Our recent journey into the spaces of the Solar System has helped to build a picture for us that is in keeping with the teachings of the Esoteric Philosophy, wherein we have come to understand that everything is alive. Each planet is really a Chain of Globes, and they are all living entities owing allegiance to the Sun, which is the ever-living heart, ever serving and sustaining his planetary family.
We must now explain more specifically certain of the teachings which will bring to a conclusion this portion of the book, and this aspect of the Doctrine of the Spheres will help us to se the Solar System in a new light.
We must remind ourselves that of the many planets we see, certain ones are studied with special interest because they are connected by karmic ties which set them apart as a group. These are the Seven Sacred Planets: Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn, and the two secret planets which go by the names of the sun and Moon for the reason that these two visible objects, although no planets themselves, provide meaningful symbols and therefore give their names to these two planets whose true names and nature are known to the Adepts. Uranus, Neptune and Pluto are not numbered among the Sacred Planets because, although belonging to the Solar System in a general sense, they do not belong to this group in particular due to the fact, as already suspected by modern astronomy, that they did not belong to the Solar System in the first place when it was formed, but have been captured. It is interesting that this term is used by modern astronomers, and it is right in line with the teachings given us by H. P. B.
Why, then, is the Earth not also numbered among the Sacred Planets? We have learned that it is because, according to the teachings, these seven Sacred Planets have a direct and wonderful relationship to the Earth. In a sense it might be said that the Earth is their Child, for the reason that they all helped to build it. We must stress again that the physical planets are not meant here, obviously, but it is the indwelling Planetary Spirits that are involved. Each and all of them had a most important part to play, for, in the words of Gautama the Buddha, “All things contribute to all things.” Their help was in the nature of guiding the armies of monads as they performed their work of constructing the Globes of the Earth Chain during the First Round; in all probability they still do guide and watch over the denizens of the Earth during their peregrinations through he Globes in the course of the Rounds and Races now going on.
We have a very meaningful lesson in the phenomenon of white light being broken into the seven prismatic colors. Whenever we see a rainbow, for instance, we are witnessing a phenomenon with deeply occult implications.
It should be understood that the seven Planetary Recors which seek imbodiment as Globe Chains, and which form this group known as the seven Sacred Planets, are like prismatic colors emanating from the white light of the Solar Consciousness, and it is natural that they should differ one from another, just as the colors do. Indeed, each one of the planets has its own characteristic Svabhâva, while yet owing spiritual allegiance to the common parent, the Solar Intelligence.
This is exactly in line with the teaching previously elaborated, which shows how the One becomes the Many: how each entity sends forth rays of itself which are entities of a somewhat less lofty type, and how this process is continued ad infinitum. Therefore it is in line with this sublime teaching that we are to consider that each one of the globes of any chain is itself the imbodiment of a global entity, a ray from the Planetary Spirit or Rector which is the hierarch of its own planetary system of globes. So, if we wish to think of the Planetary Rector which is the indwelling consciousness of the Earth Chain as a whole as the white light which emanated its seven rays, then each such prismatic ray will be such a Global consciousness. And it is natural that these should differ one from another in exactly the same manner as the Planets differ among themselves.
Now it is these differences between the colors, representing the differences between the natures of the Planetary Spirits on the one hand, and the Global Entities on the other, that bring about certain similarities of nature, or correspondences, between the Planets and the Globes of the Earth Chain. Green, for instance, a component of sunlight, is not fundamentally different from the green of a fluorescent rock. Thus, the intelligence of a certain Globe, Globe D for instance, might be quite similar in type to that of one of the Planets, Saturn for instance. On this idea rests the teaching about Correspondences, which presents one fascinating aspect of esoteric study. Whereas it may have little practical value at this time for the student to know these correspondences, yet they are to be regarded as the letters of the occult alphabet. The ability to form words and combine them into meaningful sentences will mark the awakening of true spiritual powers; it is a part of human destiny that this shall come about in due time.
Here then is the more complete chart of correspondences (involving as it does the five higher Globes) as given by G. de Purucker in Fundamentals of the Esoteric Philosophy, p. 487. You will see that this paradigmatic form shows that all twelve of the Globes have their correspondences, and that except for the secret planets for which the Sun and the Moon stand as symbols, he Sacred Planets have two corresponding globes each. At our present level of understanding, we must see each Planet as dual in character, each one closely related to, or governing as we say, a manifested Globe and the unmanifested Globe bearing the same letter.
| D' Saturn |
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| Venus C' |
Mercury E' |
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| Jupiter B' |
Mars F' |
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| Sun A |
Moon G |
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Jupiter B |
Mars F |
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| Venus C |
Mercury E |
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| Saturn D |
If this teaching were expanded still further, one would find that while each of these correspondences points to the dominant influence, the other planets all have their part to play in each and every one of the Globes of the Earth Chain. Thus there are the correspondences between the Sacred Planets and the Rounds of the Chain and, furthermore, between the Planets and each one of the Root-Races on any one of the Globes, and so on.
This is the aspect of Esoteric Astrology which has real meaning for the theosophical student, for it deals with consciousness itself. Indeed, it can be further expanded to show how each one of us is related to this mighty scheme: Every one of us is related to one of the seven Sacred Planets by reason of his own essential Svabhâva, which is the same type as the Svabhâva of the Planet with which he is connected by occult ties of destiny. This relationship may or may not show itself in any particular horoscope. The ruling planet, so called, may pertain to one particular incarnation only, and may indicate certain circumstances into which the individual was born. The occult correspondence may be hidden and is not to be ascertained by the ordinary methods used in astrology.
We are prepared now to carry out study yet a step farther. We now understand the pattern whereby, like the white light giving rise to the prismatic colors, the hierarch of a system gives rise to its prismatic rays which are entities seeking their own means of self-expression. So let us probe into the mysteries of the Solar System as taught in the deeper teachings of the Ancient Wisdom: We shall see that this Sun, which we acknowledge to be the Hierarch of the Solar System, is but a ray of a Solar Intelligence of a super-spiritual type, a super-Solar Intelligence, if you like. And thereby hangs a tale. It is that of the Râja Sun, referred to occasionally by the Mahatmans and H. P. B. We are now to learn, therefore, that there is a Solar System vaster by far than that which we have been accustomed to studying. Within the confines of space enveloping our known Solar System, which is mystically known as the Egg of Brahmâ, there are innumerable planetary chains. Certain of these Chains have specific karmic ties with one another; others do not, but not unlike the “captures” referred to earlier, they have their place, though their destiny is general rather than particular, in the interest they have for us in our present studies.
To be more specific then, our family of Sacred Planets forms but one group of such families of planets. In all there are seven: each such group constitutes a family of Sacred Planets whose destinies are being worked out along similar lines to those of our own group. Each such “sacred” group has its own Sun, its own Hierarch of the system, and each such group consists of seven planetary chains, function, as said, along lines similar to our own but all of them on other planes of consciousness and therefore beyond the reach of our understanding. In fact, they are far more remote in terms of planes of consciousness than are the Globes of our own Chain, and yet their karmic destiny is inextricably linked with ours. So now the Super-Solar Intelligence which is the Raja Sun is to be likened to the white light, and the seven prismatic colors are taken to represent the seven Solar Chains, chiefs of their own systems of planets. Thus we see that this scheme, which ahs been constructed in order to enable us to grasp the teaching, really originates deep in the recesses of Cosmic Consciousness.
This aggregate of Planetary Chains, 49 of them in all, in seven groups of seven, is known collectively as the Universal Solar System—not to be confused with our Galaxy. It might be said that within the Galaxy there are undoubtedly millions of such Universal Solar Systems. In one of our earlier chapters, it was said that within Brahman there are many Brahmas. Brahman is the Galactic Consciousness, and each unit Brahma is the indwelling super-Solar Consciousness which at its heart is a Raja Sun.
In presenting this picture, we have approached it from the standpoint of the Globes of the Chains: seven manifested globes in each chain; seven chains in a family of sacred planets, making 49 globes; seven such families within the Universal Solar System, making 343 Globes, the cube of 7. (We have met this number before in relating it to human consciousness.)
Adhering to the sevenfold system is an over-simplification, and it may well be that many questions will come to the mind of the student on this point. These are best left to the intuition of these student himself; to try to anticipate them and deal with them in full would encumber this study to the point that it would become confusing, and we would lose sight of the purpose we have in mind.
In approaching this picture first of all from the standpoint of the Globes, we have done so in keeping with the theme of that portion of this book just completed: Atoms. The Globes themselves are built of atoms, life-atoms of many kinds whose work it is to provide the vehicles for the use of the intelligences embodying themselves as these planetary chains, and also for the races of entities inhabiting the chains. Now it is time to complete the circle and approach the study in keeping with the first theme: Gods. For within the circle formed by the Gods on the one hand and the Atoms on the other, live and thrive the hosts of Monads.
Turning our attention, then, once more to the Gods, we are reminded of the teaching about the Hierarchy of Compassion, which was explained to some extent when we discussed the nature of the Buddhas and the Bodhisattvas. It was explained that just as there are the Human Buddhas, so there are the Celestial Buddhas; and just as there are the human Bodhisattvas, so there are the Celestial Bodhisattvas. The celestial beings were related to the Rounds of the Earth chain and to the Globes, as well as to the Root-Races, and so on. What was given was correct as far as it went, but because it was not appropriate at that time to refer to the Universal Solar System, the teaching was left incomplete. We are now in a better position to amplify the study in the light of the further understanding that we have gained.
It is important for us to remember that in speaking of these lofty beings as comprising the Hierarchy of Compassion, we are discussing matters which are intimately related to human consciousness and the possibilities that lie in wait for any and all of us as we seek further enlightenment. These lofty entities, spoken of as the Silent Watchers, have a vastly important part to play in the spiritual advancement of the Human Race: It is through them that initiations take place; it is through them that the Buddhas and the Christ's have become what they are; and it is through them that these things shall become ever more real to the human race as the cycles bring man ever closer to the goal of human endeavor — his ultimate perfectibility.
A review of the Section dealing with the teachings about the Gods is strongly recommended before going further.
Highest of all in any Universal Solar System is Mahat. It is the Hierarch of the Hierarchy, working in and through the Râja Sun. From it spring:
Seven Solar Logoi. These are the Silent Watchers which hold spiritual sway over the seven families of sacred Planets. There is such a Solar Logos as the Spiritual Chief of our own family of Sacred Planets. It has its seven rays which are themselves lofty spiritual beings. They are the:
Adi-Buddhas. These are the seven Silent Watchers which guide and inspire the seven Planetary Chains within any one family of Sacred Planets. There is such an Adi-Buddha watching over this Earth Chain. Its seven rays are:
Dhyâni-Buddhas. These watch over the Rounds of the individual Chains. Thus, for this Earth there is a Dhyâni-Buddha whose function it is to watch over this fourth Round, as there were three such Dhyâni-Buddhas watching over the three previous Rounds, and as there will be three more watching over the Rounds yet to come. Each one has its seven rays which are the:
Dhyâni-Bodhisattvas. These watch over the Globes of the Chain during the Round which is the special province of their “parent” Dhyâni-Buddha. Thus, there is a Celestial Bodhisattva watching over this Globe D which will do so during the course of this Fourth Round. Other Dhyâni-Bodhisattvas will watch over Globe D during succeeding Rounds, just as there were others who watched over it during the three proceeding Rounds. From the Dhyâni-Bodhisattvas spring forth seven rays which are the:
Mânushya or Human Buddhas. There is one such Mânushya Buddha for each of the seven Root-Races during this Round on this Globe, just as there are seven Mânushya Buddhas on each and every Globe of the Chain during this Round, all springing from the seven Dhyâni-Bodhisattvas governing the seven Globes.
If we were to gain nothing more from this study, it would at least be worth our while to understand that never is the human race deserted. We are always under the watchful guidance of lofty spiritual powers who live that all pilgrims on the Path may eventually reach enlightenment. Why is the world in such a sorry state then? Why do these entities not step in and solve all our problems? Because there would be no growth if they were to attempt to do so. They could produce no lasting good, because we poor struggling humans would learn nothing by such untimely help. The only way that we can grow is by our own efforts. But the way is clear; it is never really hidden from us. If we refuse to open our eyes, we cannot see the light although it is there and cannot ever be extinguished.
By completing the circle, we have concluded this section on Gods, Monads and Atoms; and the symbol of Thor's Hammer has served us well.