The origin of the quote: “As Above, So Below”
It’s somewhat unclear. It has been attributed to various sources throughout history, including the ancient wisdom tradition of Hermeticism, which was popularized in the Western world during the Renaissance.
The quote is often associated with the concept of “correspondence,” which is one of the key principles of Hermeticism. This principle suggests that there is a correspondence or connection between different levels of reality, and that what happens in one level is reflected in another.
While the exact origin of the quote is uncertain, it has become a popular phrase used in various spiritual, philosophical, and metaphysical contexts, and it continues to be studied and interpreted by scholars and practitioners today.
‘As Above, So Below’ Meaning:
It expresses the idea that there is a correspondence between different levels of existence, and that what is true or present in one level is reflected in another.
The first part of the quote, “As above, so below,” suggests that there is a connection between the physical world and the spiritual or metaphysical world. In other words, what happens in the heavens or in the higher realms is reflected on Earth or in the lower realms.
The second part of the quote, “As within, so without,” suggests that our external reality is a reflection of our internal reality. What we think and feel inside of ourselves is manifested in our external circumstances and experiences.
The third part of the quote, “As the universe, so the soul,” suggests that the entire universe is reflected within the individual human soul. In other words, the macrocosm of the universe is reflected in the microcosm of the individual.
Overall, the quote expresses the idea that everything is interconnected and that there are patterns and correspondences that exist between different levels of existence. It encourages us to look both inward and outward to find meaning and understanding in the world around us.
Need a further meaning? Check out the analogy below:
Let’s take the dollhouse meaning:
Eva peered into her dollhouse, a miniature replica of her own cozy home. Each room was a mirror to her world, with tiny chairs, a little bed, and even a thimble-sized teapot on the dining table. It wasn’t just a toy to her; it was a microcosm of her life, where every detail resonated with the love and care she experienced in her family’s home.
One afternoon, as Eva aligned a minuscule painting on the wall of the dollhouse living room, her grandmother shared an ancient proverb, “As above, so below, as within, so without, as the universe, so the soul.” Sensing Eva’s curiosity, she pointed to the dollhouse and explained that it reflected Eva’s inner peace and happiness. Just as the armchair faces the hearth and the books are neatly shelved, Eva’s orderly world within mirrored out into her life.
“Every thought and feeling inside you,” her grandmother said, “is like the furniture in this dollhouse. When your heart is full of joy, your surroundings shine with clarity. But when your heart is in disarray, it’s like this tiny house in disarray — cluttered and confused.”
Her grandmother’s words revealed the profound connection between Eva’s spirit and the cosmos, teaching her that her soul mirrored the universe’s infinity. The dollhouse stood as a testament to an interconnected existence — the tranquility in her soul reflected in the peace of her world.
From then on, Eva saw her dollhouse through wiser eyes. Each time she placed a miniature object with loving precision, she remembered her own place in the vast universe — unique, critical, and connected. The dollhouse was no longer just a plaything; it became Eva’s lesson in the delicate balance of life, as above, so below, as within, so without.
And in this dance of alignment and reflection, Eva found her truth, capturing the infinite within the walls of her tiny, treasured home.
Conclusion:
This quote expresses the idea of correspondence and interconnectedness between different levels of existence. It suggests that there is a connection between the physical and spiritual realms, and what happens in one level is reflected in the other. It also suggests that our internal reality is reflected in our external reality, and that the entire universe is reflected within the individual human soul. Overall, the quote encourages us to look both inward and outward to find meaning and understanding in the world around us.
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