The Enchanted Initiate
A Journal of Traditional Symbolism, Hermeticism & the Occult Sciences

Mentalism

Mentalism, a fundamental concept within the Hermetic Philosophy, is encapsulated in the first of the Seven Hermetic Principles. This principle, often referred to as Mentalism, posits that "The All is Mind; the Universe is Mental," as articulated in The Kybalion. It underpins the Hermetic Art of Mental Transmutation, highlighting the transformative power of the mind. According to Hermetic teachings, Mentalism emphasizes the mental nature of the universe, asserting that the greatest force shaping and governing the cosmos is mental power. By understanding and applying this principle correctly, individuals can revolutionize their lives, aligning their thinking with universal laws and principles. Mentalism thus serves as a foundational doctrine that views the universe as fundamentally mental in nature, empowering practitioners to harness mental abilities for personal and cosmic transformation.

Concordance & Cross-References

Primary Correspondences & Figures

Mental TransmutationRitual

Mental Transmutation and Mentalisation are closely related, both focusing on the mental transformation of states and conditions.

All→Substance

The principle of Mentalism posits that the nature of the universe is mental, underlying all phenomena.

TransmutationConcept

Transmutation and Mentalism are interconnected concepts within the realm of metaphysical practices. Mentalism provides the foundational theoretical framework within which transmutation is practiced, elucidating the methods and principles required to harness and utilize higher forces. Specifically, transmutation in this context refers to the process of using mental and spiritual energy to transform or overcome lower, more materialistic forces. This transformation is seen as a means to achieve mastery and elevation. Both concepts emphasize the manipulation and application of higher forces to influence reality in a positive manner, making Mentalism essential for understanding and practicing transmutation effectively.

Substance→Substance

Substance, as underlying reality, is a key component in understanding Mentalism, which states that "The All is Mind; the Universe is Mental."

Kybalion→Substance

The Kybalion and Mentalism are closely interconnected entities, with "The Kybalion" outlining and teaching the foundational principles upon which Mentalism is based. The Kybalion presents these principles as the core teachings from which the practice of Mentalism is derived. Through these teachings, The Kybalion elucidates the fundamental concepts and practices that form the basis of Mentalism, thereby establishing a clear and direct relationship between the two. Mentalism, in essence, can be seen as an application of the principles taught in The Kybalion, focusing on the mental and psychological aspects of influencing and shaping reality.

LawConcept

Laws are manifestations of mental principles and must be followed

Mental PowerConcept

Mentalism elevates the importance of Mental Power, recognizing it as the greatest natural force, differing from old views that ignored it as such.

HeracliusPerson

HERACLIUS, understood and applied the mental principles of the Universe, embodying the philosophical teachings associated with Hermeticism. As a hermetic philosopher, Heracles integrated these mental principles into his life and practice, suggesting a deep comprehension and application of the underlying mental laws that govern the universe. The descriptions point to Heracles' grasp of mentalism, a philosophical system that explores the influence of thought on reality. This integration of mental principles into his philosophical framework implies a comprehensive and practical understanding of Hermetic philosophy. Thus, Heracles is portrayed as a practitioner of mentalism, examining the complexities of mental principles and applying them to his life and thought.

Herbert SpencerPerson

Herbert Spencer's philosophy is closely bound with the hermetic concept of an infinite and eternal energy, which he interprets as mental. This alignment suggests that Spencer believed in a fundamental, continuous, and timeless mental or spiritual essence that underpins the universe. His thoughts resonate with hermetic tenets, indicating a deep-rooted belief in a metaphysical realm interconnected with the physical world through mental or spiritual forces.

Rituals Of MentalismRitual

Rituals of mentalism are practices that align with the principle of mentalism

The principle of Evolution is a manifestation of the mental nature of the universe

SpencerPerson

Spencer's philosophy aligns with the hermetic concept of an infinite and eternal energy as mental

MaterialismConcept

Materialism denies the mental aspect of the universe, while Mentalism includes it

EnergismConcept

Energism views the universe as energy, while Mentalism views it as mental

Mediate Correspondences

Sympathetic Chains & Distant Affinities

MentalismthroughSubstanceilluminatesParacelsus →
I. Mentalism & Substance

Substance, as underlying reality, is a key component in understanding Mentalism, which states that "The All is Mind; the Universe is Mental."

II. Substance & Paracelsus

Paracelsus provides key insights into the nature of elemental substances like sylphs, salamanders, and gnomes, shaping the broader concept.

MentalismthroughAllilluminatesAlchemy →
I. Mentalism & All

The principle of Mentalism posits that the nature of the universe is mental, underlying all phenomena.

II. All & Alchemy

Alchemy, as an art form, embodies the understanding and mastery of the Infinite Mind, representing the ultimate process of transformation and creation, within the context of The All's supreme knowledge.

MentalismthroughAllilluminatesSpirit →
I. Mentalism & All

The principle of Mentalism posits that the nature of the universe is mental, underlying all phenomena.

II. All & Spirit

SPIRIT is characterized as the Infinite Living Mind and the Real Essence, serving as the highest conception of the concepts that make up THE ALL. This essence is both infinite and living, transcending human understanding. SPIRIT and THE ALL are intrinsically linked, with LIFE and MIND, as well as ENERGY and MATTER, viewed as manifestations or aspects of SPIRIT's essence. SPIRIT is also described as the essence from which the universe is created, further emphasizing its foundational importance in the cosmic structure. Thus, SPIRIT and THE ALL are understood to be intertwined, with SPIRIT being the fundamental reality from which all other aspects of existence emanate.

MentalismthroughSubstanceilluminatesFire →
I. Mentalism & Substance

Substance, as underlying reality, is a key component in understanding Mentalism, which states that "The All is Mind; the Universe is Mental."

II. Substance & Fire

Great fires played a role in the initiation ceremony

MentalismthroughMental TransmutationilluminatesAstrology →
I. Mentalism & Mental Transmutation

Mental Transmutation and Mentalisation are closely related, both focusing on the mental transformation of states and conditions.

II. Mental Transmutation & Astrology

Both are practices seeking to understand and influence the nature of the universe, even if they operate in different planes.

MentalismthroughAllilluminatesPhilosophy →
I. Mentalism & All

The principle of Mentalism posits that the nature of the universe is mental, underlying all phenomena.

II. All & Philosophy

Philosophy avoids examining the unknowable, focusing on the thinkable and knowable aspects of reality.

MentalismthroughLawilluminatesDuad →
I. Mentalism & Law

Laws are manifestations of mental principles and must be followed

II. Law & Duad

The interaction of the DUAD creates the formation of LAW in society

MentalismthroughAllilluminatesHermes →
I. Mentalism & All

The principle of Mentalism posits that the nature of the universe is mental, underlying all phenomena.

II. All & Hermes

Hermes, in his capacity as a teacher and divine figure, elucidated the enigmatic nature of The All, a fundamental substance from which all creation emerges. Through a deep and silent contemplation, Hermes revealed the profound mysteries surrounding The All, emphasizing the silent and intrinsic understanding of its essence. His teachings highlight The All's interaction with and influence on the physical plane, suggesting a layered relationship between the divine and the tangible world. Hermes's discourses demonstrate the foundational role of The All, presenting it as the ultimate source from which everything in the universe derives its existence. Through his wisdom and silence, Hermes guided seekers of knowledge towards a deeper comprehension of the universe's underlying principles.

MentalismthroughEvolutionilluminatesMoon →
I. Mentalism & Evolution

The principle of Evolution is a manifestation of the mental nature of the universe

II. Evolution & Moon

The moon plays a role in the natural cycles that guide the path of human evolution

MentalismthroughAllilluminatesMan →
I. Mentalism & All

The principle of Mentalism posits that the nature of the universe is mental, underlying all phenomena.

II. All & Man

Man ceases manifesting on the material plane and withdraws into the indwelling spirit, representing a return to THE ALL.