1. The lowest cosmic plane is the cosmic physical, and it is the only one which the finite mind of man can in any way comprehend.
2. This cosmic physical plane exists in matter differentiated into seven qualities, groups, grades, or vibrations.
3. These seven differentiations are the seven major planes of our solar system.

For purposes of clarity, we might here tabulate under the headings physical, systemic, and cosmic, so that the relationship and the correspondences may be apparent, and the connection to that which is above, and to that which is below, or included, may be plainly seen. [118]

THE PLANES

PLANE OF UNION OR AT-ONE-MENT

THE LOWER THREE WORLDS

4. These major seven planes of our solar system being but the seven subplanes of the cosmic physical plane, we can consequently see the reason for the emphasis laid by H. P. B. ^52,53 upon the fact that matter and ether are synonymous terms and that this ether is found in some form or other on all the planes, and is but a gradation of cosmic atomic matter, called when undifferentiated mulaprakriti or primordial pregenetic substance, and when differentiated by Fohat (or the energizing Life, the third Logos or Brahma) it is termed prakriti, or matter. ⁵⁴
5. Our solar system is what is called a system of the fourth order; that is, it has its location on the fourth cosmic etheric plane, counting, as always, from above downwards. [119]
6. Hence this fourth cosmic etheric plane forms the meeting ground for the past and the future, and is the present.
7. Therefore, also, the buddhic or intuitional plane (the correspondence in the system of this fourth cosmic ether) is the meeting ground, or plane of union, for that which is man and for that which will be superman, and links the past with that which is to be.
8. The following correspondences in time would repay careful meditation. They are based on a realization of the relationship between this fourth cosmic ether, the buddhic plane, and the fourth physical etheric subplane.
   • The fourth subplane of mind, the correspondence on the mental plane of the physical etheric, is likewise a point of transition from out of a lower into a higher, and is the transferring locality into a higher body.
   • The fourth subplane of the monadic plane is in a very real sense the place of transition from off the egoic ray (whichever that ray may be) on to the monadic ray; these three major rays are organized on the three higher subplanes of the monadic plane in the same way that the three abstract subplanes of the mental are the group of transference from off the personality ray on to the egoic.
   • The four lesser rays blend with the third major ray of active intelligence on the mental plane and on the atmic plane. The four Logoi or planetary Spirits work as one, on the atmic plane.

54 Mulaprakriti. The Parabrahmic root, the abstract deific feminine principle - undifferentiated substance. Akasha. Literally, "the root of Nature" (Prakriti), or matter.