7 Universal Laws You Need to Know To Achieve Self-Mastery

Have you heard of Universal Laws? These powerful truths can help us understand the world around us, and most importantly, ourselves.

The teachings originate from Hermes, an philosopher whose wisdom has permeated throughout civilization. His "Hermetic Principles" were compiled into an an ancient text called The Kybalion in 1908. 

There are 7 principles, which are based on the premise that the Universe is innately intelligent, and by harmonizing with this intelligence, one can control what they manifest in their life. 

Keep reading to learn how you can apply these Universal Laws to achieve self-mastery.

1. Mentalism

“The all is mind. The universe is Mental.”

We know that everything is made up of energy and empty space - even what appears to be solid. Our experience of life is just our interpretation of the information perceived by our senses, which is valid and meaningful, but when we realize how much of our reality is simply how we interpret it, we can be empowered to consciously create it.

Our own perceptions, beliefs, and attitudes color our experience of reality. How our mind is programmed alters reality for each of us. We must learn to ask, what is the objective truth?

2. Correspondence

“As above, so below; as below, so above...”

The laws of reality apply across all planes of existence. We each manifest our personal and collective reality. The Macro and the Micro are the same. Whatever is within us is reflected outwards and everything on the outside is a reflection of our inner world.

Why is this important? If you want to change your outer world, you have to start with inner healing. This comes from being at peace with yourself and having clarity in your purpose.

3. Vibration

“Nothing rests; everything moves; everything vibrates.”

Everything is in the universe is in constant motion. Nicola Tesla said, "If you wish to understand the universe, think in terms of energy, frequency and vibration." Everything has a frequency attached to it, including our thoughts and emotions.

Our experiences always manifest according to our vibration, or state, that we are in tune with. This is powerful, because we can consciously choose how we respond, and recognize when we're experiencing heavy, lower frequency emotions and release them. 

4. Polarity

“Everything is dual; everything has poles; everything has its pair of opposites; like and unlike are the same; opposites are identical in nature, but different in degree; extremes meet; all truths are but half-truths; all paradoxes may be reconciled."

Opposites are really just two extremes of the same thing, which vary in degree. Hot and cold, light and dark, love and hate... you can't have one without the other. They are inseparable.

You'll even find examples of polarity in various religious texts, but this principle is also fundamental to Mental Alchemy, which aims to transmute and transform our inner state and experiences. Transmutation isn't just changing one thing into an entirely different thing, but rather changing the degree of the same thing. You have the power to move yourself from one state to another.

5. Rhythm

“Everything flows, out and in; Everything has its tides; All things rise and fall; The pendulum swing manifests in everything…”

Nature has seasons, and is constantly changing. Think of the moon, the tides, butterflies, migration, our heartbeat and our breath. Rhythm is everywhere.

Being aware of our own fluctuating emotional states can help us avoid a dramatic pendulum swing of feelings, and better cope with the natural fluxes of life. We can practice neutrality, and remember that grief and pain are temporary, as are joy and happiness. We can get through the hard times and appreciate the good ones.

6. Cause & Effect

“Every cause has its effect; Every effect has its cause; Everything happens according to law…”

Nothing happens for without a reason. Most people wander through life as if it's happening to them, a victim of circumstance. However, we can make a conscious choice to be the cause of our life, instead of reacting to the world around us. 

When we acknowledge the effects of our thoughts and behavior, we can rise above the victim mentality and instead become a powerful co-creator. 

7. Gender

“Gender is in everything; Everything has its masculine and feminine principles; Gender manifests on all planes.”

Think of this as yin and yang, left brain and right brain, or masculine and feminine energies. While this has nothing to do with physical sex, no creation - physical, mental or spiritual - is possible without this Principle. 

 True transformation is possible when the energies of Gender are consciously balanced within oneself, in relationships, and in the environment. Self-mastery comes from choosing balance in all that we do, and accepting all the parts of yourself.