As Above, So Below: What It Really Means

BY NICOLE LAU

As Above, So Below: What It Really Means

"As above, so below." You've seen it on tattoos, jewelry, spiritual memes. It's one of the most quoted phrases in mysticism. But what does it actually mean?

This phrase comes from the Emerald Tablet, the foundational text of Hermetic philosophy. It's not just a poetic saying - it's a precise description of how reality works.

This is your deep dive into "As Above, So Below" and how to use it.

The Original Text

The full quote from the Emerald Tablet:

"That which is below is like that which is above, and that which is above is like that which is below, to do the miracles of one only thing."

Later expanded to:

"As above, so below; as below, so above. As within, so without; as without, so within."

This is the Hermetic Principle of Correspondence - one of the seven universal laws.

What "Above" and "Below" Actually Mean

Layer 1: Cosmic-Personal Mirror

Above: The macrocosm - the universe, cosmos, stars, galaxies

Below: The microcosm - you, humanity, Earth, individual life

Meaning: The patterns governing the universe also govern you. The laws of the cosmos are the laws of your life.

The same forces that move planets move your blood. The same patterns that create galaxies create cells. You are not separate from the universe - you are the universe in miniature form.

Layer 2: Spiritual-Material Unity

Above: The spiritual realm, higher dimensions, divine consciousness

Below: The material realm, physical reality, earthly existence

Meaning: Spirit and matter are not separate - they're reflections of each other. What happens in the spiritual realm manifests in the material realm, and vice versa.

Your spiritual state creates your material reality. Your material actions affect your spiritual state. They're two sides of one coin.

Layer 3: Inner-Outer Correspondence

Above/Within: Your inner world - thoughts, beliefs, emotions, consciousness

Below/Without: Your outer world - circumstances, relationships, experiences, environment

Meaning: Your external reality is a mirror of your internal state. Change within, and the without must change.

This is the foundation of manifestation: as within (your mental/emotional state), so without (your physical reality).

The Science Behind "As Above, So Below"

Fractal Geometry: Patterns Repeat at Every Scale

Modern mathematics proves "as above, so below" through fractals - patterns that repeat at every level of magnification.

• The branching of trees mirrors the branching of rivers, blood vessels, lightning, and neurons
• The spiral of a galaxy mirrors the spiral of a hurricane, a nautilus shell, and DNA
• The structure of an atom mirrors the structure of a solar system

Nature uses the same templates at every scale. As above (large scale), so below (small scale).

Quantum Physics: Observer Affects Reality

Quantum mechanics shows that consciousness (above/within) affects matter (below/without).

The observer effect: the act of observation changes what is observed. Your inner state (consciousness) literally affects your outer reality (matter).

As within (consciousness), so without (physical reality).

Systems Theory: Same Laws, Different Scales

Systems theory reveals that the same principles govern systems at every level:

• Cells, organisms, ecosystems, and societies all follow similar organizational patterns
• Feedback loops operate in your body, your relationships, and the economy
• Homeostasis (balance) is sought by atoms, bodies, and planetary systems

The laws are universal. As above, so below.

How to Use "As Above, So Below"

1. Study the Universe to Understand Yourself

The cosmos is a mirror. When you study:

• Astronomy: You learn about cycles, rhythms, and your place in the whole
• Nature: You see patterns of growth, death, rebirth that apply to your life
• Sacred geometry: You recognize the structures that organize both matter and consciousness

The universe is not separate from you - it's showing you how you work.

2. Study Yourself to Understand the Universe

You are the microcosm. When you study:

• Your emotions: You understand energy and vibration
• Your thoughts: You understand creation and manifestation
• Your body: You understand systems, balance, and flow

Ancient mystics said: "Know thyself." Because to know yourself is to know the universe.

3. Change Within to Change Without

This is the practical magic of "as above, so below":

• Want different relationships? Change your inner relationship with yourself first
• Want abundance? Cultivate inner abundance (gratitude, sufficiency) first
• Want peace in your life? Create inner peace first
• Want respect from others? Respect yourself first

Your outer world will always mirror your inner world. Always.

4. Recognize Patterns Everywhere

Train yourself to see correspondence:

• The same conflict pattern in multiple relationships? It's showing you an inner conflict
• The same obstacle appearing repeatedly? It's reflecting an inner block
• The same opportunity showing up? It's mirroring your inner readiness

Nothing in your outer world is random - it's all correspondence.

"As Above, So Below" in Different Traditions

Hermeticism:

The Principle of Correspondence - one of the Seven Hermetic Principles. The foundation of alchemy and Western mysticism.

Kabbalah:

The Tree of Life maps both the cosmos and the human soul. The same structure applies above (divine realms) and below (human consciousness).

Hinduism:

"Atman is Brahman" - the individual soul (microcosm) is identical to the universal soul (macrocosm). You are not separate from God; you are God experiencing itself.

Buddhism:

"Indra's Net" - a cosmic web where each jewel reflects all other jewels. Each part contains the whole. The microcosm reflects the macrocosm.

Christianity:

"The kingdom of God is within you" (Luke 17:21). The divine realm (above) is found in your inner being (below/within).

Common Misunderstandings

Misunderstanding 1: "It's just a metaphor"

Truth: It's a precise description of how reality is structured. Fractals, quantum mechanics, and systems theory all confirm it.

Misunderstanding 2: "It means fate - what happens above determines what happens below"

Truth: It's bidirectional. You're not a passive receiver of cosmic influence - you're an active participant. As below (your choices), so above (cosmic response).

Misunderstanding 3: "It's only spiritual"

Truth: It applies to everything - physics, biology, psychology, relationships, business, health. It's a universal principle.

Practical Exercises

Exercise 1: Mirror Meditation

1. Choose an area of your outer life that's challenging
2. Ask: "What inner state is this mirroring?"
3. Don't judge - just observe the correspondence
4. Shift the inner state
5. Watch the outer situation shift

Exercise 2: Pattern Recognition

Use our Hermetic Principles Journal to track:

• What patterns repeat in your life?
• What do they correspond to internally?
• Where do you see "as above, so below" operating?

Exercise 3: Cosmic Connection

1. Go outside at night and look at the stars
2. Remember: the same atoms that make those stars make you
3. Feel the correspondence - you are not separate from the cosmos
4. You are the universe experiencing itself

The Deepest Truth

"As above, so below" ultimately means: There is no separation.

Not between:

• You and the universe
• Spirit and matter
• Inner and outer
• Above and below

It's all one thing, expressing at different scales, different frequencies, different forms.

You are not in the universe. You are the universe. The macrocosm and microcosm are one.

You Are the Correspondence

When you truly understand "as above, so below," you realize:

The universe is not happening to you. It's happening as you, through you, in you.

You are not a small separate thing looking up at a vast cosmos. You are the cosmos looking at itself through human eyes.

As above, so below. As within, so without. As the universe, so the soul.

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Explore the wisdom of the Emerald Tablet and track your understanding of correspondence with our Hermetic Principles Journal.