What is the meaning of the phrase ‘as above so below’?
What happens in the spiritual and psychic realms is reflected in the earthly realm.
What is the origin of the phrase ‘as above so below’?
The phrase ‘as above, so below’ can be traced back to words inscribed on an ancient artefact known as the Emerald Tablet, (also known as Tabula Smaragdina) sometime between 200 AD and 800 AD. It was originally written in Arabic, before being translated to Latin in the 12th century by Hugo of Santalla.
It comes from the work of Hermes Trismegistus, which means ‘Hermes the Thrice-Greatest’. The name is a combination of the Greek god Hermes and the Egyptian god Thoth. This given name is a false one, and there was no real Hermes Trismegistus, just one or more patrons writing in that name.
Author of many Hermetic writings, his works included theological works and also texts on magic, alchemy, astrology, and other subjects. His main works, the Emerald Tablet and the Book of Causes are now lost to time. They are said to have been buried with Hermes in his tomb and were later discovered by the people of Alexander the Great.
The full quote from Hermetic Philosophy is ‘As within, so without, as above, so below, as the universe, so the soul.’ This philosophical perspective promotes the idea that who we are on the inside will be created in the world around us, and vice versa. The microcosm is interconnected with the macrocosm.
Since its ancient origins, the phrase and its connotations have permeated into other cultures, including Christianity. In the Christian Lord’s Prayer, the concept is phrased ‘Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on Earth as it is in Heaven’.
How to use the phrase ‘as above so below’
It is believed that the phrase ‘as above so below’ was used to provide a quick and easy answer to hard questions, such as ‘why do bad things happen to other people’. And to prevent them from questioning any further.
The phrase is about balance and harmony, and can be compared to the concept of karma, what you give is what you get and so on.
What are some notable uses of the phrase ‘as above so below’?
The phrase has also been adopted as a title for various works of art, such as the 2014 found footage horror film As Above, So Below, as well as a number of different musical works.
