Hermetic principle 5: Rhythm
“Everything flows, out and in; everything has its tides; all things rise and fall; the pendulum‑swing manifests in everything; the measure of the swing to the right is the measure of the swing to the left; rhythm compensates.”—The Kybalion.
Rhythm comes from the Greek word “Rhuthmos” or “Rhythoms” meaning any regular recurring motion, symmetry, or movement.
The hermetic principle of rhythm is closely related to the principles of vibration and polarity. To the hermeticist, the principle of rhythm represents the movement between two polar opposites and the back and forth movement of atoms, that form everything on the physical plane of existence.
The principle of rhythm is seen in many aspect of life, such as; the rising and sinking of the sun, the rising and falling of empires and world powers, and our moods and emotions.
Newton’s third law of motion also speaks on the principle of rhythm when he states, “For every action there is an opposite and equal reaction.”
Another example of this principle in action is the circadian rhythm in almost all living things. The circadian rhythm is a 24 hour cycle that regulates our sleep-wake cycle based on heat and light.
King Solomon spoke on the principle of rhythm in book of Ecclesiastes in the old testiment.
“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance,” - Ecclesiastes 3:1-4 (read full chapter for more)
To the alchemist, the principle of rhythm is the window in which we are able to monitor and view the changes in our mental states. This principle is the catalyst in which we adjust ourselves to find more balance and peace of mind. By understanding the principle of rhythm we learn to appreciate and embrace the fact that all grief and pain is only temporary, along with its opposites joy and happiness. When the alchemist learns to use this principle instead of being used by it, he or she is more capable to raise their vibration, break behavioral patterns and are better prepared to face the rising and fallings of the tides in their own life. The principle of rhythm grants the alchemist the wisdom and self-awareness to learn from every situation they face both positive and negative.
