Since childhood, I have been captivated by ancient cultures, particularly the Egyptians and the Incas. As I have evolved as a metaphysical seeker, I have uncovered many profound teachings along my journey. Today, I want to share a few proverbs that can profoundly impact our lives—provided we are willing to apply them.
Ancient wisdom is one of the greatest gifts we can give ourselves. We often assume that because these teachings are ancient, they must be obsolete. However, our world is not one of new discoveries but of rediscovery. Life operates in a cyclical pattern, continually balancing itself. The problems and challenges we face are not novel; our ancestors encountered similar issues in their quest for spiritual and technological advancement.
I firmly believe that expanding our knowledge by learning from those once deemed “savages” could be immensely beneficial.
The proverbs I will discuss come from the Emerald Tablet, also known as the Smaragdine Tablet. For those unfamiliar, the Emerald Tablet is a concise, cryptic text reputed to contain the secret of the “Prima Materia” and its transformation. It forms the cornerstone of the Hermetic tradition and holds some of the most profound wisdom of the ancient world.
1.- As above so below: What does this mean? Let’s make it more personal: “As within, so without.” This implies that if you feel worthless, you are likely to attract circumstances that reinforce that feeling. Conversely, if you feel positive and empowered internally, you will attract positive people and situations.
Ultimately, your internal state is everything. If you aren’t aware of your thoughts, don’t be surprised if you find yourself in environments and relationships that do not foster your growth. Our thoughts shape our reality!
2.- Know thyself and you will come to know the Gods: Many are familiar with this saying from Socrates. Here’s an interesting fact: Socrates traveled to Egypt to study and be initiated. This may help explain his deep respect for philosophy and his belief in the expansion of mind and soul.
Often, we search for answers externally. Some seek them in temples, believing that God can be confined to a building. However, the answers are within you. Although the world may have taught you to doubt your instincts, who knows you better than yourself? Who sees the world through your eyes? Who understands your experiences more intimately than you? Only you know what your soul and mind need to heal.
Do not fear spending time alone; solitude is not the same as loneliness. Remarkable people are not confined to a single place; they can be found all around you. As you work on your self-development, you will begin to resonate with like-minded individuals.
3.- He who understands music, will understand the cosmos:
Music conveys a range of emotions through vibration. When you listen to music, pay attention to what it communicates to you. Is it joyful? Remember, music is a personal expression, so don’t worry if others don’t share your taste. The key is to ensure that what you listen to nurtures, rather than diminishes, your well-being.
This proverb also reflects our ability to “tune” ourselves. Learning a new instrument demands patience and perseverance; you must tune the instrument to create beautiful music. Your soul is like that instrument, requiring constant tuning and practice. Be patient with yourself, and don’t let others hinder your progress in resonating at a higher level. This inner work cannot be done in any building…it must be done within yourself!
4.- He who follows his heart will never go astray: How often have you followed your heart and found yourself in the most beautiful places? When you listen to your heart rather than your fears, you open yourself to peace and reduce the chances of taking the wrong path. No matter what others may think, following your heart leads you to a journey that is uniquely yours, filled with lessons and growth. Life is meant to be experienced fully – embrace it all!
5.-A beautiful thing is never perfect: How often do we chase after perfection in our lives? We might yearn for the ideal body, the perfect partner, or the flawless accolades. Yet, the truth is, perfection is a myth.
When we accept that no one is perfect and that striving for a “normal” or “perfect” life might lead to stagnation of the mind, body, and soul, we begin to understand that there is no universal standard for perfection. What might be perfect for one person may not be right for another. Embrace the imperfections, as they are often where true beauty lies. Just as gold is refined by fire, our flaws and struggles can shape us into something beautiful.
6.-Friendship doubles joy and halves grief: Who surrounds you? Many in our day and age seek those who are “woke”, or who elevate them (but here I am using the term in a superficial way… its only based on labels, not on the actual heart of the person) Instead, the ancients advise us to seek out those who don’t seek to indoctrinate us but challenge our growth as well as encourage us to drop the masks and become our authentic self. Often, we cling to people who are popular or who act as if they have all the answers because we fear solitude, and we fear being wrong – yet inside we end up feeling even more alone…. an island to ourselves, even though there are many around us. Remember, you deserve to be in the company of those who genuinely enrich your life.
Having one or two true friends is far more valuable than many acquaintances who don’t resonate with your true self. As you grow and develop internally, you’ll find that solitude becomes a joy rather than a burden. Solitude is not the same as loneliness; loneliness is isolation, whereas solitude is a peaceful state of being.
Many of us sacrifice our authentic selves just to fit in with others who are equally lost. When you learn to accept and love yourself, you’ll come to appreciate both your own company and the companionship of a few special souls. Your choice to be with others should be just that—a choice, not a necessity or obligation.
7.-He who chats to you about other people is probably chatting about you: Many of us fall into the trap of listening to malicious gossip. If someone is willing to gossip to you in order to gain your acceptance or friendship, it’s likely they will do the same about you to others. Such individuals often seek validation through gossip and are driven by a need to be liked by everyone.
Confiding is not the same as gossiping; confiding is reserved for a trusted few, not shared with everyone. Observe whether the person is willing to repeat their words in the presence of those they speak about. This can reveal their true character and intentions.
8.-Know those who are faithful to you in low estate: When you’re thriving, it seems that everyone comes out of the woodwork. But what about the people who stood by you when others turned their backs? Those who supported you when you were harmed or condemned? These are the individuals who truly matter. Focus on them. Stop expending energy chasing those who show no interest in you during your lowest moments. Their attention is fleeting and unworthy of your effort.
9.-When the angels come out; the devils run away: You might fear embracing your full brilliance or fear revealing your true self. But true integration of your inner light and dark comes when you acknowledge your own power to transform your life. As you take control, you may face resistance from those who are threatened by your confidence, often referred to as “haters.” Focus on those who appreciate your greatness. If no one else sees it, it’s enough that you recognize and value your own worth.
Understand that many people struggle with the powerful energy that emanates from someone who fully embraces their light and dark sides. They may be unsettled by your ability to stand alone and live authentically. They might still rely on labels, boxes, and external validation because they are not yet ready to confront their own deeper truths or live authentically.
Two energies with different vibrations cannot coexist comfortably. This principle is reflected in the archetypes of angels and demons, or good and bad. Angels symbolize our higher nature, while demons represent our lower impulses. Those who are comfortable with their own light and dark live from their higher nature, while those who cling to dogma over personal truth are often trapped in their lower nature. This proverb underscores that while people aren’t inherently devils, those entrenched in their lower states may try to diminish your light….
Acting good or saintly is not the same as embodying true angelic qualities. Often, what appears as rigid virtue, or an outward display of holiness can mask a lack of self-esteem, hence dependent of the approval of others, which is achieved by acting morally superior. It can also hide deeper, more insidious motives. The devil frequently hides behind a facade of false virtue, using the guise of righteousness to manipulate, use and control. This pretense of sanctity is not a genuine reflection of one’s true nature but rather a calculated effort to appear morally superior while suppressing or denying one’s own darkness. True angelic presence is not about outward appearances or strict adherence to a set of moral codes but about the authenticity and integrity of one’s inner self. It involves embracing both light and shadow, without the pretense of infallibility or the need to project a false image of perfection.
Embrace your dark moments; you cannot reach the light without first navigating through darkness. Wisdom is born from experience, and a seemingly “perfect” life often indicates a lack of deeper growth … hence the term “narrow-minded.” The less your mind expands, the more you might fear solitude or rejection. Embracing both light and darkness fosters true wisdom and personal growth.
10.- Yesterday drunkenness won’t quench your thirst today:
How many times have you looked back at your mistakes and wondered, “What was I thinking?” We all make mistakes and you will make many more…that is OK- it’s impossible to navigate life without them. While we might wish we had chosen differently in hindsight, it’s important to remember that life makes no mistakes. Everything that happens is for our greater good. This proverb reminds us that each day is a new beginning.
Don’t be too hard on yourself. Each day offers a fresh chance to learn from past errors or to repeat them; ultimately, you are responsible for your choices and for being wise enough to learn to differentiate what works for you and what works for others – what may be a mistake to you, may not be a mistake to someone else …these are all influenced by culture, upbringing, personal history, motivation, etc. It all comes down to your heart, as well as your state of mind and the people you surround yourself with. We are all human – there are no saints. While you might occasionally lower your own vibration, the key is to be gentle with yourself. Reflect on what you’ve learned from your experiences and move forward. You don’t need to seek punishment from others or impose it on yourself. Instead, reward yourself for your resilience, for your power (for there are few who choose to move forward in life without relinquishing their inner fire) and recognize that you have the power to grow from every experience and the right to play with life.
Remember: “A BEAUTIFUL THING IS NEVER PERFECT”
Eiros 