Cause & Effect

"Every cause has its effect; every effect has its cause. Chance is but a name for a law not recognized."

Historical interpretation

In Hermetic and related traditions, the universe is lawful, even when those laws are subtle and hidden. Events do not just "happen" out of nowhere. There are chains of inner and outer causes: thoughts, desires, rituals, habits, planetary conditions, social forces. The adept seeks to rise from being a passive product of causes to becoming a conscious cause in the chain.

Current-day interpretation

We recognize that patterns in health, money, work, and relationships usually trace back to repeated choices, environments, and beliefs. We are never in control of every factor, but we can almost always identify some levers we are actually pulling, often unconsciously. This principle invites us to become more intentional about which levers we touch.

Relatable example

Someone says they "suddenly" burned out at work. When they look closely, the "sudden" collapse came after months of saying yes to every request, skipping lunch, checking email in bed, and never taking a real day off. The meltdown feels random in the moment, but it is the completely predictable effect of hundreds of small causes lining up over time.