one level of existence can reflect (and be reflected by) what happens on another.
As Above, So Below
You’ve heard the phrase a million times: “As above, so below; as within, so without.” But what does it really mean? In Hermetic terms, “as above, so below” is about mirrors—though not the kind you fix your hair in. It suggests that:
• The macrocosm (the universe, the big picture, the ‘above’) reflects the microcosm (individual experiences, the ‘below’).
• Conversely, what’s inside you—the “within”—often shapes what you notice or attract “without.”
It’s a cosmic dance of parallels. We might be tinier than specks of dust compared to the universe, but according to this principle, we’re all made of the same cosmic stuff—and what happens on a grand scale can echo in our day-to-day worlds.
This principle basically says, “Everything is interconnected, like a grand cosmic spiderweb.”
Macro Meets Micro
Picture a raging storm: swirling clouds, thunder, and lightning shaking the sky. Now think about times you’ve experienced emotional storms—confusion, anger, heartbreak. The Principle of Correspondence invites you to see parallels: that big ol’ storm up there may feel eerily similar to your emotional climate down here.
Another example? Astrology. Some people swear that the position of the planets (the macro) influences personalities or daily events (the micro). Others scoff at it. But even if you’re not into horoscopes, it’s hard to ignore the idea that certain large-scale cycles (like the seasons) impact your personal mood and routines.
It’s not that the universe is conspiring with your life (though that would be a hilarious buddy-cop movie). Rather, it’s that similar rhythms or themes show up in different layers of existence, reflecting each other.
Misconceptions to Clear Up
“It’s just superstition—there’s no cosmic blueprint.”
Maybe. Or maybe it’s a metaphor for understanding the repeating patterns life throws at us—how big events in the world sometimes echo personal challenges, and vice versa.
“Everything is predetermined by the stars.”
The Principle of Correspondence doesn’t say you have no control. It says there’s a relationship between the levels of existence. You can observe the parallels without losing your free will.
“If the universe is reflecting me, am I to blame for everything around me?”
Not quite. Correspondence is about awareness, not guilt trips. Knowing how your internal state can mirror external events can help you make more conscious choices, not take on the world’s woes as your personal fault.
Is This Just Self-Fulfilling Prophecy?
It can feel that way sometimes. When you’re tuned in to certain beliefs, you naturally spot evidence that supports them. The Principle of Correspondence nudges us to be mindful of how and why we see what we see—if we shift our internal perspective, we might notice new things reflected back.
Practical Ways to Play with Correspondence
1. Inner/Outer Journaling
Keep a simple daily log: In one column, note your mood and thoughts; in another, note any recurring patterns in your environment or interactions. Check if there’s a correlation (e.g., on days you feel anxious, do more conflicts arise or seem more intense?).
2. Environment Check
When you feel mentally scattered, look around: Is your workspace cluttered or chaotic? Spend ten minutes tidying up or reorganizing, and see if that helps you feel calmer inside.
3. Conscious Parallel
If you notice repeating themes or synchronicities (like the same advice from friends or recurring dreams), ask yourself: “What in my inner world might be attracting or resonating with this pattern?”
4. Nature Connection
Observe the cycles in nature—seasons changing, plants growing, day turning to night. Reflect on parallels in your own life (periods of growth, rest, or transition). This reminds you that what happens on a grand scale (“as above”) often mirrors your personal experiences (“so below”).
A Personal Spin
I once went through a phase where I felt completely scattered—no direction, no plan. Around the same time, I noticed my apartment was becoming a mess: laundry piling up, dishes left undone, random receipts everywhere. It struck me that my external chaos was echoing my internal state. When I finally decided to organize my space, my mind felt clearer. Coincidence? Maybe. But from a Hermetic perspective, it’s an example of Correspondence at work.
Where Does This Leave Us?
Think of Correspondence as a reminder that what’s “up there” and what’s “in here” aren’t as separate as we might think. It reminds us that we’re inextricably woven into the fabric of the universe. You’re not an isolated dot on a random planet; you’re part of a repeating pattern that shows up at all scales—from galaxies to morning commutes. Recognizing these echoes might just help you navigate life with a bit more awe (and maybe a tad less confusion).
Next time, we’ll unravel the Principle of Vibration—an exploration of how nothing truly rests, and everything is in motion (including you, couch potato). Until then, keep an eye out for the patterns in your world. Who knows what you’ll find when you look at life through this cosmic mirror?
Fragments of the Divine 
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