The Kybalion: A Study of The Hermetic Philosophy of Ancient Egypt and Greece

Written by Three Initiates

Narrated by Steve McCleskey

Since 1908, The Kybalion has served as a study of basic Hermetic teachings that outline an ageless wisdom and touch upon the inner workings of nature. In ancient times and even today, these teachings were not understood by the lay person, but were readily understood by students after the axioms and principles had been explained and exemplified by the Hermetic Initiates and Masters to their Neophytes. An occult classic, this edition of The Kybalion is prefaced with an intriguing and thought-provoking foreword by Summum.

''The purpose of this work is not the enunciation of any special philosophy or doctrine, but rather is to give to the students a statement of the Truth that will serve to reconcile the many bits of occult knowledge that they may have acquired, but which are apparently opposed to each other and which often serve to discourage and disgust the beginner in the study. Our intent is not to erect a new Temple of Knowledge, but rather to place in the hands of the student a Master-Key with which he may open the many inner doors in the Temple of Mystery through the main portals he has already entered.'' -- The Kybalion

• Language: English
• Publisher: The Kybalion Resource Page
• Release date: May 3, 2022
• ISBN: 9780943217239

Three Initiates

The identity of the Three Initiates has been the subject of much secrecy and rumor since The Kybalion first appeared at the beginning of the twentieth century. It is now believed that William Walker Atkinson was one of or perhaps the sole author of the book. Born in 1862, Atkinson was a pioneer of the New Thought movement who wrote an estimated 100 books during his lifetime.

Reviews for The Kybalion

[chirikosan · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is a book you have to read over and over again.

[morcys · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The amount of information I have received from this book is immeasurable.

[pmtracy · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Really high-level intro to the Seven Hermetic Principles. I'll definitely need to spend some more time with this. It was interesting noting the direct tie-in to coaching; you get what you look for. Or more correctly, you create by using mental energy.

[michaeladams1979 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Interesting dissection of the teachings and wisdom of Hermes. Everything is laid out in a very accessible way, even though these topics touch on topics as complex and particle physics and as esoteric as existence as nothing but a dream in the mind of God. I will definitely need to revisit this work at some point, to find deeper understanding of the concepts of hermetic wisdom.

[mreed61 · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

I understand the concept of this book, and it is true that most of philosophy and religion is based on this philosophy, but to attempt to say at the outset that all religion is based on alchemy is a little absurd. The 7 Principles are generally accepted. I understand that. But all I could envision in attempting to recreate what they were trying to teach is Mickey Mouse in a wizard's costume. I was rewriting the Principles in my head in a more logical way to the point that - at times - I was very willing to throw out the "studies" and replace them with something more understandable and less "magical/mystical" than the author seemed to be pushing. Just as with some of my religious views, there are some I accept at face value and others I do not. The same would be said about this book. This book gets 2 stars for the fact it is grammatically and structurally sound. Other than that, I couldn't reasonably follow its train of thought.

[jefware · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I find the basic principles valid. The philosophy and detailed ideas are 100 years old and subject to the principle of rhythm. I wonder what our wise writings will sound like in 100 years.

[occultlibrarian · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This work contains the aphorisms attributed to Hermes Trismegistus, known to the Egyptians as Thoth, that comprise the seven Hermetic Laws that govern cosmic existence. Three un-named initiates provide insightful commentary. This is the master key to occult wisdom. If you are going to study only one single text in life, this should be it. It is multivalent. I have studied it almost ten times and each time my understanding deepens. It is called the Master Key because these aphorisms, perfectly understood, are theoretically sufficient to reach enlightenment. Many occult traditions draw on them (As above, so below, as below, so above = the principle of correspondence). Furthermore, it highlights CENTRAL errors in the history of many occult traditions...namely the inappropriate conflation of the Principle of Polarity with the Principle of Gender. They are different principles. I cannot recommend this text highly enough.