Acceptance: A Hermetic Perspective on Embracing Life’s Flow
Atalanta Fugiens by Michael Maier Emblem 31. From Furnace and Fugue, (c) Brown University.
2024 was a year I wanted to intentionally go very deep into internal healing and care, and settle more into my femininity with a consistent rhythm. And I certainly did that:
I created rhythm around self care routines to take care of my physical vessel - early morning pilates classes, monthly acupuncture and massages, I’ve made improvements to my diet. My physical health isn’t yet where I want it to be, but I’m treating myself with more love and respect, and that has helped so much with my mental and emotional health and how I perceive myself.
I also created rhythm and commitment around my service to others. I host meditation twice per month on the New and Full moons. I’ve also created this new website. BY I’ve learned so much about myself and others! And seeing my students get results is so rewarding.
I speak to myself much more kindly, and I am less tolerant of those who are unkind towards me. I am discerning around where and with whom to invest my time and energy.
These things are all amazing fruits! I’m so grateful to myself for doing the work. But as I come up for air and set goals for this upcoming new year, I’ve noticed that life has been throwing me moments that have really challenged my sense of control, and I’ll be honest - it’s been difficult. I still haven’t been met with the sense of stability and progress I was hoping to get from going into this process… so what gives?
As I reflect, I think something I’ve been really struggling with is accepting the challenges that come with striving to be a “better person”, whatever that means… I suppose if I were to define it for myself, it would be living as a person with integrity, humility, compassion, generosity, and someone who is always seeking to rise to their full potential of creative expression and joy. Someone who works in the present to heal the past and take action towards creating what I desire in the future.
I’ve done a lot of work to get myself to a place where I can be proud of living the values I care about, and of course there’s a lot of work to continue. I’m grateful to myself for doing that work, and I have seen improvements in key areas. But
Well, it makes sense once I took a minute to reflect on where I’m at right now. When we change internally, external changes are bound to happen — in work, relationships, home.
Life is full of moments like this that challenge our sense of control. A sudden change, an unmet expectation, or the discomfort of not knowing what’s next—these experiences can feel unsettling, even overwhelming. But what if we reframed these moments through the lens of acceptance, not as giving up, but as stepping into alignment with something greater?
From a Hermetic perspective, acceptance is a vital part of self-mastery and personal growth. It’s not passive surrender but an active choice to align with life’s natural flow.
Here are five practical insights from Hermetic wisdom to help you cultivate acceptance and bring more peace and clarity into your life.
1. Acceptance Aligns You with Divine Order
In Hermetic thought, the universe operates according to laws and patterns that guide everything into balance. When we resist reality, we disrupt that harmony—within ourselves and in our lives. Acceptance means trusting that even when things seem chaotic, there is an underlying order.
Pause and reflect on how challenges in your life might be guiding you toward growth. When faced with resistance, ask, “How is this teaching me something I need to learn?”
2. Acceptance is the Path to Inner Alchemy
Personal transformation is an alchemical process - it takes time and effort to push against the resistance that comes with growing into a new level of your potential. Just as base metals are refined into gold, our resistance can be transmuted into wisdom and clarity when we embrace what is. Practicing acceptance allows us to integrate life’s experiences rather than fighting against them.
The next time you encounter frustration or disappointment, try journaling about how this moment might lead to a better version of yourself. Transformation often begins with a shift in perspective.
3. Acceptance Requires Non-Attachment
Our suffering often stems from attachment—whether to specific outcomes, identities, or ideas of how things should be. By consciously releasing these attachments, we open up space for trusting the unfolding process of life. Acceptance doesn’t mean we don’t care; it means we’re willing to let go of the need for control.
Practice non-attachment by focusing on effort rather than outcome. Ask yourself, “What can I do with integrity in this moment?” Then release the rest.
4. Acceptance is Active, Not Passive
True acceptance isn’t about throwing up your hands in defeat. It’s about acknowledging reality as it is while choosing to respond intentionally rather than react emotionally. This is part of the mastery of the self—moving from a place of grounded awareness.
When faced with a challenge, take a moment to breathe deeply and center yourself. Instead of reacting immediately, ask, “What is the most aligned response I can offer here?”
5. Self-Acceptance Reflects Universal Harmony
The Hermetic Principle of Corespondance (“…as within, so without”)- reminds us that our inner world shapes our outer experience. Acceptance of the self—your strengths, imperfections, and everything in between—is the foundation for finding peace in the world around you.
Spend time each day acknowledging something you appreciate about yourself. This could be as simple as, “I handled that conversation with grace,” or, “I am proud of the effort I made today.” Small acts of self-acceptance ripple outward into all areas of life.
Embracing Life’s Flow
Acceptance is not a single moment but an ongoing process that creates space for transformation by allowing life to flow through you rather than holding onto how things “should” be. Growth often requires breaking down old structures—like outdated beliefs or unhelpful patterns—so something new and more aligned can take their place. By softening resistance and integrating the lessons life brings, you open the door to wisdom and clarity.
This process requires patience and trust. When you meet challenges with openness instead of resistance, you’re better able to navigate them and extract their hidden lessons. Over time, acceptance becomes second nature, helping you live with more balance, resilience, and ease.
Acceptance doesn’t mean giving up on your dreams or settling for less. Instead, it’s about working with reality rather than against it. By embracing acceptance as a practice, you align with life’s natural rhythm—finding the flow that carries you forward.