Macrocosm and Microcosm

The doctrine of the Macrocosm and Microcosm is a foundational Actor Term across all branches of Western Esotericism, alchemy, and Renaissance magic.

As Above, So Below

The concept asserts a direct, structural correspondence between the universe as a whole (the macrocosm) and the human being (the microcosm). Because man contains a miniature version of all the stars, planets, and elements found in the universe, an occult sympathy exists between them. This is the theoretical engine of all Renaissance magic: by manipulating the microcosm (through diet, imagination, or ritual), the magus can attract and influence the massive forces of the macrocosm. In alchemy, the transmutation of metals in the flask (microcosm) mirrors the perfection of the entire cosmos.