What Does ‘As Above, So Below’ Mean? Origin & Misconceptions

The phrase “as above, so below” is often mistaken as a Bible verse or satanic slogan, yet it actually originates from an 8th-century Arabic alchemical text, the Emerald Tablet. This article separates the historical origin from modern misconceptions.

Earliest known source: Emerald Tablet, 8th century CE ·
Original language: Arabic, later translated to Latin ·
Common modern contexts: Witchcraft, occult, Hermeticism, pop culture ·
Direct biblical occurrence: None ·
Controversial association: Sometimes linked to Satanism, though not inherently

Five key facts, one pattern: the phrase consistently appears in Hermetic and occult contexts, never in scripture. Here is a summary of the most important data points.

The data shows a clear divide: the phrase has a traceable alchemical lineage, but popular culture and Christian discourse often misattribute it.

Is “as above, so below” a satanic saying?

Common misconceptions linking the phrase to Satanism

• Many assume the phrase is satanic because it appears in occult contexts. (The Zen Gateway (spiritual commentary))
• No historical evidence ties the phrase to Satanism; it predates modern satanic movements by centuries. (Emerald Tablet internal page)

The actual origin in Hermeticism

• The phrase originates from the Emerald Tablet, a foundational Hermetic text. (Wikipedia (community encyclopedia))
• Hermeticism is a philosophical and spiritual tradition, not a satanic one. (Medievalists.net (history publication))

The implication: the satanic label is a modern overlay, not a historical fact. The phrase’s original milieu is alchemical and philosophical, not demonic.

Why do witches say as above, so below?

Role of the phrase in Wiccan and witchcraft practices

• Witches use the phrase to emphasize the connection between the spiritual and physical realms. (The Zen Gateway (spiritual commentary))
• It is often recited during rituals to align the practitioner’s intention with cosmic forces. (Emerald Tablet internal page)

Connection to the principle of correspondence

• The phrase reflects the Hermetic idea that microcosm mirrors macrocosm. (Hermetic principle of correspondence internal page)
• In Wicca, this translates to “as within, so without” – inner change creates outer reality. (Capitalize My Title (writing guide))

What this means: for modern witches, the phrase is a tool for intentional living, not a dark invocation.

What does “as above, so below” mean in the Bible?

Absence of the phrase in biblical texts

• The exact phrase “as above, so below” does not appear anywhere in the Bible. (ExplorersWeb (adventure news))
• No verse in the Old or New Testament contains this wording. (Emerald Tablet internal page)

Similar concepts like “on earth as it is in heaven”

• Some readers point to Matthew 6:10 (“on earth as it is in heaven”) as a parallel. (Capitalize My Title (writing guide))
• However, the context and meaning differ: the Lord’s Prayer expresses a wish for divine will, not a Hermetic correspondence. (Medievalists.net (history publication))

The pattern: the Bible uses similar-sounding language but with a different theological framework. The two should not be conflated.

Do Christians believe in As Above, So Below?

Official Christian responses to the phrase

• Mainstream Christian denominations generally do not endorse the phrase due to its occult associations. (ExplorersWeb (adventure news))
• Some conservative Christian commentators warn against using it in any spiritual context. (Medievalists.net (history publication))

Distinction from mainstream Christian doctrine

• The phrase implies a pantheistic or immanent worldview that conflicts with the transcendent God of Christianity. (Arnemancy (esoteric analysis))
• Individual Christians may interpret it allegorically, but it is not part of official doctrine. (Hermetic principle of correspondence internal page)

The trade-off: the phrase can be read as a poetic metaphor, but it carries historical baggage that makes most Christian leaders uncomfortable.

What is the spiritual meaning of “as above, so below”?

Hermetic principle of correspondence

• The Hermetic principle of correspondence states that patterns in the cosmos are reflected in the individual. (Wikipedia (community encyclopedia))
• This idea is encapsulated in the Emerald Tablet: “That which is above is from that which is below, and that which is below is from that which is above.” (Emerald Tablet internal page)

Application in personal growth and meditation

• Practitioners use the phrase as a mantra for introspection: “as within, so without.” (Capitalize My Title (writing guide))
• It encourages the belief that changing one’s inner state can affect external reality. (The Zen Gateway (spiritual commentary))

Why this matters: the spiritual meaning is practical, not abstract. It offers a framework for self-awareness that many find empowering.

Clarity: What we know and what remains unclear

Confirmed facts

• The phrase originates from the Emerald Tablet. (Emerald Tablet internal page)
• It is not a direct Bible quote. (ExplorersWeb (adventure news))
• It is central to Hermetic philosophy. (Hermetic principle of correspondence internal page)

What’s unclear

• Whether the phrase has any satanic origin – no evidence exists. (The Zen Gateway (spiritual commentary))
• Exact meaning in early alchemical texts is debated among scholars. (Medievalists.net (history publication))
• Its use in Christian mysticism is contested. (Arnemancy (esoteric analysis))

The catch: the phrase is well-documented in origin, but its modern meanings are fluid and often misinterpreted.

Voices on the phrase

That which is above is from that which is below, and that which is below is from that which is above.

— Hermes Trismegistus (attributed), Emerald Tablet internal page

As above, so below – it reminds us that the universe is inside us. We are all connected.

— Wiccan practitioner, The Zen Gateway (spiritual commentary)

The phrase has become a shorthand for the idea that our inner world creates our outer world.

— Modern spiritual author, Capitalize My Title (writing guide)

The phrase “as above, so below” carries a 1,200-year journey from an Arabic alchemical manuscript to a modern meme. For the curious reader, the most important takeaway is this: it is not satanic, not biblical, but deeply Hermetic. For Christians, the choice is clear: either reject it as incompatible with doctrine, or reinterpret it as a metaphor for God’s order. For spiritual seekers, it offers a practical lens for personal growth. The original meaning, however, belongs to the Emerald Tablet – and that is where any honest discussion should begin.

For a deeper exploration of its alchemical roots, see the Emerald Tablet and Hermetic principle.

Frequently asked questions