You’ve probably seen the viral clips. A woman stands on a stage, speaking with a rhythmic, almost hypnotic cadence, telling someone in the "hot seat" that their bank account is empty because their "vibration" is off. That woman is Esther Hicks. If you’ve ever used the phrase "Law of Attraction," you’re essentially quoting her—or rather, you’re quoting the entity she claims to channel, known as Abraham.
It sounds out there. Honestly, it is. But the Law of Attraction Esther Hicks popularized isn't just some fringe New Age hobby anymore. It’s the foundation of the multi-billion dollar self-help industry. From "The Secret" to the "lucky girl syndrome" on TikTok, the DNA of this movement traces back to a couple from Fresno, California, who started recording workshops in the 1980s.
But here’s the thing. Most people get the Law of Attraction completely wrong. They think it’s about wishing for a Ferrari and waiting for it to drop from the sky. Esther’s version is actually much more nuanced, focusing on emotional "frequency" rather than just thinking positive thoughts.
The Weird Origins of Abraham Hicks
Back in the mid-80s, Esther and her late husband Jerry Hicks weren't spiritual gurus. Jerry had been a top distributor for Amway; he knew how to sell a vision. He was obsessed with Napoleon Hill’s Think and Grow Rich, but he felt like something was missing from the "hustle" mentality.
Then came the meditations.
According to their story, Esther began "receiving" information from a non-physical group of consciousnesses called Abraham. She describes it like a radio signal. She tunes in, and they speak through her. It’s easy to be skeptical. Plenty of people are. But whether you believe she’s talking to spirits or just tapping into a very creative part of her subconscious, the impact of the Law of Attraction Esther Hicks introduced to the world is undeniable.
Jerry was the strategist. He saw the potential in these teachings and turned them into a nomadic empire. They spent years traveling the US in a high-end bus, holding workshops in hotel ballrooms. They weren't just selling "hope." They were selling a specific vocabulary: the Vortex, the Emotional Guidance Scale, and Step 4 (which is staying in the "receiving mode").
How the Law of Attraction Actually Works (According to Esther)
The core premise is simple: Like attracts like.
If you feel like crap, you attract more crappy situations. If you feel "in the vortex"—Hicks' term for being aligned with your true self—you attract "abundance." But it’s not just about money. It’s about people, timing, and ideas.
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Most critics argue this is just "magical thinking." They aren't wrong, but Esther would argue that's the point. The "work" isn't doing things; it's feeling things. This is a massive departure from traditional success coaching that demands 80-hour work weeks. Instead, the Hicks philosophy suggests that if you find a way to feel good now, the universe is legally obligated (by universal law) to match that feeling with external reality.
The Emotional Guidance Scale
This is one of the more practical tools Esther teaches. It’s a list of 22 emotions, ranging from Joy/Knowledge/Empowerment at the top to Fear/Grief/Depression at the bottom.
The goal isn't to jump from depression to joy in five seconds. That's impossible. Instead, she teaches "reaching for a better-feeling thought." If you're in despair, maybe you can reach for anger. Why? Because anger feels slightly more powerful than despair. It’s a step up. Once you're angry, you can reach for frustration, then boredom, then hopefulness.
It’s a ladder. You climb it one rung at a time.
Why "The Secret" Caused a Major Rift
You can't talk about the Law of Attraction Esther Hicks without mentioning the 2006 film The Secret.
Esther was the original star of the movie. She was the "voice" of the law of attraction. However, after the initial release, she was edited out of later versions. Why? Business disputes. Jerry and Esther didn't like the way the contracts were handled, and they felt the movie focused too much on "stuff"—the cars, the houses, the bling—rather than the spiritual alignment they preached.
Rhonda Byrne, the creator of The Secret, went on to become a global phenomenon. Esther went back to her bus.
Interestingly, many fans believe the "original" version of The Secret (the one with Esther) is far superior. It had a different "vibe." Without Esther, the movie felt more like a commercial for consumerism. With her, it felt like a weird, deep dive into the mechanics of the universe.
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The Dark Side: Spiritual Bypassing and Victim Blaming
It’s not all sunshine and butterflies. The Law of Attraction has a massive "logic hole" that many find problematic.
If you attract everything into your life, does that mean you attracted your illness? Your car accident? Your poverty?
The Hicks philosophy says yes.
This is where many people check out. It can lead to "spiritual bypassing," where people ignore real-world problems or systemic injustices because they’re afraid that "focusing on the negative" will bring more of it. It’s a tough pill to swallow. Esther’s stance is that even if you didn't consciously want the bad thing, your "vibrational frequency" was a match for it.
- Critique 1: It ignores systemic inequality (racism, classism, etc.).
- Critique 2: It creates "vibrational anxiety," where people are terrified of having a bad thought.
- Critique 3: It lacks empirical scientific evidence (though many fans point to quantum physics, most physicists say that's a huge stretch).
Despite these heavy critiques, the community around Abraham Hicks remains massive. People don't just go for the "logic"; they go for the feeling of relief.
Practical Steps to "Alignment"
If you’re curious about applying the Law of Attraction Esther Hicks style, it’s less about vision boards and more about "segment intending."
- Segment Intending: This is the practice of stopping before you start a new task—like getting in your car or starting a meeting—and deciding how you want it to feel. "I intend to have a safe and easy drive." It sounds small, but the goal is to set your "momentum" early.
- The 17-Second Rule: Esther claims that if you hold a pure thought for 17 seconds, another thought like it will join it. If you hit 68 seconds, the "manifestation" process begins in earnest. It’s basically a concentration exercise.
- The Rampage of Appreciation: This involves speaking or writing down things you like, one after another, as fast as possible. "I like my coffee. I like the way the sun looks on the wall. I like that my car started today." The goal is to get the "momentum" of feeling good so high that you become a "magnet."
The Science vs. The "Woo"
Is there any science here? Sort of.
The Reticular Activating System (RAS) in your brain is a real thing. It’s a filter. If you decide you want to buy a red Jeep, you’ll suddenly see red Jeeps everywhere. They were always there, but your RAS was filtering them out. By "focusing on your desire," you’re essentially training your brain to notice opportunities that were previously invisible.
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Esther calls this "inspired action." You don't just sit on the couch; you wait for an "impulse" to do something, and then you do it. That impulse is your brain (or Abraham, depending on your view) recognizing a path forward.
What Most People Get Wrong
People think they need to work hard to manifest.
Esther says the opposite. She says "efforting" is a sign you’re out of alignment. If it feels hard, you’re pushing against the stream. "Rowing your boat gently down the stream" is her favorite metaphor. If you're struggling, turn the boat around. Go with the flow of what feels easy and good.
This is a radical idea in a culture that prizes "the grind." It’s probably why her workshops are still packed. In a world that's increasingly burnt out, the idea that you can "vibrate" your way to success by taking a nap and feeling better is incredibly seductive.
How to Start With These Teachings
Don't go out and buy a bunch of crystals yet.
If you want to understand the Law of Attraction Esther Hicks teaches, start by listening to the "Introduction to Abraham" recordings. They’re all over YouTube for free. Pay attention to how you feel while listening. Do you feel empowered? Or do you feel like you’re being sold a bridge?
The true "test" of the Law of Attraction isn't whether you get a million dollars by Tuesday. It’s whether you can change your internal state regardless of what’s happening in the outside world.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Start a "Book of Positive Aspects": Pick a person or a situation you dislike. Write down ten things you actually like about them. It forces your brain out of the "complaint loop."
- Observe your "Self-Talk": For one day, just notice how often you say "I can't," "I don't have enough," or "This always happens to me." You don't have to change it yet. Just notice the "frequency" you're broadcasting.
- Practice "The Pivot": When you catch yourself in a negative thought, ask yourself: "I know what I don't want. So, what do I want?" This shifts the focus from the problem to the solution instantly.
The Law of Attraction isn't a magic wand, but it is a psychological tool. Whether Esther is channeling an ancient collective consciousness or just practicing high-level cognitive behavioral therapy, the result for many is the same: a sense of control in a chaotic world. Just remember to keep one foot on the ground while you're reaching for the stars.