"Nothing happens by chance in the universe. Everything is in accord with law," writes New Thought philosopher Ernest Holmes. Universal law and law of attraction picked up steam in the 1890s, as an explosion of self help books were published to illuminate "quintessential truths of the universe." It's believed that divinity dwells within each individual and that one need only apply the law of attraction to reach one's full potential. All the universal laws can be linked with the attraction law, which says that "like attracts like."

According to the law of vibration, anything that exists in the universe can be broken down into patterns and energy. While you may not be able to physically see the energies you're directing out into the world, they are there, this theory says. The universal law states that whatever energy a person puts out into the universe is attracted to similar energies that are of equal or harmonious frequency, thus directing that energy back to you. For instance, if you've been thinking negatively all day long, you're likely to receive even more troubles; yet if you spend some time manifesting positive energy and meditating on your deepest desires, you're likely to receive exactly what you've asked for.

The law of polarity allows us to live life to the fullest and appreciate what we have. For instance, we could not have wealth without the existence of poverty; we could not have success without the existence of failure; we could not have joy without sorrow; if there was not death, we could not experience life. The law of polarity and law of attraction say that there is a certain amount of personal responsibility in whatever end of the spectrum an individual is at. One's choice of focus determines whether positive or negative events occur, this universal power law says.

"Ask and you shall receive," is the basic premise of the universal laws and law of attraction. Many people begin learning about the law of attraction stories through books, CDs, movies and seminars. The most famous introductory film is "The Secret," which has sold millions of copies and changed numerous lives. In essence, the New Thought movement inspires a more positive train of thought, helping people to become empowered and inspired. One must first believe happiness is deserved and that happiness is possible for any progress to be made.