As Above, So Below

The Law of Correspondence

Do you identify with the phrase, “as above, so below” as the corresponding relationship between Heaven and Earth? By its definition, it means that everything in Heaven has a mirrored or corresponding reality on Earth.

The law of correspondence—similar principles are reflected in both the micro and macrocosm, is one of the seven universal principles (aka natural law, Hermetic principles). In its frame, a single cell corresponds with the whole body; one body corresponds with all other humans; the branches with the roots of a tree; the world with the universe.

Like Rumi’s drop in the ocean. “You are the entire ocean in a drop.”

So beyond the belief that what happens in Heaven also happens on Earth, fractal theory scientifically details the self-same, similar repeating patterns that exist in all things.

You may not know all the natural laws (universal principles); you may not understand Mandelbrot’s fractal theory, nor agree with the simple “Heaven on Earth,” premise.

There is a more subtle yet embodied example of this concept—well-known Taoist Master Teacher, Mantak Chia’s practice of the microcosmic orbit, and its lesser known macrocosmic orbit which feeds the energy streams in the body from the rivers of Heaven and Earth.

Essentially, the microcosmic orbit circulates from the pelvic floor and tailbone up the back, over the head and down the front to the pelvic floor again. The macrocosmic orbit circulates from the cosmos above into the crown of the human below, where it joins the microcosmic stream. It simultaneously circulates up from the core of the planet below, into the body—its feet and legs above, joining the microcosmic stream at the pelvic floor.

The body’s vitality is reliant upon the macrocosmic energies. These universal energies not only enhance the body’s life force, they inform your awareness of your personal space—physical body, subtle anatomy and energy field.

“As within , so without” also expresses the law of correspondence (maybe) as a spiritual ideal, yet is often held outside the norms of socially correct interaction—by all means, hide what you really think under the guise of an acceptable (spiritual) persona.

Horizontal correspondences might be more honestly defined in the idea that attitudes are emotions and beliefs expressed through behaviors, however unconsciously demonstrated.

(Internal) thoughts are exposed in the (external) actions, or non-actions. What you think and feel—your beliefs, define how you see the world.

Observe these correspondences from belvedere—as above, so below; as within, so without. The center of your head connected to the heart center (soul) of your being, is the highest and the deepest, the most neutral and beautiful vantage point from which to listen and observe everything you create inside your personal microcosm, and how it effects everything all around you.

Essentials

The Earth streams in tune with the cosmic river.

Two triangles merge to create a six-pointed star, calling heaven to earth, making space in its center for the human heart to reside. Spirit is reflected in body and body in spirit. Your body is a sacred hologram of spiritual energy. Open your body to spirit.

Getting There

Breathe in a beam of golden light, connecting heaven to earth through your body. Feel it moving between your head and tail.

Sense:

Lie on your back, bend your knees, place your feet on the floor. Repeat the knee sway and pelvic roll from last week, allowing your knees to sway as far as you are able to each side. Move gently, slowly and thoughtfully with your breath. Inhale to lift your knees into center; exhale to gently lower them to the side. Repeat a few times on each side.

Move only in a range that is safe and comfortable for your body. Notice how your pelvis rolls, following your knees as they sway. Allow your breath to direct the movement and be sure to engage your abdominal muscles as you move.

Next, as you sway your knees, simultaneously roll your head from side to side—in opposition to your knees. Your breath directs your thoughtful and gentle movements. Repeat 3 times to each side, breathing and noticing how you feel, above and below.

Feel:

Inhale through your nose into the center of your head. Exhale down the length of your spine into the center of the Earth. Allow your breath to integrate the upper and lower halves of your body.

See:

Look around after you’ve cleared the center of you head and begin to notice the scenery you’ve created in your inner world. Is yours a beach, a woodland path, your favorite room or something else?

How you perceive the world is the way the world perceives you.

Spend some time each day clearing the center of your head so you can see and experience life with some neutrality—a balance of emotion, thought and sensation.

How are heaven and earth reflected inside of you?

Audio Companion: Center of Head

Each week you will find symbolism and relaxing practices following the Wheel of the Year, the Sacred Body Oracle cards and the calendar journal, “Sacred Body Pathworking: Mapping the Evolutionary Journey.”

The calendar journal and its companions are available for purchase here--please scroll down to the bottom of the linked page.

Weekly Relax your Body, Quiet your Mind audios accompany your pathworking journey around the Wheel of the Year.