Main

By Niklas Nihlén

Overview

1. Quotes from D.K.
2. Theoretical reasoning in brief

Research project - Initial results;

3. Positive statistical correlations
4.     Negative correlations of importance
5.     Additional factors of importance in relation to this phenomena
6.     Fixed stars of importance in relation to this phenomena
7.     Conclusion
8.     Improvement of sample data needed to predict the onset of the phenomena
9.     Compilation on the Light in the Head phenomena from DK

1. Quotes from D.K.

The high grade intellectual personality, with its focus of attention in the region of the pituitary body, begins to vibrate in unison with the higher centre in the region of the pineal gland. Then a magnetic field is set up between the positive soul aspect and the waiting personality which is rendered receptive by the process of focussed attention. Then the light, we are told, breaks forth, and we have the illumined man, and the appearance of the phenomenal [Page 215] light in the head. All this is the result of a disciplined life, and the focussing of the consciousness in the head. This is, in its turn, brought about through the attempt to be concentrated in the daily life, and also through definite concentration exercises. These are followed by the effort to meditate, and later — much later — the power to contemplate makes itself felt. (FITI, p211-15)

This registering of light within the periphery of the skull is connected with the relation to be found between the head [Page 608] centre and the centre between the eyebrows; that is, between the area (localised around the pituitary body) and that localised around the pineal gland. The vibratory effect, you know, of those two centres can become so strong that the two vibrations or their "pulsating rhythmic activity" can swing into each other's field of action and a unified magnetic field can be set up which can become so powerful, so brilliant and so pronounced that the disciple—when closing his eyes—can see it plainly. It can be visually sensed and known. Eventually, and in some cases, it can definitely affect the optic nerve, not to its detriment but to the extent of evoking the subtler side of the sense of sight. A man can then see etherically and can see the etheric counterpart of all tangible forms. This is physiological and not a psychic power and is quite different to clairvoyance. There can be no etheric vision apart from the usual organ of vision, the eye. The sensing and the registering of this light in the head can lead to its own peculiar problems when the process is not correctly understood or controlled, just as the registering of the energy of power (coming from the mind in its will aspect or from the soul through the will petals) can prove definitely detrimental to the personality, when not consecrated or refined. (EP II, p607-8)

The time may shortly be with us when the fact of illumination may be recognized as a natural process, and the light in the head be regarded as indicating a certain definite stage of co-ordination and of interplay between the soul, the spiritual man, and the man on the physical plane. When this is the case, we shall have brought our human evolution to such a point that instinct, intellect and intuition can be used at will by the trained and fully educated man, and the "light of the soul" can be turned upon any problem. Thus the omniscience of the soul will be manifested on earth. (FITI, p169-70)

The light in the head is produced by the definitely planned bringing together of soul light and personality light, focussed in the mental body and producing an effect in the brain. This focussing process falls into three stages:

1. The attempt to focus the light of the mind and of matter in the mental vehicle.

This signifies a bringing together of the light of matter and substance (dense material and etheric light) and the light of the mind itself. There is no peculiar or specific light in or of the astral body itself, for it is only an aggregate of forms, created by individual man, by nations and by races, and these in their entirety constitute the astral plane and possess no inherent light as do other forms. They are not created as a form of expression for some dynamic life by the planetary Logos, and this is the real meaning of what I have earlier told you that the astral plane in reality does not exist. It is the phantasmoric creation of human desire down the [Page 209] ages and its false light is a reflection of either the light of matter or of the mind. This process of focussing is undertaken through alignment and by the effort to bring to a point of illumination the positive light of the mind and the negative light of the brain and is carried forward through mental control, developed in meditation. When these two opposite poles are in relation then (by an act of the personality will) these two aspects of the lesser light can form a pin point of light—like a small torch light—revealing some phase of the glamour to which the aspirant most easily responds. This first focussed light is not of such a nature that it can do more than reveal. It has no dissipating power, nor can it render existing glamour ineffective. It can only make a man aware in his waking or brain consciousness that glamour holds him. This is related to the stage of concentration in the meditation process.

2. The second stage of the focussing process is produced through the effort to meditate. In the previous stage, the blending of the two material lights was entirely a form process and the aspirant is actuated entirely by his personality forces and expediency. An illustration of this and of its effectiveness can be seen in the man who, from purely selfish motives and through an intense concentration, focusses his mind and brings about the gratification of his desires and the achievement of his goals. He kills out all emotional reactions and goes a long way towards dissipating glamour. He develops the ability to draw on the light of matter itself (physical matter and mental substance) and thus he generates a false light from which soul light is rigorously excluded. It is this power which eventually produces a black magician. He has developed the capacity to draw [Page 210] upon the light energy of matter itself and to focus it so powerfully and effectively that it becomes a great destructive force. It is this which has given Hitler and the six evil men associated with him their power to destroy upon the material plane. But, in the case of the aspirant, the power to meditate upon spiritual reality and to contact the soul offsets the dangers inherent in focussing on and using solely the light of matter; to the lesser light of matter is added the light of the soul and then these two blended lights, or aspects of the One Light, are focussed upon the mental plane through the power of the creative imagination. This enables man eventually to dissipate glamour and liberates him from the astral plane.

3. The third stage is that in which the light of matter, the light of the mind and the light of the soul (as a channel for the intuition) are consciously blended, fused and focussed. The man then turns this blended light, under soul direction, upon the world of glamour and upon the particular glamour with which he is at any one time pre-occupied. The false light of the astral plane disappears in this triple blended light just like a fire can be nearly put out if subjected to the full rays of the sun; or a burning glass, focussing the rays of the sun, can start a destructive blaze. It is the use of a powerful light which can obliterate a lesser light and dissipate a fog. (Glamour, p210-11)

Research project:

2. Theoretical reasoning in brief: The astrological significators for the Head are probably involved in the pattern for individuals prone to experiencing the phenomena of the Light in the Head. The Ascendant and the 1^st House are important. Mars as the archetypal ruler of Aries and the 1^st House can also be involved. Significant placements in Aries can also strengthen the scenario, and the ‘head emphasis’. Also the Head of the Dragon, aka Rahu, the North Node is a significator.

Factors representing Light are probably related to these other significators. Mercury is a planet that relates different factors and receives more Light than any other planet. Mercury is also called the “star of illumination”. Hence Mercury may be an important factor. Venus is also a planet that represents Light and fusing. This is of course also true for the two Lights—the Sun and the Moon.

Reasearch project - Initial results:

3. Positive statistical correlations for the outcome of a sample of 8 to 9 individuals who have experienced this phenomena (listed in approximate order of estimated statistical significance:

Mercury in aspect to Rahu (North Lunar Node). (7 out of 9 = 78% or is it 8 out of 9?)

- This is highly significant in the sample. Rahu is the North Node—the Head of the Dragon. Mercury relates the two in the Head, and bring illumination.

Venus in aspect to Uranus in the Heliocentric chart (7 out of 9).

- These are the two rulers of Libra, bringing contact and equilibrium between the pituitary and the pineal glands.

Ascendant in Water sign triangle (6 out of 8).

- This probably gives the needed sensitivity and ‘dark backdrop’ needed to experience the light. It gives the required contrast to the light.

Planetary Node of Mercury (geocentric) in relation to the Ascendant (5 out of 9).

- In a generic manner adds to the importance of the theme of illumination in the life. It emphasises the intersection formed by the mind and the brain.

Mars in an Egyptian Term governed by Mercury (6 out of 9).

- Mars here representing the head in the Term of the illuminator, bringing light in the head.

Being born around Fullmoon time seem to enhance the possibility significantly (4 out of 9).

(A slight increase can also be noted around the other three quarters of the lunar cycle.)

- The Moon here representing the brain is being fully illumined. These individuals ‘see the sun’ as it is reflected in themselves and their own equipment—the brain is the reflector.

Saturn in R1 sign triangle (6 out of 9). [or in R1 aspect]

- Saturn ever make things concrete and tangible, and R1 indicates the area of the head. Hence the making of matters concrete and tangible in the area of the head.

Mars in Air sign triangle (5 out of 9).

- Mars represent the head, and the Air element represent the mind, buddhi or the vital airs. Hence this is an emphasis on the head and the mind in conjunction.

Jupiter in R4 sign triangle (5 out of 9). [or in R4 aspect]

- The 4^th ray here indicate the area of the ajna center governed by Mercury the illuminator. Jupiter bring light and fusion to the ajna. Jupiter also represent the soul and the soul light approaching the integrating persona seated in the ajna..

Saturn in Fire sign triangle (5 out of 9).

- Saturn ever make things concrete and tangible, and Fire represents the fire of mind and hence indicates the cerebral area. Hence the making of matters concrete and tangible in the area of the head.

Venus in R4 sign triangle (4 out of 9).

- The 4^th ray here indicate the area of the ajna center governed by Mercury the illuminator. Venus bring light and fusion to the ajna. Venus also represent the soul or son of mind and the soul light approaching the integrating persona seated in the ajna..

Venus in the Taurus/Scorpio axis (4 out of 9).

- Venus the soul and soul light found on the axis of Light and Darkness and illumination. Here again the contrasts are adequate to see the light in the head.

Ascendant should be of South declination (7 out of 8).

- This gives a more subtle or subjective orientation to the nature of the individual and makes him more receptive. Symbolically the soul goes down south and connect with the persona.

Moon should be of North declination (7 out of 9).

- The Moon virtually found from Aries to Virgo is probably a strong placement for the Moon in that three of its strongest signs are here contained. However symbolically, the Moon governs the night and the dark, and it is only (again symbolically) in the dark that we discover and experience the light in the head. The silvery shine of the Moon fades out in the greater light of day as represented by the day-half of the zodiac. Hence the Moon is rather the veil which itself fades out. But also the Moon represent the persona as seated in the ajna, approaching the soul up north in the head.

Jupiter should be of South declination (7 out of 9).

- Jupiter as a representative of the soul and the eye of the soul goes south. Symbolically the soul goes down south and connect with the persona. Jupiter bring fusion in the nether region. The 2^nd ray of Jupiter brings the light.

Mars in the rising semi-arc (6 out of 8).

- This tend to make one more conscious of ones own head. It brings greater focus to the head area in general. In one sense, the first half is the crown, and the second half the ajna. So when Mars as a representative of the Persona and ajna (Mars govern Procyon decanate) is placed in the crown half, a connection is made.

Mercury, Venus and Mars are moving in a direct manner (on average in 93% of the cases).

- The direct motion is the usual state of things, but seem to be even more emphasised in the sample. It may indicate the unimpeded flow required to experience the light.

4. Negative correlations of importance:

No aspect between Moon and Mercury (9 out of 9).

- The silvery shine of the Moon is more prominent than the light in the head so should not be in aspect. The Moon is the veil itself and hence should not make aspect to the mind and illumination of Mercury.

No aspect between Mercury and Ascendant (8 out of 9).

- Why is there no aspect between Mercury and the Ascendant, when the Node of Mercury and the Ascendant are related often in the sample? Maybe the Ascendant is more representative of appearances in this case, but more likely, Mercury may bring a too strong manasic stimulation, which blots out the phenomenal light. Mercury--the mind becomes the slayer of phenomena. Still, this has to be pondered further.

No aspect between Moon and Node (8 out of 9).

- The silvery shine of the Moon is more prominent than the light in the head so should not be in aspect. The Moon is the veil itself and hence should not make aspect to the representative of the head.

No aspect between Mars and Node (8 out of 9).

- The frictional fires of Mars are not burning or disturbing. The exoteric senses as represented by Mars are not highlighted in relation to the head.

No aspect between Venus and Jupiter in 16^th harmonic (8 out of 9).

- The 16^th harmonic is connected to the evolutionary process, which has brought us to our fulness of concrete manifestation. It is the result or precipitation based upon certain developments and process. Both Venus and Jupiter represent the soul and the soul light being made concretely manifest.

No aspect between Mars and Jupiter in 16^th harmonic (8 out of 9).

- The 16^th harmonic is connected to the evolutionary process, which has brought us to our fulness of concrete manifestation. It is the result or precipitation based upon certain developments and process. Mars represent the head and Jupiter represent the soul and the soul light being made concretely manifest in that area.

The synthesising planets--Neptune/Uranus/Saturn or Sigma/Maat are also involved in various ways.

- This makes sense because the head itself is the place of synthesis.

Another thing that seem significant is the placement of that which is at the beginning and that which is at the end of signs or zodiac.

- This makes sense because the head is the beginning and the end and Pisces (Scorpio decanate) is part of the Water sign triangle. The alpha and the omega are related. The light breaking forth is the end of one process and the beginning of another regime.

5. Additional factors of importance in relation to this phenomena:

1996TS66 (centaur)

- This centaur may give a strong head emphasis. It may also represent the perfected persona or 3^rd aspect seated in the persona. Maybe TS stand for ‘To See’. Maybe it is even related to the Theosophical Society giving a strong emphasis on the mind.

Magellan (asteroid)

- The Magellanic Cloud is a satellite of our own galaxy. It may indicate the unfocussed light experienced at certain stages.

Hermes (asteroid)

- Hermes is another name for Mercury, the star of illumination.

Midas (asteroid)

- King Midas turns everything into gold. Gold is light, the light of the soul as it affects the 3^rd aspect.

Pan/Loki (unseen) in aspect to synthesising planets Uranus or Neptune.

- This combination emphasises triangulation and eventual synthesis. The two meeting, creating a third, bringing the second through the third.

Morya (unseen) in aspect to Pluto.

- Morya precipitates and aligns in magical fashion. It is also the ‘Eye’.

Maybe Sigma/Maat too.

- Sigma is relationship and the projection of the ajna. It is the seven in the head synthesis projected through the lens of the eye.

Maybe Quaoar is somehow involved in this too.

- The recently discovered planet Quaoar, which has so much to do with Mercury and hence also light and illumination, may be involved in this. I will update this page when that is done.

6. Fixed stars of importance in relation to this phenomena:

Aldebaran—the Eye of the Bull is related to Mercury or Sun, via aspect or paran (6 out of 9).

- The presence of Aldebaran here is no surprise. “I see and when the Eye is opened, all is illumined”. Mercury and the Sun are one.

Other stars of interest are: Spica, Betelgeuse, Fomalhaut, Procyon, Sirius, Baten Kaitos or Deneb Kaitos, Facies, Ras Algethi, Ras Alhague, Capella, Polaris, Rigel, Scheat and the Pegasus quadrant in the head of Andromeda.

- The brilliance of some of these stars can certainly add to the light factor. Some of the mythology is also symbolic, as is the relation to head and ajna centres.

7. Conclusion:

People prone to experience the Light in the head phenomena in its various stages tend to have the following astrological signatures:

The Water sign triangle related to the Ascendant. Either the Ascendant or its rulers in the Water sign triangle—Cancer, Scorpio or Pisces. The subjective impressionability and subtleness of the Water triangle signs, is very important. The waters reflect the Sun light. Neptune is also very prominent in relation to the Ascendant or its rulers by aspect.

Mercury at an angle (3 out of 8 or 5 out of 8 with intercoordinate aspects) or chart ruler in Scorpio or in close aspect to Mercury (4 out of 8). The chart ruler governs the 1^st house, hence it governs the head. Pisces rising, especially Scorpio decanate (even Scorpio decanate of Cancer, or Scorpio rising in Pisces decanate), seems common/overrepresented in sample. Chart ruler also in close aspect to (especially) Neptune in Scorpio seems significant. Scorpio—“the Light of Day”. The contrasts created in Scorpio are important for the experience. Scorpio is part of the illumination axis—the Taurus/Scorpio axis. The glyph of Mercury is much the same as Taurus, the Mother of Illumination. The star Aldebaran as the ‘Eye of the Bull’ is also emphasised among the stars.

Mercury related to Rahu indicates brain cells sensitive to light, and relation and illumination in the head.

Venus related to Uranus in the Heliocentric perspective may give a view of things more from the soul perspective. Uranus may represent the head and Venus the ajna, brought into alignment with the resultant precipitation of light occuring.

Being born around the time of the fullmoon also seem to increase the sensitivity to light.

I would say that without these factors mentioned so far in this conclusive paragraph, there would be no experience of the Light in the Head phenomena.

8. Improvement of sample data needed to predict the onset of the phenomena:

M.K.: no specified event date

P.A.: no specified birth location (only Scotland given)

S.D.: no specified event date (gave birth 20 years ago)

9. Compilation on the Light in the Head phenomena from DK:

1. The aspirational intent of the man upon the physical plane suddenly succeeds in enabling him to make a soul [page 714] contact. The moment that that takes place the light in the head is momentarily intensified. (DINA I, p713-14)

Those of you who are in any way adept at meditation work know well that the light in the head—when seen and [Page 52] recognised—passes usually through three stages of intensification:

a. It is, first of all, a diffused light, surrounding the head, discovered later within the head and producing an inner radiance, which is the rudimentary halo.

b. This diffused light then consolidates and becomes an inner radiant sun.

c. Finally, at the centre of that sun, a point of dark blue, or a small indigo disk, appears. This is, in reality, the exit in the head through which the soul passes out of the world of phenomenal existence, and it is the symbol of the path or the door into the kingdom of God. This is the symbolical interpretation of the phenomena. (DINA II, p51-52)

The Hierarchy and humanity are at last en rapport. This is the higher reflection or correspondence to what goes on within the consciousness of a human being who—having reached the stage of discipleship—is at the point of blending the light of the personality (as it is expressed through the ajna centre and its externalisation, the pituitary body) and the light of the soul (as it is, in its turn, expressed [Page 170] by the light in the head, or by the head centre and its externalisation, the pineal gland). (E.H.,p169-70)

We come now to the second stanza, with its direct references to human attitudes and recognitions. For decades, I, as one of the spiritual teachers, along with many others, have sought to awaken all to the fact of Light—light in the world, light coming from the plane of desire (called the astral plane quite often), light illumining science and human knowledge, the light of the soul, producing in due time the light in the head. You have been carefully taught that the right use of the mind in meditation and reflection will lead to the correct relation of soul and personality, and that when this has taken place, the light of the soul ignites or fosters the light in the head and the man reaches the stage of illumination. (EH, p273)

In the physical body there are certain most interesting reactions. These fall into two main groups: First, a stimulation to an intense activity, which has a definite effect upon the nervous system, and secondly, there is frequently the appearance of a light within the head, which can be seen even when the eyes are closed, or in the dark. (FITI, p160)

When we arrive at the physical level of consciousness and of the reaction to the illumination which is streaming down into the brain, we have two predominant effects, usually. There is a sense or an awareness of a light in the head, and frequently also a stimulation to an activity which is abnormal. The man seems driven by the energy pouring through him, and the days are all too short for what he seeks to accomplish. He finds himself so anxious to co-operate with the Plan which he has contacted that his judgment is temporarily impaired and he works, and talks, and reads and writes with a tireless vigor which does, nevertheless, wear out the nervous system, and affect his vitality. All who have worked in the field of meditation, and who have sought to teach people along these lines are well aware of this condition. The aspirant does enter the realm of divine energy, and finds himself intensely responsive to it; he senses his group relations and responsibilities and feels as if he must do his uttermost to live up to them. This registering of a constant pouring in of vital force is eminently characteristic, for the co-ordination between the soul and its instrument, and the subsequent reaction of the nervous system to the energy of the soul is so close and exact that it takes the man quite a little time to learn the necessary adjustments.

A second effect, as we have seen, is the recognition [Page 170] of the light in the head. This fact is so well substantiated that it needs little reinforcing. Dr. Jung refers to it in the following manner:

"...the light-vision, is an experience common to many mystics, and one that is undoubtedly of the greatest significance, because in all times and places it appears as the unconditional thing, which unites in itself the greatest power and the profoundest meaning. Hildegarde von Bingen, a significant personality quite apart from her mysticism, expresses herself about her central vision in a quite similar way. 'Since my childhood,' she says, 'I always see a light in my soul, but not with the outer eyes, nor through the thoughts of my heart; neither do the five outer senses take part in this vision....The light I perceive is not of a local kind, but is much brighter than the cloud which bears the sun. I cannot distinguish in it height, breadth, or length....What I see or learn in such a vision stays long in my memory. I see, hear, and know at the same time, and learn what I know in the same moment....I cannot recognize any sort of form in this light, although I sometimes see in it another light that is known to me as the living light....While I am enjoying the spectacle of this light, all sadness and sorrow disappear from my memory....'

"I know a few individuals who are familiar with this phenomenon from personal experience. As far as I have ever been able to understand it, the phenomenon seems to have to do with an acute condition of consciousness as intensive as it is abstract, a 'detached' consciousness...,which, as Hildegarde pertinently remarks, brings up to consciousness regions of psychic events ordinarily covered with darkness. The fact that, in connection with this, the general bodily sensations disappear, shows that their specific energy has been withdrawn from them, and has apparently gone toward heightening the clearness of consciousness. As a rule, [Page 171] the phenomenon is spontaneous, coming and going on its own initiative. Its effect is astonishing in that it almost always brings about a solution of psychic complications, and thereby frees the inner personality from emotional and imaginary entanglements, creating thus a unity of being, which is universally felt as a 'release.'"25

These words any experienced teacher of meditation can unequivocally endorse. The phenomenon is most familiar and goes to prove surely that there is a close physical correspondence to mental illumination. Hundreds of cases could be proved, were people willing to relate their experiences, but too many refrain from so doing because of the mockery and scepticism of the man who knows little. This light in the head takes various forms, and is often sequential in its development. A diffused light is first seen, sometimes outside the head and, later, within the brain, when in deep thought or meditation; then it becomes more focussed and looks, as some express it, like a radiant and very brilliant sun. Later, at the centre of the radiance, a point of vivid electric blue appears (perhaps the "living light" referred to above) and from this a golden pathway of light leads out. This has sometimes been called "the Path," and there is a possibility that the prophet was not speaking merely symbolically when he said that "the path of the just is as a shining light that shineth more and more until the day be with us."

In this light in the head, which seems a universal accompaniment of the illuminative state, we have [Page 172] probably also the origin of the halo depicted around the heads of the illuminati of the world.

Much investigation remains to be done along this line, and much reticence and prejudice has to be overcome. But many are beginning to record their experiences and they are not the psychopathics of the race, but reputable and substantial workers in the varying fields of human endeavor. The time may shortly be with us when the fact of illumination may be recognized as a natural process, and the light in the head be regarded as indicating a certain definite stage of co-ordination and of interplay between the soul, the spiritual man, and the man on the physical plane. When this is the case, we shall have brought our human evolution to such a point that instinct, intellect and intuition can be used at will by the trained and fully educated man, and the "light of the soul" can be turned upon any problem. Thus the omniscience of the soul will be manifested on earth. (FITI, p169-70)

One: The centre of energy through which the soul works is in the upper brain. During meditation, if effective, energy from the soul pours into the brain, and has a definite effect upon the nervous system. If, however, the mind is not controlled and the emotional nature dominates (as in the case of the pure mystic) the effect makes itself felt primarily in the feeling apparatus, the emotional states of being. [Page 212] When the mind is the dominant factor, then the thought apparatus, in the higher brain, is swung into an organized activity. The man acquires a new capacity to think clearly, synthetically and potently as he discovers new realms of knowledge.

Two: In the region of the pituitary body, we have the seat of the lower faculties, when co-ordinated in the higher type of human being. Here they are co ordinated and synthesized, and — as we have been told by certain reputable schools of psychologists and endocrinologists — here are to be found the emotions and the more concrete aspects of the mind (growing out of racial habits and inherited instincts, and, hence, calling for no exercise of the creative or higher mind). This was the theme of my earlier book, The Soul and Its Mechanism, and cannot be enlarged upon here.

Three: When the personality — the sum-total of physical, emotional and mental states — is of a high order, then the pituitary body functions with increased efficiency, and the vibration of the centre of energy in its neighborhood becomes very powerful. It should be noted that according to this theory, when the personality is of a low order, when the reactions are mainly instinctual and the mind is practically non-functioning, then the centre of energy is in the neighborhood of the solar plexus, and the man is more animal in nature.

Four: The centre in the region of the pineal gland, and the higher brain, are brought into activity through learning to focus the attentive consciousness [Page 213] in the head. In the Oriental books this is called by the interesting term "right withdrawal" or "right abstraction." This means the development of the capacity to subjugate the outward-going tendencies of the five senses. So the aspirant is taught the right withdrawal or abstraction of the consciousness which is outgoing towards the world of phenomena, and must learn to centre his consciousness in the great central station in the head from whence energy can be consciously distributed as he participates in the great work, from whence he can make a contact with the realm of the soul, and in which he can receive the messages and impressions which emanate from that realm. This is a definite stage of achievement and is not simply a symbolic way of expressing one-pointed interest.

The various avenues of sense perception are brought into a quiescent condition. The consciousness of the real man no longer surges outwards along its five avenues of contact. The five senses are dominated by the sixth sense, the mind, and all the consciousness and the perceptive faculty of the aspirant is synthesized in the head, and turns inward and upward. The psychic nature is thereby subjugated and the mental plane becomes the field of man's activity. This withdrawal or abstracting process proceeds in stages:

1. The withdrawal of the physical consciousness, or perception through hearing, touch, sight, taste and smell. These modes of perception become temporarily dormant, and man's perception becomes simply [Page 214] mental and the brain consciousness is all that is active on the physical plane.

2. The withdrawal of the consciousness into the region of the pineal gland, so that man's point of realization is centralized in the region between the middle of the forehead and the pineal gland.3

Five: When this has been done, and the aspirant is acquiring the ability so to focus in the head, the result of this process of abstraction is as follows:

The five senses are being steadily synthesized by the sixth sense, the mind. This is the co-ordinating factor. Later it is realized that the soul has an analogous function. The threefold personality is thus brought into a direct line of communication with the soul, and the man, therefore, in time becomes unconscious of the limitations of the body nature, and the brain can be directly impressed by the soul, via the mind. The brain consciousness is held in a positive waiting condition with all its reactions to the phenomenal world utterly, though temporarily, inhibited.

Sixth: The high grade intellectual personality, with its focus of attention in the region of the pituitary body, begins to vibrate in unison with the higher centre in the region of the pineal gland. Then a magnetic field is set up between the positive soul aspect and the waiting personality which is rendered receptive by the process of focussed attention. Then the light, we are told, breaks forth, and we have the illumined man, and the appearance of the phenomenal [Page 215] light in the head. All this is the result of a disciplined life, and the focussing of the consciousness in the head. This is, in its turn, brought about through the attempt to be concentrated in the daily life, and also through definite concentration exercises. These are followed by the effort to meditate, and later — much later — the power to contemplate makes itself felt. (FITI, p211-15)

The hands should be folded in the lap, and the feet crossed. If the western scientist is right when he tells us that the human body is really an electric battery, then perhaps his Oriental brother is also right when he says that in meditation there is a bringing together of negative and positive energy, and that by this means we produce the light in the head. Therefore, it is wise to close the circuit. (FITI, p220)

Illumination. By illumination I do not mean the light in the head. That is incidental and phenomenal, and many truly intuitive people are entirely unaware of this light. The light to which I refer is that which irradiates the Way. It is "the light of the intellect," which really means that which illumines the mind and which can reflect itself in that mental apparatus which is held "steady in the light." This is the "Light of the World," a Reality which is eternally existent, but which can be discovered only when the individual interior light is recognised as such. This is the "Light of the Ages," which shineth ever more until the Day be with us. The intuition is therefore the recognition in [Page 4] oneself, not theoretically but as a fact in one's experience, of one's complete identification with the Universal Mind, of one's constituting a part of the great World Life, and of one's participation in the eternal persisting Existence. (Glamour, p3-4)

It is during this stage that meditation is instituted so that the man becomes aware of soul light as it blends with the inherent light of the mental body, and this blended light steadily intensifies as he persists in the meditation work. A point then comes where the aspirant discovers that this inner light can be used, and he begins tentatively and with uneven success to turn that light upon the problems of his particular glamour. It is also at this point that we now carry forward the Technique of Light, employing it so that the vague unscientific technique of the past comes to an end. The indicated technique is of use only to the man who knows something of the light of the mind, of the light in the head, and of the light of the soul. The light in the head is produced by the definitely planned bringing together of soul light and personality light, focussed in the mental body and producing an effect in the brain. This focussing process falls into three stages:

1. The attempt to focus the light of the mind and of matter in the mental vehicle.

The third stage is that in which the light of matter, the light of the mind and the light of the soul (as a channel for the intuition) are consciously blended, fused and focussed. The man then turns this blended light, under soul direction, upon the world of glamour and upon the particular glamour with which he is at any one time pre-occupied. The false light of the astral plane disappears in this triple blended light just like a fire can be nearly put out if subjected to the full rays of the sun; or a burning glass, focussing the rays of the sun, can start a destructive blaze. It is the use of a powerful light which can obliterate a lesser light and dissipate a fog. (Glamour, p210-11)

6. The "light in the head" can be increased, so that a man becomes a living Flame, (LOTS, p8)

1. Enlightenment. The light in the head, which is at first but a spark, is fanned to a flame which illumines all things and is fed constantly from above. This is progressive (see previous sutra), and is dependent upon steadfast practise, meditation and earnest service.

2. Illumination The gradually increasing downpour of fiery energy increases steadily the "light in the head," or the effulgence found in the brain in the neighborhood of the pineal gland. This is to the little system of the threefold man in physical manifestation what the physical sun is to the solar system. This light becomes eventually a blaze of glory and the man becomes a "son of light" or a "sun of righteousness." Such were the Buddha, the Christ, and all the great Ones who have attained. (LOTS, p180)

5. As a result of sanyama comes the shining forth of the light.

There are several terms used here by various commentators and translators and it might be of interest to consider some of them, for in the various interpretations will come a full understanding of the Sanskrit terms.

Briefly, the idea involves the conception that the nature of the soul is light, and that light is the great revealer. The yogi, through steady practise in meditation, has reached the point where he can at will, turn the light which radiates from his very being, in any direction, and can illumine any subject. Nothing can therefore be hid from him and all knowledge is at his disposal. This power is therefore described as:

[Page 253]

1. Illumination of perception. The light of the soul pours forth and the man on the physical plane, in his brain consciousness, is thereby enabled to perceive that which before was dark and hidden from him. The process may technically be described in the following concise terms:

a. Meditation,

b. Polarization in the soul or egoic consciousness,

c. Contemplation, or the turning of the soul-light upon that which is to be known or investigated,

d. The subsequent pouring down of the knowledge ascertained, in a "stream of illumination" into the brain, via the sutratma, the thread-soul, silver cord, or magnetic link. This thread passes through the mind and illumines it. The thoughts engendered in the automatic response of the chitta (or mind stuff) to the knowledge conveyed, are then impressed upon the brain and the man, in his physical consciousness, becomes cognizant of what the soul knows. He becomes illumined.

As this process becomes more frequent and steady, a change takes place in the physical man. He becomes more and more synchronized with the soul. The time element in transmission recedes into the background and the illumination of the field of knowledge by the light of the soul and the illumining of the physical brain, becomes an instantaneous happening.

The light in the head increases in a corresponding degree and the third eye develops and functions. On the astral and mental plane a corresponding [Page 254] "eye" develops, and thus the ego or soul can illumine all the three planes in the three worlds as well as the soul realm.

2. Lucidity of consciousness. A man becomes lucid and clear sighted. He is conscious of a growing power in himself which will enable him to explain and solve all problems, and not only this, but "lucidly to speak" and thus become one of the teaching forces of the world. All knowledge, consciously acquired by self illumination must be shared, and clearly imparted to others. It is the corollary of illumination.

3. The shining forth of insight. This gives a new angle on the subject and a most important one. It is the definition of the capacity to "see into" a form, to arrive at that subjective reality which has made the objective sheath what it is. This insight is more than understanding, sympathy or comprehension. They are but the effects of it. It is the capacity to pierce through all forms and arrive at that which they veil, because that reality is identical with the reality in oneself.

4. The illumining of the intellect. Unless the mind or intellect can grasp and transmit that which the soul knows, the mysteries remain unexplained to the physical brain and the knowledge possessed by the soul must remain nothing more than a beautiful and unattainable vision. But once the intellect is illumined, it can transmit to and impress upon the brain those hidden things which only the sons of God on their own plane know. Hence the need for Raja Yoga or the [Page 255] science of union through mind control and development. (LOTS, p253-55)

1. Training the aspirant so that he can enter into subtler realms.

2. Giving him power over the mind, so that it is his instrument to use as he will as an organ of vision into the higher worlds and as a transmitter or intermediary between the soul and the brain.

3. Awakening the light in the head so that the aspirant can become a radiant centre of light and illumine all problems, and through its light see light everywhere.

4. Arousing the fires of the body so that the centres become active, luminous, connected and coordinated.

5. Producing a coordination between:

a. The ego or soul on its own plane,

b. The brain via the mind,

c. The centres. By an act of the will they can then all be thrown into uniform activity.

6. This effected, the fire at the base of the spine, dormant hitherto, will be aroused and can proceed upward with security, blending ultimately with the fire or light in the head, and so pass out, having "burned out all dross, and left all channels clear" for the use of the ego. (LOTS, p289)

Throughout all teachings of an occult or mystical nature reference is found frequently to what is called the "Light." The Bible has many such passages as have all the Scriptures of the world. Many terms are applied to this but space only permits us to consider those to be found in the various translations of the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. They might be enumerated as follows:

a. The awakened inner Light (Johnston),

b. The Light in the head (Johnston),

c. The Light of immediate cognition (intuitive knowledge) (Tatya),

d. That effulgent Light (Vivekananda),

e. The Light from the top of the head (Vivekananda),

f. The coronal Light (Ganganatha Jha),

g. The Light of the luminous disposition (Ganganatha Jha),

h. The inner Light (Dvivedi),

i. The mind, full of Light (Dvivedi),

j. The radiance in the head (Woods),

k. The luminosity of the central organ (Rama Prasad),

1. The Light of the higher sense-activity (Rama Prasad).

From a study of these terms it will be apparent [Page 292] that within the physical vehicle there is to be found a point of luminosity which (when contacted) will pour the light of the spirit upon the path of the disciple, thus illuminating the way, revealing the solution of all problems, and enabling him to stand as a light bearer to others.

This light is in the nature of an internal radiance, its position is in the head, in the neighborhood of the pineal gland, and it is produced by the activity of the soul. (LOTS, p292)

4. Through perfectly concentrated meditation in the head. This carries on automatically the increased stimulation and awakening of the centres up the spine, five in number, arouses the sixth centre, the one between the eyebrows, and in time reveals to the aspirant, the exit at the top of the head, which can be seen as a radiant circle of pure white light. This begins as a mere pin point and passes through various stages of increasing glory and radiant light until the Portal itself stands revealed. More along this line is not permissible.

This light in the head is the great revealer, the great purifier, and the medium whereby the disciple fulfills the command of the Christ, "Let your light shine." It is the "path of the just which shineth ever more and more until the perfect day." It is that which produces the halo or circle of light seen around the heads of all the sons of God who have come or are coming into their heritage.

Through this light, as Patanjali here points out, we become conscious of that which is subtle, or of those things which can only be known through a conscious use of our subtle bodies. These subtle bodies are the means whereby we function upon the inner planes, such as the emotional or astral plane and the mental. At present the majority of us function on these planes unconsciously. Through this light we also become conscious of that which is hidden or as yet unrevealed. The Mysteries are revealed to the man whose light is shining and he becomes a knower. [Page 297] That which is remote or the future is likewise unfolded to him. (LOTS, p296-97)

"There are two inferences here which have nothing to correspond to them in modern thought. One is, that there is a light in the head; and the other, that there are divine beings who may be seen by those who thus concentrate upon the 'light in the head.' It is held that a certain nerve, or psychic current, called Brahmarandhra-nadi, passes out through the brain near the top of the head. In this there collects more of the luminous principle in nature than elsewhere in the body and it is called jyotis—the light in the head. And, as every result is to be brought about by the use of appropriate means, the seeing of divine beings can be accomplished by concentration upon that part of the body more nearly connected with them. This point—the end of Brahmarandhra-nadi—is [Page 315] also the place where the connection is made between man and the solar forces."

It is this light which causes the "face to shine" and is responsible for the halo depicted around the head of all saints and Masters and which is seen by those with clairvoyant vision around the head of all advanced aspirants and disciples.

Dvivedi also gives the same teaching in the following words:

"The light in the head is explained to be that collective flow of the light of sattva which is seen at the Brahmarandhra which is variously supposed to be somewhere near the coronal artery, the pineal gland, or over the medulla oblongata. Just as the light of a lamp burning within the four walls of a house presents a luminous appearance at the keyhole, so even does the light of sattva show itself at the crown of the head. This light is very familiar to all acquainted even slightly with Yoga practices and is seen even by concentration on the space between the eyebrows. By Samyama (meditation) on this light the class of beings called siddhas—popularly known in theosophic circles as Mahatmas or high adepts—able to walk through space unseen, are immediately brought to view, notwithstanding obstacles of space and time."

33. All things can be known in the vivid light of the intuition.

There are three aspects of knowledge associated with the light in the head.

First, there is that knowledge which the ordinary [Page 316] man can possess, which perhaps is best expressed in the word theoretical. It makes a man aware of certain hypotheses, possibilities and explanations. It gives to him an understanding of ways, means and methods, and enables him to take the first step towards correct ascertainment and achievement. This is true of that knowledge which Patanjali deals with. By acting upon this knowledge and by conforming to the requirements of the intended investigation or development, the aspirant becomes aware of the light in the head.

Secondly, discriminative knowledge is the next type utilized by the aspirant. The light having been contacted, is used, and the result is that the pairs of opposites become apparent, duality is known, and the question of choice comes in. The light of God is cast upon either side of the razor edged path the aspirant is endeavouring to tread, and at first this "noble middle" path is not so apparent as that which lies on either side. By the addition of dispassion or non-attachment to discriminative knowledge, hindrances are worn away, the veil which hides the light becomes increasingly thin until eventually the third or highest light is touched.

Thirdly, the "light of the intuition" is one of the terms which can be applied to this type of illuminative knowledge. It results from the treading of the path and the overcoming of the pairs of opposites, and is the forerunner of complete illumination and the full light of day. Ganganatha Jha in his brief commentary touches on all these three. He says:

[Page 317]

"Intelligence is the emancipator—the forerunner of discriminative knowledge, as the dawn is of sunrise. On the production of intuitional insight, the yogi comes to know everything."

These flashes of intuition are at first simply vivid flashes of illumination, breaking forth into the mind consciousness and disappearing almost instantaneously. But they come with increasing frequency as the habit of meditation is cultivated and persist for increasingly long periods as stability of the mind is achieved. Gradually the light shines forth in a continuous stream until the aspirant walks in the full light of day. When the intuition begins to function, the aspirant has to learn to utilize it by turning the light which is in him upon all matters "obscure, subtle and remote," and thus enlarging his horizon, solving his problems, and increasing his efficiency. What he sees and contacts through the use of this spiritual light has then to be registered, understood and adapted for use by the man upon the physical plane, through the medium of the brain. Here is where the rational mind plays its part, interpreting, formulating and transmitting to the brain that which the true spiritual man on his own plane knows, sees, and understands. Thus this knowledge becomes available in full waking consciousness to the incarnated son of God, the man on the physical plane. (LOTS, p314-17)

One can also divide the problem of light into two groups of difficulties if one so desires—one related to the physical registering of the light in the head and the other to the acquiring of knowledge.

Again, this registering of the light falls into certain definite stages and takes place at certain definite points in the unfoldment of the human being, but is more likely to occur in the earlier stages than the later. These are:—

1. The sensing of a diffused light outside the head, either before the eyes or over the right shoulder.

2. The sensing of this diffused misty light within the head, permeating, apparently, the entire head.

3. The concentrating of this diffused light until it has the appearance of a radiant sun.

[Page 609]

4. The intensifying of the light of this inner sun. This is in reality the recognition of the radiance of the magnetic field, established between the pituitary body and the pineal gland (as expressions of the head and the ajna centres). This radiance can at times seem almost too bright to be borne.

5. The extension of the rays of this inner sun first to the eyes, and then finally beyond the radius of the head so that (to the vision of the clairvoyant seer) the halo makes its appearance around the head of the disciple or aspirant.

6. The discovery that there is, at the very heart of this, a point of dark blue electric light, which gradually grows into a circle of some size. This occurs when the light in the head irradiates the central opening at the top of the head. Through this opening the various energies of the soul and the forces of the personality can be synthesised and thus flow into the physical body, via the major centres. It is also the esoteric "door of departure" through which the soul withdraws the consciousness aspect in the hours of sleep and the consciousness aspect plus the life thread at the moment of death. (EP II, p607-09)

I would like for a moment to refer here to the door symbology as the initiate begins to grasp the inner meaning of those simple words. For long the teaching, given in the clear cold light, anent the door and the emphasis put upon the presentation of the door lying ahead of the aspirant has been made familiar, but that has been working with the lower aspects of the symbolism, even if aspirants did not realise it; they have been taught the fact of the light in the head, which is the personality correspondence to the clear cold light to which I refer. At the very centre of that light, as many aspirants know theoretically or factually by inconstant experience, is a centre or point of dark indigo blue—midnight blue. Note the significance of this in view of what I have been saying anent the "dark night," the midnight hour, the zero hour in the life of the soul. That centre is in reality an opening, a door leading somewhere, a way of escape, a place through which the soul imprisoned in the body can emerge and pass into higher states of consciousness, untrammelled by form limitations; it has also been called "the funnel or the channel for the sound"; it has been named the "trumpet through which the escaping A.U.M. can pass." The ability to use this door or channel is brought about by the practice of alignment; hence the emphasis laid upon this exercise in the attempt to train aspirants and disciples.

Once alignment has been achieved, it will be realised [Page 43] (remembering the symbolism of the head, the light and the central opening) that many occasions arise in meditation when "behind the group there stands the door; before them opens out the Way." This is the lower correspondence of the higher initiate-experience with which our rule is dealing. (RI, p42-43)

This regulated physical life comes about when the [Page 671] personality is sufficiently integrated and coordinated and the ajna centre (the centre between the eyebrows) is active and is coming under the control of the soul. This has an immediate effect—automatically induced—upon the gland associated with this centre; it becomes a balanced part of the general endocrine system and past imbalance is avoided. Simultaneously, the head centre becomes active as a result of the aspirant's mental perception, meditation and service; this brings the allied gland, the pineal gland, into action. All this is again only the A B C of occultism.

What is oft omitted from normal consideration is the fact that the increasing activity of these two "points of light within the head" is basically related to what is occurring in the sacral and throat centres, as the transmutative process proceeds and the energies of the sacral centre are gathered up into the throat centre—without, however, withdrawing all the energy from the lower centre; thus its normal activity is properly preserved. The two centres in the head then become correspondingly active; the negative and the positive elements affect each other, and the light in the head shines forth; a line of light, permitting free interplay, is established between the ajna centre and the head centre, and therefore between the pituitary body and the pineal gland. When this line of light is present and there is an unobstructed relation between the two centres and the two glands, then the first initiation becomes possible. When this takes place, it must not be inferred that the task of transmutation going on between the lower and the higher centres and the relationship between the two head centres is fully and finally completed and established. The line of light is still tenuous and unstable, but it is in existence. It is the energy let loose at the first initiation and distributed into the sacral and the throat centres (via the slowly awakening head centre) which brings the transmutation process to a successful conclusion and stabilises the relationship within the head. This process may take several lives of steadily intensifying effort on the part of the initiate-disciple.

[Page 672]

Thus the work of magical reformation starts, and it is here that the influence of the seventh ray (which governs the first initiation) enters in; one of the functions of this ray is to bring together soul and body, the higher and the lower, life and form, spirit and matter. This is the creative task confronting the disciple who is engaged in lifting the energies of the sacral centre to the throat centre and of establishing a right relation between the personality and the soul. Just as the antahkarana has to be constructed and established as a bridge of light between the Spiritual Triad and the soul-infused personality, so a similar bridge or correspondence is established between the soul and the personality, and, in connection with the mechanism of the disciple, between the two head centres and the two glands within the head.

When that line of light has related the higher spiritual aspects and the lower, and when the sacral centre and the throat centre are in true related alignment, the initiate-disciple becomes a creative worker under the divine Plan and a "magical exponent" of the divine building work; he is then a constructive force, wielding energy consciously on the physical plane. He creates forms as expressions of reality. This is the true work of magic.

You can see, therefore, that in the creative work three energies are brought into a related activity:

1. The energy concentrated in the ajna centre and which is indicative of the personality life.

2. The energy concentrated in the head centre as a result of soul activity.

3. The energy of the seventh Ray of Ceremonial Order or Magic, making possible true creative activity under the divine Plan.

There is nothing spectacular to be told anent the first initiation; the initiate-disciple still works in the dimly lit "cave of the spiritual birth"; he has to continue his struggle to reveal divinity, primarily on the physical plane—symbolised for us in the word "Bethlehem" which means the "house of bread"; he has to learn the dual function of [Page 673] "lifting up the lower energies into the light" and—at the same time—of "bringing down the higher energies into bodily expression." Thus he becomes a white magician. (RI, p670-73)

The "cosmic intermediary" is the term given to the etheric body, which is part and parcel of the universal ether. It is through the etheric body that all the energies flow, whether emanating from the soul, or from the sun, or from a planet. Along those living lines of fiery essence pass all the contacts that do not emanate specifically from the tangible world.

The dark light of the tiny atoms of which the physical vehicle is constructed is responsive to the stimulation passing down from the soul into its vehicle, and, when the man is under control of the soul, there eventuates the shining forth of the light throughout the body. This [Page 106] shows as the radiance emanating from the bodies of adepts and saints, giving the effect of bright and shining light.

When the radiant light of the soul is blended with the magnetic light of the vital body, it stimulates the atoms of the physical body to such an extent that each atom becomes in turn a tiny radiant centre. This only becomes possible when the head, heart, the solar plexus and the centre at the base of the spine are connected in a peculiar fashion, which is one of the secrets of the first initiation. When these four are in close cooperation the "floor of the triangle" as it is symbolically called, is prepared for the magical work. In other words—these can be enumerated as follows:

a. The physical material form with its centre at the base of the spine.

b. The vital body working through the heart centre where the life principle has its seat. The activities of the body which are due to this stimulation are carried through the circulation of the blood.

c. The emotional body, working through the solar plexus centre.

d. The head centre, the direct agent of the soul and its interpreter, the mind. These four are in complete accord and alignment.

When this is the case, the work of initiation and its interludes of active discipleship become possible. Before this time the work cannot proceed. This is foreshadowed in the aspirant when there is enacted a symbolic happening in the light in the head which is the forerunner of the later stage of initiation.

In this stage, the soul light penetrates into the region of the pineal gland; there it produces an irradiation of the ethers of the head, of the vital airs; this produces a stimulation of the atoms of the brain so that their light [Page 107] is fused and blended with the other two, the etheric light and the soul light, and there is then produced that inner radiant sun of which the aspirant becomes conscious in his physical brain experience. Frequently students speak of a diffused light or glow, this is the light of the physical plane atoms of which the brain is composed; later they may speak of seeing what appears to be like a sun in the head. This is the contacting of the etheric light, plus the physical atomic light. Later they become aware of an intensely bright electric light; this is the soul light, plus the etheric and the atomic. When that is seen, they frequently become aware of a dark centre within the radiant sun. This is the entrance to the Path disclosed by the "shining of the light upon the door."

Students must remember that it is possible to have reached a high stage of spiritual consciousness without seeing any of this brain radiance. This is altogether in the nature of phenomena, and is largely determined by the calibre of the physical body, by past karma and achievement, and by the ability of the aspirant to bring down "power from on high", and to hold that energy steady in the brain centre whilst he himself in meditation is detached from the form aspect, and can look serenely at it.

When this has been accomplished (and it is not an objective to be worked for, but is simply an indication to be registered in the consciousness and then dismissed) the consequent stimulation produces a reaction of the physical body. The magnetic power of the light in the head, and the radiant force of the soul produce stimulation. The centres begin to vibrate, and their vibration awakens the atoms of the material body until eventually the powers of the vibrating etheric body have swung even the lowest centre into line with the highest. Thus the fires of the body (the sum total of the energy of the atoms) are swept into increased activity until such time [Page 108] as there is a rising up the spine of that fiery energy. This is brought about by the magnetic control of the soul, seated "on the throne between the eyebrows".

Here enters in the work of one of the means of yoga, abstraction or withdrawal. Where the three lights are blended, where the centres are aroused and the atoms are also vibrating, it becomes possible for the man to centre all three in the head at will. Then, by the act of the will and the knowledge of certain words of Power he can enter into samadhi and be withdrawn from his body, carrying the light with him. In this way the greater light (the three fused and blended) illuminates the three worlds of man's endeavours and "the light is thrown upward" and illuminates all the spheres of man's conscious and unconscious experience. This is spoken of in the occult writings of the Masters in these words:

"Then the Bull of God carries the light in his forehead, and his eye transmits the radiance; His head, with magnetic force, resembles the blazing sun, and from the lotus of the head, the path of light issues. It enters into the Greater Being, producing a living fire. The Bull of God sees the Solar Angel, and knows that Angel to be the light wherein he walks."

Then the work of the four proceeds. The four are at-one. The Solar Angel is identified with his instrument; the life of the sheaths is subordinated to the life of the inner divinity; the light of the sheaths is fused with the light of the soul. The head, the heart, and the base of the spine are geometrically aligned and certain developments then become possible.

In these two Rules, the foundation of the magical work of the soul has been laid down. Let us list, for the sake of clarity, the steps outlined:

1. The Solar Angel begins the work of initiating the Personality.

[Page 109]

2. He withdraws his forces from soul enterprises in the spiritual Kingdom, and centres his attention on the work to be done.

3. He enters into deep meditation.

4. Magnetic rapport with the instrument in the three worlds is instituted.

5. The instrument, man, responds, and also enters into meditation.

6. The work proceeds in ordered stages and with cyclic activity.

7. The light of the soul is thrown downwards.

8. The light of the vital body and the physical form is synchronised with that of the head.

9. The centres swing into activity.

10. The light of the soul and the two other aspects of light are so intense that now all life in the three worlds is illumined.

11. Alignment is produced, the work of discipleship and of initiation becomes possible and proceeds according to the Law of Being. (TWM, p106-09)

1. The Master looks for the light in the head.

2. He investigates the karma of the aspirant.

3. He notes his service in the world.

Unless there is indication that the man is what is termed esoterically "a lighted lamp" it is useless for the Master to waste His time. The light in the head, when present, is indicative of:

a. The functioning to a greater or less extent of the pineal gland, which is (as is well known) the seat of the soul and the organ of spiritual perception. It is in this gland that the first physiological changes take place incident upon soul contact and this contact is brought about through definite work along meditation lines, mind control, and the inflow of spiritual force.

[Page 184]

b. The aligning of the man on the physical plane with his ego, soul or higher self, on the mental plane and the subordination of the physical plane life and nature to the impress and control of the soul. This is covered sufficiently in the first two or three chapters of Letters on Occult Meditation and these should be studied by aspirants.

c. The downflow of force via the sutratma, magnetic cord, or thread from the soul to the brain via the mind body. The whole secret of spiritual vision, correct perception and right contact lies in the proper appreciation of the above statement, and therefore the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali are ever the text-book of disciples, initiates and adepts, for therein are found those rules and methods which bring the mind under control, stabilize the astral body and so develop and strengthen the thread soul that it can and does become a veritable channel of communication between the man and his ego. The light of illumination streams down into the brain cavity and throws into objectivity three fields of knowledge. This is often forgotten and hence the undue distress and premature interpretations of the partially illuminated disciple or probationer.

The light first throws into relief and brings into the foreground of consciousness those thought-forms and entities which depict the lower life, and which (in their aggregate) form the Dweller on the Threshold.

Thus the first thing of which the aspirant becomes aware is that which he knows to be undesirable and the revelation of his own unworthiness and limitations, and the undesirable constituents of his own aura burst on his vision. The darkness which is in him is intensified by the light which glimmers faintly from the centre of his being and frequently he despairs of himself and descends into the depths of depression. All mystics bear witness to this and it is a period which must be [Page 185] lived through until the pure light of day drives all shadows and darkness away and little by little the life is brightened and lightened until the sun in the head is shining in all its glory.

d. Finally, the light in the head is indicative of the finding of the Path and there remains then for the man to study and understand the techniques whereby the light is centralized, intensified, entered and eventually becomes that magnetic line (like unto a spider's thread) which can be followed back until the source of the lower manifestation is reached and the soul consciousness is entered. The above language is symbolic and yet vitally accurate but is expressed thus in order to convey information to those who know, and protect those who as yet know not.

"The path of the just is as a shining Light" and yet at the same time a man has to become that path itself. He enters the light and becomes the light and functions then as a lamp set in a dark place, carrying illumination to others and lighting the way before them.

The next point that a Master has to consider before admitting a man into His group is whether or no such a step is karmically possible or whether there exist in a man's record those conditions which negate his admission in this life.

There are three main factors to be considered separately and in their relation to each other.

First, are there such karmic obligations in a man's present life as would render it impossible for him to function as a disciple? In this connection it must be carefully borne in mind that a man can become a disciple and merit the attention of a Master only when his life counts for something in the world of men, when he is an influence in his sphere, and when he is moulding and acting upon the minds and hearts of other men.

Until that is the case it is waste of a Master's time to [Page 186] personally deal with him, for he can be adequately helped in other ways and has, for instance, much knowledge from books and teachers which is as yet theory and not practice, and much experience to pass through under the guidance of his own ego, the Master in his heart. When a man is a disciple he is one because he can be used for working out the plan of the Hierarchy, and can be influenced to materialize those endeavours which are planned to enable humanity to make the needed forward steps. This involves (in his physical plane life) time, and thought, right circumstance, and other considerations and it is quite possible for a man to have reached the stage from the character standpoint, where he merits the recognition of a Master, and yet have obligations and duties to work through which would handicap him for active service in some particular life. This the Master has to consider and this a man's own ego also considers.

The result quite frequently at this time is that (perhaps unconsciously to the physical brain) a man will shoulder a great amount of experience, and undertake the working out of an abnormal amount of responsibility in one particular life, in order to free himself for service and chelaship in a later life. He works then at the equipping of himself for the next life, and at the patient performance of duty in his home, his circle of friends, and his business. He realises that from the egoic standpoint one life is but a short matter and soon gone and that by study, intelligent activity, loving service, and patient endurance, he is working out of those conditions which are preventing his prompt acceptance in a Master's group.

A Master also studies the condition of an aspirant's physical body and of the subtler bodies to see whether in them are to be found states of consciousness which would hinder usefulness and act as obstacles. These conditions are likewise karmic and must be adjusted before his admission among other chelas becomes possible. A sick [Page 187] physical body, an astral body prone to moods, emotions and psychic delusions, and a mental body uncontrolled or ill-equipped are all dangerous to the student unless straightened out and perfected. A chela is subjected constantly to the play of force coming to him from three main sources:

1. His own ego,

2. His Master,

3. The group of co-disciples,

and unless he is strong, purified and controlled, these forces will serve but to stimulate undesirable conditions, to foster that which should be eliminated and to bring to the surface all the hidden weaknesses. That this has to be done inevitably is so, but much must be done along this line before admission into a group of disciples; otherwise much of the Master's valuable time will perforce be given to the elimination and nullifying of the effects of the chela's violent reactions on other chelas in the same group. It is better to wait and work gradually and intelligently oneself than force one's way unprepared into lines of forces before one can handle either them or their consequences. (TWM, p183-87)

First, the light in the head makes its appearance. A sparking (if I might so express it) is set up between the higher positive over-shadowing energy as it is centralised within the form of the thousand-petalled lotus, and the steadily heightening vibration of the heart and throat centres or lotuses. These two lower centres in their turn are responding to the energies being lifted and raised from the centres below the diaphragm.

Secondly, the centre between the eyebrows also begins to make its presence felt, and this significant two-petalled lotus begins to vibrate. It symbolises the work of at-one-ing the soul and the body, the subjective and the objective. In some occult books it is called the lotus with the ninety-six petals, but this is only a differentiation dealing with the energies focussed in the two petals. It will be noted that the sum total of the force petals in the centres (excluding the two head centres) amount in all to forty-eight petals. These energies in their two aspects of physical vital energy and soul qualities make up the ninety-six aspects or vibrations of the two petals of the Ajna or eyebrow centre. It must be remembered also that the word 'petal' only symbolises an expression of force and its apparent effect in matter.

The five centres with their forty-eight petals are synthesised therefore into the two-petalled lotus, and then we have forty-eight plus two equals fifty, the number of the perfected personality, for five is the number of man and ten is that of perfection. Symbolically also, if the sum total of the forty-eight petals of the five centres is added to the ninety-six petals of the centre between the eyebrows, the number one hundred and forty-four appears. This number signifies the completed work of the twelve creative Hierarchies, twelve times twelve, and thus the bringing together of the subjective soul and the [Page 200] objective body in perfect union and at-one-ment. This is the consummation. To these figures, one hundred and forty-four add that of the number one thousand (the number of the petals in the lotus of the head centre) and you have the number of the saved in the Book of Revelations, the one hundred and forty-four thousand who can stand before God, for the three ciphers which are found indicate the personality. When man has completed within himself the great work, when the number one hundred and forty-four thousand is seen as symbolising his point of attainment, then he can stand before God—standing now not only before the Angel of the Presence, but before the very Presence Itself. (TWM, p.199-200)

The centre between the eyebrows, commonly called the third eye has a unique and peculiar function. As I have pointed out elsewhere, students must not confound the pineal gland with the third eye. They are related, but not the same. In The Secret Doctrine they are apparently [Page 213] regarded as the same, and the casual reader can easily confound them but they are by no means identical. This H. P. B. knew, but the apparent confusion was permitted until more of the etheric nature of forms was known. The third eye manifests as a result of the vibratory interaction between the forces of the soul, working through the pineal gland, and the forces of the personality, working through the pituitary body. These negative and positive forces interact, and when potent enough produce the light in the head. Just as the physical eye came into being in response to the light of the sun so the spiritual eye equally comes into being in response to the light of the spiritual sun. As the aspirant develops he becomes aware of the light. I refer to the light in all forms, veiled by all sheaths and expressions of the divine life, and not just to the light within the aspirant himself. As his awareness of this light increases so does the apparatus of vision develop, and the mechanism whereby he can see things in the spiritual light comes into being in the etheric body.

This is the eye of Shiva, for it is only fully utilized in the magical work when the monadic aspect, the will aspect, is controlling.

By means of the third eye the soul accomplishes three activities:

1. It is the eye of vision. By its means, the spiritual man sees behind the forms of all aspects of divine expression. He becomes aware of the light of the world, and contacts the soul within all forms. Just as the physical eye registers forms, so does the spiritual eye register the illumination within those forms which "illumination" indicates a specific state of being. It opens up the world of radiance.

2. It is the controlling factor of the magical work. All white magical work is carried forward with a definitely constructive purpose, made possible through the use of the intelligent will. In other words, the soul knows the [Page 214] plan, and when the alignment is right and the attitude correct, the will aspect of the divine man can function and bring about results in the three worlds. The organ used is the third eye. The analogy to this can be seen in the often noticed power of the human eye as it controls other human beings and animals by a look, and through steady gazing can act magnetically. Force flows through the focused human eye. Force flows through the focused third eye.

3. It has a destructive aspect and the energy flowing through the third eye can have a disintegrating and destroying effect. It can, through its focused attention, directed by the intelligent will, drive out physical matter. It is the agent of the soul in the purificatory work.

It should be noted here that in each of the subtle bodies in the three worlds there is a corresponding point of focus, and the centre between the eyebrows is but the physical counterpart (for etheric matter is physical) of inner correspondences.

Through this point of focus the soul looks out upon, or contemplates the mental plane, including the mental mechanism. Similarly on the emotional plane, the soul is brought into a state of awareness or vision of its emotional sheath and the world of astral phenomena, and the physical parallel exists for the etheric body.

It is this third work of the soul that is touched upon here, the destructive work of getting rid of the old forms, of shaking out of the bodies matter of an undesirable nature and of breaking down the barriers and limitations to true soul activity.

These three activities of the soul, through the medium of the third eye, are the correspondences to the three aspects, and students would find it of interest to work these out.

The seeing of the light within all forms through the agency of the third eye (brought into being through the realization of the light in the head, the spiritual light) is [Page 215] but the correspondence to the physical eye, revealing forms in the light of the physical sun. This corresponds to the personality.

The aspect of control through magnetic energy and the attractive force in the spiritual eye, which is the dominant factor in magical work, is the correspondence to the soul. In a most mysterious sense, the soul is the eye of the monad, enabling the monad, which is pure Being, to work, to contact, to know, and to see.

The aspect of destruction is the correspondence to the monad or will aspect; in the last analysis it is the monad that brings about the final abstraction, destroys all forms, withdraws itself from manifestation and ends the cycle of creative work.

Bringing these concepts down to practical expression in relation to the Rule under consideration, it can be noted that all these three activities are dealt with in this Rule. The third eye opens as the result of conscious development, right alignment and the inflow of soul life. Then its magnetic controlling force makes itself felt, controlling the lives of the lower bodies, driving forth the lower four elementals (of earth, water, fire, air) and forcing the lunar lords to abdicate. The personality, which has hitherto been the master, no longer can control, and the soul comes into full domination in the three worlds.

The elemental of earth, who is the sum total of the many lives which form the physical body, is controlled and feels the eye of the Master (the one Master in the head) upon it. The gross elements constituting that body are "driven forth" and better and more adequate atoms or lives are built in.

The elemental of the astral or body of water undergoes a similar activity plus a stabilising effect which brings to an end the restlessness and fluidic tempestuousness which have hitherto characterised it. Through the controlling magnetic power of the spiritual eye, the soul [Page 216] rebuilds the astral body and holds it steady and coherent through its focused attention.

Again, an analogous process goes forward in the mental body. Old forms disappear before the clear light in which the spiritual man is working and as the Old Commentary puts it:

"One glance the soul doth cast upon the forms of mind. A ray of light streams out and darkness disappears; distortions and evil forms fade out, and all the little fires die out; the lesser lights are no more seen.

"The eye through light awakens into life the needed modes of Being. To the disciple this will carry knowledge. To the ignorant no sense is seen for a sense lacks."

The elemental of the air symbolically understood is that substratum of energy which works through the forms of the etheric body, which is dealt with through the breath, and handled through the science of pranayama. This elemental form is the intricate etheric structure, the nadis and centres, and all advanced students know well how these are controlled by the focused attention of the soul in contemplation, acting through the head centre, focused in the region of the third eye and swept into right and specific activity by an act of the will. In the above sentence I have concentrated the formula for all magical work on the physical plane. It is through the etheric body and the force, directed through one or other of the centres, that the soul carries on the work in magic.

It is through the intense focusing of intention in the head and the turning of the attention through the third eye towards the centre to be used that the force finds its correct outlet. That force is made potent by the energising, directed intelligent will. Study these points, for in them you will find the clue to the magical work in your own life reconstruction, to the magical work of human reconstruction which certain adepts are carrying on, and to the magical work of the evolution of the divine plan which is the motivating power of the occult Hierarchy. (TWM, p212-16)

The location of this particular point of revelation is on the mental plane; through the alignment of the concrete, lower mind, the Son of Mind and the abstract mind, a direct channel for vision is created. The medium of revelation at this initiation is the antahkarana, which is rapidly being constructed and can thus prove the connecting link and the esoteric mode of vision. The instrument of reception is the third eye which—for a moment—is temporarily suspended from its task of directing energy upon the physical plane and then becomes a stationary, receptive organ, turned inward toward the higher light. The head centre is therefore involved, and a secondary alignment takes place between the ajna centre, the head centre and the soul body. All this takes place at a high point during the third initiation; for the first time in his personal history the initiate is completely [Page 400] aligned and can function straight through from the head centre to the highest point of the Spiritual Triad. You have, therefore, the reason for the sudden inflow of transfiguring glory.

This is the objective of the initiation, and the triangle of procedure, location and objective is created, flashes into being, and then—at the close of the initiatory process—fades out, leaving however a permanent, new, spiritual and instinctual trend towards monadic perception and livingness. (DINA II, p399-400)

The situation might be stated in the following terse statements. The rules already studied convey the truth anent the magician.

1. The soul has communicated with his instrument in the three worlds.

2. The man on the physical plane recognises the contact, and the light in the head shines forth, sometimes recognised and sometimes unrecognised by the aspirant.

3. The soul sounds forth its note. A thought-form is created in consonance with the united meditation of the soul and the man, his instrument.

4. This thought-form, embodying the will of the ego or soul, cooperating with the personality, takes to itself a triple form, constituted of the matter of all three planes, and vitalized through the activity and by the emanations from the heart, throat and [Page 237] ajna centres of the white magician—the soul in conjunction with its instrument.

5. The personality sheaths, each with its own individual life, feel they are losing their power and the battle between the forces of matter and the force of the soul is violently renewed.

6. This battle must be fought out on the astral plane and will decide three things:

a. Whether the soul will, in any one life (for some life holds the critical stage), be the dominant factor and the personality from henceforth be the servant of the soul.

b. Whether the astral plane is no longer the plane of illusion, but can become the field of service.

c. Whether the man can become an active co-operator with the Hierarchy, able to create and to wield mental matter, and so work out the purposes of the Universal Mind, which are prompted by boundless and infinite love, and are the expression of the One Life.

This is the crux of the entire situation, and when the man has mastered the forces opposed to him, he is ready for the second initiation which marks the release of the soul from the prison of the astral body. Henceforth the soul will use the astral body, and mould desire into line with divine purpose.

It is of value for the student to know where he stands and what his particular problem is. The average man is learning the control of the physical body and the organizing of his physical plane life. The student on the probationary path is learning a similar lesson in relation to his astral body, its focus, its desires and its work. The student on the path of accepted discipleship has to demonstrate this control and begin to discipline the mind nature and so function consciously in the mental body. [Page 238] The work of the initiate and the adept grows out of these achievements and they need not be dealt with here.

The battle is spread over quite a series of lives, but in some one life it becomes critical; the final stand is made and Arjuna triumphs in the fight, but only by letting Krishna assume the reins of control, by learning mind control and by the revelation of the form of God. By distinguishing between the soul and the form, and by a vision of the perfection of the glory which can radiate from the forms "indwelt by God", he learns to choose the Way of light and to see his form and all forms as custodians of the light. So he buckles down to the work of making the astral body simply a reflector of that light and by the quelling of desire, through the subjugation of the "Agnisuryans" who constitute his astral body and are the living substance of the astral plane, he learns to function as an adept on that plane, to pierce through its illusion and to see life true.

Speaking symbolically the substance of the astral plane is animated by three types of divine force, which, when brought together, produce the great Illusion. These are:

First, the force of selfish desire. This involutionary energy plays a big part in bringing about evolution, for selfishness is the nursery of infant souls. Hence the aspirant refuses to be held by it.

Second, the force of fear. This is the product of ignorance, and in its initial stages it is not the product of wrong thinking. It is basically instinctual and is found dominating in the non-mental animal kingdom as well as in the human kingdom. But in the human, its power is increased potently through the powers of the mind, and through memory of past pain and grievance and through anticipation of those we foresee, the power of fear is enormously aggravated by the thought-form we ourselves have built of our own individual fears and [Page 239] phobias. This thought form grows in power as we pay attention to it, for "energy follows thought" till we become dominated by it. Second ray people are peculiarly a prey to this. For the majority of them it constitutes the "dweller on the threshold", just as ambition and love of power, backed by frantic desire and unscrupulousness form the "Dweller" for the first ray types. The crystallized thought form of intellectual achievement for selfish ends, and the use of knowledge for personality objectives stand before the portal of the path in the case of the third ray person, and unless broken up and destroyed will dominate him and turn him into a black magician.

You oft have been told that fear is an illusion. Yet this statement does not help. It is a generalisation that one can admit, yet which remains profoundly difficult to apply individually. The fears to which aspirants are subject (note the mode of wording this) are seldom of a selfish nature except insofar as suffering has caused them to recoil from a further continuation of untoward happenings. Their fears are wrapt in seeming love around their loved ones. Yet should each disciple ask himself a most practical question: How many of the torturing hours have been expended on realities and on tangible happenings, and how many on illusory premonitions and on doubts and questionings, based on that which has never happened? I would like to point out to my brothers that they need to do two things: To meditate on truth in daily life, using the concept of truth practised and lived by as their seed thought in meditation; to this end I would suggest that they memorise and use at all times when swept by illusory fears and needless foreboding the following formula or prayer:

"Let reality govern my every thought, and truth be the master of my life."

Let each say this to himself as constantly as need requires, [Page 240] forcing his mind to focus attention upon the significance of these spoken words.

I would suggest also sound common sense and the cultivation of an attitude of mind which refuses to permit time for illusory fears to grow.

Fear is the main obstacle frequently to a very vital step forward which could be taken in this life, but may have to be delayed to another if due opportunity is not taken and the will nature powerfully excited.

The first ray aspirant who fails to overcome his Dweller may become a "destroyer of souls", as it is called, and be condemned (until he learns his lesson) to work in the forces of matter, and with the forms which hold all souls in prison. This is the occult significance of the misunderstood words, death and destruction. Of this type, the Devil is the great prototype.

The second ray aspirant who builds his Dweller and permits its steady and increasing control becomes a "deluder of souls". He is the true Anti-Christ, and through false teaching and the working of so-called miracles, through hypnotism and mass suggestion he draws a veil over the world and forces men to walk in the great illusion. It is interesting to note that the work of the Devil, the imprisoner of souls, is beginning to lose its power, for the race is on the verge of understanding that true death is immersion in form, and that matter is but a part of the divine whole. The thought form of this "Dweller on the Threshold" which humanity has built for millions of years is on the verge of destruction. But the work of Anti-Christ is only rising now to its height, and the delusion of riches, of possession, of false teaching will increasingly hold sway but the term of the delusion will be shorter than the term of destruction, for all these factors function under their own cycles and have their own ebb and flow.

The third ray person who also fails to shatter his [Page 241] "Dweller" becomes what is called a "manipulator of souls" and uses the mind to destroy the real and to put a veil between the man and reality. It must be remembered that none of these names and these activities refer to the soul on its own plane but only to human souls in incarnation on the physical plane. This must be stressed, for on its own plane the souls of all men stand free from illusion, and neither can be destroyed, deluded nor manipulated. It is only "the souls in prison" who are subject to the activities of the forces of evil and only for a term. The first group works through governments, through politics, and the interplay between nations and is relatively small in number. The second ray group who delude and deceive, work through religious agencies, through mass psychology, and the misuse and misapplication of devotion and of the arts. They are largest in number. The third group work primarily through commercial relations in the business world, and through the use of money, the concretisation of prana or universal energy, and the outer symbol of the universal flux and flow. These thoughts are suggestive but not vital, dealing as they do with the cosmic tendencies.

Thirdly, the force of sex attraction. This is a pull from the physical plane and the swinging back of a type of involutionary energy on to the path of return. Cosmically speaking, it manifests as the attractive force between spirit and matter; spiritually speaking, it is demonstrated as the activity of the soul, as it seeks to draw the lower self into full realisation. Physically speaking, it is the urge which tends to unite male and female for the purpose of procreation. When man was purely animal, no sin was involved. When to this urge was added emotional desire, then sin crept in, and the purpose for which the urge manifested was perverted into the satisfaction of desire. Now that the race is more mental, and the force of mind is making itself felt in [Page 242] the human body, an even more serious situation is apparent, which can only be safely worked out when the soul assumes control of its triple instrument.

Humanity is now at the midway point as this rule shows. Man is swept by selfish desire and by ambition, for all of us have first ray qualities. He is racked by fear—his own, family fears, national fears and racial, for all of us swing to the rhythm of the second ray. He is dominated by sex and by money which is another manifestation of the energy of matter and hence has a triple problem with which he is well equipped to deal through the medium of his triple vehicle and the triple potencies of his divine soul. Let us close the instruction on that note—well equipped to deal. We can overcome mental inertia and begin to function as souls in command of our environment. The soul is omniscient and omnipotent. (TWM, p238-42)

As every student knows, there are two centres in the head. One centre is between the eyebrows and has the pituitary body as its objective manifestation. The other is in the region at the top of the head and has the pineal gland as its concrete aspect. The pure mystic has his consciousness centred in the top of the head, almost entirely in the etheric body. The advanced worldly man is centred in the pituitary region. When, through occult unfoldment and esoteric knowledge, the relation between the personality and the soul is established there is a midway spot in the centre of the head in the magnetic field which is called the "light in the head", and it is here that the aspirant takes his stand. This is the spot of vital import. It is neither land or physical, nor water or emotional. It might be regarded as the vital or etheric body which has become the field of conscious service, of directed control, and of force utilisation towards specific ends.

Here the magician takes his stand and through the [Page 248] medium of his force or energy body performs the magical creative work.

One point is rather abstrusely dealt with in this rule, but it clarifies, if the words are studied with care. At the close of the rule we are told that when "water, land and air meet" there is the place for the working of magic. Curiously in these phrases the idea of location is omitted and only the time equation considered.

Air is the symbol of the buddhic vehicle, of the plane of spiritual love, and when the three above enumerated (in their energy aspects) meet, it is indicative of a focussing in the soul consciousness and a centralisation of the man in the spiritual body. From that point of power, outside of form, from the central sphere of unification and from the focussed point within that circle of consciousness, the spiritual man projects his consciousness into the midway spot within the brain cavity where the magical work must, in relation to the physical plane, be carried out. This ability to project the consciousness from the plane of soul realisation into that of creative magical work on the etheric subplanes is gradually made possible as the student in his meditation work develops facility in focussing his attention in one or other of the centres in the body. This is accomplished through the medium of the force centres in the etheric body. He gradually gains that plasticity and that fluidity of the self-directed consciousness which will enable him to play on the centres, as a musician utilises the seven notes of music. When this has been achieved he can begin to train himself in wider and more extended focussings and must learn to withdraw his consciousness, not only to the brain, but to the soul on its own plane and thence re-direct his energies in the performance of the magical work of the soul.

The fundamental secret of the cycles lies in this withdrawal and the subsequent re-focussing of attention and [Page 249] it must be remembered in this connection that the basic law underlying all magical work is that "energy follows thought". If aspirants would remember this they would live through their periods of aridity with greater ease and would be conscious of the underlying purpose.

It might here be asked what are the dangers of this midway spot?

The dangers of too violent fluctuation between land and water, or between the emotional response to life and truth or life on the physical plane. Some aspirants are too emotional in their reactions; others too materialistic. The effect of this is felt in the midway spot and produces a violent instability. This instability has a direct effect on the solar plexus centre which was the "midway spot" in early Atlantean times, and is still the midway point in the transmutation processes of the aspiring personality. It transmutes and transmits the energies of the sacral centre and of the centre at the base of the spine, and is the clearing house for all energies focussed in the centres below the diaphragm.

The dangers incident to a premature and uncontrolled pouring in of pure spiritual energy to the mechanism of the personality. That vital spiritual force enters through the cranial aperture, and pours into the head centres. From them will follow the line of least resistance which is determined by the daily trend of the aspirant's thought life.

Another and rather potent danger is the result, literally, of the bringing together of the land and water. It demonstrates as the pouring into the brain consciousness (the land aspect) of the knowledges of the astral plane. One of the first things an aspirant becomes aware of is a tendency to the lower psychism. It is a reaction from the solar plexus centre. But this midway point can be utilised as a "jumping off place" into the world of astral phenomena. This will produce "death by drowning", [Page 250] for the aspirant's spiritual life can be swamped and entirely submerged in the interests of the lower psychical experiences. It is here that many worthy aspirants go astray—temporarily it may be, but the times are so critical that it is a matter to be deplored if any time is lost in futile experimentation and the retracing of any path chosen.

A clue to the significance of these words is to be found in the recognition of the following occult fact. The place where water and land meet is the solar plexus centre. The place where water, land and air meet is in the head. Land is the symbol of the physical plane life, and of the exoteric form. Water is the symbol of the emotional nature. It is from the great centre of the personality life, the solar plexus, that the life is usually ruled and government administered. When the centre of direction lies below the diaphragm there is no magic possible. The animal soul controls and the spiritual soul is perforce quiescent. Air is the symbol of the higher life in which the Christ principle dominates, in which freedom is experienced and the soul comes to full expression. It is the symbol of the buddhic plane, as water is of the emotional. When the life of the personality is carried up into Heaven, and the life of the soul comes down on to earth, there is the place of meeting, and there the work of transcendental magic becomes possible.

This meeting place is the place of fire, the plane of mind. Fire is the symbol of the intellect and all magical work is an intelligent process, carried out in the strength of the soul, and by the use of the mind. To make itself felt on the physical plane, a brain is required which is receptive to higher impulses and which can be impressed by the soul utilizing the "chitta" or mental substance in order to create the needed thought forms, and so express the ideas and purposes of the intelligent loving soul. These are recognized by the brain and are [Page 251] photographed upon the "vital airs" found in the brain cavity. When these vital airs can be sensed by the magician in meditation, and the thought-forms imprinted on this miniature reflection of the astral light, then the real potency in magic can begin to make itself felt. The brain has "heard" occultly the injunctions and instructions of the mind as it relays the behests of the soul. The vital airs are swept into form-making activity just as their higher correspondence, the "modifications of the thinking principle, the mind stuff" (as Patanjali calls it), are thrown into an analogous form-making activity. These can then be seen interiorly by the man who is seeking to perform the magical work and much of his success is dependent upon his ability to register impressions exactly, and to see with clarity the forms of the process in magic which he is seeking to demonstrate as magical work in the outer world. (TWM, p247-51)

c. The recognition of this field of dual activity in two ways: as of a light in the head, an interior radiant sun, or as a dynamic centre of energy [Page 423] through which the will or purpose aspect of the soul can make itself felt.

The occult hierarchy is to the planetary Life what the light in the head is to the average awakened disciple, only on so much vaster a scale, and with such an adequate inner alignment that students such as those who read these Instructions cannot understand the true significance of the words. The point to be grasped is that through humanity on the physical plane, the nature of reality will be revealed; the true and the beautiful will be manifested; the divine plan will eventually work out, and that energy be transmitted to all forms in nature which will enable the inner spiritual reality to emerge.

It is indeed true that at the right moment the Master will appear, but the right moment is contingent upon certain self-induced conditions. When the process of purification has become a life-long habit, when the aspirant can at will concentrate his consciousness in the head, when the light in the head shines forth and the centres are active, then the Master will take the man in hand. In the meantime he may have a vision of the Master, or he may see a thought-form of the Master, and may get much real good and inspiration from contact with the reflected reality, but it is not the Master and does not indicate the stage of accepted discipleship. Through the medium of the light of the soul, the soul can be known. Therefore seek the light of your own soul, and know that soul as your director. When soul contact is established, your own soul will, if I may so express it, introduce you to your Master.

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