In this little book, of which this is the First Lesson, we invite our students to examine into the Hermetic Teachings, as set forth in the Kybalion, and as explained by ourselves, humble students of the Teachings, who, while bearing the title of Initiates, are still students at the feet of Hermes, the Master.  We herein give you many of the maxims, axioms and precepts of the Kybalion, accompanied by explanations and illustrations which we deem likely to render the teachings more easily comprehended by the modern student, particularly as the original text is purposely veiled in obscure terms.

The original maxims, axioms, and precepts of the Kybalion are printed herein, in italics, the proper credit being given.  Our own work is printed in the regular way, in the body of the work.  We trust that the many students to whom we now offer this little work will derive as much benefit from the study of its pages as have the many who have gone on before, treading the same Path to Mastery throughout the centuries that have passed since the times of Hermes trismegistus—­the Master of Masters—­the Great-Great.  In the words of “The Kybalion”: 

    “Where fall the footsteps of the Master, the ears of those
    ready for his Teaching open wide.”—­The Kybalion.

    “When the ears of the student are ready to hear, then cometh
    the lips to fill them with Wisdom.”—­The Kybalion.

So that according to the Teachings, the passage of this book to those ready for the instruction will attract the attention of such as are prepared to receive the Teaching.  And, likewise, when the pupil is ready to receive the truth, then will this little book come to him, or her.  Such is The Law.  The Hermetic Principle of Cause and Effect, in its aspect of The Law of Attraction, will bring lips and ear together—­pupil and book in company.  So mote it be!

CHAPTER II

THE SEVEN HERMETIC PRINCIPLES

    “The Principles of Truth are Seven; he who knows these,
    understandingly, possesses the Magic Key before whose
    touch all the Doors of the Temple fly open.”—­The Kybalion.

The Seven Hermetic Principles, upon which the entire Hermetic Philosophy is based, are as follows: 

1.  The Principle of Mentalism. 2.  The Principle of Correspondence. 3.  The Principle of Vibration. 4.  The Principle of Polarity. 5.  The Principle of Rhythm. 6.  The Principle of Cause and Effect. 7.  The Principle of Gender.

These Seven Principles will be discussed and explained as we proceed with these lessons.  A short explanation of each, however, may as well be given at this point.

1.  The Principle of Mentalism

    “The all is mind; The Universe is Mental.”—­The Kybalion.