A Treatise on Cosmic Fire

by Alice A Bailey

  CHART VI

  The Divine septenary hanging from the Triad thus forming the Decad and its permutations 7,5,4,3. (S.D. Vol. I, pp.259)

  Solar Septenary Chart - from the middle of the Third Root Race, at the Fourth Round to the “Judgement Day” in the middle of the Fifth Round

  THE DENSE PHYSICAL PLANET

  Earth 4th Chain 4th Globe Mars 4th Chain 4th Globe

  Jupiter 3rd Chain 4th Globe Vulcan 3rd Chain 4th Globe

  Saturn 3rd Chain 4th globe Venus 5th Chain 5th Globe

  Mercury 4th Chain 5th Globe

  I have especially mentioned these two centres in the microcosm as they are closely concerned (on a larger scale) with the particular cycles through which our [374] planetary Logos passes, and because they represent the third and second aspects.

  We need to bear in mind that the stimulation of the centres is of three kinds, and the distinction between the three must be kept clear.

  First, the vitalisation of the logoic centres, or the pouring through the seven schemes, during stupendous cycles, of logoic kundalini.

  Next, the vitalisation of the planetary centres, or the pouring through the seven chains of a scheme, of planetary kundalini.

  Finally, the vitalisation of the centres of a planetary Logos during some particular major incarnation, or the pouring through the seven globes of a chain, of kundalini.

  It should be stated here that:

  A major incarnation is one in which a planetary Logos takes some initiation. He may, and does, pass through many incarnations without taking initiation. When He does take initiation, it is interesting to note that He does so during some incarnation in which He takes a vehicle of etheric matter as is the case at this time.

  The Logos of our scheme is preparing for initiation and hence the terrific tests and trials, incident to life on our planet during this cycle, are easily accounted for.

  The Logos of our scheme, Sanat Kumara, will take a major initiation in the middle of the fifth round, but is preparing for a minor one at this time.

  The Logos of our scheme has been in physical incarnation (having a body of etheric matter) since the middle of the Lemurian root-race, and will remain with us until what is called “the judgment day” in the next round. At that point in His career He will have achieved the necessary vitalisation of the particular centre which is occupying His attention, will have “seen of the travail of His Soul” in connection with the units of the human [375] Hierarchy who go to the composition of this centre, and will drop His present form, will turn His attention to another and higher centre, and give of His force to the units of a different calibre, from another branch of the human Hierarchy, who respond to the vibration of that centre.

  It would be well to enlarge here a little on the connection between Venus and the Earth, which is hinted at in some of the occult books, and is somewhat touched upon in this. I have stated that the interaction between the two schemes is due largely to their positive and negative polarity, and I pointed out that a similar relation underlies the relation of the Pleiades and the seven schemes of our solar system, and also the relation of Sirius and the system itself. This, therefore, sweeps into close interaction three great systems:

  1. The system of Sirius,

  2. The system of the Pleiades,

  3. The system of which our sun is the focal point,

  making, as we will have noted, a cosmic triangle. Within our system there are several such triangles, varying at different stages; according to their relation to each other, the differentiated force of the different schemes can pass from scheme to scheme, and thus the units of life on the different rays or streams of force become temporarily intermingled. In all these triangles (cosmic, systemic, planetary, and human) two points of the triangle represent each a different polarity, and one point represents the point of equilibrium, of synthesis or merging. This should be borne in mind in studying both the macrocosmic and the microcosmic centres, for it accounts for diversity in manifestation, in forms and in quality.

  A correspondence might here also be pointed out which [376] may serve to convey light to those who have eyes to see:

  The Venus scheme, being in the fifth round, had the fifth principle of manas co-ordinated and developed, the minor four manasic aspects had been synthesised, and the buddhic aspect was being provided with a means of expression through the medium of the perfected fifth. Our Heavenly Man, in the fifth round, will have attained a paralleling point in evolution, and the fifth principle will, as stated, be no longer the object of His attention as regards the human units.

  Five stages of activity mark the development and utilisation of the mind principle; there are three stages of acquisition, and two wherein that which has been acquired is used. This is too intricate a calculation for us to enter into it here, and it cannot be undertaken except by an initiate, for it involves ability to study the cycles of the earlier solar system, but it might be noted that (judging from the microcosm on the earth planet) this is just what might be expected. Man developed manas in this round during the third, fourth and fifth root-races, and utilises it for the development of the intuition and of the higher consciousness during the sixth and seventh. During an incarnation by a planetary Logos in a chain, during one round He demonstrates through His seven centres or globes manas on three globes, and utilises it for specific purposes on the final two. This is a lesser cycle to that in which we view the seven chains as His seven centres. These words are chosen with care; I say not “acquires manas”; He but produces that which is inherent. It must be remembered that just as the planes of a solar system stand for a different purpose, vibrate to a different key, and serve their own specific ends, so do the globes serve an analogous function.

  a. Globe 1, is that of ultimate abstraction, and of origination. It is the initial globe of manifestation. [377]

  b. Globe 2, is the first sheath in which a Heavenly Man embodies Himself.

  c. Globes 3, 4, 5, are those through which He demonstrates the possession of the manasic principle.

  d. Globes 6 and 7, are the ones through which He manifests buddhi, through forms built by means of the manasic principle.

  This can be equally predicated on a larger scale of a chain.

  An interesting correspondence of a very occult nature can be worked out by the advanced student in connection also with the seven schemes. There are two which may be considered primarily archetypal, causal, or involving abstraction; three in which manas is manifested, and two in which already buddhi is manasically demonstrating. Of these two, Venus is one and thus we have the three and the two which make the five schemes of the five Kumaras, Who are Brahma. (136)

  Just as Venus is negatively polarised to our Earth scheme, so the seven stars of the Pleiades are negatively polarised to our seven schemes.

  A very pertinent question might here be asked. We might justly enquire (in connection with the point that Venus is negatively polarised, and also that the Pleiades are equally so) why they should be termed negative if they are the donors and not the receivers, for to be negative is surely to be receptive. This is indeed so, but the question arises in our minds, owing to lack of information, and consequent misapprehension. Venus may have had much to do with the impartation of the stimulation which resulted in great events on Earth via the Venus chain of our scheme, but our scheme gave, in a mysterious manner, more than was received, though the [378] gift was not of the same nature. The coming in of the Venusian influence to our chain, and to our planet, with the subsequent stimulation of certain groups in the fourth Creative Hierarchy, the human, caused a paralleling event of even greater magnitude in the Venus scheme. This affected the sixth Hierarchy, one of the deva Hierarchies, dwelling in the Venus scheme. This stimulation emanated via our sixth chain (or the second according to the angle of vision) and affected a corresponding chain in the Venus scheme. The magnitude of the difference may be seen in the fact that in our case one globe alone was affected, whereas the influence of our scheme on the Venus
ian was such that an entire chain was stimulated. This was brought about through the positive polarity of the Heavenly Man of the Earth scheme.

  Therefore, enlarging the concept, we can note the fact that our Heavenly Men are the transmitters, via their seven schemes, to the seven stars of the Pleiades. Our solar system is negatively polarised as regards the sun Sirius, which influences our entire system psychically via the three synthesising schemes—Uranus, Neptune, Saturn—the latter, Saturn, being the focal point for the transmission of cosmic manas to the entire seven schemes.

  4. Manas and the Earth Chain

  We have brought our consideration of our first point, the origin of cosmic and systemic manas, down to certain facts concerning our chain, and have (with the utmost brevity) passed in review the larger aspect of the question. We touched first of all upon the subject of cosmic manas, as it concerned our Logos and the Heavenly Men. Then we considered it more specifically in its relation to the individual Heavenly Men, and finally brought it down to that which more nearly concerns ourselves— [379] manas and the Heavenly Man of our scheme. Having proceeded thus far, we considered the stimulation of manas in our own chain, and saw that, in connection with our Earth, it came:

  Via the Venus chain of our scheme.

  As the result of a stimulation, originating in the Venus scheme.

  Because logoic kundalini had vitalised one of the systemic triangles of force, of which (temporarily) Venus and the Earth formed two points of the triangle.

  This produced the individualisation of those, particularly in the human Hierarchy, who form a particular centre in the body of the planetary Logos.

  a. The Earth Chain and the Incarnating Monads.

  We have reached, therefore, a point wherein (having cursorily dealt above with the origin of cosmic, systemic, and planetary manas), it is now possible for us to come definitely down to the consideration of our Earth chain within the Earth scheme, and see something of the origin of the manasic principle in the present group of incarnating egos, units of the fourth Creative Hierarchy. It is necessary here for students to remember that only one group in the fourth Hierarchy was affected by the coming in of manas in the third root-race, and that therefore in incarnation on the planet at this time are component parts of the two groups: one group, which received the manasic stimulation during this world period, and another group which received the stimulation during the previous chain. The last named group can be seen incarnating in all those who tread the Probationary Path, who are counted as the advanced units of the race, and considered as the notables among men. Owing to the difference between the two groups may be traced much of the world unrest. This difference lies in the following [380] factors, which, for purposes of clarity, it might be well to enumerate:

  The fact that each group forms a different centre in the body of a Heavenly Man.

  The difference in the method of individualisation.

  The different rate of vibration of the two centres.

  The fact, therefore, that in each chain the planetary Logos takes a different initiation, affecting different centres; and so bringing into manifestation different lesser entities.

  Students, when considering these things, need to view the matter from the following angles—some quite possible lines of approach for us, others which we are only capable as yet of dimly anticipating. The occult fact, as stated by the English poet Pope, “The proper study of mankind, is man,” is embodied in the investigation of all these vast cycles.

  The cosmic angle. This involves the study of the place of the solar Logos within His greater sphere, the study of extra-systemic psychology and astronomy, and the consideration of the relation existing between our system and other constellations, and of our path in the vast arc of the heavens. It bears on the relation of the various suns with their circulating attendants, and of the planets with each other; it concerns the study of their individual polarisation, and their interaction with their polar opposites. It will lead the student into regions of logical speculation, into the study of cosmic electricity, and the universal Law of attraction, and is as yet much beyond the comprehension of even the most advanced students at this time, and will only become a science (reduced to form and text-book if I might so express it) during the final part of the next round.

  The systemic angle. This deals with the place of the Heavenly Men within the body logoic, Their mutual [381] interplay, and Their rational interdependence, and with the cycles wherein each in turn, or in dual formation, is the recipient of logoic force. It necessitates the study of the solar system as a unit, of the astronomical and orbital relation of the Sun to the planets. The systemic triangles will eventually become a subject of popular speculation, then of investigation, of scientific demonstration, and finally be known to be proved and authenticated fact,—but the time is not yet. The different polarities of the schemes will be studied, and information, that is now imparted only to initiates of the third Initiation, will eventually become exoteric. In due course of time systemic information along the lines of:

  a. The vitalisation of the schemes

  b. Interaction between two schemes

  c. The periods of incarnation of a planetary Logos on the physical plane

  d. The initiation of the planetary Logos,

  will be reduced to law and order. As yet but dim speculations and hints that appeal only to the spiritual and the intuitive are in any way possible. The early part of the next round will see more widespread knowledge and interest in this matter.

  The planetary angle. This point of view concerns itself with the history of the individual scheme, and with the consciousness, and evolution of some particular Heavenly Man. The student in studying along these lines must endeavour to get some grasp of the scheme as a unit, as a body corporate with its seven centres and forty-nine globes, and with the triangle formed between them. Separate chains are either

  The object of planetary stimulation,

  The sphere of the incarnation of a planetary Logos,

  Emerging into objectivity, [382]

  Manifesting,

  Gradually entering into obscurity.

  This point of view is as yet impossible for the average thinker, for it involves an expansion of consciousness unattainable by man. Nevertheless the endeavour to comprehend serves a useful purpose, for it sets a goal for man and enables him to enlarge his present concept.

  The chain angle. This brings the whole idea more within the range of possibility, and has already been indicated to students in Volume II, of the Secret Doctrine. The student is narrowed down to the contemplation of the seven globes of the chain of which he is a component, though microscopic, part. He has for investigation the globes as seen in time, with their mutual interplay; he has for study the part each one may be playing in the great cycle of a Heavenly Man. For instance, in the present Earth chain which concerns us the most nearly, the fourth globe is of paramount interest, inasmuch as it is the physical plane vehicle for a Heavenly Man in dense objective incarnation. Yet it must not be forgotten that, though manifesting thus objectively, He embodies in totality the chain and the scheme. The idea may be clarified for the student if it is stated that:

  A scheme, in its totality, corresponds to the Monad, or to the monadic auric egg, in connection with a human being and his forty-nine cycles.

  A chain, (137) in its totality corresponds to the body egoic of a human being, to the causal body with its seven great [383] cycles mentioned elsewhere in these pages, and hinted at in certain occult books.

  A globe, with its seven races corresponds to a particular series of incarnations in connection with a man, incarnate or discarnate, for all globes are not on physical levels.

  A physical globe, in a chain corresponds to a particular physical incarnation of a man. The planetary Logos takes physical form in His planet and is its life and works out His purposes.

  A root-race, simply is analogous to the “seven parts” (as Shakespeare phrases it) as played by the midget, man. In a root-race
a Heavenly Man is simply living out His life, working through some experience in the great work of developing buddhi or corporate action, (for buddhi is the unifying principle of groups) and, in the process of experiencing and developing, He sweeps into His vibratory capacity all the cells in His body. In the case of a human being the cells in his body (the material cells) are involutionary lives, animated by the third Logos, co-operating with the second Logos. In the case of a planetary Logos, the cells in His body are evolutionary lives (deva and human units) animated by the life of the second Logos, co-operating with the first Logos, and utilising the activities of the third Logos for purposes of manifesting.

  Having pointed out these things, the place the Earth chain and globe play in the evolution of the planetary Logos of the Earth scheme should be clearer to the student.

  The wheel turns, and in its turning sweeps into objectivity one of its seven globes, or brings into manifestation on the physical plane that great Entity Whose life animates the whole scheme. It must be borne in mind that just as man is handicapped by his physical body, [384] and finds himself unable to express through it the entire content of his egoicconsciousness, so a Heavenly Man, when taking to Himself a dense physical vehicle in any particular chain, is also handicapped, and is unable to express in perfection on the globe the full beauty of His Life or the splendour of His manifesting Consciousness.