The Principle of Gender
"Gender is in everything; everything has its masculine and feminine principles; gender manifests on all planes."
The Hermetic Principle of Gender, the seventh and final of the seven Hermetic Principles outlined in The Kybalion, states that “Gender is in everything; everything has its Masculine and Feminine Principles.” This principle reveals that the dual forces of Masculine and Feminine exist not only in nature, but within each of us, and in all creative processes.
The Masculine principle is associated with activity, logic, direction, and initiation. The Feminine principle governs receptivity, intuition, nurturing, and creation. These forces are not bound by biological sex—they are archetypal energies that dance in balance to generate movement, transformation, and manifestation.
Every act of creation—whether physical, emotional, or spiritual—requires both principles. The Masculine projects, the Feminine receives; the Masculine initiates, the Feminine nurtures; and together, they bring forth new realities. This applies to everything from artistic inspiration to the birth of ideas, relationships, or spiritual awakening.
When we are out of balance—too much force without receptivity, or too much passivity without direction—we experience stagnation, burnout, or confusion. The Principle of Gender teaches us to honor both aspects within ourselves and seek harmony. As we integrate the sacred Masculine and the sacred Feminine, we step into our full creative power.
Recommended Reading: The Kybalion
The Kybalion is a metaphysical text published in 1908 by three anonymous authors known as "The Three Initiates." It presents the foundational teachings of Hermetic philosophy, a spiritual system based on the wisdom attributed to the ancient Egyptian sage Hermes Trismegistus. The book outlines seven universal principles that govern the nature of reality, including Mentalism, Correspondence, Vibration, Polarity, Rhythm, Cause and Effect, and Gender. These principles provide insight into the workings of the universe and offer practical guidance for spiritual growth, self-mastery, and understanding the deeper truths of existence. The Kybalion is highly regarded in esoteric and mystical traditions for its concise and accessible presentation of Hermetic thought.