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But what does it actually mean and how can it be used? Stick around to learn the backstory behind this spooky-sounding expression, and how you can use it with confidence. By the end, you’ll be saying, “As above so below– didn’t you know?”
“As Above, So Below” Definition
The phrase has had many interpretations over the course of millennia. However, while it was adopted by myriad groups, the definition is generally understood to mean that whatever happens on a larger scale is sure to happen on a smaller scale. This is in reference to the trickle-down effect of the universe and achieving balance, offering an explanation as to why certain things happen. Those who use this expression may believe that current events are the reflection of that which is happening on higher planes.
Origins
The phrase dates back to the first millennium. With roots in Hermeticism,the phrase was initially found on the Emerald Tablet of Hermes Trismegistus dating back to 200-800 BCE. Hermes Trismegistus was not a real person. In reality, he was a mythological figure, borrowing from Greek and Egyptian mythology, and comprised of several authors over hundreds of years. The original inscription was longer, translated to, “That which is above is like to that which is below, and that which is below is like to that which is above.” It’s possible that the statement appeared even earlier in Arabic texts, with a similar implied meaning.
Religious Usage
In Christianity, it can be used as a prayer or wish. In the Bible, one particular passage from Matthew states that “thy kingdom come, thy will be done, in earth as it is in heaven.” This presents yet another form of parallelism, equating the conditions of a lower plane to that of a higher plane, believing that whatever happens on Earth is reflected in the heavens. You can use the phrase with this religious connotation in conversation by treating it as a hopeful look toward the positive. Examples: "I feel God everywhere– as above, so below!" "I believe there’s light and goodness in everyone– as above, so below." "Wow, it’s a miracle– as above, so below!"
Spiritual Usage
There’s a number of ways to use the phrase spiritually. It might be a point of interest to really understand the phrases’s Hermetic roots. Hermeticism is an ancient religion founded on three main pillars of belief: alchemy, astrology, and theurgy. In this Hermetic context, alchemy can be described as the physical transformations that occur in order to reach a higher plane. Fermentation in the body can cause major changes that they believed could transfer over to the spiritual realm. Astrology is defined as the practice of understanding how the celestial realm can explain our actions on the earthly realm. Theurgy can be described as the application of supernatural powers to achieve a closer relationship to the divine. Here is how you can use this expression with spiritual connotations: "Drinking drinking kombucha purifies your insides– as above, so below!" "The new moon is causing people to act like lunatics– as above, so below!" "This Saturn Return is really kicking my butt– as above, so below!"
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