A Treatise on Cosmic Fire

by Alice A Bailey

  a. Force from the Heavenly Man and, therefore, from the seven Rishis of the Great Bear via the Monad.

  b. Force from the Pleiades, via the solar Angel or Ego.

  c. Force from the planes, from the Raja Devas of a plane, or fohatic energy, via the spirillae of a permanent atom.

  It is this fact which accounts for the gradual growth and development of a man. At first it is the force of the plane substance, which directs him, causing him to identify [1158] himself with the grosser substance and to consider himself a man, a member of the fourth Kingdom, and to be convinced, therefore, that he is the Not-Self. Later as force from the Ego pours in, his psychical evolution proceeds (I use the word “psychical” here in its higher connotation) and he begins to consider himself as the Ego, the Thinker, the One who uses the form. Finally, energy from the Monad begins to be responded to and he knows himself to be neither the man nor the angel, but a divine essence or Spirit. These three types of energy demonstrate during manifestation as Spirit, Soul, and Body, and through them the three aspects of the Godhead meet and converge in man, and lie latent in every atom.

  The sevenfold energy of the planes, and therefore of substance, finds its consummation when the four lower centres are fully active. The sevenfold energy of the psyche, the consciousness aspect, demonstrates when the three higher in the three worlds are vibrating with accuracy. The sevenfold activity of spirit makes itself felt when each of these seven centres is not only fully active but is rotating as “wheels turning upon themselves,” when they are fourth dimensional and are not only individually alive but are all linked up with the sevenfold head centre. A man is then seen as he is truly—a network of fire with flaming focal points, transmitting and circulating fiery energy. These centres not only receive the energy through the top of the head, or through a point slightly above the top of the head, to be more accurate, but pass it out through the head centre likewise, that which is being passed out being seen as differing in colour, being brighter and vibrating more rapidly than that which is being received. The etheric body is formed of a negative aspect of fire, and is the recipient of a positive fire. As the various types of fire blend, merge, and circulate, they gain thereby and produce definite effects in the fires of the microcosmic system.

  [1159] The centre at the base of the spine (the lowest with which man has consciously to deal) is one of a peculiar interest, owing to its being the originating centre for three long streams of energy which pass up and down the spinal column. This triple stream of force has most interesting correspondences which can be worked out by the intuitive student. Some hints may here be given. This channel of threefold energy has itself three points of supreme interest, which (to word it so as to convey sense to the interested) may be regarded as:

  1. The basic centre at the extreme lowest point of the spine.

  2. The alta major centre at the top of the spine.

  3. The supreme head centre.

  It is, therefore, a miniature picture of the whole evolution of spirit and matter for,

  1. The lowest centre corresponds to the personality,

  2. The middle centre to the Ego, or the Thinker,

  3. The supreme head centre to the Monad.

  In the evolution of the fires of the spine, we have a correspondence to the sutratma with its three points of interest, the monadic auric egg, its emitting point, the egoic auric egg, the medial point, and the body or gross form, its lowest point.

  Another hint of interest lies in the fact that there exist between these spinal centres, certain gaps (if I may so express it) which have (in the course of evolution) to be bridged by the energetic action of the rapidly growing vibration of the force unit. Between the triple energy of the spinal column and the alta major centre, there is a hiatus, just as there exists that which must be bridged between the triple lower man and the egoic body, or between the mental unit on the fourth subplane of the mental plane and the solar Angel on the third subplane. Though we are told that the permanent atomic triad is enclosed in the [1160] causal periphery, nevertheless, from the standpoint of consciousness there is that which must be bridged. Again, between the alta major centre and the supreme head centre, exists another gulf—a correspondence to the gulf found between the plane of the Ego and the lowest point of the Triad, the manasic permanent atom. When man has constructed the antaskarana (which he does during the final stages of his evolution in the three worlds) that gulf is bridged and the Monad and the Ego are closely linked. When man is polarised in his mental body, he begins to bridge the antaskarana. When the centre between the shoulder blades, referred to earlier in this Treatise as the manasic centre, is vibrating forcefully, then the alta major centre and the head centre, via the throat centre can be united.

  Man, when he reaches this stage, is a creator in mental matter of a calibre different from the unconsciously working average man. He constructs in unison with the plan and the divine Manasaputra, the Son of Mind, will turn his attention from being a Son of Power in the three worlds and centre his attention in the Spiritual Triad, thus recapitulating on a higher turn of the spiral, the work he earlier did as man. This becomes possible when the growth of the triangle just above dealt with (base of spine, alta major centre and throat, as they unify in the head) is paralleled by another triplicity, the solar plexus, the heart and the third eye; the energy merging through them is similarly unified in the same head centre. The third eye is an energy centre constructed by man; it is a correspondence to the energy centre, the causal body, constructed by the Monad. The alta major centre is similarly constructed by other streams of force and corresponds interestingly to the triple form constructed by the ego in the three worlds.

  When this dual work has proceeded to a certain evolutionary point, another triplicity becomes alive within the [1161] head itself as the result of these dual streams of triple energy. This triangle transmits fiery energy via the pineal gland, the pituitary body and the alta major centre and this reaches the head centre. In this way in these three triangles we have nine streams of energy converging and passing into the highest head lotus. The correspondence to certain macrocosmical forces will here be apparent to all discerning students.

  We have seen the close connection between the different centres and the gradually demonstrating effects to be noted as they are linked up and eventually produce a synthetic circulatory system for egoic energy in conjunction with the energy of the lower man, which forms a kind of medium by which the egoic force makes itself felt. Macrocosmically, but little can be said which would prove intelligible to man at his present stage of evolution. Some brief statements might, nevertheless, be given which (if pondered on and correlated with each other) may throw some light on planetary evolution and on the relation of the planetary Logoi to the solar Logos.

  A solar Logos uses for His energy centres the planetary schemes, each of which embodies a peculiar type of energy, and each of which, therefore, vibrates to the key of the logoic solar Angel, of which the human solar Angel is a dim reflection. It is interesting here to note that as the human solar Angel is a unity, manifesting through three tiers of petals, the logoic correspondence is even more interesting, for that great cosmic Entity demonstrates on the cosmic mental plane as a triple flame working through seven tiers of petals, and it is the energy from these seven circles of energy which pulsates through the medium of any scheme. All this is hidden in the mystery of the ONE ABOUT WHOM NAUGHT MAY BE SAID, and it is not possible for men to solve it,—the truth being obscure to even the highest Dhyan Chohan of our system.

  The energy centres of the solar Logos are themselves [1162] in the form of vast lotuses (324) or wheels, at the centre of which lies hidden that central cosmic Life, we call a planetary Logos. He is the meeting place for two types of force, spiritual or logoic, which reaches Him (via the logoic Lotus on cosmic mental planes) from the seven Rishis of the Great Bear on Their own plane, and, secondly, of buddhic force, which is transmitted via the Seven Sisters or the Pleiades from a constellation ca
lled the Dragon in some books, and from which has come the appellation “The Dragon of Wisdom.”

  A third type of energy is added and, therefore, can be detected in these centres, that of manasic type. This reaches the logoic centres via the star Sirius, and is transmitted from that constellation which (as earlier I have [1163] hinted) must remain obscure at present. These three great streams of energy form the total manifestation of a logoic centre. This is known to us as a planetary scheme.

  Within the planetary scheme, these streams of energy work paramountly in the following manner:

  a. Spiritual energy three higher planes the Monads.

  b. Buddhic force fourth plane the solar Angels.

  c. Manasic force two lower planes the four kingdoms of nature.

  Physical energy, the left-over of a previous solar system, demonstrates through the dense physical form and in the material which is energised during the involutionary cycle. It is not considered a principle; and is regarded as the basis of maya or illusion.

  The various planetary schemes are not all alike and differ as to:

  a. Type of energy,

  b. Point in evolution,

  c. Position in the general plan,

  d. Karmic opportunity,

  e. Rate of vibration.

  The main distinction exists in the fact, as we have so oft repeated, that three of them form the three higher etheric energy centres of the Logos, and four constitute the lower centres.

  Saturn is of interest to us here because the Logos of Saturn holds a position in the body logoic similar to that held by the throat centre in the microcosm. Three centres towards the close of manifestation will become aligned in the same way as the centre at the base of the spine, the throat centre and the alta major centre. Here it must be pointed out that there are three planetary schemes which [1164] hold a place analogous to that held by the pineal gland, the pituitary body, and the alta major centre, but they are not the schemes referred to as centres, or known to us as informed by planetary Logoi. Certain of the planetoids have their place here, and one scheme which has passed out of activity, and is in a condition of quiescence and nonactivity. This latter scheme is the correspondence in the logoic body to the atrophied third eye in the fourth kingdom of nature. When man has developed etheric vision and thus has expanded his range of vision, he will become aware of these facts, for he will see. Many planetary schemes which are found only in etheric matter will be revealed to his astonished gaze, and he will find that (as in the body microcosmic) there are seven (or ten), paramount centres but numbers of other centres for the purpose of energising various organs. So likewise the body macrocosmic has myriads of energy focal points or feeders which have their place, their function, and their felt effects. These centres, with no dense physical globe, constitute what has sometimes been called “the inner round” and transmit their force through those greater centres which have been spoken of in occult books as having a connection with the inner round.

  Each of these planetary schemes can be seen as a lotus having seven major petals, of which each chain forms one petal, but having also subsidiary petals of a secondary colour according to the nature and karma of the Entity concerned. It is in the enumeration of these solar lotuses that occult students go astray. It is, for instance, correct to say that the planetary scheme corresponding to the microcosmic base of the spine is a fourfold lotus and has, therefore, four petals. There are four outstanding petals of a peculiar hue, but there are three of a secondary colour, and nine of a tertiary nature. (To students with intuition the hint here conveyed may reveal the name of the planet, and the nature of its evolution).

  [1165] Each of these solar lotuses, or planetary schemes, unfolds in three great stages of activity, in each one of which one of the three types of energy dominates. As the unfolding proceeds, the vibratory activity increases, and the appearance of the manifesting activity changes.

  a. The motion of the lotus or wheel for a long time is simply that of a slow revolution.

  b. Later, for a still vaster period, each petal revolves within the greater whole, and at an angle different to that of the whole revolution.

  c. Finally, these two activities are increased by the appearance of a form of energy which, originating from the centre, pulsates so powerfully that it produces what look to be streams of energy passing backwards and forwards from the centre to the periphery.

  d. When these three are working in unison, the effect is wonderful in the extreme, and impossible for the eye to follow, the mind of man to conceive, or the pen to express in words. It is this stage, macrocosmic and microcosmic, which constitutes the different grades of alignment, for it must never be forgotten by students that all that manifests is a sphere, and alignment really consists in unimpeded communication between the heart of the sphere and the periphery or the bound of the influence of the dynamic will and the centre.

  Within each planetary scheme, are found the seven chains which are the seven planetary centres, and again within the chain are the seven globes which are the chain centres, but students would do well not to study the globes from the point of view of centres until their knowledge of the mystery underlying dense physical substance is greater, or they will be led into error. The lower down one seeks to carry the correspondence, the more the likelihood of error. The correspondence must lie in quality and in principle expressed, but not in form.

  DIVISION F. - THE LAW OF ATTRACTION

  [1166]

  I. The Subsidiary laws.

  1. Law of Chemical Affinity.

  2. Law of Progress.

  3. Law of Sex.

  4. Law of Magnetism.

  5. Law of Radiation.

  6. Law of the Lotus.

  7. Law of Colour.

  8. Law of Gravitation.

  9. Law of Planetary Affinity.

  10. Law of Solar Unity.

  11. Law of the Schools.

  II. Its Effects.

  1. Association.

  2. Form Building.

  3. Adaptation of form to life.

  4. Group Unity.

  III. Group Relations.

  1. Three atomic relations.

  2. Seven laws of group work.

  3. Twenty-two methods of interplay.

  This law is, as we know, the basic law of all manifestation, and the paramount law for this solar system. It might strictly be called the Law of Adjustment or of Balance, for it conditions that aspect of electrical phenomena which we call neutral. The Law of Economy is the basic law of one pole, that of the negative aspect; the Law of Synthesis is the basic law of the positive pole, but the Law of Attraction is the law for the fire which is produced [1167] by the merging during evolution of the two poles. From the standpoint of the human being, it is that which brings about the realisation of self-consciousness; from the point of view of the subhuman beings it is that which draws all forms of life on to self-realisation; whilst in connection with the superhuman aspect it may be stated that this law of life expands into the processes conditioned by the higher law of Synthesis, of which the Law of Attraction is but a subsidiary branch.

  Strictly speaking, the Law of Attraction is a generic term under which are grouped several other laws similar in nature but diverse in their manifestations. It might be useful if we enumerated a few of these laws, thereby enabling the student to get (as he studies them in their totality) a broad general idea as to the Law and its modifications, its spheres of influence and the scope of its activity. It should be noted here as a basic proposition in connection with all atoms that the Law of Attraction governs the Soul aspect. The Law of Economy is the law of the negative electron; the Law of Synthesis is the Law of the positive central life; whilst the Law of Attraction governs that which is produced by the relation of these two, and is itself controlled by a greater cosmic law which is the principle of the intelligence of substance. It is the law of Akasha.

  It must be borne in mind that these three laws are the expression of the intent or purpose of the three Logoi
c Aspects. The Law of Economy is the governing principle of Brahma or the Holy Spirit; the Law of Synthesis is the law of the Father’s life; whilst the Son’s life is governed by, and manifests forth divine attraction. Yet these three are the three subsidiary laws of a greater impulse which governs the life of the Unmanifested Logos. (S. D., I, 56, 73, 74.) [1168]

  I. THE SUBSIDIARY LAWS

  The subsidiary aspects, or laws, of the Law of Attraction might be enumerated as follows:

  1. The Law of Chemical Affinity. This law governs the soul aspect in the mineral kingdom. It concerns the marriage of the atoms, and the romance of the elements. It serves to perpetuate the life of the mineral kingdom and to preserve its integrity.

  It is the cause of the immetalisation of the Monad.

  2. The Law of Progress. It is called this in the vegetable kingdom owing to the fact that it is in this kingdom that definite objective response to stimulation can be noted. It is the basis of the phenomenon of sensation, which is the key to this solar system of love, our system being a “Son of Necessity” or of desire. This law is the working out into manifestation of the informing consciousness of a part of the deva kingdom, and of certain pranic energies. The student will find much of esoteric interest in the following line of living forces:

  a. The second chain, globe and round,

  b. The vegetable kingdom,

  c. The devas of desire in their second reflected groupings,

  d. The heart of the Sun,

  e. The second Ray force.

  3. The Law of Sex.

  This is the term applied to the force which brings about the physical merging of the two poles in connection with the animal kingdom, and of man, viewing him as responsive to the call of his animal nature. It concerns itself with the due guarding of the form in this particular cycle and its perpetuation. It is only powerful during the period of the duality of the sexes and their separation and, in the case of man, will be offset by a higher expression of the law when man is again androgynous. It is [1169] the law of marriage, and finds some aspects of its manifestation not only in marriage of men and animals in the physical sense, but in the “occult marriage” of