What is As Above, So Below?
Last updated: February 25, 2026
The central axiom of Hermetic philosophy, derived from the Emerald Tablet: "That which is above is as that which is below; and that which is below is as that which is above, for performing the marvels of the Kosmos".
Understanding As Above, So Below in Hermeticism
The central axiom of Hermetic philosophy, derived from the Emerald Tablet: "That which is above is as that which is below; and that which is below is as that which is above, for performing the marvels of the Kosmos".
As Above, So Below is the foundational principle of Hermeticism, encapsulating the interconnectedness and correspondence between all planes of existence: the divine, the mental, the spiritual, and the physical. This axiom, famously inscribed on the Emerald Tablet, posits that patterns and laws observed in one realm are mirrored in others, providing a framework for understanding the universe as a unified, holographic system. Its significance lies in offering a key to deciphering cosmic mysteries, suggesting that knowledge of the microcosm (humanity, Earth) can reveal truths about the macrocosm (the cosmos, God), and vice-versa. Historically, it has influenced Western esotericism, alchemy, astrology, and magic, serving as a philosophical bedrock for various spiritual and occult traditions seeking to harmonize human will with cosmic forces.
What the Teachers Say
As Above, So Below vs. Linear Causation
While As Above, So Below describes correspondence and mirroring between different levels of reality, linear causation represents sequential cause-and-effect relationships within a single plane. These approaches offer contrasting models for understanding how change occurs in the universe.
| Aspect | As Above, So Below | Linear Causation |
|---|---|---|
| Relationship Structure | Correspondence and mirroring between levels | Sequential cause leading to effect |
| Direction of Influence | Bidirectional reflection across planes | Unidirectional flow from cause to effect |
| Time Orientation | Simultaneous correspondence | Temporal sequence of events |
| Scope of Operation | Multiple planes of existence | Single plane of material reality |
| Practical Application | Work with cosmic correspondences | Manipulate direct causal chains |
Etymology
The phrase "As Above, So Below" is a direct translation of the Latin "Quod est superius est sicut quod inferius, et quod inferius est sicut quod superius," which itself is a rendition of the original Arabic text of the Emerald Tablet. The core concept of correspondence, linking the celestial with the terrestrial, has roots in ancient philosophical and religious systems, but this specific formulation became central through its transmission via Hermetic texts. It evolved to signify a universal law of analogy, becoming a cornerstone in esoteric and spiritual thought.
How to Practice This
Practically, "As Above, So Below" encourages a holistic approach to self-improvement and understanding the world. Practitioners might engage in meditation to observe the patterns of their inner world (microcosm) and infer corresponding universal laws (macrocosm), or use astrological charts to understand cosmic influences on personal behavior. Alchemists, for instance, applied this principle by manipulating earthly substances to effect spiritual transformation, believing that changes in the physical realm mirrored and influenced changes in the spiritual. The principle also underpins magical practices, where rituals performed on a small scale are intended to manifest effects on a larger, often unseen, scale.
Connection to Manifestation
This Hermetic principle provides a foundational understanding for manifestation practices by revealing how consciousness and physical reality correspond across different planes. When practitioners align their mental patterns with universal principles, they work with the natural correspondence between thought and form. The axiom suggests that changes in consciousness automatically reflect in external circumstances, making it a cornerstone principle for understanding how focused intention creates tangible results. Rather than forcing outcomes, effective manifestation involves recognizing and utilizing these inherent correspondences between inner states and outer conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
As Above, So Below means that patterns and laws operating in the heavenly or spiritual realm are reflected in the earthly or material realm. Whatever happens on a large scale mirrors what happens on a small scale, and vice versa.
The phrase originates from the Emerald Tablet, an ancient Hermetic text attributed to Hermes Trismegistus. The full quote states that what is above corresponds to what is below for performing the marvels of the cosmos.
Practitioners use this principle to understand correspondences between different levels of reality, such as how planetary movements might influence human affairs or how mental states reflect in physical conditions. It guides both divination and magical work.
While related, they are distinct concepts. As Above, So Below describes structural correspondences between different planes of reality, while the Law of Attraction focuses specifically on how thoughts and emotions attract similar experiences.
The microcosm refers to the individual person or small-scale system, while the macrocosm refers to the universe or large-scale system. As Above, So Below teaches that these mirror each other, so understanding one reveals the nature of the other.
In the Source Texts (6)
…rinciple is in operation, the ~Principle of Correspondence~ manifests in each, "As above, so Below; as Below, so above."…
>>As above, so below; as below, so above.<<…
>>As above, so below; as below, so above.<<…
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Used by: Three Initiates