The Kybalion is divided into seven principles, which are axioms and insights similar to those found in the Book of Proverbs. The principles include mentalism, correspondence, vibration, polarity, rhythm, gender, and cause and affect. Based upon ancient Hermeticism, the book’s philosophies became founding pillars within the New Thought movement of the early 1910s.

The Kybalion originally published in 1908 under the pseudonym of the Three Initiates, is a book claiming to be the essence of the teachings of Hermes Trismegistus. Within The Kybalion is the claim that the book makes its appearance in one’s life when the time is appropriate. The Kybalion also claims to have influenced all major religions and philosophies ancient and modern alike.