This article will look at the principle quod est superius est sicut quod inferius, et quod inferius est sicut quod est superius, meaning “that which is above is like to that which is below, and that which is below is like to that which is above”, often shortened to “as above, so below”. It will also examine a gesture used by occultists which embodies the principle.
In his work, The Mystery of Iniquity, Pierre Virion states that the “as above, so below” principle is a false analogy which is at heart anti-Christic: “Illuminism and the theogony (stories of the gods) of the sects thus lead to an inversion of the data of revelation and consequently of Catholic theology.”
Thus transformation or regeneration is evil when it relies on occult means rather than on the graces flowing from Christ’s Redemption. For the proud occultist, however, transformation and enlightenment without Jesus Christ are desired, and he believes they are achieved by the recognising and balancing of opposing forces.
This well-known image of the demon Baphomet comes from the 1856 book, Dogme et Rituel de la Haute Magie, Volume 2 by Éliphas Levi.
Levi, a French occultist of the 19th century, greatly influenced Saint-Yves d’Alveydre, the founder of Synarchy.
Levi’s depiction embodies the principle of duality, reconciling opposites such as light and dark, male and female, spiritual and material. Baphoment, known to traditional Catholics as the demon of fornication, is androgynous and holds its hands in opposing directions in the familiar “as above, so below” formation. One explanation of the gesture is that it “signifies the flow of spiritual knowledge and the grounding of that knowledge in the material world.” The occultist believes that by using this gesture he can balance the opposing forces surrounding him.
A detail from the Redemptoris Mater chapel, created by the disgraced artist, Fr. Marco Rupnik. Christ is depicted with hands in the “as above, so below” configuration. Pope John Paul II can be seen in the background.
The principle of duality is found in a number of occult traditions such as Hermeticism and Kabbalism. In Hermeticism, the “as above, so below” represents the macrocosm (the universe) reflecting the microcosm (the individual). The Kabbalah applies a similar meaning, using the dualistic principle of the Macroprosopus and the Microprosopus (the great world and the small world). In Alchemy, this duality represents transformation, both of base metal into a precious metal and of man through spiritual enlightenment.
The characteristics of the god Baphomet with his up-down” gesture are said to be shared by the god, Baal. Baal is known as the demon responsible for promoting abortions.
This link is an interesting one given the video compilation shown in the Tweet below. In it, one finds the ultra-pro-abort Kamala Harris repeating variations of a specific phrase, accompanied by the “as above, so below” hand gesture. Harris’ gestures and repetition of the phrase, “what can be, unburdened by what has been”, are reminiscent of a witch performing an incantation.
The principle of “as above, so below” is also found in Freemasonry where it has particular significance. It refers to the presence of the Divine in both the spiritual and physical worlds and emphasises their interconnectedness. Masonry also includes the explicitly Hermetic idea that the spiritual realm is reflected in the physical realm and vice versa. Another application of the principle is found in the Masonic obligation of each human being to maintain balance and harmony, especially as expressed through Masonry’s tolerance of various creeds.
The “as above, so below” theme is found in three of Masonry’s integral symbols: the square and compass; the hexagram, also known as the Seal of Solomon; and Jacob’s Ladder.
This quote from a Freemason, explaining how Masonry’s rituals reference the “as above, so below” principle, point to a diabolical inversion of the Catholic Mass:
I believe that in the heavens (Above) a ritual is taking place all the time. A divine drama with the building theme of making perfection out of imperfection. When, therefore, here upon earth, a ritual is enacted, symbolising that eternal process, then some of the spiritual realms above are brought down to earth. It is this mysterious unity of thought, synchronising above to below. This my brothers, is my belief, that this gives Freemasonry its magic and eternal purpose.
INFORMATION SOURCES:https://whowhatwhere.substack.com/p/hand-signals-of-baphomet-and-baal
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hermeticism
Pierre Virion, La Mystere_iniquite
Esoteric Freemasons website
On the Square website
IMAGE SOURCES: Eliphas Levi, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Beyond My Ken, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Pblpitt, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
https://www.vatican.va/content/dam/vatican/virtualtour/redemptorismater/resources/tour-en.html
Ecclesiastical Freemasonry 
