The Enchanted Initiate
A Journal of Traditional Symbolism, Hermeticism & the Occult Sciences

Herbert Spencer

Herbert Spencer, a philosopher and social theorist, is renowned for his work "First Principles" and the development of Spencerianism. Spencer played a significant role in advocating scientific theories and philosophies. He rejected the nebular hypothesis, which posits that the solar system formed from a cloud of gas and dust, due to his denial of the existence of a 'First Cause'—a notion he considered unnecessary in the explanation of the universe. Instead, Spencer proposed the concept of "Infinite and Eternal Energy" as a fundamental principle, underscoring his approach to scientific and philosophical inquiries.

Concordance & Cross-References

Primary Correspondences & Figures

Herbert Spencer's philosophy is closely bound with the hermetic concept of an infinite and eternal energy, which he interprets as mental. This alignment suggests that Spencer believed in a fundamental, continuous, and timeless mental or spiritual essence that underpins the universe. His thoughts resonate with hermetic tenets, indicating a deep-rooted belief in a metaphysical realm interconnected with the physical world through mental or spiritual forces.

SpencerianismConcept

Herbert Spencer's work inspired Spencerianism

Kenneth Macdonald, a modern practitioner, would recognize the alignment of his teachings with those of Herbert Spencer

ClairvoyanceConcept

Herbert Spencer rejected the nebular theory, an idea that contrasts with clairvoyant observations of the spiritual world

Nebular TheoryConcept

Herbert Spencer rejected the nebular theory, an idea that contrasts with clairvoyant observations of the spiritual world

Mediate Correspondences

Sympathetic Chains & Distant Affinities

Herbert SpencerthroughMentalismilluminatesAll →
I. Herbert Spencer & Mentalism

Herbert Spencer's philosophy is closely bound with the hermetic concept of an infinite and eternal energy, which he interprets as mental. This alignment suggests that Spencer believed in a fundamental, continuous, and timeless mental or spiritual essence that underpins the universe. His thoughts resonate with hermetic tenets, indicating a deep-rooted belief in a metaphysical realm interconnected with the physical world through mental or spiritual forces.

II. Mentalism & All

The principle of Mentalism posits that the nature of the universe is mental, underlying all phenomena.

Herbert SpencerthroughMentalismilluminatesKybalion →
I. Herbert Spencer & Mentalism

Herbert Spencer's philosophy is closely bound with the hermetic concept of an infinite and eternal energy, which he interprets as mental. This alignment suggests that Spencer believed in a fundamental, continuous, and timeless mental or spiritual essence that underpins the universe. His thoughts resonate with hermetic tenets, indicating a deep-rooted belief in a metaphysical realm interconnected with the physical world through mental or spiritual forces.

II. Mentalism & Kybalion

The Kybalion and Mentalism are closely interconnected entities, with "The Kybalion" outlining and teaching the foundational principles upon which Mentalism is based. The Kybalion presents these principles as the core teachings from which the practice of Mentalism is derived. Through these teachings, The Kybalion elucidates the fundamental concepts and practices that form the basis of Mentalism, thereby establishing a clear and direct relationship between the two. Mentalism, in essence, can be seen as an application of the principles taught in The Kybalion, focusing on the mental and psychological aspects of influencing and shaping reality.

Herbert SpencerthroughMentalismilluminatesSubstance →
I. Herbert Spencer & Mentalism

Herbert Spencer's philosophy is closely bound with the hermetic concept of an infinite and eternal energy, which he interprets as mental. This alignment suggests that Spencer believed in a fundamental, continuous, and timeless mental or spiritual essence that underpins the universe. His thoughts resonate with hermetic tenets, indicating a deep-rooted belief in a metaphysical realm interconnected with the physical world through mental or spiritual forces.

II. Mentalism & Substance

Substance, as underlying reality, is a key component in understanding Mentalism, which states that "The All is Mind; the Universe is Mental."

Herbert SpencerthroughMentalismilluminatesEvolution →
I. Herbert Spencer & Mentalism

Herbert Spencer's philosophy is closely bound with the hermetic concept of an infinite and eternal energy, which he interprets as mental. This alignment suggests that Spencer believed in a fundamental, continuous, and timeless mental or spiritual essence that underpins the universe. His thoughts resonate with hermetic tenets, indicating a deep-rooted belief in a metaphysical realm interconnected with the physical world through mental or spiritual forces.

II. Mentalism & Evolution

The principle of Evolution is a manifestation of the mental nature of the universe

Herbert SpencerthroughKenneth MacdonaldilluminatesHermetics →
I. Herbert Spencer & Kenneth Macdonald

Kenneth Macdonald, a modern practitioner, would recognize the alignment of his teachings with those of Herbert Spencer

II. Kenneth Macdonald & Hermetics

Kenneth Macdonald, a hermetic practitioner, would recognize the foundational hermetic principles as a core part of his knowledge

Herbert SpencerthroughMentalismilluminatesHermetic Principles →
I. Herbert Spencer & Mentalism

Herbert Spencer's philosophy is closely bound with the hermetic concept of an infinite and eternal energy, which he interprets as mental. This alignment suggests that Spencer believed in a fundamental, continuous, and timeless mental or spiritual essence that underpins the universe. His thoughts resonate with hermetic tenets, indicating a deep-rooted belief in a metaphysical realm interconnected with the physical world through mental or spiritual forces.

II. Mentalism & Hermetic Principles

Mentalism is a core principle of hermetic teachings

Herbert SpencerthroughKenneth MacdonaldilluminatesRhythm →
I. Herbert Spencer & Kenneth Macdonald

Kenneth Macdonald, a modern practitioner, would recognize the alignment of his teachings with those of Herbert Spencer

II. Kenneth Macdonald & Rhythm

Kenneth Macdonald, as a hermetic practitioner, understands and applies the principle of Rhythm

Herbert SpencerthroughClairvoyanceilluminatesPurgatory →
I. Herbert Spencer & Clairvoyance

Herbert Spencer rejected the nebular theory, an idea that contrasts with clairvoyant observations of the spiritual world

II. Clairvoyance & Purgatory

Those who have been clairvoyant in life tend to retain their spiritual sight for some time after death, making the transition easier Clairvoyance plays an essential role in facilitating the adaptation and awareness of beings undergoing purgatory. This psychic ability aids individuals in navigating the challenging process of purgatory, enabling them to better understand and adapt to the spiritual realm they are in. Through clairvoyance, one can gain insight into the conditions and experiences of purgatory, thereby facilitating a smoother transition and journey toward spiritual growth and redemption.

Herbert SpencerthroughSpencerianismilluminatesDeity →
I. Herbert Spencer & Spencerianism

Herbert Spencer's work inspired Spencerianism

II. Spencerianism & Deity

Spencerianism defines Deity as "infinite intelligence, infinitely diversified through infinite time and space"

Herbert SpencerthroughMentalismilluminatesMental Transmutation →
I. Herbert Spencer & Mentalism

Herbert Spencer's philosophy is closely bound with the hermetic concept of an infinite and eternal energy, which he interprets as mental. This alignment suggests that Spencer believed in a fundamental, continuous, and timeless mental or spiritual essence that underpins the universe. His thoughts resonate with hermetic tenets, indicating a deep-rooted belief in a metaphysical realm interconnected with the physical world through mental or spiritual forces.

II. Mentalism & Mental Transmutation

Mental Transmutation and Mentalisation are closely related, both focusing on the mental transformation of states and conditions.