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

Principle Of Rhythm

The Principle of Rhythm is a Hermetic principle that encompasses a fundamental cyclic nature of existence, manifesting in various phenomena across different planes. This principle acknowledges that everything experiences a flowing in and out, a rising and falling, and a measurable motion or to-and-from movement between opposing states, evident in the creation and destruction of worlds, the rise and fall of nations, and the life histories of individuals, as well as in the mental states of humans.

On a broad scale, the Principle of Rhythm operates on both the mental and physical planes, influencing moods, feelings, emotions, and mental states through a pendulum-like swing between extremes. On the Lower Plane, this principle manifests in physical effects like the rise and fall of nations and the creation and destruction of worlds, whereas on the Higher Plane, it influences mental phenomena, such as the succession of moods and emotions. Hermetic Masters have gained insight into this principle, learning to transcend its lower manifestations by elevating their Ego above the unconscious plane's vibrations.

The Principle of Rhythm is a key Hermetic concept embodying the cyclic nature of existence and its profound impacts on both the mental and physical planes, with some Masters attaining a higher level of mastery over its lower manifestations. Another Hermetic Principle that states that everything flows, ebbs, and moves in regular cycles and rhythms

Concordance & Cross-References

Primary Correspondences & Figures

Hermetists have learned to study and comprehend the Principle of Rhythm to escape some of its activities. This relationship is strong as understanding the principle is central to their practice. Hermetists utilize the principle of Rhythm to understand the swings of their moods and emotions, and apply methods to manage and overcome it.

Master→Person

Masters have overcome the principle of Rhythm by polarizing on the higher self, thus escaping its sway.

TransformationConcept

The knowledge of the Principle of Rhythm allows for the transformation of one's mental states and understanding of complex phenomena, helping to navigate the cycles of the universal pendulum

Page 93Lineage

Page 93 explicitly explains the principle of Rhythm and how Hermetists can manage it.

FeelingConcept

The principle of Rhythm affects feelings, causing them to oscillate between extremes.

Unconscious PlaneConcept

The Principle of Rhythm manifests on the Unconscious Plane, causing swings in moods and feelings. Escaping this plane is critical for achieving mental mastery.

Higher PlaneConcept

The Higher Plane is where the effects of the Principle of Rhythm are neutralized, offering a way to escape the swings of the Rhythmic pendulum. The relationship is strong as the Higher Plane is the goal of advanced students.

VibrationsSubstance

The principle of Rhythm causes mental vibrations that swing between extremes, affecting Hermetists' states of mind.

MoodConcept

The principle of Rhythm causes the mood swings that Hermetists must manage and ultimately overcome.

EmotionConcept

Emotions, like moods, are affected by the principle of Rhythm and must be managed by Hermetists.

Principle Of PolarityConcept

The Principle of Polarity establishes the two poles around which the Principle of Rhythm swings, thus creating a cycle evident in the universe and in human lives

Law Of NeutralConcept

Understanding the Law of Neutral can help one to rise above the unconscious swings of the Rhythmic pendulum, offering a higher level of control over mental states

Philosophical PrinciplesConcept

Philosophical Principles encompass the Principle of Rhythm, integrating it into a broader system of understanding that governs the dynamics of existence

CyclesConcept

Cycles are directly related to the Principle of Rhythm, exemplifying the repetitive nature and rhythm of the universe in various contexts

Action And ReactionConcept

The Principle of Rhythm incorporates the concept of action and reaction within its framework, illustrating how all phenomena operate in a balanced, cyclic manner

EccentricitiesConcept

Eccentricities can be seen as deviations or unique expressions of the Principle of Rhythm and Polarity, highlighting the diverse manifestations of these principles in the world

FrequencyConcept

Frequency is a measure of the oscillation in Rhythm, indicating how often the cycles repeat and providing a quantitative measure of the principle's dynamic nature

Mediate Correspondences

Sympathetic Chains & Distant Affinities

Principle Of RhythmthroughHermetistsilluminatesMysteries →
I. Principle Of Rhythm & Hermetists

Hermetists have learned to study and comprehend the Principle of Rhythm to escape some of its activities. This relationship is strong as understanding the principle is central to their practice. Hermetists utilize the principle of Rhythm to understand the swings of their moods and emotions, and apply methods to manage and overcome it.

II. Hermetists & Mysteries

The Hermetists, influenced by Egyptian Hellenistic philosophy, play a significant role in the development of the Mysteries

Principle Of RhythmthroughMasterilluminatesTruth →
I. Principle Of Rhythm & Master

Masters have overcome the principle of Rhythm by polarizing on the higher self, thus escaping its sway.

II. Master & Truth

The Master teaches the truth that must be found within oneself, not externally.

Principle Of RhythmthroughMasterilluminatesAll →
I. Principle Of Rhythm & Master

Masters have overcome the principle of Rhythm by polarizing on the higher self, thus escaping its sway.

II. Master & All

Even the highest masters among men must bow to the laws of the All, which they can only transcend partially

Principle Of RhythmthroughMasterilluminatesKybalion →
I. Principle Of Rhythm & Master

Masters have overcome the principle of Rhythm by polarizing on the higher self, thus escaping its sway.

II. Master & Kybalion

The Master uses principles from The Kybalion to teach

Principle Of RhythmthroughMasterilluminatesHermes Trismegistus →
I. Principle Of Rhythm & Master

Masters have overcome the principle of Rhythm by polarizing on the higher self, thus escaping its sway.

II. Master & Hermes Trismegistus

Hermes Trismegistus is considered a Master, having profound knowledge and wisdom in Hermetic Philosophy.

Principle Of RhythmthroughMasterilluminatesWill →
I. Principle Of Rhythm & Master

Masters have overcome the principle of Rhythm by polarizing on the higher self, thus escaping its sway.

II. Master & Will

The will of a master is strong enough to overcome the swings of the mental pendulum, allowing them to remain in control of their moods and emotions.

Principle Of RhythmthroughPrinciple Of PolarityilluminatesLight →
I. Principle Of Rhythm & Principle Of Polarity

The Principle of Polarity establishes the two poles around which the Principle of Rhythm swings, thus creating a cycle evident in the universe and in human lives

II. Principle Of Polarity & Light

The principle of polarity explains the duality of Light and Darkness, stating that the two are identical in nature with degrees of difference.

Principle Of RhythmthroughHermetistsilluminatesHermetic Teachings →
I. Principle Of Rhythm & Hermetists

Hermetists have learned to study and comprehend the Principle of Rhythm to escape some of its activities. This relationship is strong as understanding the principle is central to their practice. Hermetists utilize the principle of Rhythm to understand the swings of their moods and emotions, and apply methods to manage and overcome it.

II. Hermetists & Hermetic Teachings

Hermeticists preserve and spread the teachings

Principle Of RhythmthroughMasterilluminatesEsoteric Writings →
I. Principle Of Rhythm & Master

Masters have overcome the principle of Rhythm by polarizing on the higher self, thus escaping its sway.

II. Master & Esoteric Writings

Esoteric writings mention Masters, adding to the body of knowledge on spiritual beings.

Principle Of RhythmthroughMasterilluminatesReligion →
I. Principle Of Rhythm & Master

Masters have overcome the principle of Rhythm by polarizing on the higher self, thus escaping its sway.

II. Master & Religion

Religion is expressed through the understanding and practice of mastering higher forces, as seen in the concept of the Master who uses alchemy and higher laws against lower ones.