Exploring Hermetics: The 4 Basic Principles or Elements and How Autosuggestion Works

We're diving deep into Franz Bardon's Initiation into Hermetics: A Course of Instruction of Magic Theory & Practice.

Understanding fire and its principles

The principle of fire is latent in all things. The notable characteristics of fire are expansion and heat. According to hermetics, you cannot separate the principle of fire from the principle of light. The Bible (in one of its many versions), reads “Fiat Luxe” or “Let There Be Light”. All elements have two polarities, including fire. The positive polarity represents constructiveness while negative represents destruction and the like. The fiery principle is also represented in the electrical fluid and may be called Tejas.

Sidenote: Therefore, when people speak of beings of light, what origins might those beings have come from? Is it possible that beings of light and beings of fire are the same?

Water

The principle of water is represented by its qualities of shrinkage and coldness. Water has two polarities; one being nurturing towards life and constructive, while the negative is division, fermentation, destruction, and the like.

Just as fire is electrical fluid, water is magnetic fluid. Fire represents the light and water represents the darkness.

Air

The Principle of the Air is the neutral mediator between the Principles of fire and water. Air possesses the qualities of both elements, expressing itself as humidity or warm air. Fire, water, and air all derive from the akasa.

Some initiates don't consider air to be one of the true elements but a mediator between the principles of water and fire. Air has two polarities with the positive one being life-giving and the negative aspect is destructive.

Earth

Hermetics teaches that the first three elements become active in the fourth element, which is earth. This element provides solidity to the initial elements. As air may not be considered a true element, the principle of earth is viewed in the same manner.

There is an equally combining effect when earth combines with the aforementioned three elements to create the tetrapolar magnet. The fluid of the earthy element has a polarity that is electromagnetic.

Akasa

The akasa is highly complex but must be described in simple terms. The akasa is inconceivable spacelessness and timelessness; the origin of all elements. The akasa is also known as the ethereal principle or causal sphere. It is the most authoritative principle from which all things are created or exist and it cannot really be defined. Some call this fifth original power by the name of God. The akasa also bears likeness to the term akashic records.

Karma

Karma is more of a enduring and unbending law but it is considered a principle because of how it affects all existence. It may also be called the law of cause and effect. You get what you give. Whatever you sow, you will reap. According to Hermetics, development of man is a part of karmic law.

What is Hermetics?

Hermetics is meant to be more than just a set of knowledge. It is meant to be practiced. the way that you truly learn about hermetics is by doing it yourself. Hermetics shows actual methods by which you can harness the power of your thoughts.

Initiation into Hermetics shows you intense mentalism training. Magic mental training entails controlling your thoughts, disciplining your thoughts, subordinating your thoughts, suppressing specific thoughts, and self-criticism.

Magic psychic training entails creating the white and black mirrors of the Soul as well as introspection of self-knowledge. Magic physical training includes conscious breathing, habituation to normal mode of life, the conscious reception of food, and the magic of water. All of the exercises are intended for an individual with the average skill set.

Your subconscious is a part of your soul and physically located in your cerebellum. What is your subconscious? Consider it the opposite of your consciousness. According to hermetics, all undesirable impulses emanate from the subconsciousness. To know the key is to know which elements apply to the tetrapolar magnet.

A pupil has to do the introspective work to know the weaknesses, failures, and passion that reside in the subconscious mind. This is where meditation and self-reflection comes in. Training mentally, psychically, and physically is necessary to gain the introspection necessary to know what is within the subconscious to create the black and white mirrors.

Autosuggestion

Autosuggestion does work. This is because you can provide persistent instruction to your mind that will inevitably be accepted. The key to successful autosuggestion is the phrasing. You must speak in the present tense and not put your manifestations in the future by saying “I shall” or “I will”.

It is more effective to say “I am” or “I do” in autosuggestion phrases. The most receptive times for autosuggestion are when you are drowsy and just about to fall asleep or you have just woken up. Going to sleep in a disruptive emotional state has a negative effect on your subconscious mind.

Your mind continues on in the line of thinking that you had when going to sleep, whether that is anger or peace. Think of harmonious thoughts just before going to bed. Beads or knotted strings can be employed when restating your autosuggestion phrase.

Realize and actualize how your wish exists now. Falling asleep during autosuggestion achieves the goal. You can practice autosuggestion in the morning, at night, or go to sleep with an audio recording playing.

What are your thoughts on autosuggestion-have you ever tried it? I will explore various methods of magic mental training in the next post.

Katana Haley