This book is a translation and interpretation of an esoteric teaching, said to have originated with Hermes Trismegistus who is thought to have transformed himself into an ancient Egyptian god with this knowledge. The name “Trismegistus” means “thrice great,” so Hermes wasn’t just awesome, he was awesome cubed. 

This Kabalion is part of a trilogy of works known as the “Hermetic Writings” and the only one of the three that was not written down in the earlier times, but rather passed down in secrecy to Initiates “when the student was ready.” 

 In 1912 the Kybalion was first published by three anonymous Initiates, so that caused some controversy.

Are you seeing the power of a triune playing into things here…Mr. Thrice Great, a trilogy of work and three anonymous Initiates…Holy trinity Batman! 

So what does the Kabalion contain? The secrets it reveals are seven laws of the Universe. 

These laws are not so much commandments as they are information about how the Universe functions. How things work, and if you become conscious of this knowledge, you can then choose to flow more harmoniously with the Devine Source of Intelligence that is not only behind it all but is IT. Barnes uses capital I, capital T, like say, a corporate IT infrastructure. But IT is also Source or God.

Barnes intent with his book was to translate an obscure and challenging text into something that the modern, everyday person could read and understand. He is very successful with that, in my opinion. In fact, the temptation might be to quickly consume the book in one or two sittings. But what I love about The Kybalion 101, Barnes version, is that it is eloquently written, lyrical, like poetry...