How to Understand & Apply the Spiritual Laws of the Universe to Your Life - with Quotes!
We've all heard of the Law of Attraction—but did you know there are dozens of other essential laws that can help us manifest our dream and desires and to live in more alignment and authenticity?
There are 12 universal principles that are thought to be fixed, standard rules or principles for our existence Most are attributed to Hermes, the ancient Egyptian philosopher All of these principles have withstood the test of time and can be applied to our everyday life in this modern era.
Hermeticism is the pursuit of knowledge or wisdom pertaining to the natural and spiritual mysteries of the universe. It originated with Hermes in Egypt, but also has traces to ancient Greece and Italy. In Hermeticism, there are three Great Planes: the mental plane, physical plane, and spiritual plane and they all interact, harmonize and flow within and between eachother.
Embracing Hermetic concepts and philosophies has brought so much mental and emotional clarity for me personally. I feel much more grounded and am able to better FLOW within my life - not resisting or controlling and instead living with greater simplicity, trust, love and joy.
Whether we are aware of it or not, whether we understand it or not, and whether we believe it or not - Each law is at play at any given moment, and they all work together as guiding forces in our lives. These patterns are always repeating throughout history and across the universe.
Navigating life without knowing these fundamental truths is like going on a roadtrip without a map or GPS. They can help us...
understand how we got to where we are and how to get to where we're going
reach our goals and fulfill our highest potential
practice patience and grace
build resilience
learn how to trust and detach
eliminate desperation, pain and suffering
experience inner peace and true acceptance
As our understanding of energetics (vibration, frequency, harmony and resonance) increase, so does your power over yourself and your world. In other words, these principles can greatly help us in our pursuit of personal development and self-mastery.
1. Law of Divine Oneness ("We are ONE")
The first foundational law of the universe highlights the interconnectedness of all things. It says that beyond our senses, every thought, action, and event is in some way connected to anything and everything else.
The past, present and future are all connected. Our minds, bodies, hearts and spirts are connected. Heaven and earth are connected. We are each connected on a spiritual and energetic level, created from universal Source energy. Nothing is separate, so what we do to others, we do to ourselves- and vice versa.
It also embodies the idea that the Universe is a Living Mind, or that everything is mental. This Mental Universe is an infinite intelligence, intelligent field, and even the nature of consciousness itself. And matter is subordinate to the mind.
Prompts: How can I show more curiosity, compassion and acceptance towards what I don't understand? How can I honor and value the divinity within me and all around me? What can I imagine in my mind in order to create a new reality?
"We are all the leaves on one tree. We are all the waves in one sea."
Thich Nhat Hahn
2. Law of Vibration ("Everything is Energy")
Everything, at the most microscopic level, is in constant motion and vibrating at a specific energetic frequency. Nothing rests, everything is in motion. This applies to our personal frequency as well- our bodies, thoughts, feelings, emotions and actions. This endless movement of matter, both seen and unseen, tangible and intangible, creates our reality - the experiences, people, opportunities, situations, circumstances of our lives. So when we change our vibration, everything around us changes too.
We have control over our vibrations, much like tuning an instrument.
Prompts: Is there any area of my life where I am operating at a lower frequency? How can I elevate my own personal vibration? How can I elevate the vibration of my environment? How can I embody and align with the vibration of what I want to attract?
"If you want to know the secrets of the universe, think in terms of energy, frequency and vibration."
Nikola Tesla
3. Law of Correspondence ("As above, so below. As within, so with out." )
This law is states that our external world is a direct reflection of our internal state. Our reality is a mirror of what's happening inside us at that moment - in our minds, hearts and bodies. If we wish to change the outside, we must change the inside first. And the opposite is also true - if we wish to change our inner state, we must change our external environment.
This principle embodies the truth that there is always a correspondence and connection between all the universal laws and the phenomena that occur on various planes- spiritually, mentally and physically.
Prompts: What is this situation showing me about myself or my personal vibration? What areas of my self need healing or re-aligning? What patterns are showing up in my life?
"Watch your thoughts; they become words. Watch your words; they become actions. Watch your actions; they become habits. Watch your habits; they become character. Watch your character; it becomes your destiny."
Lao-Tze
4. Law of Attraction ("Like Attracts Like")
Undoubtedly the most famous universal law, this law is often used for manifestation. It states that energy flows where attention goes, or that ultimately we will receive what we focus on- whether that's what we want (or if we're not careful- what we don't want). Our vibrational frequency (based on what we think, do and say) is constantly attracting objects, people, situations, events, and experiences that are a direct match for it.
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Takeaways/Prompts: How can I vibrate at a level that attracts what I desire? How can I embody my desire every day through thoughts, actions and behaviors? How can I shift my energy to change the outcome of what I receive?
"What you think you become. What you feel, you attract. What you imagine you create. "
Buddha
5. Law of Inspired Action ("Dream, and Do")
This law is all about persistence and patience. It is about taking real, actionable steps to invite what we want into our lives. Inspired action comes from within and can be anything from a taking on a bold plan of action to something more subtle- that consistent, gentle, internal nudge. This action will feel joyous and effortless because it is supported by Spirit and Source. Receiving divine inspiration and guidance requires slowing down and quieting the mind of all of it's conditioning, control and expectations. It requires being our authentic selves - extensions of Higher Self and Spirit and Source.
Prompts: Am I open to all possibilities? Am I listening to divine wisdom before I act or react? What can I do to manifest what I want in the physical world?
"If opportunity doesn't knock, build a door"
Milton Berle
6. Law of Perpetual Transmutation ("Energy can't be created or destroyed, only changed from one form to another")
This law states that everything in the universe is constantly evolving, transforming, fluctuating on an energetic level. With intention and focus, every frequency will respond and shift to a new directions. High vibrations will always consume and transmute the lower ones. As such we each have the power to change the conditions of our lives based on our own energy, our thoughts and actions.
Prompts: How can I uplift negative energy around me through my thoughts and actions? How can I shift
7. Law of Cause & Effect ("What goes around comes around")
This law highlights the direct tie between actions and events, and that whatever we put into the universe will come back to us in time, also known as Karma. Everything happens according to law, even chance itself. Prayer, visualization, affirmations are some of the most powerful tools for shifting the direction of your thoughts and therefore our results/outcomes. Likewise, acting in compassion, love and kindness can dramatically impact the course of our lives. This principle embodies the fact that nothing merely ‘happens for no reason,’ and that there is no such thing as ‘chance.’
Prompts: How is my energy in this moment, both internally and externally? Am I attempting to change my experience, or my thinking first? How can I be my own activator, not just reacting or playing victim? How can I take initiative towards my success?
"Every action generates a force of energy that returns to us in like kind."
Deepak Chopra
8. Law of Compensation ("You reap what you sow")
This law reminds us that we must give in order to receive. Our efforts and our output of energy will always be rewarded. If you are seeking something positive then you must contribute something equally positive toward your goal - sharing your highest and best self.
Prompts: Where am I being called to serve and support others today? Where am I withholding from others?
9. Law of Relativity ("There is no good or bad, only perception")
This law suggests that even though we are inclined towards comparison, in reality, everything in our world is neutral. Our truth and meaning comes down to our individual perspective, our conditioning and labeling. Therefore It is best for us to judge from a place of curiosity, compassion, patience and objectivity. It's all relative.
Prompts: Am I appreciating what I have without the need to compare it something else?
10. Law of Polarity ("There are two sides to every coin")
This law says that everything in life has an innate opposite, a duality, a paradox, which gives it identity and meaning: love and hate, good and evil, big or small, warmth and cold, light and dark, hard and soft, right and left. This contrast in poles provides clarity. For every problem, there’s a solution. For every obstacle, there’s an opportunity. For every failure, lies a success. Within every negative there is a positive.
The true nature of this principle is that ‘opposites are the same, only varying in degree. This principle is important to Hermeticists, because it suggests we can practice "mental alchemy" - changing our perception with emotion, by recognizing it is the same and choosing the degree which best suits our needs. We can choose to experience polarity with our willpower for the betterment of your life and others.
Prompts: What does the opposite of this situation look like? What lesson is hiding in this experience of what I do not want? Can I see this from another perspective?
11. Law of Rhythm ("Change is the only constant")
Cycles are a part of nature, our bodies and our lives. From the tides of the ocean, to the seasons, our health, to our relationships - everything is in perpetual motion, nothing is static or permanent in life. Inevitable change occurs through an endless cycle of death/birth, endings/beginnings, growth/decay and rise/fall, creation/destruction, retreat and return. Everything has a divine order and sacred timing. We can't resist this- just surrender and flow within it.
The pendulum swing manifests in everything. This principle embodies the truth that everything exists in a measured motion, ebbing and flowing and changing and never truly sitting still.
Prompts: How can I accept and embrace this season am I in now, not looking forwards or backwards, not controlling, attaching or resisting change? How can I set myself up for sustainability and success knowing this situation is temporary? How can I build momentum, or cushion for recovery?
"Change is hard at first, messy in the middle, and gorgeous at the end"
Robin Sharma
12. Law of Gender ("The parts create the whole")
This law states that the masculine (Yang) and feminine (Yin) energy exists in all things, on all planes. Neither is better than the other. The masculine is the penetrative, assertive, progressive, conquesting, explorative energy that drives progress. The feminine is the receptive, sacred, treasured, protective energy, that maintains tradition and honors the priority of what is most important, while nourishing that which is most essential to life.
Modern society usually operates from Yang energy which involves future-driven
seeking
striving
moving
advancing
logic
action
authority
direction
This doesn't allow for much room for the present-driven Feminine
waiting
receiving
resting
existing
intuition
creativity
spirituality
presence
In reality, we need an equal blend of both energies for the most harmony, balance and peace.
This principle embodies the fact that masculine and feminine exist not only in the physical plane, but also the mental, and the spiritual as well. To choose the middle path between these extremes and seek balance in all things, is the key to using all Hermetic Principles principles to full effect and achieving lasting self-mastery.
Prompts: How can I create a balance between my masculine and feminine energies in myself, in my relationships, in my environment and in the world?
"Love is the recognition of oneness in the world of duality."
Eckhart Tolle
There are even MORE laws than this though. In The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success, Dr. Deepak Chopra reminds us that desperate striving and chasing simply isn’t necessary in life. In the natural world, creation comes forth organically and divinely- with grace, ease and effortlessness. We can understand the true nature of our being and authentically achieve our goals through these 7 powerful principles.
1. The Law of Pure Potentiality
When we embody this principle, we understand that there is a higher intelligence in every living thing. Our true essence is infinite and eternal. We are the source of everything that exists in the physical world, part of the field of energy consciousness of nature which is boundlessly creative and unbounded
Takeaway: Take time every day to be silent, to practice non-judgement and to just BE. Ideally this would be a 30 minute meditation, twice a day. When we witness our feelings, our visions, existing within the pause of our breaths and our thoughts, we rest in the realm of all possibilities and experience ourselves as pure potential.
"When you have no fear the possibilities are endless"
Jeffree Star
2. The Law of Giving & Receiving
Giving and receiving are different expressions of the same flow of energy in the universe. We can keep it circulating by giving and receiving gratefully every day - our care and affection, our appreciation, acts of service, our wealth, material items, and so much more. Since the universe is in constant and dynamic exchange, we should give and receive equally in order to keep abundance, love, and prosperity circulating and flowing n your life.
Takeaway: Take time every day to bring whomever you encounter a smile, a compliment or flower. We can also practice giving and receiving through our breath- taking in oxygen and the goodness of life, and releasing carbon dioxide, toxins and beliefs that are not serving us. When the breath in and the breath out are balanced and equal, we are flowing through life harmoniously.
"When we give cheerfully and accept gratefully, everyone is blessed"
Maya Angelou
3. The Law of Karma
The word karma in Sanskrit translates loosely to action. The law of karma demonstrates the power of our actions and the impact they have on ourselves and others. Every action generates a force of energy that returns to us in like kind. Choosing actions that bring happiness and success to others ensures the flow of happiness and success to you.
Takeaway: Practice mindfulness to become aware of our actions and choices, both conscious and unconscious, so that we can be more aware of the choices we make in life. Live your life by practicing compassion, kindness, justice and sustainability every day. We can also become more aware of our breath, how we hold our selves and move through the world physically.
4. The Law of Least Effort
This law reminds us to surrender into the unlimited power of the universe to "do less and accomplish more". Accept people, situations, and events as they occur. Take responsibility for your circumstances. Relinquish the need to defend your point of view. Offer no resistance and simply back what you do with love.
Takeaway: Practice living in your feminine energy - passive, accepting, receptive, resting.. When we transition from the masculine act of doing to the feminine art of being we will get farther, faster.
"The Master accomplishes more by doing less until he finally accomplishes everything by doing nothing"
Laozi
5. The Law of Intention & Desire
Inherent in every intention is the mechanics for its fulfillment. We are our deepest, driving desires. Our wills are our destiny and when things don’t seem to go our way, there is a higher reason.
Takeaway: Make time every day to connect with your heart, your unique pulse life, and ask yourself what you want. We can write down our desires or simply repeat a word or a phrase that resonates with your soul's truth and purpose. Over time we will naturally move in the direction of that truth, but we must always remember to trust in the divine order and timing.
6. The Law of Detachment
The law of detachment is the recognition that there is an infinite intelligence that is orchestrating and organizing our lives. We are not the all-powerful doers, but the co-creators of our destinies. At the spiritual level, everything is always unfolding perfectly. There is no right or wrong, no pass or fail, no good or bad. . We must awaken to the abundance that is available in the current moment and trust that everything is happening as it should. We should allow opportunities and solutions to spontaneously emerge, and only take action when truly called. Attachments, pressure and expectations are simply our Ego's voice and validations. Accepting absolute Uncertainty is the path to our freedom
Takeaway: Meditation and breathwork can remind us that most of the time, there is nothing else we need to do. Ask yourself - are you allowing yourself. and others to be who they are? Are you forcing solutions or trying to control things your way? Are you attached to outcomes?
"Freedom is the only condition for happiness. If we cling to anything - anger, anxiety, possessions, we cannot be free".
Thich Nhat Hahn
7. The Law of Dharma
In Sanskrit, the word dharma means “right direction”, or our purpose in life. We each have our own individual gifts that we are born into and meant to share with the world. Living as your highest self - in mind, body, spirit and service- brings unlimited joy and abundance and fulfillment
Takeaway: Stop trying to "fix" or change yourself. Feel the divine perfection of you and your individuality. Discover your unique talents. Focus on how you can be the best version of yourself and then use energy that to serve others
"Your Dharma isn't really about you. It's meant to feel good so you keep doing it, but it's really about serving humanity and raising the vibration of the planet."
Sahara Rose
Are there more laws than this? Yes! Here are a few involving Divine Timing and Order.
1. "The person who comes into our life is the right person."
In other words, no one comes into our lives by chance, all the people around us, who interact with us, are there for a reason, to make us learn and advance in each situation.
2. "What happens is the only thing that could have happened."
Absolutely nothing that happens to us in our lives could have been otherwise, not even the most insignificant detail. There is no: "if I had done this, then this...,"
What happened was the only thing that could have happened and it had to have been so for us to learn that lesson and move on. Each and every situation that happen to us in our lives is perfect, even if our mind and our ego resist and do not want to accept it.
3. "Anytime it starts is the right time."
Everything starts at the right time, neither before nor after. When we are truly ready for something new to start in our lives, that is when it will begin.
4. "When something ends, it ends."
If something ended in our lives, it is for our evolution, therefore it is better to leave it, let go and move on, knowing we have been enriched by that experience.
Lastly, a final law relating to the Law of Attraction, coined by Neville Goddard.
The Law of Assumption
The first step to manifesting anything you want is to get clear on what it is that you want to manifest. Then, step into the assumption and feelings as if you ALREADY have your manifestation. If you already had your manifestation now, how would you feel?
Your current reality may try to convince you that you will not manifest your desires. Your job is to shift back into the state of your wish fulfilled. Know that you already have your manifestation now regardless of how you're triggered or what the 3D is showing you.
Keep persisting and embodying already having your manifestation! It's done and on its way for you to receive.
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As you take time to reflect on these spiritual laws, we can allow them to infuse our being every day - embody their presence in all aspects of our daily life.
At the end of the day, these laws remind us that we are products of our destiny - that there is very little within our control, so we should accept and embrace our circumstances as they are. But also in contrast, our lives don't happen by itself. We must take responsibility for what we have and what we want and feel empowered to change that which we can control.
Want to learn more about how to use these laws to attract your desires? Check out my two-part blog post on Manifestation!
THE FOUR LAWS OF A SHAMAN
Erin is a certified feng shui consultant, energy healer, wellness coach and holistic growth strategist.
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