The surface meaning of this statement is straightforward: affection and connection are the fundamental forces that hold reality together. It suggests that without love, the cosmos would fragment and cease to cohere.

The Hermetic tradition, however, understands this 'love' not merely as human emotion, but as the divine principle of attraction and union, the very essence of the One. In Hermetic philosophy, particularly as found in texts like the Emerald Tablet, the universe is seen as a unified whole, a manifestation of the divine Mind (Nous). This divine Mind expresses itself through a principle of attraction, a cosmic sympathy that draws like to like and binds disparate elements into a harmonious order. This is the 'Great Work' – the alchemical process of spiritual transformation and unification, mirroring the cosmic binding. Love, in this context, is the active, creative force that emanates from the divine source, permeating all levels of existence and ensuring its continuity and interconnectedness. It is the energetic signature of God, the ultimate reality, seeking to return all things to their origin.

In your life: Recognize that acts of kindness, compassion, and genuine connection are not merely social niceties, but participate in this fundamental cosmic force. Cultivate these qualities to strengthen your own inner unity and your connection to the greater whole.