4. The Principle of Polarity
Everything is Dual; everything has poles; everything has its pair of opposites; like and unlike are the same; opposites are identical in nature, but different in degree; extremes meet; all truths are but half-truths; all paradoxes may be reconciled
The Principle of Polarity manifests the fact that
everything has its opposite, that everything has two poles. All phenomena have
opposite and contrasted sets of qualities, properties, or powers, operating in
opposite and contrasted directions. Every set of opposites constitutes a unity
consisting of a reconciliation and balancing of the opposing poles.
The axiom also states that two contrasting sets of qualities are actually just two
aspects or phases of the whole and not two separated and distinct things. Together
they build the unity of the phenomen itself. For example, 'cold' and 'hot' appear as
two different things but in fact are both temperature in different degrees.
The Principle of Polarity is closely related to the
Principle of
Vibration and the Principle of Rhythm.
From the Kybalion:
This Principle embodies the truth that everything is dual, everything has two poles,
everything has its pair of opposites, all of which were old Hermetic axioms.
It explains the old paradoxes, that have perplexed so many, which have been stated
as follows: 'Thesis and antithesis are identical in nature, but different in
degree'; 'opposites are the same, differing only in degree'; 'the pairs of opposites
may be reconciled'; 'extremes meet'; 'everything is and isn't, at the same time';
'all truths are but half-truths'; 'every truth is half-false'; 'there are two sides
to everything,' etc., etc., etc.
It explains that in everything there are two poles, or opposite aspects, and that
'opposites' are really only the two extremes of the same thing, with many varying
degrees between them. To illustrate: Heat and Cold, although 'opposites,' are really
the same thing, the differences consisting merely of degrees of the same thing. Look
at your thermometer and see if you can discover where 'heat' terminates and 'cold'
begins! There is no such thing as 'absolute heat' or 'absolute cold' - the two terms
'heat' and 'cold' simply indicate varying degrees of the same thing, and that 'same
thing' which manifests as 'heat' and 'cold' is merely a form, variety, and rate of
Vibration. So 'heat' and 'cold' are simply the 'two poles' of that which we call
'Heat' - and the phenomena attendant thereupon are manifestations of the Principle
of Polarity.
The same Principle manifests in the case of 'Light and Darkness,' which are the same
thing, the difference consisting of varying degrees between the two poles of the
phenomena. Where does 'darkness' leave off, and 'light' begin? What is the
difference between 'Large and Small'? Between 'Hard and Soft'? Between 'Black and
White'? Between 'Sharp and Dull'? Between 'Noise and Quiet'? Between 'High and Low'?
Between 'Positive and Negative'?
The Principle of Polarity explains these paradoxes, and no other Principle can
supersede it. The same Principle operates on the Mental Plane. Let us take a radical
and extreme example - that of 'Love and Hate,' two mental states apparently totally
different. And yet there are degrees of Hate and degrees of Love, and a middle point
in which we use the terms 'Like or Dislike,' which shade into each other so
gradually that sometimes we are at a loss to know whether we 'like' or 'dislike' or
'neither.' And all are simply degrees of the same thing, as you will see if you will
but think a moment.
And, more than this (and considered of more importance by the Hermetists), it is
possible to change the vibrations of Hate to the vibrations of Love, in one's own
mind, and in the minds of others. Many of you, who read these lines, have had
personal experiences of the involuntary rapid transition from Love to Hate, and the
reverse, in your own case and that of others. And you will therefore realize the
possibility of this being accomplished by the use of the Will, by means of the
Hermetic formulas. 'Good and Evil' are but the poles of the same thing, and the
Hermetist understands the art of transmuting Evil into Good, by means of an
application of the Principle of Polarity.
In short, the 'Art of Polarization' becomes a phase of 'Mental Alchemy' known and
practiced by the ancient and modern Hermetic Masters. An understanding of the
Principle will enable one to change his own Polarity, as well as that of others, if
he will devote the time and study necessary to master the art.
