As Above, So Below: The Principle of Correspondence - A Useful Lens, Not a Fact
Download MP3This episode introduces the principle of correspondence, often expressed as “as above, so below” or “as within, so without,” and reframes it as a functional lens rather than a factual claim. The focus is on how and when this idea is useful for examining experience, without requiring it to be literally true.
🔑 Key Takeaways
- The principle of correspondence is framed as subjective and instrumental, not factual.
- Its value lies in pattern recognition, not metaphysical accuracy.
- Truth and usefulness are treated as separate questions.
- Cognitive tools can be effective even when they are incomplete or imprecise.
- Awareness changes perception without changing external reality.
💬 Featured Quotes
- “This principle of correspondence is romantic and it is in a lot of ways useful and completely false.” (1:12–1:22)
- “Those patterns don’t necessarily need to be true or accurate to be useful.” (2:20–2:26)
- “The things that are true are relative and your understanding of truth is emergent.” (2:37–2:47)
- “That fundamental truth of as above so below is effectively an application of the frequency illusion.” (4:45–4:52)
- “This is useful to the extent that it is useful, and when it stops being useful, discard it.” (3:34–3:39)
Creators and Guests
Host
Brian Mattocks
Host and Founder of A Mason's Work - a podcast designed to help you use symbolism to grow. He's been working in the craft for over a decade and served as WM, trustee, and sat in every appointed chair in a lodge - at least once :D
