The First Hermetic Principle

Part 2

The mind’s gentle focus brings life to reality.

What the mind envisions, reality becomes.

The Principle of Mentalism

What if you discovered that the entire universe is shaped by the power of your own mind? In our last article, we learned how Hermes Trismegistus was renamed and why. We touched on the basis of his incredible power and the values that he believed in that created such a powerful alchemy. 

The first principle is “The Principle of the Mind” or “The Principle of Mentalism” which states, “That all is mind and everything we experience in the universe is essentially a mental creation.” The Principle of Mentalism is the cornerstone of Hermetic philosophy. Hermetic teachings hold that the Principle of Mentalism is the foundation upon which all other principles rest.  By understanding that ‘All is Mind,’ we recognize that our reality is shaped by thought and consciousness. 

For example, in our everyday lives, this principle suggests that our thoughts and mental attitudes can shape our experiences. If we approach challenges with a mindset of possibility, we often find solutions more easily. Likewise, many Hermetic practitioners believe that by aligning our thoughts with our intentions, we can influence the reality around us. For instance, many people find that when they focus their mind on positive outcomes, they tend to notice more opportunities and synchronicities that lead them in that direction. In the same way, Hermetic philosophy suggests that by consciously directing our thoughts, we can influence our personal reality in meaningful ways.

In the broader context of Hermetic philosophy, the Principle of Mentalism serves as a foundational idea that underpins all the other Hermetic principles. It functions as the lens through which we understand that the universe is a mental construct, and therefore, all other Hermetic teachings build on this understanding of reality as fundamentally mental. In essence, this principle is what enables Hermetic practitioners to view the universe as a canvas shaped by the mind. Through this understanding, all the other Hermetic principles naturally interconnect.

As we have seen, the Principle of Mentalism is just the first piece of the puzzle. In the coming weeks, we’ll dive into the next six Hermetic principles, each one revealing another layer of this ancient wisdom. Each principle will open up new insights into how we can understand and shape our reality. 

In conclusion, the Principle of Mentalism shows us that our entire reality is indeed shaped by our thoughts, forming the cornerstone of Hermetic philosophy. We are co-creators of our reality. Our thoughts, beliefs, and consciousness have a real influence on the reality we experience. We’re not just passive observers, but active participants in shaping our world. As we continue to explore each of the seven Hermetic principles, we'll see how they all interconnect each one revealing new layers of this ancient wisdom.