Introductory Remarks

We have been working for some time now upon the third part of our study of the Zodiac and the Rays. This entire section deals with the nature of esoteric astrology and, under our introductory remarks, we considered very briefly the significance of esotericism as a whole when applied to modern astrology; we considered the three Crosses and referred, again very briefly, to the relation of the signs to the centers; we gave most of our time, however, to an analysis of the meaning and interrelation of the twelve signs of the zodiac to each other, to the planets, and to the Earth. We dealt scarcely at all with their effect upon the individual except in a general sense. Now we begin to take up the third and most important part of this astrological study, entitled The Science of Triangles. This study will fall into three parts as I earlier indicated:

1. Triangles of Energy - constellations.
2. Triangles of Force - planetary triplicities.
3. The Triangles and the Centers - planetary and human.

I have analyzed here the point reached in our studies, as I am anxious for you to know as far as possible just where we stand in our attempt to throw the light of esoteric [408] understanding upon the present entirely exoteric study of astrology.

Before, however, proceeding with our somewhat difficult theme there are a few words I would like to say in reference to our general attitude, and certain things of which I would remind you.

In no place have I attempted to give any of the mathematics connected with my statements in this series of astrological studies. Certain basic changes in the orientation of the Earth's axis are now taking place, and these will throw much confusion into the computations of astrologers. These changes are proceeding slowly and progressively and according to cosmic law. Whilst they are in progress, accuracy of computation and deduction is unattainable. When the orientation and "pointed direction" of the Earth's pole has again been stabilized, the new conditioning, mathematical figures can be again ascertained. There has indeed been no true accuracy since ancient Egyptian days. Anything now possible along these lines can only be regarded as approximate, and, therefore, certainty in analysis, prediction and interpretation is not possible. This whole subject is one of the greatest obscurity and quite incomprehensible to the average astrologer and certainly to the average student. I would remind you, however, that several times in the great life cycle of the Earth, there have been changing "polestars" and that our present polestar has not always held that position. This science itself recognizes.

At each of the great shifts in the Earth's axis, there has been upheaval, confusion and cataclysm, preceding reconstruction, stabilization and relative quiet. Of these macrocosmic events there are similar microcosmic correspondences in the lives of both humanity and individual man. Hence the present world crisis - though precipitated by human [409] error and sinfulness, by past Karma and emerging idealism (responsive to the development of the intellect and the appearance of the intuition) - is basically the result of much greater and vaster combinations of force currents in macrocosmic relations.

Briefly it might be said that the following cosmic and systemic causes are responsible for the present world crisis and the present difficult world situation:

1. A welling up of magnetic force on Sirius, which produces effects upon our solar system and particularly upon our Earth, via the Hierarchy.
2. A shift in the Earth's polarity, due to the pull of a great cosmic center. This powerfully affects the Earth's orientation and is responsible for the present earthquakes, and for the volcanic eruptions and the many earthquakes during the past one hundred and fifty years.
3. The great sweep of the sun around the greater zodiac (a period of 250,000 years, or a complete round) came to an end when the sun entered Pisces over two thousand years ago. This process of passing out of, or entering into, a particular sign and cyclic influence covers a period of five thousand years where this greater round or cycle is concerned. This period of five thousand years covers the complete cycle of transition until complete freedom to function under the inspiration of the new sign is completed. We are, therefore, not yet free from incidental turmoil.
4. The passing of our Sun out of the sign Pisces into the sign Aquarius is another of the conditions bringing about the present confusion. This confusion of forces in the solar system is notably affecting our planet. In the process of passing from sign to sign, as for instance [410] transiting out of Pisces into Aquarius as is now the case, the period covered is approximately five hundred years.

These are points which astrologers would do well to consider. I would remind students again that when speaking of signs I am referring to the influences of the constellations as they are represented by the signs, calling to your attention that in the great evolutionary process and owing to certain shifts and astronomical-astrological discrepancies, the Sun is not in the constellation to which a particular sign refers at any given moment. This I called to your attention in an earlier part of this treatise.

5. Another factor little known is that the Moon today is disintegrating with increasing rapidity and this necessarily affects the Earth and produces terrestrial results.

Students would find it of interest to make the following applications of these great cyclic events to their own "appearance" and functioning processes in time and space:

1. The succession of the greater rounds of the zodiac or a period of cycles of approximately 250,000 years has a correspondence to the life cycle of the Monad.
2. The progress of the Sun as it passes through the signs in the zodiac during one of these 25,000 year cycles finds its analogy in the life cycle of the ego or soul.
3. The lesser zodiac covered - from the angle of extreme illusion - in the course of one year, corresponds to the life of the personality.

In considering these points it should always be remembered that great shifts in consciousness, or great expansions of awareness, are followed inevitably by upheaval in the outer forms. This is true in the life of the solar Deity, of a planetary [411] Logos, of humanity as a whole and of a man. Hence again today's world problem. A major event such as a change in the axis of the Earth is related to an initiation of the planetary Logos. Students can here note, therefore, the relation to the individual life as it shifts its consciousness steadily in the vital unfolding processes of the Path of Discipleship and of Initiation. Earlier in this treatise I referred to a fact which must always be borne in mind and that is that the great energies, playing upon our planet, exert a hindering or a stimulating effect. They are either retarding in their effects, producing concretion, crystallization and a holding back or on to that which is old and of the past, or they stimulate and produce fluidity, enlargement and expansion. The careful student of human affairs will note this as he studies the events which are today passing before his eyes.

Speaking with a wide generalization, it might be said that the three major groups of forces affecting our planet are zodiacal, systemic and planetary in nature and - again generalizing - it might also be said that:

1. Zodiacal energies pass through Shamballa and are related to the first Ray of Will or Power and affect the Monad.
2. Systemic energies pass through the Hierarchy and are related to the second Ray of Love-Wisdom or (as it is oft called in esoteric astrology) the Ray of Attractive Coherency and affect the soul.
3. Planetary forces impinge upon and pass through humanity and are related to the third Ray of Active Intelligence and affect the personality.

To this I earlier referred, but have restated it here as I seek to have it definitely in your minds as we go forward [412] with our new studies. You have here a major trinity of energies, emerging out of a vast and incomprehensible aggregation of forces and energies which stands to them as the One Life stands to this lesser important triangle.

It must also be remembered that this triple group of energies produces differing effects according to the type of mechanism (itself dependent upon the point in evolution and the stage of development) upon which it impinges. The effect, for instance, of zodiacal and systemic force upon a sacred or a non-sacred planet is widely distinctive, just as the effect of these energies as they make their impact upon man will depend upon whether response is evoked from the monad, the ego or the personality, whether they impinge upon the mass consciousness, the self-conscious unit or the illumined consciousness of humanity, or whether in fact - as far as man is concerned - they play upon unevolved man, upon evolved man or upon disciples and initiates. The type of mechanism, and the quality of the consciousness determines reception and response. This is a statement of basic importance and until astrologers can arrive at the point of development where the world of true meaning is open to them and where the scope of their consciousness is widely inclusive, it will not be possible for them to be truly accurate in their interpretations of group or individual horoscopes. I am bringing this point up as the whole science of Triangles relates entirely to subjective energies as they condition the consciousness and not to the conditioning brought about by the same energies upon the outer forms upon the physical plane.

You may here rightly remark that "as a man thinketh so is he" and that this expression of energy will amount to the same thing in the last analysis. But this is not exactly true. The response of humanity or of the individual man [413] to the inner thought life and to the subjective consciousness is not immediate. It takes much time (especially in the early stages), for an idea to work through into the mind and from thence to the brain, conditioning the emotional nature in its progress and processes. Several lives may, therefore, be given to the registering of the effects of these energies upon the thought life and the response of the physical plane life once they are comprehended. It is for this reason that I have stated that the Science of the Triangles underlies the whole system of astrology and is only now in process of revelation. Bear in mind that the effect of these energies which we shall be considering and of their triple relationship will be in the realm of ideas and in the world of consciousness and its expansion, and will embrace, therefore, the sentient thought life of a solar Logos, of a planetary Logos, of humanity and of man.

It will not, therefore, deal with the producing of events except in so far that all ideas work out into expression upon the plane of manifestation - such working out being, I again repeat, dependent upon the quality and nature of the apparatus of response, be it a solar system, a planet, the fourth kingdom in nature, or a human being.

I would add here a sixth reason for the present strain and stress in the response of the human family in this world crisis because it is related to the entire question of conscious response to subjective forces, expressing themselves as ideas and vast thought currents. This is the fact that humanity as a whole is today reversing itself upon the great zodiacal wheel just as the individual disciple does; the point of reversal and the sign or signs in which it takes place mark a momentous point of crisis in the life of this kingdom in nature, producing upheaval, difficulty and a whole gamut of readjustments, necessitated by the reorientation. [414] If you add this reason to the other five, you will not be astonished that the situation is today almost fantastic in its difficulty and the extent of the involvement.

In every triplicity, there are three major qualities manifesting or three basic energies seeking expression and influence. As he manifests in time and space, man discovers this to be true and to constitute a law in nature, and it might be said that the task of the disciple is to become consciously aware - like a detached onlooking Observer - of these energies and their expressing qualities as they function within himself. This he does upon the Path of Probation, the Path of Discipleship and the Path of Initiation. He has to become aware of:

1. The threefold energy which is the personality, and of which the vital body is the synthetic expression.
2. The threefold soul of which the egoic lotus is the expression.
3. The triple monad of which a great diffusion in time and space in three streams of creative energy is the expression.

This last definition is somewhat meaningless to the uninitiate but must suffice. There is a manifesting aspect in all these triplicities which is the result of, and conditioned by, the interplay of the three forces. It is their full expression and the result of their successful activity.

1. In the personality, it is the physical body.
2. In the soul, it is the unfolded central bud within the egoic lotus.
3. In the monad, it is the "sound which geometrically forces itself into the vision of the beholder" - a deeply esoteric mode of symbolizing that which cannot be expressed or reduced to the tangibility of form. [415]

If students will bring this idea to the study and understanding of the astrological triangles and will refuse to lose sight of the related triple energies, they will greatly simplify their studies. The microcosm, when known, holds ever the clue to the Macrocosm. The Macrocosm eternally reflects itself in man, the microcosm, and hence man has within himself the possibility and the potentiality of total comprehension.

Therefore, in all the many triplicities which we shall study, we shall find correspondences to the monad, the soul and the personality in man; we shall find one line of the triangle embodying determining and dominating force and two lines which - during a particular cycle - are conditioned by it. For instance, you have an interesting illustration of this in the nature of fire, esoterically understood, in its triple expression in time and space during a cycle of manifestation, for - as you know - the Ageless Wisdom teaches that there is:

1. Electric fire - will - monad - Initiatory fire.
2. Solar fire - love-wisdom - soul - Qualificatory fire.
3. Fire by Friction - activity - personality - Purificatory fire. Intellectual.

I point out this triplicity as it is one which is familiar to you and at the same time constitutes a good illustration of a basic law.

C.I. Triangles of Energy - Constellations

Lying behind all the many interlocking triangles in our solar system and conditioning them to a very large extent (though today more potentially than expressively) are three energies coming from three major constellations. They are the emanations from the Great Bear, from the Pleiades and from Sirius. It might be pointed out that: [416]

1. The energies coming from the Great Bear are related to the will or purpose of the solar Logos and are to this great Being what the monad is to man. This is a deep mystery and one which even the highest initiate cannot yet grasp. Its sevenfold unified energies pass through Shamballa.
2. The energies coming from the sun, Sirius, are related to the love-wisdom aspect or to the attractive power of the solar Logos, to the soul of that Great Being. This cosmic soul energy is related to the Hierarchy. You have been told that the great White Lodge on Sirius finds its reflection and a mode of spiritual service and outlet in the great White Lodge of our planet, the Hierarchy.
3. The energies coming from the Pleiades, an aggregation of seven energies, are connected with the active intelligent aspect of logoic expression, and influence the form side of all manifestation. They focus primarily through Humanity.

Connected with this major triangle and affecting powerfully our entire solar system is a triple interrelation of great interest, which has a special and peculiar relation to humanity. This triangle of forces relates one of these major constellations, one of the zodiacal signs and one of the sacred planets within our solar system.

• First Triangle:
  The Pleiades - Cancer - Venus.
  Humanity.

• Second Triangle:
  The Great Bear - Aries - Pluto.
  Shamballa. [417]

• Third Triangle:
  Sirius - Leo - Jupiter.
  Hierarchy.

I wonder if you can grasp at least partially and symbolically the fact that these triangles must not be thought of as placed, static and eternally the same, or even as three dimensional. They must be regarded as in rapid movement, revolving eternally in space and ceaselessly moving onward and as of fourth and fifth dimensional extension. There is no way of depicting them or of bringing them visually to your attention, for only the inner eye of vision can imagine their progression, position or appearance. These three major triangles are only partially as yet in expression as far as our solar system is concerned and only one point of the great triangle - as for instance one point of the Great Bear - constitutes with Aries a related line of force; only one point of Aries - within itself or within its own range of interplay with Leo and Capricorn (see Tabulation VIII) is related to Pluto. Therefore the entire cosmic web and solar system is an intricate, constantly moving, interwoven series of triangles wherein each point of a triangle emanates three lines or streams of energy (nine in all); it is likewise responsive to and receptive of the energies - likewise triple in nature - which lie within its periphery or sphere of influence and vibratory activity.

It is useless for students to attempt to unravel this aggregation of interlacing streams of energy. All that is now possible for man with his present equipment is to accept hypothetically these statements anent certain major triangles which affect humanity and seek to prove their effect and to endeavor to arrive at some understanding of that intricate, interwoven network which he himself possesses and to which [418] he gives the name "etheric body." Thus he may succeed in proving the accuracy of a statement by the demonstrated quality of the life aspect, its conditioning and results in the microcosmic life history and events. This astrology has sought to do in connection with tangible happenings on the outer plane of existence; we, however, will see to it that our effort lies along the line of psychological life history and events and not along the line of physical occurrences. This difference is basic and must ever be borne in mind. Astrologers have begun to grasp a dim idea of the interlocking triangles of energy as far as our Earth is concerned in the rather arbitrary division of the twelve constellations into four triplicities, covered by such qualifying terms as earthy triplicity or fiery triplicity, composed each of a cardinal, a fixed and a mutable sign. They thus divide up the entire zodiac into a fourfold group of interlacing and interrelated triads, each conditioned by one of the basic elements and thus qualified. These constitute a series of basic triangles with a definite reference to our planetary life. Owing to the constant movement everywhere, inherent in the solar system and the zodiac - onward, interior and revolving - some idea can be grasped of the intricacy of the entire pattern. A further aid to the grasping of this essential beauty of coordinated and organized movement and its power to qualify and condition the entire universal pattern can be gained by those students who have studied somewhat the various triangles to be found in the etheric body of man through the interrelation of the seven centers to which I have referred elsewhere in my various books. These centers, when awakened and alive, are swept finally within the radius of each others' sphere of action; from the point of view of living energy, the circumference of these wheels or vortices of force becomes so enlarged that they eventually [419] overlap and touch, presenting on a tiny scale a condition analogous to the contacting and interlocking series of triangles such as those referred to above.

Behind these concepts of the relation existing in time and space between the constellations of the Great Bear, the Pleiades and the sun, Sirius, and our solar system, there exists, it must be remembered, an immense series of interlocking triangles between the stars which compose these constellations interiorly and our solar system. You have, therefore, a relationship between:

1. The seven stars, composing the Great Bear.
2. The seven stars, composing the Pleiades, sometimes called the seven "sisters" or "wives" of the Rishis or informing Lives of the Great Bear.
3. The sun, Sirius.

These compose major triangles of force and all are held within the radius of the Life of that Great Being Whose expressed, manifested intention is brought into being through the medium of these three related groups and our solar system. As hinted by me in A Treatise on Cosmic Fire, these four groups of stars constitute the manifested aspect or personality of a great and unknown Life.

I seek in this connection to give only a general picture because, with these cosmic triangles, I have no intention to deal. We will only consider those constellations within the greater zodiac which are known by astrologers to have a definite effect upon humanity and our planetary life.

Therefore, in studying these triangles, we will make (for our guidance) certain rules which, under the Law of Analogy, may facilitate our comprehension of the underlying meaning and truths. [420]

1. All triangles studied will be regarded as expressing:
   1. A major conditioning energy, producing manifestation.
      This corresponds to the Monad aspect.
   2. A secondary qualifying energy producing consciousness.
      This corresponds to the Ego or Soul aspect.
   3. A lesser expression of force, producing tangibility.
      This corresponds to the Personality aspect.
2. These three energies will be related, therefore, to the three aspects of manifested life. These have been termed throughout this treatise: Life, Quality and Appearance.
3. These energies change within, themselves and sometimes one will strike the dominating note and sometimes another; sometimes a secondary energy will become a major conditioning force and sometimes the lesser expression will come to the top and become, for the cycle, the outstanding characteristic of the triangle. Such cosmic events are governed by a great Law of Expediency, evoked by the evolutionary process and incident also to zodiacal movement and its own interior mathematical conditioning - a subject of such vast dimensions and mystery that no Life within our solar system has more than sensed its significance. The cyclic expression of life is dependent upon constant mutation and infinitely changing processes.
4. The statements made by me in this attempt - for it is little more - to indicate the main lines of approach to the new science of esoteric astrology, may not yet be capable of any proof. Later on such proof will be available. All that I can ask of you at this time is to be [421] interested in the presentation, to strive to see the general picture I am seeking to present and to grasp somewhat the relative synthesis which underlies all manifestation. Starting from that which is today accepted, be willing to move on from there into new fields of possibility and of sensed probability. Time will justify the information I ask you to accept as hypothesis.

Next I will deal with analysis of three groups of triangles which are of major importance to humanity at this time and which follow upon information earlier given. These groups of triangles emanate energies which reach through space to the individual man and, therefore, cannot be ignored. They are:

The Great Bear	The Pleiades	Sirius
Transmit energy via:
Leo	Capricorn	Pisces
These transmit energy via:
Saturn	Mercury	Uranus
Reaching the following center:
Planetary head center	Planetary ajna center	Planetary heart
From thence to:
Disciple's head center	Disciple's ajna center	Disciple's heart center
and eventually control:
The base of the spine	The throat center	the solar plexus

I will also take up with you some of the points and indications which are hinted at in Tabulation IX, relating to the twelve signs of the zodiac, to be found on page 423. Certain major streams of conditioning energies will be seen related to each other and to our Earth and these fall into two groups:

1. The ray energies which we are told emanate from the Great Bear in seven great out-raying streams of force. [422]
2. The inherent energies of the twelve constellations which blend with the ray energies, producing the essential dualism of manifested life, and incidentally are responsible for the peculiar difficulties confronting humanity on the arc of evolutionary experience upon our planet.

Again I would repeat that what I shall have to say will be related to present world conditions, to humanity, and also - for practical teaching and application - to the life of the individual disciple. Necessarily, these energies have a cosmic, systemic and planetary significance but these no disciple can as yet grasp; personality has to be transcended before even the earlier stages of the understanding of these mysteries become possible, and this transcendence is something you have not yet accomplished but which some day inevitably you will.

Once man is impersonal and free from the reactions of the lower self, and his consciousness is illumined by the clear light of the intuition, then his "window of vision" becomes clarified and his sight into reality is unimpeded. Obstructions (always erected by humanity itself) are removed and he sees all life and form in their true relation and can comprehend, and even occultly "see," the "passage of the energies."

The relationship of certain rays and cosmic triangles may become clearer to you if the following tabulation is studied with care.

NOTE: The seven stars of the Great Bear are the originating sources of the seven rays of our solar system. The seven Rishis (as They are called) of the Great Bear express Themselves through the medium of the seven planetary Logoi Who are Their Representatives and to Whom They stand in the relation of cosmic Prototype. The seven [423] planetary Gods manifest through the medium of the seven sacred planets. Each of these seven rays is transmitted into our solar system through the medium of three constellations and their ruling planets.

Tabulation IX

A Cosmic Series of Interrelated Triangles

Ray	Constellations	Orthodox Planets	Esoteric Planets
I. Will or Power	Aries Leo Capricorn	Mars The Sun Saturn	Mercury The Sun Saturn
II. Love-Wisdom	Gemini Virgo Pisces	Mercury Mercury Jupiter	Venus The Moon Pluto
III. Active Intelligence	Cancer Libra Capricorn	The Moon Venus Saturn	Neptune Uranus Saturn
IV. Harmony through Conflict	Taurus Scorpio Sagittarius	Venus Mars Jupiter	Vulcan Mars The Earth
V. Concrete Science	Leo Sagittarius Aquarius	The Sun Jupiter Uranus	The Sun The Earth Jupiter
VI. Idealism. Devotion	Virgo Sagittarius Pisces	Mercury Jupiter Jupiter	The Moon The Earth Pluto
VII. Ceremonial Order	Aries Cancer Capricorn	Mars The Moon Saturn	Mercury Neptune Saturn

At this time, I purpose to trace certain major conditioning streams of energy, as they proceed forth from their emanating source - via certain constellations and planets - to the Earth and, from within the radius of the Earth, reach the individual disciple, again via certain major planetary [424] centers. In this way that great Synthesis (which is qualified Life in appearance or manifestation) can be seen in definite activity, producing solar, planetary and individual effects and thus demonstrating that intricate relation which unites the human atom to the great Lives Who are the sumtotal of that which is manifested.

The analogy between the microcosm and macrocosm will, therefore, be helpful, and the relation of a cell or atom in one of the abdominal organs (for instance) to the soul on its own plane will illustrate with accuracy a still greater relationship and interplay. In this interplay of Lives and Their emanating streams of forces and energies and in the major determining life activities of That in which all forms - including the human - live and move and have their being is to be found the inevitability of ultimate achievement, the unalterability of law and the expression finally of divine unchangeable Purpose. In the evolutionary effects of this relation of Life to Form is to be found also the undeviating way of an expanding, ever-unfolding consciousness - whether it be macrocosmic or microcosmic. Hence, the Will of God moves the worlds and the Love of God determines results.

In this consideration of the basic Science of Triangles (I had well nigh said "in the contemplation of the basic Science of Triangles," for that is what it necessarily should be if understanding is to be the real reward of our efforts) the relation of the three basic energies affecting our solar system and the predominant effect of one of them in any cyclic expression in time and space must always be borne in mind. One illustration of this normally emerges in our minds if it be remembered that in this world cycle in our systemic manifestation it is the second or consciousness aspect (that of the second Logos) which is the dominant [425] conditioning factor, which sets the note for evolutionary development and which engrosses the attention of the evolving human units. This is the case even when other factors are present and active. Therefore, all approaches to truth and to knowledge must, in this cycle, be in consciousness. In another cycle such an approach may be focused in the will or even in some already present but unrealized divine attribute, for which we have as yet no name. All that any man can consequently bring to the comprehension of life experience or to the understanding of such an occult science as the Science of Triangles is a consciousness which is developed to a certain definite and personal point of perception or awareness. This point of perception is itself dependent upon individual unfoldment and also upon the state of awareness of humanity as a whole. This connotes two different though interrelated conditions of perception.

Speaking technically, perception and response or the activity of the perceiving, observing consciousness - carried on through the medium of the mechanism of response - is dependent upon the condition or "aliveness" of the centers or their quiescence. This is true of a man galvanized into activity through his seven centers, of a planetary Logos functioning through seven planetary centers, of a solar Logos functioning through still greater centers of vibratory reaction, or still greater Lives, functioning through an aggregate of solar systems. Upon this activity and its understanding depends the whole science of astrology; in this statement I give you a clue which may some day revolutionize the present approach to astrology.

The twelve signs of the zodiac fall into two groups of signs, and their related synthesis has much to do with the Science of Triangles. They are: [426]

1. Seven signs related to the unfoldment of planetary consciousness upon Earth and only incidentally involving the fourth Creative Hierarchy, the Human Hierarchy.

2. Five signs related to the unfoldment, in time and space, of the Human Hierarchy. These five signs are of major conditioning importance and may be enumerated as follows:

1. Cancer
2. Leo
3. Scorpio
4. Capricorn
5. Pisces

These five signs are related in the planetary sense to the five great races of which our present race, the Aryan, is the fifth. These five races, under the influence of the five signs, produce the externalizations which are called the five continents - Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia, America. These five continents are to the planetary Life what five major endocrine glands are to the human being. They are related to five centers.

All these appearances, expressions of qualities and material evidences of life are the symbols or outer and visible signs of inner and spiritual realities or of Life, whatever you may mean by that term. For our purposes, we could define Life as the energy emanating from certain great Lives Who stand behind our solar system as its life and source, much as the Monad stands behind the appearance of a man upon the physical plane or of the soul upon its own level. Man, it might be stated, is the expression of seven principles and of the life expression or activity of five planes. In this 7 + 5 is to be found the clue to the mystery of the seven and the five zodiacal constellations. [427]

Within this sumtotal of active, qualified energies, we have (working out today) influences and impulses from three major constellations. These pour through certain other related constellations and planets into the three major planetary centers: Shamballa, the Hierarchy and Humanity. It is with these three centers I would seek to deal and to them and their interrelations continually make reference. I would ask you to bear in mind that these energies are transmitted from one point to another, or pass through with transmuting effect from one center to another, thus bearing their own vibratory quality but carrying also that of the center of transmission. In the transit of energy from a major center to a human being and when the energy is finally grounded in the disciple's center, you will notice that it is then a fusion of six energies. These three groups of energies (each of them a fusion of six) make the dominating energies, controlling the human being, to number eighteen; this holds the clue to the mystery of the "mark of the beast" which is 666. This is the number of the active intelligent man and distinguishes his form nature from his spiritual nature which is 999. These three lines or streams of energy in man may be listed as follows:

Line I	Line II	Line III
Will. Purpose	Love-Wisdom	Active Intelligence
Spirit	Consciousness	Form
1. The Great Bear Cosmic	Sirius Cosmic	The Pleiades Cosmic
2. Leo Zodiacal	Pisces Zodiacal	Capricorn Zodiacal
3. Saturn Systemic	Uranus Systemic	Mercury Systemic
4. Shamballa Earth Planetary head center	Hierarchy Earth Planetary heart center	Humanity Earth Planetary ajna center
5. Head center Initiate Egoic purpose	Heart center Disciple Egoic love	Ajna center Aspirant Spiritual mind (abstract)
6. Base of spine Initiate Personal Will	Solar Plexus Disciple Personal desire	Throat center Aspirant Personal creativity

A study of this tabulation will demonstrate that there will be found a structure therein of many triangles of force; some of these are cosmic, some zodiacal, others systemic, still others planetary and their reflections in the etheric body of the disciples of the world of all grades. Through the great triangle of Shamballa, the Hierarchy and Humanity, cosmic, zodiacal and systemic force is focused and these three become, in their turn, a macrocosmic triangle of energies in relation to the individual human being upon the planet. You have, therefore, the following lines of transmission of force:

• Shamballa - Head center - Base of spine.
• Hierarchy - Heart center - Solar plexus.
• Humanity - Ajna center - Throat.

One major center is here omitted because it is primarily related to the physical body and its expression of life perpetuation. That is the sacral center. Just as the physical body is regarded by true esotericists as not a principle so the sacral center is regarded as "a necessary evocation between that which is high and that which is low, and between that which is sounded forth from the center in the throat and that which replies to a deeply sounded note."

In this connection there is an interesting triangle of energy formed by: [429]

1. The egoic lotus.
2. The throat center.
3. The sacral center.

This triangle when functioning produces a subsidiary triangle of force which is formed by:

1. The throat center.
2. The sacral center.
3. The physical body - symbolized by the organs of reproduction.

Let me pause a moment here to point out that in this study of the Triangles it is not possible for us to do more than study certain of the major groups of triangles and a few of the most important triangles where humanity itself is concerned. It is of value for human beings to realize that there are other evolutions and other forms of logoic expression of equal importance to their own. There is, in truth, a veritable multiplicity of triangles. For the triangle is the basic geometric form of all manifestation and it is to be seen (by those who have eyes to see) underlying the entire fabric of manifestation, whether it is the manifestation of a solar system, the manifestation of the zodiacal round, the cosmic triplicities or the tiny reflection of this divine triple whole which we call man. When the human being is manifest but is not yet truly manifested, the triangles which symbolize this manifestation are the two eyes and the third eye:

1. The right eye - the eye of buddhi, of wisdom and of vision.
2. The left eye - the eye of mind, of the common sense and of sight. [430]
3. The eye of Shiva - the all-seeing eye, the eye which directs the will and purposes of Deity.

These three are, in reality,

1. The eye of the Father - carrying light from the Great Bear.
2. The eye of the Son - carrying light from Sirius.
3. The eye of the Mother - carrying light from the Pleiades.

and it is this latter "light energy" which is necessarily peculiarly active when the sign of Taurus is dominant in any planetary and individual horoscope.

In some unusual manner (from the human angle), all that concerns the development of mankind has been - down the ages - expressed by him in terms of illumination and knowledge, in terms of sight and of the entrance of light, thus leading to revelation and (incidentally) to the true theme of astrological interpretation. From this peculiar angle, therefore, we can approach the great Triangles with which we are today concerned and deal also with their significance in terms of Light.

This significance and approach can be summed up in the following stanzas from the Old Commentary which - if studied carefully - will throw much light upon the theme of this particular subject:

• "The sevenfold light of the Father brought from chaos into the ordered day His purpose and His plan. The seven supreme Gods bent to this purpose and with united will ordained the Plan.

The Bear and the Lion met together and laid their plans [431] in conformity with the plan and with the purpose of their controlling Lord. They called on Father Time (Saturn. A.A.B.) for aid and strength and he responded to their triple call. To this call likewise the Eternal Youth responded (Sanat Kumara, Lord of Shamballa); He set Himself anew to learn the plan, aided by Father Time yet unaffected by the Lord of Time for He Himself was timeless, though not the Lives which He enfolded in His thought and Plan...

Then the triple light which came from the Bear in His high place, from Leo in his lesser place and from Saturn in his little place poured into the planetary place of power. Shamballa was informed. The Lord of Life and of the World took action...

The little one within the greater Whole (the individual human disciple. A.A.B.) likewise responded to the triple light but not until the cycles passed and passed again. Late in the day of time, Shamballa sent a call, relayed from voice to voice and rolling forward on the OM. The disciple, hearing that sound, lifted his head; an impulse from the base mounted in time and space. Leo within the heart and head shouted aloud and stood whilst Saturn did his work...and thus the twain were one.

• The central light of Sirius shone through the eye of the Son; the vision came. The light of wisdom penetrated into the waters and cast the radiance of the Heavens into the depths. At this attractive call, the goddess rose unto the surface (the fish-goddess, the symbol of Pisces. A.A.B.) and welcomed the light within the depths and grasped it as her own. She saw the Sun, having seen her Son, and from [432] that day the Sun has never left her. There is no darkness. There is always light.

And then the heavens within the ring-pass-not responded to the light from Sirius which, passing through the sea of Pisces, lifted the fishes into the heavenly sphere (Uranus) and thus a lesser triple light appeared, the radiant sun of suns, the watery light of Pisces, the heavenly light of Uranus. This light descended on the waiting sphere and lit the galaxy of little lights upon the Earth. A Hierarchy of Light emerged from its own place; the planet was alight.

• The little one upon that little world responded slowly to that light until today the little world of men begins to throb in 'rhythmic unison. Changes are wrought. The cosmic heart, the heart systemic and the little heart of man begin to beat as one and as this beat pulsates with greater strength it blends a lower note (that of the solar plexus. A.A.B.) within itself, removes its harshness and its note of fear and thus it ends illusion. And then again the two are one.
• The seven Mothers blend their light and make it six (refers to the lost Pleiad, A.A.B.) and yet the seven still are there. Their light is different from the other lights. This light evokes response from that which shouts aloud: 'I am the densest point of all the concrete world (Capricorn. A.A.B.). I am a tomb; I also am the womb. I am the rock which sinks itself into the deep of matter. I am the mountain-top on which the Son is born on which the [433] Sun is seen and that which catches the first rays of light. To me a Messenger comes forth (Mercury. A.A.B.) and says 'the Dayspring from on high is on the way, sent by the Father to the Mother.' Upon his way unto this nether star we call the Earth he stopped at a bright sun where shines the light of love (Sirius. A.A.B.) and there received the accolade of love. So thus he brings bright gifts to man. For he is man himself and from these three (The Pleiades, Capricorn, Mercury. A.A.B.) Man takes a nature which is his today. Son of the Mother, born from the tomb and showing after birth the light which he has taken from them all.

Then to the lower three he turns and to these souls in prison he in time becomes a Messenger. Thus does the Lord of Mercury repeat himself. The Son descends again into the place of earth and iron. Again he knows His mother.

And thus the little one upon the littlest sphere becomes the greatest God. From the directing center of his life on Earth he toils and works and carries out the Plan. (The ajna center is the directing center. A.A.B.) He too awakens to the need and from the chosen place (the throat center. A.A.B.) he utters forth the Sound which in time becomes the Word. And then the three are twain and these are One."

Again and repeatedly, students must remind themselves that we are considering the impact of energy upon energy units (all qualified and producing appearance) and with the response of those energy units to the streams of force which reach them from "the furthest center." It is in the development of response to distant points of contact and [434] emanating sources of energy that the needed sensitivity is produced. Sensitivity, generally speaking, is of a threefold nature:

1. Sensitivity to that which is found within oneself. This, when the consciousness is adequately self-sufficient, opens a door for the entrance of energies coming from the "middle center." I speak in symbols and for those whose knowledge of cosmic location and of points in time and space will enable them to comprehend; to the uninitiate, I simply say, "Respond to soul impact."
2. Sensitivity to that which emanates from the "centers left behind" or to those streams of vital energy which lie active and focused below the threshold of the waking consciousness. They stir the threads of memory; they draw backward the glances (and there lies magic in the energy of the eye) of the onward moving Point, the Pilgrim on his way; they condition through ancient habit the responsiveness of the units in the form.
3. A developed sensitivity which emerges from the "furthest center" at first unconsciously employed and later consciously directed and attuned - a fully magnetic and attractive sensitivity. Forget not that true interplay imposes the condition of reciprocity and that the two points or termini of a line eventually vibrate in unison.

A consideration of a hint given earlier as to the symbolism and significance of the three eyes available for man's use will be found illuminating and their relation to the heart and throat will prove evocative of knowledge. They relate to the three centers above referred to and in their wider connotation relate to the three planetary centers: Humanity, Hierarchy and Shamballa; further back still lies a relation to the cosmic centers of the Great Bear, Sirius and [435] the Pleiades. In between these planetary centers to which I have referred and their distant cosmic archetypes lie three systemic centers which at this time and under cyclic law are Saturn, Uranus and Mercury. In between these again are to be found a zodiacal triangle of Leo, Pisces and Capricorn. For purposes of our immediate consideration the following three triangles are, therefore, to be found:

1. Leo - Saturn - Shamballa.
2. Pisces - Uranus - Hierarchy.
3. Capricorn - Mercury - Humanity.

When the significance of this is grasped, the following interesting points will appear. I give them to you for what they are worth to you and that worth is dependent upon the goal ahead of you, and where you stand today in time and space.

Triangle Three depicts the interplay of three streams of force which, in this particular world cycle condition and basically influence ordinary humanity. Forget not that humanity itself constitutes a great center in the life of the planetary Logos:

1. Capricorn connotes density, firm foundations, concretization, the mountain of karma that holds down the [436] struggling soul or the mountain of initiation which must eventually be climbed and surmounted. It signifies, therefore, the great force of liberation which both drives into experience and brings experience to an end, from the angle of humanity. This is the major stream of force in this particular triangle at this time.
2. Mercury brings in that quick and intuitive mind which interprets experience, fosters the growth of the intuition and relates the inner spiritual man to the outer human being in such a way that their future unity of purpose, plan and effort is assured. Mercury brings about those changes in mental perception which eventually enable humanity to act as the mediating interpreter between the higher worlds and the three lower kingdoms in nature; thus Mercury institutes the threefold activity of this center in the body of the Heavenly Man which we struggle to perceive and comprehend, and which we regard as forming the three phases of the mind:

1. The abstract mind - pure manas.
2. The Son of Mind - soul, manasaputra.
3. The concrete mind - mental body.

and their correspondences in substance-energy:

1. The right eye.
2. The left eye.
3. The third eye.

In this particular world cycle it is Capricorn which is producing the moment of crisis - a crisis of initiation plus a crisis of destruction (related primarily to the mineral kingdom) paralleled by a crisis of mental [437] perception, precipitated by Mercury. It is this mental perception plus world participation in the "crumbling of the mountain load of karma" which heralds the vision of the new day from the top of the mountain.

Here in pictorial language I have endeavored to indicate the three streams of energy which meet in the center called Humanity, involving therefore:

1. The active intelligence of man, latent in the human center.
2. The initiatory activity of Capricorn.
3. The illumining radiance of Mercury.

This combination of energies produces a triplicity of activity of supreme importance today.

Triangle Two has been called the "triangle of the advanced man"; it is associated with the kingdom of souls, with the fifth kingdom in nature as it is related to the fourth. It is this triplicity of forces which, playing on Triangle Three, attracts out of it those units of energy which (as a result of the activity of Capricorn, Mercury and Humanity itself) are ready to come under hierarchical influence and to be swayed consequently by different streams of force to those hitherto evoking response:

1. Pisces is particularly potent at present in the life of Humanity owing to its being the sign which is now passing out of influence as we progress upon the great wheel of the zodiac. It is this sign with its combination of energies which has produced such a potent vibratory activity in Humanity that it can successfully and eventually enact the role of World Savior. Of this salvation, Pisces is the sign. Pisces is also the sign of [438] death, as you know, and in its death aspect we see the Piscean correspondence to the first aspect, the destroyer aspect of the Logos. This death aspect is naturally active at the close of the Piscean age and is consequently bringing about the present death of form in all the three worlds.
2. Uranus is the planet of occultism for it veils "that which is essential; it hides that which must be discovered and, at the right moment, it transmits knowledge of the hidden mystery." Today, for the mass of men, occultism is non-existent; for the aspirant and the disciple occultism is rapidly becoming a source and system of revelation as they penetrate into the wisdom of the Hierarchy.

The triangle of Pisces-Uranus-Hierarchy is becoming magnetically attractive to the triangle of Humanity. Uranus and Mercury in combination are dualities which the disciple learns to resolve and in the process of this resolution he shifts his focus out of the human kingdom into the fifth kingdom, the Hierarchy of souls. Pisces and Capricorn in unison bring about those changes which "lift the disciple out of the waters, wherein he is rapidly drowning, on to the mountain top from whence he can watch the recession of the waters. Thus does he know himself initiate."

The present world crisis should and will see a close merging of the two triangles in a most potent manner and this partial synchronization (for close though it may be it will not yet be a process of general identification) will produce the sixfold energy needed to bring in the new sixth race and the new world period wherein fellowship and brotherhood will be manifest in all human relations. [439]

Triangle One is produced by the interrelation of energies from Leo, Saturn and Shamballa. Its potency is naturally felt more directly in the triangle of the Hierarchy than in that of Humanity. These three energies are sometimes called (in an effort to make understanding more easy and to simplify comprehension) the "triple energy of WILL":

1. The will of self-determination - Leo.
2. The will of sacrifice - Pisces.
3. The will to choose - Capricorn.

because the Shamballa force lies behind the other two triangles and is the recipient of energy from the three above constellations, blending them into the united expression of will, and thus proves to be the custodian of divine purpose. The triangles of which the Hierarchy and Humanity are the expression are becoming responsive to Shamballa - the hierarchical center greatly so and the human center gradually so. This first or fundamental triangle is occult in the truest sense of the word to even the trained occultist and to the majority of the members of the Hierarchy. Therefore only a few points can be mentioned in connection with it as there is little to be found in even the advanced disciple with which to reach real understanding. The information must perforce remain academic and theoretical.

1. Leo, which is the will of the self-conscious Entity to manifest, holds the clue or key to the entire problem of self-conscious being, whether it is the will-to-be of a planetary Logos, of a group or of a man. The self-consciousness of man is inherent in the planet itself, which is the life expression of a fully self-conscious Being. The use of the will through the Shamballa center [440] involves the conscious use of that energy by the planetary Logos; this is evoking response today from the world of men in terms of will, both higher and lower. The willful (self-willed) man of the world is apt to be more responsive to this Shamballa force than is the disciple or the aspirant because they are more attuned to the gentler vibration of the Hierarchy. I have earlier told you that this Leo force from Shamballa is finding direct entry into the human center instead of indirectly via the Hierarchy as has hitherto been the case. The implications of this are obvious.
2. Saturn. This energy is primarily concerned with presenting opportunity to the Hierarchy and its affiliated disciples. The phrase that "Saturn is the planet of discipleship" is basically true because ordinary average man, except in group formation, does not come so potently under its influence. For the Hierarchy - as a group - is facing a great crisis of approach to Shamballa, analogous to that confronting Humanity today, as it seeks approach and contact with the Hierarchy. Thus there are two interrelated crises affecting both Humanity and the Hierarchy, and these should produce - if correctly effected - that which is called alignment or integration, resulting in a far freer inflow of divine energy. Both these "approaches" (which are in the nature of magnetic attractive "pulls") are conditioned by Saturn; in the case of Humanity this pull comes via the Hierarchy and - apart from that Hierarchy - mankind cannot today surmount or properly handle the crisis. This should be remembered and should speed the work of the disciples and aspirants of the world as they struggle for human liberation and to [441] bring about divine intervention. The intervention desired should come via the Hierarchy, if it is not to be too destructive in its effect. The last major intervention in Atlantean days came via Shamballa and resulted in the partial destruction of entire continents and lands.

These three triangles of energy can, therefore, be seen as basic and determining in all planetary affairs and event-producing. I have consequently chosen to consider them in our efforts to comprehend this basic astrological science.

C.II. Triangles of Force - Planets

At the same time, it will be obvious to you that, in relation to these simple triangles, certain interlocking triangles also emerge, as for instance the zodiacal triangle of Leo-Pisces-Capricorn and the allied planetary triangle of Saturn-Uranus-Mercury. These two triangles pour their six streams of force into our three planetary centers at this time, vitalizing and stimulating the planetary triangle of Shamballa-Hierarchy-Humanity. Behind these three stands a cosmic triangle, emanating three streams of energy which pour into and through the three lesser triangles, thus potently affecting every kingdom in nature. This cosmic triangle is that of the Great Bear - Sirius - the Pleiades. This paragraph simply summarizes the preceding pages and indicates the relation between four triangles of energy.

There are one or two subsidiary points which are of interest to the esoteric astrologer and these we might briefly list in connection with these effective triangles, using the word "effective" to imply conditioning and potent in results. In this present world cycle all results are of unusual significance and also unusually emphasized in human consciousness. [442]

1. Saturn, through which energy flows from Leo, via Shamballa, to Humanity, governs two decanates in Capricorn. Hence its extreme potency today in the triangle of Humanity. Saturn breaks up existing conditions by the force of its energy impact, thus enabling the influence of Mercury to be more fully expressed. The vision can then be intuitively perceived when obstructions have been removed.
2. Leo is one of the birth signs of the zodiac; it connotes the birth of self-consciousness, as you know. Capricorn is also a birth sign, because it is also an aspect or one of the arms of the Cardinal Cross - the Cross of that which initiates or brings into being. This has a peculiar relation to Humanity. It is the birth of the two types of consciousness - self-consciousness and Christ consciousness - which are brought to the attention of humanity by the fact of this Leo force, pouring through Saturn to Humanity and thus bringing Shamballa and Humanity into a closer relation, via Capricorn, active through Mercury.

At this point I would like to pause for a moment and interpolate a word in answer to a perfectly normal question which is liable to arise in the minds of thinking students and aspirants today. Of what use is all this abstruse and abstract information to a world in agony and a world distressed? The major usefulness of this imparted information which will condition the astrology of the future lies far ahead in the period after the war when again the field of world service opens and men have time for thought and due reflection. World service is going on now perhaps in greater volume than ever before but it is restricted to the field of releasing from slavery and alleviation of pain [443] and suffering, and, therefore, to the more strictly physical forms of help. The service to which I here refer is that educational process which will produce the coming civilization and its attendant culture. This will be based on all the cultural processes of the past and of the present, but will discard all that has produced the disasters of today, as far as may be possible. That means a gradual future usefulness for the knowledge of the underlying potencies, for they can indicate the lines of least resistance to the emerging good and the developing crises which inevitably lie ahead in the period of reconstruction. But one potent good can emerge even at this time from a study of these matters, provided the student of esotericism rests not content with study (using it as an escape from the disastrous present) but parallels his understanding of the causes and conditions by a strenuous effort to be of aid in a practical and a definitely physical sense.

This is the dominant emerging fact to which air that I have said bears testimony: world conditions today - precipitated as they are by human greed and ignorance - are nevertheless basically conditioned by the will-to-good which is the primary quality of the energies and forces coming forth from the great Lives in which all that exist live and move and have their being. The Law of the Universe (and what is law but the working out of the purposes of these all-embracing Lives, of Their impulses and Their plans?) is to all eternity the good of the whole and naught can arrest this happening; for who can arrest the impact of these energies which play upon and through our planet. When I say this, I would at the same time point out that the attitude of many students, inevitably participants in world events, that "such is the Law and such is the Karma of people and nations and such is the predetermined [444] destiny" is far from right. They believe - sometimes sincerely - that all that should be done is simply to wait for results to appear and for karma and destiny to fulfil itself. Then and not till then, all will be well. But they forget that karma fulfils itself in relation to the form nature upon which it expends its energy and that where there is a static condition and a quiescent attitude, the process moves but slowly; the life then within the form fails to experience the needed, forceful awakening; inevitably then there lies ahead a repetition of the process until the time comes when activity and response is evoked. This then leads to resistance to the apparent karmic necessity and this brings about liberation. Only through resistance to evil (and in this world period and in this kali-yuga, as the Eastern teachers call it, it is an essential basic attitude) can karma be brought to an end. The law of matter still governs in the three worlds of human experience and - "fire by friction" must burn up that which veils the steadily increasing brilliance of solar fire. It is the recognition of "solar fire" - as it shows itself in a transcendental idealism and radiance - by the unintelligent idealist, and his simultaneous refusal to cooperate in this period of karmic necessity, that is prolonging the difficult and cruel situation and leading him individually to sink deep into glamor. The simplification of the world's problem in terms of matter comes through a recognition of the essential dualism underlying events. I commend this thought to all students, suggesting that they base optimism on the long range vision, endorsed by the Heavens and corroborated by the activity of the stars, and thus feel sure of the ending of this immediate tragic situation.

It is interesting to note that the seventh Ray of Ceremonial Law and Order works through Uranus which is today the transmitter of Sirian force via Pisces to the [445] Hierarchy. From that "middle center" it passes to that sensitive band of disciples, aspirants and workers to whose hearts and hands is committed the heavy task, incident to the reorganization and the rebuilding of the shattered world structure. The seventh ray has sometimes been called a peculiar name by Knowers. It is regarded as the "Ray of Ritualistic Decency." It aids and inaugurates the appearing of a new world order, based on a spiritual drive and on aspiration, mental freedom, loving understanding and a physical plane rhythm which provides opportunity for full creative expression. To bring this about, energy from Shamballa (embodying the will-to-good) is fused and blended with the organizing energy of the seventh ray and then carried to humanity along the stream of love which emanates from the Hierarchy itself. Pisces governs this effort of the Hierarchy because the highest aspect of Pisces which humanity can at this time in any way comprehend is that of Mediatorship. This is the energy of mediation, of right relationship. Today as never before the Hierarchy stands as a "mediating transmitter" between:

1 .Humanity and the will of God. The revelation of the true significance and purpose of that will as it stands behind all world events is needed now as never before. This can come through a closer relation between the Hierarchy and Humanity.

2.Humanity and its karma, for it is equally essential that the laws for the transmutation of karma into active present good are clearly grasped.

3.Humanity and cosmic evil, focused for many millenia of years in what has been called the Black Lodge. Speculation anent this Lodge and its activities is both fruitless and dangerous. [446]

The latter fact is responsible for the widespread attack made upon Masonry during this century. Masonry - inadequate and corrupt as it has been and guilty of over-emphasizing certain forms of symbols - is nevertheless a germ or seed of future hierarchical effort when that effort is - at some later date - externalized on Earth. Masonry is governed by the seventh ray, and when certain important changes have been made and the spirit of Masonry is grasped instead of the letter, then we shall see a new form of hierarchical endeavor appear to aid in the restoration of the ancient and sacred Mysteries among men.

The energy of Uranus, pouring upon and into humanity, produces the urge to better conditions to provide better forms for the occult and esoteric life and to blend more adequately the inner and the outer man. This is one of the reasons why the Moon is spoken of so often as veiling Uranus. The Moon is frequently used as a blind when Uranus is meant. Today the Moon is a dead world and the reason is that the Uranian urge became so strong in that far distant time when there were living forms upon the Moon that it led to the complete and final evacuation of the Moon and the transfer of its life to our planet. Such a transfer is not necessary today as the consciousness of humanity is such that the needed changes can be brought about without such a drastic procedure. It is, however, this Uranian influence which lies behind the present shift of populations throughout Europe and Great Britain and which is responsible for the steady movement of peoples from East to West, from Asia to Europe in the earlier history of that continent and from Europe to the Western hemisphere in more modern times.

In the study of the interlocking of these triangles, it [447] will become apparent to the student that the combination of the influences of Sirius, Leo and Uranus has been much needed at this time to foster and bring about those conditions which will enable mankind, under the steady influence of the Hierarchy, to take the first initiation and "give birth to the Christ," thus revealing and bringing to the light of day the inner, hidden, spiritual Man. It is in Leo that man undergoes the preparatory stages of this first initiation. He finds himself and becomes self-conscious; then he arrives at the stage of intelligent discipleship; he formulates a conscious inner program or purpose under the steady pressure of the life of the indwelling Christ; he begins to exhaust and deny the demands and desires of the lower nature. This cycle of experience is followed by a painful life of conscious reorientation - a cycle wherein he achieves balance and begins to "stand in spiritual Being" as a result of constant trial and testing. Finally he stands ready for the ordeal and the accolade of fire, preceding the first initiation. At that final stage, Humanity today stands. When (as is now the case) the influence of Uranus is added to the other influences and the seventh ray is at the same time entering into a major cycle of activity on the Earth, there is then present the energy needed to precipitate the crisis of initiation and produce a great rhythmic awakening. Astrologers would find it of interest to note similar combinations in the individual horoscope.

It must not be forgotten that Leo marks the height of achievement for the human soul, and this is today stimulated by the Shamballa force now flowing into the center of humanity. This inflow will continue its critical work until in the Aquarian Age, so rapidly coming into expression, the one-pointed attitude of the Leo person (or shall I call it [448] the self-centeredness?) becomes the expanded consciousness and the decentralized attitude of the Aquarian man. You can, therefore, see how full of promise is the future.

In the Aquarian Age, the power of the planet Venus becomes a dominant factor in the last decanate. This I have already told you when we were studying that sign. Upon the reversed wheel in the case of the spiritually oriented man and the disciple, it is the first decanate under whose influence he comes which is governed by Venus; this should be remembered. Venus was the planet which we are told was responsible for the appearance of the individualized consciousness in man - this in combination with other influences and forces. In the Aquarian Age, Venus will again have an analogous influence only with this difference that the emergence into manifestation of an increased individualism and self-conscious realization will be subordinate to the appearance of the first stages of an expanded consciousness throughout all mankind - the consciousness of group responsibility. It will be perhaps better expressed as a form of group individualism.

Therefore: behind all these events, the dim outline of a lesser triangle of energy can be seen; this is a blend of the energy of three planets:

These produce a combination of the energies of

• Ray 3. - Active intelligence.
• Ray 7. - Ceremonial order or magic.
• Ray 5. - Concrete mind. [449]

It can be noted how this combination of energies when playing upon Germany's soul Ray of Harmony through Conflict and her first ray personality, on the Ray of Power and the Destroyer (responsive to Shamballa) is responsible for much of the present conflict, for the reason that the reaction of that country (under the influence of its present rulers) has been in terms of the material aspect and not of the spiritual.

Students would find it useful to reread some of the foregoing instruction anent the signs Leo-Pisces-Capricorn, so as to familiarize themselves with the nature, quality and influences which this great triangle (see page 435) expresses and through which humanity is being led at this time forward along the path of return. In this connection it is well also to remember that the series of triangles with which we have been dealing refer to and produce changes in the human consciousness. Another series of triangles was also given (on page 416) involving the Great Bear, Sirius and the Pleiades. These triangles concern the spiritual aspect of the planetary life and of humanity, as well as of the other kingdoms in nature. Humanity is of peculiar importance in relation to these triangles because it is the destiny of humanity to transmit life to the subhuman kingdoms. With these triangles of supernal forces I shall not deal because conscious response to their influence will not be possible till the time cycle of the third initiation arrives. I simply mention this influence so that you will realize that there is no real contradiction or discrepancy. Still another enumeration of the triangles of energy emanating from the three major constellations are given earlier by me (on page 435) and this again is correct and not a contradiction. In this group of three sets of triangles - making nine all told - with their interlocking analogies and lesser triangular relationships and with also their points of fusion, you have [450] held in a "mystery of potencies" the entire story - past, present and future - of human evolution. It accounts for the changing emphases of that story, its shifting kaleidoscopic pattern, its recurrent points of fusion and its steady progress, through changing process, towards an ultimate revelation.

Very briefly I would like to touch upon the fact that, as might be expected, the influences of Leo-Pisces-Capricorn which dominate the present world situation, via Shamballa, the Hierarchy and Humanity, are potent in their oft unrealized effect upon the individual people. They bring about changes in his life focus and in his centers just as they have wrought corresponding changes in the three planetary centers. In view of this certain basic ideas can here be emphasized:

1. The influence of Capricorn, via Mercury, will have a dominant effect in the human kingdom - itself a planetary center.
2. The individual disciple will, therefore, respond to this Capricornian influence most easily. It will constitute a line of least resistance, offering opportunity, as well as the chance of possible disaster if wrongly handled. Right response will lead the disciple nearer to the door of initiation; wrong response will take him back into the depths of crystallization and of concretion.
3. Disciples who respond to the influences above mentioned will necessarily be largely conditioned by their rays, egoic and personal. First ray disciples will, for instance, respond to the Shamballa influence, transmitted from Leo and Saturn, more easily than will second ray disciples. These will in their turn react more rapidly and consistently to the Hierarchy, transmitting energies from Pisces and Uranus. [451]
4. The above facts will demonstrate the nature and quality of the response of disciples on Rays 1.3.5.7. and Rays 2.4.6. and this must always be borne in mind as being true of disciples, of all men and also of nations.
5. According to the response so will be the evocation of the activity of the centers, or a center. But - and this is a point of major importance - all disciples must at this time seek to find their dominant reaction in a planned response to the influence of the Hierarchy and the energies transmitted by it. As a general rule, the impact of Shamballa force (particularly in the case of a disciple on Rays 1.3.5.7.) will be of a personality nature. It is the stimulation of the heart center with a consequent control of the solar plexus center which should be the planned result. The heart must dominate the solar plexus by the withdrawing of its energies to the heart.
6. The time has not yet come when it is safe for the aspirant or the disciple to relate the head center and the base of the spine in response to a definite and conscious appropriation of Shamballa force. Whatever may take place automatically, normally and naturally and through the development of the disciple can and should be permitted to take place, provided there is no conscious intent and that there is also a close and careful scrutiny and control of the personality life.
7. The awakening of the ajna center with the consequent and subsequent conscious control of the throat center must inevitably take place provided the disciple fulfils two conditions. He can then become consciously, safely and correctly creative. These two conditions are:
   1. A conscious orientation towards the soul and towards the Hierarchy. [452]
   2. A deep love for humanity, present and based on mental perception and intuitive understanding and not on emotional reaction.
8. Where the above conditions are fulfiled, then the impact of the inflowing energies will produce the required stimulation and awakening.

This is all that I have to say about the response of the centers in the human being to the activity of the planetary centers under systemic and zodiacal stimulation. I am not here writing a treatise on the individual training of the disciple but am attempting to demonstrate the fact of cosmic, zodiacal, systemic, planetary and human interplay which in its turn constitutes a great and living Whole - the life expression of a Being of Whom we only know that love and the will-to-good, expressed through the Universal Mind, are the outstanding characteristics and that these are steadily emerging into increasing radiance.

C.III. The Triangles and the Centers

It is necessary to remember that all influences which impinge upon the individual or upon humanity as a whole pass through or are transmitted by one or other of the planetary centers. I have said little about these centers save to refer to the major three centers which we call Shamballa, Hierarchy and Humanity. We recognize them as:

1. Shamballa - Power. Purpose - Planetary head center - Directing Will
2. Hierarchy - Love. Wisdom - Planetary heart center - Directed Love
3. Humanity - Intelligence - Planetary ajna center - Directed Mind

Four other centers remain to be considered: the planetary throat center, solar plexus, sacral center and the center at the base of the spine. [453]

In the planetary logoic life - as is the case also with individual man, the microcosm of the Macrocosm - certain centers are more awakened than others and vibrate in unison wit systemic impulse more fully than others. In the case of the planetary Logos of our little sphere, the head center, the ajna center, the heart and solar plexus centers and the throat center are the five focal points of energy which are the most alive and vibrant. The sacral center is slowly dropping below the threshold of the logoic consciousness whilst the center at the base of the spine is practically entirely quiescent, except in connection with its pranic effects upon the form life, engendering the will to live, the urge to survival and the vitalization of forms. These facts will give you an idea of our planetary status in the great family of the central sun and indicate why our planet is not a sacred planet. No planet is a sacred planet unless the center at the base of the spine (speaking symbolically) is aroused and the great fusion of energies resulting therefrom has been effected. I refer to this particular world cycle and period and to the state of affairs in this the fifth or Aryan root-race. Students of my books and of The Secret Doctrine must remember that any contradictions which may appear are only contradictions in Time and that when this time factor is properly understood and the student knows to what specific cycle the information should be applied, these apparent inexactitudes will disappear.

What is true of humanity, for instance, during the third root-race, may not be true in the fifth root-race. Therefore, all that can be done is to study and relate, to reflect and to apply the Law of Analogy, knowing that when the expanded and more inclusive consciousness of the trained initiate takes the place of the present human awareness, [454] then these debated points will be clarified; they will assume a true consistency and the contradictions will disappear.

The planetary center which corresponds to the one at the base of the spine in the human being will not be awakened until the seventh root-race and that only when right relationship is established between the planetary sacral center (which is related to the third kingdom in nature, the animal kingdom) and the planetary throat center, functioning properly and in unison.

In the first volume of this treatise, certain hints were given anent the planetary centers and the rays of energy pouring through them. To these I would like here to refer because they are related to the Science of the Triangles. You should note that the three lower kingdoms in nature constitute in themselves a triangle of force and are essentially a reflection of a particular planetary triangle. It might be of service if I here briefly tabulated again for you certain of these major inferences - for they are little more than inferences at this time. One point is of real interest here. I have stated that Humanity is the correspondence in the planetary Life to the ajna center in individual man. Earlier I told you that the fifth Ray of Concrete Knowledge is related to the ajna center and, therefore, in this present world cycle, you have:

• Humanity - planetary ajna center - 5th Ray of Knowledge - 5th root-race.

Therefore five centers in man are rapidly awakening. These relationships prove each other but only when seen in relation to the greater cycle. Humanity was at one time the correspondence to the planetary solar plexus and some day will shift the focus of its receptivity to the planetary heart center; when this takes place, the Hierarchy will [455] shift its focus of receptivity into the sphere of influence of Shamballa. Of this shift, the presence of the twelve-petalled lotus in the highest head center (the relating point between the heart center and the soul on its own plane) is the guarantee. The following relations must consequently be born in mind:

1. Head center - Shamballa - 1st ray - 1st & 7th race - Will; the goal.
   Energy of Life. Synthesis.
   Seven centers awakened and functioning.
   In first root-race alive and faintly vibrating.
   In seventh root-race fully awakened.
2. Heart center - Hierarchy - 2nd ray - 6th root-race - Love; the goal.
   Energy of Identification. Achievement of fusion.
   Six centers functioning.
   The focal point of the egoic consciousness of divinity.
   The fifth kingdom. The Kingdom of God.
3. Ajna center - Humanity - 5th ray - 5th root-race - Intuition; the goal.
   The energy of Initiation. Development of inclusiveness.
   Five centers rapidly awakening.
   The focal point of personality.
   The human kingdom, the fourth kingdom in nature.
4. Throat center - Animal - 3rd ray - 3rd root-race - Intellect; the goal.
   The energy of Illumination. Creating in the light.
   Four centers functioning.
   Focal point of the instinctual consciousness.
   The third kingdom in nature. [456]
5. Solar plexus - Vegetable - 6th ray - 4th root-race - Instinct; the goal.
   The energy of Aspiration. Unfoldment of sensitivity.
   Three centers functioning.
   Focal point of psychic response.
   The second kingdom in nature.
6. Sacral center - Deva evolution - 7th ray - 2nd root-race - Responsiveness; the goal.
   The energy of Magnetism. Power to build.
   Two centers functioning; heart and sacral centers.
   Focal point of vibratory response to the "eye of God."
7. Base of spine - Mineral - 4th ray. - 7th root-race - Synthesis; the goal.
   The energy of foundational Synthesis. Completion.
   All centers functioning as one.
   Focal point of evolution.
   The first kingdom in nature.

This tabulation may serve to make a little clearer the present general plan or blue print of the evolutionary development of consciousness. Other developments are proceeding simultaneously, such as the responsive unfoldment of the form aspect and the evolution of the deva, or angel, line which parallels the human and to which I referred in A Treatise on Cosmic Fire. A third great scheme of evolution is proceeding and that can only be referred to as the unfoldment of divine purpose on its own plane; of this humanity has, as yet, no faintest conception because its consciousness is still held within the limitations of its own kingdom in nature; the Hierarchy is attempting to become responsive to this form of energy. [457]

There is another point of interest to which I wish to refer and it is one which is little realized by the average occult student. I refer to the outlets of planetary energy through the means of which great and general effects are produced in the external, planetary life. In this fifth root-race, there are only five such outlets as far as effects on humanity are concerned; man's responsiveness to them, is demonstrated by the fact of their relative importance in conditioning world events and world affairs. Wherever one of these outlets for spiritual force is found, there will also be found a city of spiritual importance in the same location. These five points are:

1. London - For the British Empire.
2. New York - For the Western Hemisphere.
3. Geneva - For all of Europe, including the U.S.S.R.
4. Tokyo - For the far East.
5. Darjeeling - For all of central Asia and India.

Later, two more points or outlets for energy will be added to these but the time is not yet. Through these five places and areas in their neighborhood, the energy of five rays pours forth, conditioning the world of men, leading to effects of planetary significance and determining the trend of events. A study of history and of current affairs will produce some understanding of their importance in connection with four of them. The effect of the force flowing through the Darjeeling center is not so immediately apparent but it is of major importance as a distributing agency for the Hierarchy and particularly for those Members of the Hierarchy who are dealing with and influencing current human affairs in this time of momentous crisis.

These five points of conditioning energy produce two triangles of force in their interrelation: [458]

1. London - New York - Darjeeling.
2. Tokyo - New York - Geneva.

Geneva and Darjeeling are two centers through which pure spiritual energy can be directed with more facility than through the other three and they, therefore, constitute the higher points of their respective triangles. They are more subjective in their influence than are London, New York or Tokyo. Together, they form five centers of 'impelling' energy today.

It may interest you also to know the governing rays and astrological signs of these five places, so far as they can be given at this time and during this present cycle. Forget not that the personality rays change from period to period in connection with countries and cities just as they do with individuals:

City	Soul	Personality	Sign
1. London	5th	7th	Gemini
2. New York	2nd	3rd	Cancer
3. Tokyo	6th	4th	Cancer
4. Geneva	1st	2nd	Leo
5. Darjeeling	2nd	5th	Scorpio

If students will study this information in connection with that given elsewhere in connection with other nations and cities, the interrelations now emerging in world affairs will be seen as the result of the play of these forces and energies and, therefore, unavoidable. The use of the energy may be along wrong lines, producing separation and trouble, or along right lines, leading to eventual harmony and understanding, but the energy is there and must make its effects in any case. As in the individual life, the results of the play of the life of the soul upon the form aspect, one or other of the rays will dominate and control. If the person or nation [459] is spiritually oriented, the result of the energy impact will be good and will lead toward the working out of the divine plan and thus be wholly constructive. Where personality force dominates, the effects will be destructive and hindering to the emergence of divine purpose. Nevertheless, even destructive force can and does finally work towards good, for the trend of the evolutionary force is unalterable. It can be slowed down or speeded up according to the purpose, aspiration and orientation of the entity (human or national); it can express soul purpose or personality selfishness, but the urge towards betterment will inevitably triumph.

In the study of this Science of Triangles, the student must bear in mind that there is always one point of the triangle which - in a particular crisis or "event in consciousness" - is the emanating, dynamic, conditioning energy. During the cycle (great or small, major or minor) in which it thus controls, the other two points express receptivity and are regarded esoterically as embodying forces. Every triangle is, therefore, the expression of one fundamental energy and of two secondary forces. This is a basic statement of importance and the formulation of a law under which all the triplicities of energy function in time and space. You have consequently:

1. An emanating energy center.
   Dynamic expression of cyclic purpose.
   Positive qualified outgoing ray energy.
   Planetary, systemic, zodiacal and cosmic energy.
   The basis of hylozoistic (living) expression.
2. A receptive force center.
   An evocative expression of the initial impelling energy. [460]
   A synthesis of two forces, the emanating and the receptive.
   A qualified, conditioning secondary energy.
   Motivating, blended energy, neither positive nor negative.
3. A responsive point of negative energy.
   A major center, completing the grounding of the emanating energy.
   Responsive mainly to the second point of the triangle.
   Source of a violent interplay between the two points of the base line.

This distributing center can be a solar system, regarded as a cosmic center, a planet, which is a systemic center, one of the planetary centers, above referred to, a nation or an individual or one of the centers in the human etheric body.

A close study of these energy streams will demonstrate two major movements:

1. A downflow of energy from an emanating center. This leads to
   1. Its merging with the energy of a center of reception and its consequent qualification. [461]
   2. Its transmission to and its evocative effect upon a second point or focal point of reception.
      Note: This leaves one side of the triangle as yet uncompleted.
   3. The three types of energy (or rather one energy and two forces) proceed then with the following activities:
      1. Evocative energizing of a secondary triangle.
      2. Pouring down one side of this reflected triangle into the evoked expression on the physical plane.
      3. Producing manifestation, quality and activity.
      4. Forming a reservoir of descending and balancing energies.

Some light on this most abstruse subject can be gained if the student will attempt to realize that the above diagram and subsequent statement describes his own involutionary and evolutionary history. It depicts the interplay of his monadic life, soul energy and personality force, as these three focus on the physical plane, producing manifestation and appearance.

2. A return flow of this qualified energy to its emanating source or the highest point of the major triangle. This produces:
   1. The completion of the two triangles - the Real and the unreal. The building of the antahkarana is an aspect of this completion. This concerns the final building of the later stages of the antahkarana by the initiate. [462]
   2. The transmission of force from the reflected or secondary triangle in the three worlds of human endeavor (or in the five worlds in the case of the evolution of members of the Hierarchy) is into the same focal point on the base line of the higher triangle which received the original emanating energy.
   3. There are consequently two points of major importance in the higher triangle:
      1. The emanating point of positive conditioning energy.
      2. The point which receives into itself both the higher energy and the lower forces. This point is called the soul aspect of the triangle and is always the registering agent of consciousness. It is, therefore, the producer of crises, because the point where several energies meet is the source of crisis in the outer life.
      3. These crises are crises of initiation and this is true of men as individuals, of nations and of humanity as a whole.
      4. The over-shadowing triangle is the factor which produces by its flow into and out of the secondary triangle the "moments in time and the events in space which lead to those episodes in the life of the soul wherein force becomes energy and energy becomes life."
         Such a momentous event or crisis is now taking place in the life of humanity today.

More along this line I may not here dictate. The subject is too vast, abstruse and complicated. I have, however, [463] indicated enough to throw some light upon this intricate science. Summarizing what I have said:

1. Emanating, evocative and magnetic energies are the three types of energy, flowing from the "superior triangle."
2. Receptive, distributing and critical force are the three types of energy distributed by the "inferior or reflected triangle."
3. Two points of energy are shared by both triangles along the base line. When the work is completed, the base line is formed by two blended streams of energy, which embody the energies of both triangles.
4. One point of energy (the magnetic point) produces involution and outgoing during the process of forming the lower triangle. In a later stage it - as a blend of energies - induces return of all the energies to the emanating source.

At the same time, students must bear in mind that - owing to the Great Illusion - it may appear to them that the triangles are incomplete during the evolutionary process. The fact, however, is that in the Eternal Now all three sides of the triangles eternally exist and persist. The problem is found only in the consciousness of the subject but not in the Reality.

5. It must be noted by the student that:
   1. The masses of men express downpouring energy from the magnetic center. Their rightful trend is at present downward into physical manifestation and experience. [464]
   2. Aspirants and probationers express responsiveness to the pull of the evocative center. Their urge is towards the path of return.
   3. Accepted disciples and initiates express the interplay along the base line between the evocative and magnetic points.
   4. Higher initiates and Masters utilize and express the energy blended in the magnetic center. They are returning or responding to the emanating center.

Thus the sixfold triangle - objective and subjective - is completed.

It will be of course obvious to you that it will not be possible to deal with all the various triangles of energy which are effective on our Earth, and which, incidentally, affect humanity exhaustively. Their name is legion. But certain triangular relationships can be tentatively considered and their place in the planetary or in the individual horoscope can then be later worked out. In the new astrology which will be that of the soul, the paramount consideration of the twelve houses (which are now of such importance) will be less emphasized and the consideration of the three Crosses will emerge in their place. These three Crosses make together twelve arms and it is the energy flowing through the twelve arms and their place in the soul horoscope which will assume the major importance. This I will enlarge upon when we take up the theme of the three Crosses. The twelve houses concern the personality. The four arms of the three Crosses concern the soul and it is these twelve and their appearance in the horoscope or their failure to appear which will govern the horoscope of the soul. All the four influences of the three [465] Crosses will be found present in the chart of a Master. Therefore an indication of which constellations are primarily related to the unfoldment of consciousness and to the evolution of spiritual understanding is of significant use here.

The major cosmic Triangle works primarily through six constellations at this time and - again at this time - the cosmic constellation and the two zodiacal energies focus through a particular planet, using it as a transmitting agency to the Earth. You have therefore:

I. Sirius - Working through - Cancer - Saturn - Capricorn
II. The Pleiades - Working through - Gemini - Mercury - Sagittarius
III. The Great Bear - Working through - Aries - The Sun - Libra

These six influences aid greatly in the development of self-consciousness and later of the spiritual consciousness in the man who has succeeded in reaching the point of reorientation upon the Great Wheel. I deal not here with the personality influences, inclinations and determinations as they appear in the chart of the ordinary man. I deal with the influences and with those determining energies which pour upon the man who is on the Path of Return to the center of his life and, therefore, with the final three stages upon the Path of evolution. [466]

We might consequently state that the forces of:

1. Cancer - Capricorn - Saturn (which are an expression of Sirian energy) enable the aspirant to tread the Path of Purification, of Probation. These energies focus and qualify the energy of the Great Lodge of the Most High in that distant Sun. They pour through the Hierarchy upon the mass of men and enable the unit in that mass to "isolate himself and turn his back upon the past and find his way on to that section of the Path wherein he learns to feel."
2. Gemini - Sagittarius - Mercury (which are an expression of the Pleiades) enable the Probationary Disciple to pass on to the Path of Accepted Discipleship. He is then becoming increasingly intuitive and entirely one-pointed whilst the nature of the pairs of opposites is clearer to him. The relation of the Mother-aspect (as embodied in the Pleiades) and of the Christ-child, hidden within the form of the personality, is realized and the inner, spiritual man institutes the process of initial identification with the spiritual entity on its own plane; the little self begins to react consciously and with increasing frequency to the higher Self. The man "presses forward on that Path wherein he learns to see."
3. Aries - Libra - The Sun (which are an expression of the Great Bear) bring about that focusing of energy in the life of the disciple which makes it possible for him to function consciously and with intention upon the Path of Initiation. He enters the realm of the formless worlds because Aries, the sign of beginnings makes this possible; through the potency of Libra, he has succeeded in achieving that point of balance which makes the final escape from the pairs of opposites possible. He now [467] knows, through transcended feeling and from identification with the seen Vision, the true meaning of being.

This threefold process can also be covered by the three words: Sensitivity, Illumination and Inspiration.

Another group of energies can be touched upon though any true elucidation is not possible. They concern the focused energies of the seven solar systems of which ours is one. These energies (six in number) reach our solar system, via the constellations Taurus and Scorpio and the planet Mars.

IV. Six Systems - Working through - Taurus - Mars - Scorpio

Their peculiar nature, objective in evolution and basic purpose is only revealed to initiates above the fifth initiation. They are concerned with the problem of desire (which is to humanity a problem but not in its higher octaves) and with its transmutation into spiritual will and divine purpose. They are the originators of conflict, are closely connected with the fourth Ray of Harmony through Conflict and are, therefore, in a peculiar relation to the fourth Creative Hierarchy, the human, and to our Earth in this fourth round.

In these eight constellations are to be found the influences which are mainly concerned with the evolution of the soul - in the solar system, in the planet Earth and in man. They are the "eight potencies of the Christ"; they govern the psychic unfoldment of the life in all forms. They are of the utmost significance to the aspirant. [468]

Four constellations have been omitted from this list:

• Leo - Self-consciousness
• Virgo - Christ consciousness
• Aquarius - Group consciousness
• Pisces - Universal consciousness

They are basically concerned with the expression of consciousness on the outer external planes of expression or with the fusion of soul and form in order to demonstrate fully a state of awareness. These facts will become apparent if the four esoteric planets connected with these four constellations are considered and related:

• The Sun - The Soul
• The Moon - The Form
• Jupiter - Beneficent Life
• Pluto - Death

It will also be apparent to the astrologer of the future along which lines the chart of the soul must be drawn; the major triangles and the three cosmic Crosses will control his deductions as to the unfoldment of consciousness. The triangles indicate possibility; the Crosses indicate process and points of crisis.

There is, as I have said, no way of handling this Science of Triangles at length or exhaustively, for it is the science of the universal geometrical blueprint underlying the phenomenal worlds and is also closely related to Karma. It concerns the first precipitation of the interaction and the effect of the duality of manifestation, of spirit-matter, as they constitute one substance. But, in its relation to esoteric astrology, it is possible to indicate certain fundamental interpretations of this relation which will enable the astrologer to work out eventually the astrology of the soul, to outline the horoscope of the ego and to draw up the new types of charts which will demonstrate soul purpose on its own plane and group relations also on the physical plane and [469] so be of aid to the intelligent, dedicated personality. Ponder on this.

There is one triad of cosmic energy that is of supreme importance upon our planet and it is the united influence of its three constellations which will eventually bring about the initiation of the planetary Logos; this will warrant any future planetary expression of His life to be termed a "sacred planet." At present our Earth is not regarded as a sacred planet. Later, when these three energies have produced adequate effect and the needed planetary changes have been produced, the term "sacred" will be deemed correct and appropriate. This statement of course means little to any student at this time. When, however, he is able factually to realize two things, the case will be different. These are:

• First, that the threefold energies which lie back of the activity of the center at Shamballa concern the planetary Logos; humanity is slowly becoming sensitive to that influence, but only in mass formation and not individually. Only theoretically can a disciple take note of this fact.
• Second, these influences are playing upon that aspect of human life which we call the Monad; they will, therefore, have a steadily increasing effect upon the Path of Initiation.

These three constellations are Leo - Virgo - Pisces. They are spoken of esoterically as "the Producers of that which knows, the Informers of that which is awakened and the Constructors of the modes of fusing Wisdom. They produce a unity; They shatter that which They have produced only again to produce it in greater beauty and in wider fullness." These words are clear. This triangle is, at this [470] time, an inverted one with the Leo energies in the closest contact with our planetary life. The following triangle will show this more clearly.

These three are connected definitely and increasingly with the unfoldment of human consciousness in three main aspects.

There is the development of self-consciousness to be fostered and this is the major effect - as well you know - of the force of Leo. The influence of this constellation aids in the manifestation of individual will, individual love, and individual intelligence; it fosters the "ahamkara" or egoistic principle; it produces the emphasis upon the "I am" attitude which is so necessary a stage before the individual can merge himself as a conscious Self-respecting unit in the Whole. But behind this influence and pressing through into manifestation is the force of Virgo (the mother or custodian of the Christ-consciousness) which shatters eventually the synthesis and the lower unity already produced by the Leo energy; it stimulates the soul within the form as well as the soul within each atom in the form, because the genius and uniqueness of Virgo is that it produces the form as well as stimulates the life within that form and, therefore, nourishes and energizes two lives simultaneously. It is a powerful dual energy, a potent expression of the anima mundi or the soul of the world. It was the, recognition of [471] this which made the ancient astrologers merge Virgo-Leo into one sign. Then as the dualism of the human spirit (spirit-matter) became a fact in the consciousness of man, the sign was divided into two signs and the war of the pairs of opposites became a "war with purpose" and is, incidentally, reaching its climax today. This fact will be obvious to all true esotericists.

Another stream of energy it also pushing through and producing effects upon those in the human family who not only respond to the Leo force and are consequently individuals in their own consciousness but are responding also to the steadily expanding Christ-consciousness; of this they are becoming increasingly aware in their own individual experience. This is the higher aspect of the energy of Pisces; it is awareness of the group, of the whole and of the universe. It is the energy of buddhi, the higher aspect of the lower psychic nature; it is the aspect of the mediator in contradistinction to the medium. It is intuitional control instead of the intellectual instead of the intellectual overlordship of Leo and the limitations of Virgo.

These three energies are today playing potently on humanity, producing:

1. The self-consciousness of man, as he emerges out of the mass.
2. The recognition of the Christ life and nature, as, the aspirant for the first initiation emerges out of the group of world individuals.
3. The awareness, universal in nature, of the initiate, as he emerges out of the ranks of the world disciples.

All this is, therefore, brought about at this time by the steady inflow of the energies of Leo-Pisces-Virgo and these lie behind the very rapid unfoldment of the three types of [472] consciousness to be found in varying degrees in humanity today.

There are, as I pointed out earlier, seven great crises in connection with the human being upon the path of evolution; they cover the earlier, the later and the final stages of his growth. These it should be borne in mind are precipitated through the conditioning influences of seven great constellations. Let us consider them for a moment. They are:

Crisis	Quality	Constellation	Cross
1. Crisis of Incarnation	Individualization	Cancer	Cardinal
2. Crisis of Orientation	Reversal	Aries	Cardinal
3. Crisis of Initiation	Expansion	Capricorn	Cardinal

You will note that two of the constellations which we have just been considering - Leo and Virgo - are to be found in this list. Five constellations are not so intimately concerned with the mass human crises but are more definitely and specifically related to the unfoldment of the individual disciple. These are: Sagittarius, Libra, Taurus, Pisces and Aquarius. Pisces has, however, at this time a unique relation to the seven constellations which produce the great human crises; it also completes the final united effort of the Triangle: Leo, Virgo, Pisces. It has been the steady impact of Piscean force which has at long last brought humanity, the world disciple, to the very door of initiation. For over two thousand years, Piscean influence has been playing upon mankind; it has brought about the demand for world adjustment; it has developed the international spirit and has led to the formation of groups in every department [473] of human living and so laid the foundation for the future synthesis in Aquarius. The influence of this triangle finds symbolic expression in the life of the self-conscious individual who reaches self-awareness in Leo; in the culturing care of Virgo and the final self-release in Pisces.

We might here give a little time to the practical lessons to be learnt from the seven crises through which man, the individual, and humanity, the larger whole, must pass.

In considering these crises which take place in the life history of the soul from its first incarnation until its final release, it will be found that seven major constellations, and their influences, pouring through the exoteric and the esoteric planets, stage the circumstances and condition the environment of the onward-moving, spiritual man. Certain lives will occur when one or other of these constellations will exert a predominant influence. They will produce that focusing of forces which - given a man's particular equipment at any point in time - will evoke from him the maximum of possible effort, thus enabling him to move forward into a more enlightened state of consciousness. You will note, that I do not say "enable him to be victorious." A man may succeed in surmounting the testing conditions and in emerging conqueror over circumstances upon the physical plane and yet be defeated. The reason for this is that unless the struggle and the emergence produce basic changes in consciousness and a greatly extended horizon, they will prove futile to accomplish their intended task.

In studying the moments of crisis, it must be remembered that they are passed through approximately three times from the standpoint of the major life cycle and are also recapitulated in a minor sense in some particular life or group of lives. The three cycles of major import in the consciousness of the reincarnating ego are: [474]

1. The evolutionary cycle from individualization to liberation, from the stage of primitive man to the emergence upon the stage of world affairs of a Master of the Wisdom, a Buddha or a Christ.
2. The cycle of aspiration from the stage of intelligent integrated man to that of the accepted disciple and from the experience of intellectual expression in the three worlds to that of the probationer who is seeking trial upon the Path and is beginning to take his spiritual unfoldment consciously in hand.
3. The cycle of initiation from the preparatory stage of accepted disciple to that of the Master and the still higher grades. These seven crises are each re-enacted during the process of self-initiation into the world of meaning and of reality. They constitute the keynote or the motif of each of the seven initiations. Each of these seven initiations permits entry into the state of divine consciousness on each of the seven planes of divine experience and expression.

The influences of these seven constellations is symbolized by three triangles and a final synthesis or focal point. Esoterically, these triangles are usually depicted as superimposed but for the sake of clarity we separate them.

Cancer - Aries - Capricorn - (Cycle one)
Gemini - Scorpio - Virgo - (Cycle two)
Capricorn - Virgo - Leo - (Cycle three) [475]

We have here three triangles but, at the same time, only seven influences for the effects of the conditioning forces of the two triangles predominantly active in the first two cycles are fused and blended in the third. These blended influences (with the aid of the remaining five constellations, Sagittarius, Libra, Taurus, Pisces and Aquarius) enable the disciple to escape out of the human kingdom into the kingdom of souls. We have therefore:

1. Seven constellations
   Cancer - Aries - Gemini - Scorpio - Capricorn - Virgo - Leo, which bring the man from the stage of individualization to the Path of Discipleship.
2. Eight constellations
   (which include three out of the seven) which bring the disciple from the stage of self-hood to that of the self-initiated and perfected soul.

It is not my intention to analyze these crises. These, the student who is in earnest and who is observant can work out for himself.

I would also point out that I have (again necessarily) only depicted the three triangles in a certain order with the lower points expressing the energy of certain constellations. In this form they depict the final outcome and the final results of a particular group of three crises. It must be remembered that only through much repetition and frequent focused effort are these results attained. A crisis is brought about by a certain habit of mind, developed in the vehicle; it is surmounted in time only by a certain habit and rhythm of the spiritual content of the man's nature. It is the establishing of a certain objective rhythm which produces a crisis; it is the emergence of a particular subjective rhythm which enables a man to surmount the crisis and to capitalize on the opportunity. Please bear this in mind. [476]

These seven crises can also be related to the seven centers in the vital or etheric body, and advanced students will later find that there is a close cyclic interrelation between:

1. The seven planes of divine expression.
2. The seven states of resultant consciousness.
3. The seven crises, leading to the expansion of consciousness.
4. The seven initiations, climaxing these expansions.
5. The seven centers wherein these results are realized.

Let me remind students that all the twelve constellations bring about man's evolutionary development and eventual release from the Great Wheel of living existence. Seven of these are, however, primarily useful in bringing about the seven crises of the soul whilst five of them are instrumental upon the final stages of the Way in enabling the disciple or initiate to utilize the experience gained and the values grasped in effecting entrance into the fifth kingdom in nature. You have, therefore, the 12 + 7 + 5, making 24 in all and in these are to be found the "24 episodes which mark the Cross of Life." From the standpoint of Christian symbolism (even though the interpretation is as yet inadequate) these seven crises correspond to the seven stations of the Cross which mark the way of an advancing world Savior.

In connection with the five constellations which are peculiarly active in the life of the advanced disciple and initiate, the influences fall into two triangles of force, because Leo - focusing the energy of the seven constellations - is included, thus linking the self-conscious aspect with the spirit: [477]

• Leo - Libra - Sagittarius
• Taurus - Pisces - Aquarius

Shirk not these crises, hard and difficult though they may appear to be. Difficult they are. Forget not that the habit of confronting crises is a long-established one within the consciousness of humanity. Man has the "habit of crisis," if I may so call it. They are only the points of examination as to strength, purpose, purity and motive and the intent of the soul. They evoke confidence when surmounted and produce greatly expanded vision. They foster compassion and understanding, for the pain and inner conflict they have engendered is never forgotten, for they draw upon the resources of the heart. They release the light of wisdom within the field of knowledge and the world is thereby enriched.

C.IV. Conclusions

We have reached a point in our consideration of the Science of Triangles wherein we can pause for a minute to consider our next approach to this subject and choose the theme by means of which we can throw more light upon it. It should by now be obvious to you that this Science of Triangles concerns the beneficence of Deity and that, through the intricate combinations of cosmic, systemic and planetary triangles, the purposes of God are working out. Those purposes are motivated by love. It is through these relationships that love expresses itself, brings about the needed changes for that expression, and human consciousness is brought into the required state of inclusiveness. [478]

It is through the squares or the quaternial relation that the form aspect is brought into relation and adequacy to the will of Deity, expressing itself through the gradually unfolding consciousness aspect. I am explaining this situation in these simple words because it must be apparent to you that only as the soul illumines the mind can the significance of the teaching be grasped. It is only when the stage of initiation is reached that the true meaning will emerge. In the meantime, I have sought to awaken in your minds a reaction to the abstract truth lying behind the two following statements:

1. The Science of Triangles is related to the total expression of the divine triplicity of manifestation: will, love and intelligence or life, consciousness and form. Until, therefore, the disciple can express in himself the integrated resemblance to these three aspects, he will not be able to grasp the meaning of this subjective astrological science.
2. On our planet, the Science of Triangles is related to the three major aspects, as they express themselves through Shamballa, the Hierarchy and Humanity. Again, therefore, we come up against the need for the approach of the integrated human being to this science because only the man who is responsive to these three focal points of energy can understand the interplay. Only, in fact, can the man apprehend the underlying truth whose two head centers and his heart center form a triangle of flowing energies.

In this connection, I would remind you of what I said earlier in the treatise that the Science of Triangles is related to spirit and synthesis. I would remind you also that what I have written in this astrological section, of the Treatise on the Seven Rays [479] is intended for the instruction of disciples at the close of this century and during the postwar period. Again I would also point out that I stated earlier that this science must always be approached from the angle of the three basic energies: i.e., those coming from the Great Bear, from the Pleiades and from Sirius; because (conditioned by time and space) these three types of energy pour through the three major centers, Shamballa, the Hierarchy and Humanity.

My problem has been to choose which of the myriad interlocking: triangular relationships I would take up with you and thus present this science in such a manner that it would prove of real interest. The inner web of light which is called the etheric body of the planet is essentially a web of triangles and when the evolutionary process is completed, it will have been organized. At present a pattern of squares is the major construction of the web but this is slowly changing as the divine plan works out. The etheric webs of the sacred planets are largely triangles whilst that of the Sun is that of interlaced circles. The effort on Earth today (as seen by the planetary Logos) is to bring about a transformation of the web of the planet and thus slowly change the existing squares into triangles. This is done by the creation of division, by the application of the Law of Separation, but also by the recognition, in consciousness, of duality, the application of directed motion and the appearance of two triangles in the place of one square. When this has taken place, the perceiving consciousness recognizes identity and the rule of the square is ended. These words were once spoken to me by an ancient seer who bisected the square esoterically, thus forming two triangles and united them in a fresh manifestation to form a Star of Life. Ponder on this. [480]

It is for this reason that the astrologers of the future will emphasize the relation and the interrelation of triangles. The new astrologer will, as I have hinted before, lay the emphasis upon:

1. The Science of Triangles, as the result of the growth of the initiate understanding.
2. The rising sign, as it indicates the way of the soul.
3. The place of the three Crosses (the Cardinal Cross, the Fixed Cross and the Mutable Cross) in the life of the soul. This will eventually supersede the houses in the horoscope and the 12 arms of the three crosses will take the place of the 12 houses when casting the horoscope of the soul.

I would reiterate again the fact that the new astrology will be occupied with the charting of the life of the soul. The 12 constellations, as they play their part in the life of the disciple through the medium of their distributing agents, the ruling esoteric planets, will gradually transform the exoteric form of the chart of the individual. This will be due to the focusing of the various energies in man, consciously and through intent, and will not concern his negative reaction to the conditioning energies.

I would like here to call your attention to an interesting point which has a definite bearing upon the power of the individual to grasp the new astrology and to comprehend the Science of Triangles. The astrological symbols for Virgo and Scorpio are triple in nature - the only two which are. When the disciple grasps the meaning behind this triplicity, he will be ready to grasp the significance of this abstruse science and to work with the new astrology. Virgo and Scorpio are two signs connected with the growth of the [481] Christ consciousness; they mark critical points in the soul's experience - points of integration wherein the soul is consciously at-oning itself with the form and at the same time with spirit. I said the soul's experience, not the experience of the man upon the physical plane. When the experience undergone in Virgo is consummated in Pisces and the tests of Scorpio have led to illumination in Taurus, then the effect of these four energies (Virgo, Pisces, Scorpio, Taurus) will be to make man the true triangle, expressing the three divine aspects or energies as they come from the three major conditioning constellations: the Great Bear, the Pleiades and Sirius.

I could fill many volumes with the indications of the various triangles as they are discovered to be related in time and space. Under the will of Deity and the unalterable energy at the heart of the manifested zodiac, they produce the changes in consciousness which make man divine at the close of the world cycle. But the theme is too vast and all I seek to do is to point the way towards a new science and towards those esoteric combinations of energies which will, when recognized, enable humanity to make more rapid progress, fuse and blend the energies of the three planetary centers and transform our Earth (through the agency of human thought, reacting to zodiacal influences) into a sacred planet. It is, therefore, the influence and combination of energies as they affect the aspirants and disciples of the world which must suffice for any increased understanding; with these I shall gradually deal and I shall also in the final part of this section give you an exegesis of the tabulation. In that tabulation is given the relation between the rays and the constellations and this is basic in its implications.

Certain of the forces with which we are dealing govern [482] humanity in a peculiar manner and the effect of their influence is to bring about the at-oning of the three planetary centers.

There are four constellations, as you know, which convey the required energies which will make humanity divine. They are Aries, Leo, Scorpio and Aquarius. I need not enter into an analysis of them as this was covered when we studied each of them earlier and separately. I would, however, like to point out that each of these constellations is closely connected, as a transmitter of energy, with certain stars, lying outside our zodiac altogether, thus connecting our tiny planet with certain great focal points of energy.

Aries, the initiator of impulses (either the impulse to incarnate or the impulse to return to the originating source) is closely in touch with one of the stars in the Great Bear to which we give the name "Pointer" in common parlance. This Pointer is a "major star of direction" because through it (in this world cycle) flows the will to unify and to bring about synthesis. This is the force which brings about the fusion or integration of the personality, the at-one-ment of personality and soul, the unification of humanity or the Great Approach of the Hierarchy to Humanity. It will produce also the integration of our Earth into the body of the "sacred planets" and the consequent establishing of a triangle of force composed of the Pointer, Aries and our Earth. This triangular relationship will have a potent effect upon the solar system as well as upon the planet itself and is also one of the factors producing the shift in the Earth's axis. Related to this triangle is a secondary one within our sun's orbit, composed of Vulcan, Pluto and the Earth. In the Archives of the Great Lodge this is referred, to symbolically as: [483]

This is one of the most interesting and informing astrological symbols I have given you and indicates a most momentous relationship. You have here two major and three minor energies brought into close relation; this is analogous to the two major rays and the three minor rays which condition a human being in manifestation. These are the five energies which concern the informing life of our planet. They produce, in humanity, conscious evolution, direction and the founding of Shamballa upon the Earth. They are the five energies connected with the will-to-be, but from the consciousness angle and not the material expression of manifestation. Their activity and united influence in the realm of consciousness produced the appearance of another triangle: Leo, Polaris and another of the Pointers and these two groups form an interlocking directorate, potently effective in the evolution of consciousness.

You have, therefore, through these related triangles, the appearance of Shamballa and Humanity - the two poles of divine expression - will and activity.

We come now to another triangle, the activity of which produces the manifestation of Hierarchy - the intermediary between Shamballa and Humanity: Scorpio, Sirius and Mars. These, in relation to our Earth, produce the four streams of energy (initiating and transmitting) which lead humanity towards discipleship and initiation.

When the work, of, all these triangles has been concluded, [484] humanity (and in a mysterious sense our Earth) will be functioning in perfect rhythm and will respond to the energies pouring in from Alcyone.

I cannot too strongly repeat that esoteric astrology is entirely concerned with the forces and energies which affect the consciousness aspect of the human being, and condition the personality life. This is the point which must be considered above all else. In other words, esoteric astrology is concerned with the soul and not with the form and, therefore, all that I have to say refers to consciousness, to its expansion, to its effect upon its vehicles, the form, and - in the last analysis (as will be later established) - with the Science of Initiation. This I have earlier pointed out, but the idea is so new and the approach so universal or cosmic, that it is not easy for those trained in modern exoteric astrology truly to comprehend the significance of this teaching. In considering the Triangles, which I have chosen to use as the theme in elucidating this immense subject, this emphasis upon the consciousness aspect must not be forgotten.

For the remainder of this section on the Science of Triangles, I shall take up those triangles which are at this time and in this world cycle producing effects in the human consciousness. These effects are of two kinds: those which are general, not so easily discernible and which affect the masses of men, and those which are more specific in their results, more tangibly effective and which serve to condition the consciousness of the world aspirants, disciples and initiates. Today, this dual movement of energies is going on, producing a slow, steady awakening of the mass consciousness so that individual self-consciousness on a large scale will be the result and the more rapid stimulation of [485] the already awakened consciousness of advanced humanity so that initiation will be achieved.

The effectiveness of this dual process can be seen if it is realized that three great signs - Leo, Sagittarius, Aquarius - are today exceedingly active and working in close relation with each other. They are the three signs whose energies are affecting humanity as a whole - as a kingdom in nature. Leo: the sign of the self-conscious individual is potent in its mass effect and today, through the stress of circumstance and the dire results of certain events, thousands of men and women are stepping out of the ranks of the mass-conscious herd, and out of the deep sleep of irresponsibility and becoming aware of themselves as detached, functioning entities. Sagittarius is powerfully affecting the world aspirants and leading them towards those attitudes of mind which will produce an unswerving allegiance to the spiritual values and an unalterable adherence to the good of humanity. Aquarius is - with equal potency - affecting the world disciples and initiates, leading them to world service on a large scale, producing group activity and that living usefulness which is the hallmark of the pledged disciple. The influence of these three constellations is felt through their esoteric planets, and the mass movement in consciousness (for which Leo is responsible) can be noted as possible even by the novice when he realizes that the ruling planets in Leo are, from all three angles - exoteric, esoteric and hierarchical - the Sun. The mass movement towards individual self-consciousness is today enormously intensified as is the paralleling individual movement towards initiation.

Leo appears again in another important triangle at this time: Aries, Leo, Virgo - a triangle which potently aids in inaugurating the New Age. That New Age will be [486] distinguished by a truly self-aware humanity, conditioned by a steadily manifesting Christ consciousness. The potency of Aries, as it initiates those happenings which will set in motion the causes that will produce the New Age, can be seen today in the trend of all the new movements, in the formulation of the various world orders, in the discoveries of science and in the emergence of the new types in the different kingdoms in nature. This activity has only been felt since 1835; the potency of Leo can be traced since then in the vast number of people who are achieving the integration of the personality and becoming self-conscious, as well as in the emergence of thousands of self-conscious world aspirants who are subordinating gradually their integrated personalities to the good of the group. The influence of Virgo appears in the many religious, spiritual and mental organizations and movements which indicate to directly the awakening of the Christ consciousness in humanity. These triangles thus can be seen as vibrant living factors, producing world changes and giving a tremendous push onward to human unfoldment.

It is interesting to bear in mind that just as each sign is divided into three decanates which are ruled by specific planets, so the zodiac itself is a part of a still greater zodiac and is also divided into three parts. The threefold division of the zodiac is ruled by three constellations which are to this greater zodiac what the planets are to the decanates. The three ruling constellations are Scorpio (on the Fixed Cross), Taurus (also on the Fixed Cross), and Pisces (on the Mutable Cross). This would necessarily be so because testing, trial, desire, illumination, matter, form and salvation are the keynotes of our solar system and of our Earth in particular. This solar system is a system which is expressing the second aspect of divinity and hence the [487] emphasis upon the forces pouring through Scorpio, Taurus and Pisces. Ponder on this. A hint is there conveyed anent our zodiac which is of supreme importance to the astrologer of the future. In the cosmic decanates to which I here refer, it will be found that three great sons of God have expressed for us the quality, the keynote and the development which is expressive of each decanate:

• Hercules - Scorpio - Strength through testing.
• Buddha - Taurus - Illumination through struggle.
• Christ - Pisces - Resurrection through sacrifice.

In a peculiar sense, these three constitute a triangle of initiation and are of paramount potency in the initiation process. They express strength, illumination and love in full expression.

Leo appears again in this world situation as a part of a triangle of crisis, for the combination of the three constellations involved invariably produces crisis. These three are Leo, Libra and Capricorn. Leo, when dominating the triangle, produced in the past the crisis of individualization. Later in human history, when the point of balance was reached, Leo was again potent. H. P. B. pointed out that there came a time when the balance was reached between spirit and matter and from that time on the tendency of humanity was towards evolution out of matter and not involution into matter; humanity turned towards the Path of Return and not the Path of Outgoing; this has become increasingly apparent. Today, Capricorn is producing a third crisis in the long, long history of mankind - a crisis of initiation, and the possibility of this crisis proving effective and producing the appearance of a new kingdom of nature on Earth is steadily becoming more and more possible. I would like here to remind you of an earlier reference [488] to still another triangle in which Leo is active and to another of the great triangles conditioning humanity: Taurus, Leo, Aquarius. Taurus incites towards experience and towards the gaining of knowledge; Leo leads to the expression of that experience in daily life and to the effort to justify knowledge; Aquarius takes that experience and the knowledge gained thereby, and turns it to conscious use in the service of the group. We might phrase it thus:

• Taurus - in the final stage of development demonstrates as the illumined consciousness.
• Leo - produces the truly Self-conscious man.
• Aquarius - is the man of spirit, of life, and of consecration to the divine expression of service.

It is here that the importance of the esoteric rulers can be seen. These triangles, composed of three constellations are (according to cyclic law) dominated at any one time by one of the three, the other two being subordinated. These triangles are called in the Archives of the Lodge "Triangles in Revolution"; at one time, one of the three constellations will be the controlling factor; at another time another will swing into effectiveness and later a third. Each of these in turn pours its force through its esoteric ruler and the other two energies become of secondary importance. When this information is connected with the teaching upon the rays, it will be apparent how necessary it is to know which of the triangles is the focal point of transmission, because in this way it will be discovered which ray energy is in major or minor expression.

Leo, as we have, seen, is for instance a most important transmitting agency in the present world crisis. This means, therefore, that Rays I and V are exceedingly active; it means, secondly, that the Sun's influence is potent, both [489] exoterically and esoterically. It means also that the planets which are related to these two rays will be very active and, therefore, that Pluto and Venus are dominant in producing world results. I cite this as an instance of the interrelation of planets, constellations and rays; a close study of the world crisis will indicate the plausibility of the premise as to the activity of Leo as a major force in the triangle at present responsible for producing the world situation.

Earlier in this treatise, I gave you the relation between the rays and the constellations and stated that each of the seven rays expressed itself through the medium of three constellations or through a triangle of energies. This relation is the basis of the entire Science of Triangles and, therefore, of astrology itself; it is also related to the rays, the constellations, their ruling planets and our Earth in a great synthesis of energies; it relates our solar system to the larger whole and our tiny non-sacred planet to the solar system. Let me repeat that statement and thus indicate to you some vital facts anent this world of interweaving energies. The Rays pour through, are expressed by and are transmitted through the following constellations:

• Ray I - Aries - Leo - Capricorn
• Ray II - Gemini - Virgo - Pisces
• Ray III - Cancer - Libra - Capricorn
• Ray IV - Taurus - Scorpio - Sagittarius
• Ray V - Leo - Sagittarius - Aquarius
• Ray VI - Virgo - Sagittarius - Pisces
• Ray VII - Aries - Cancer - Capricorn

Certain interesting facts emerge if this tabulation is carefully studied. Let me list some of them for you, leaving you to apply the information as may seem best to you.

1. This interrelation is effective in this world cycle and will remain so until the end of the Aquarian Age. By [490] this I mean, that these seven triangles of energy are today pouring their force through one of the constellations in each triangle.

2. Today, the following points of the triangles of energy or the following constellations in the triangles are the controlling factors:

• Ray I - Aries: This constellation, as might be expected, is the source of the initial energy, producing the New Age.
• Ray II - Virgo: This constellation produces the increased activity of the Christ principle in the heart of humanity.
• Ray III - Cancer: The mass movement towards liberty, release and light, so dominant today, is caused by the energy of this sign.
• Ray IV - Scorpio: Through this constellation comes the testing of humanity, the world disciple.
• Ray V - Leo: This sign produces the growth of individualism and of self-consciousness, so prevalent today on a world scale.
• Ray VI - Sagittarius: This sign produces the focused one-pointed effort of the world aspirant.
• Ray VII - Capricorn: This Capricornian energy produces initiation and the overcoming of materialism.

3. It will be noted in this tabulation that several of the constellations find themselves in one or more of the triangles of energy, shewing, therefore, that:

1. Ray IV - is relatively inactive. [491]
2. Ray VII - like Ray I is active through all three points, even though Aries is the most potent and active.
3. Ray VI - as might be expected, is equally expressive and effective.

4. Five of the constellations - Taurus, Gemini, Libra, Scorpio and Aquarius - are only found in one of the various triangles.

1. Taurus (Ray IV) is not active exoterically as the fourth ray is not in manifestation at this time.
2. Through Scorpio, Ray IV is focusing esoterically the work of the world disciples, preparing them for initiation.
3. Gemini is only found in the triangle of Ray II and at this time, Virgo and Pisces are carrying the major task of transmitting second ray energy. Today the world is focused (spiritually or materially) and the fluctuations of the pairs of opposites are much lessened temporarily. Gemini, therefore, is the inactive point of the triangle, though still potent from the esoteric angle of the individual disciple or initiate.
4. Libra is also found relatively inactive in the triangle of Ray III. Today there is no true balance but the opposition of spirit and matter is so violent that the Libran force is relatively quiescent. Ray III is expressing itself through Cancer, as far as the mass is concerned and through Capricorn, on a much smaller scale, in relation to the world disciples. Capricorn esoterically leads towards the externalization of the Mysteries. [492]
5. Aquarius is not today the active point for the transmission of the energy of Ray V. However, shortly, as the Sun passes more fully into the sign Aquarius, the triangle will again revolve and bring the Aquarian point into a controlling position.

5. It is interesting to have in mind that Ray V governs the evolution of consciousness through the revolution of its triangle: Leo, Sagittarius and Aquarius. This is from the angle of hierarchical effort, as I earlier pointed out. Throughout human evolution, this major triangle governs the relation of humanity, through the mind, to the Hierarchy and the approach of that Hierarchy to the human center of energy. Let me recall to your attention the following facts in this connection:

• Sagittarius
  The Approach of the Hierarchy - Lemurian in date. Proceeding steadily always.
  The PAST - Impetus then given still persists.
  Mental unfoldment - Instinct. Intellect. Intuition.
  The work of the Master Mason - To raise humanity to the mountain top of initiation.
• Leo
  The Work of the Hierarchy - To raise the mass consciousness.
  The PRESENT - To capitalize on the original impetus of this sign.
  Psychic development - The growth of the response apparatus and the synthesis of the inner awareness.
  The work of the Entered Apprentice - To learn and acquire knowledge. [493]
• Aquarius
  The Achievement of the Hierarchy - The self-consciousness of Leo gives place to the group consciousness of Aquarius.
  The FUTURE - The merging of the human center and the Hierarchy.
  Soul Expansion - Recognition of relation.
  The work of the Fellow Craft - The building and service of the temple of humanity.

From the standpoint of our theme (the evolution of consciousness) it must never be forgotten that the aim is to bring the solar Angel, the Son of Mind (called in The Secret Doctrine, the Divine Manasaputra) into the seat of power. This task is pre-eminently entrusted to the three great Lives Who function through Gemini-Libra-Aquarius.

A point arises here which is one of real moment or perhaps, I should say that a question might here be asked: How does it happen that one tiny non-sacred planet should be considered of such importance that these great Lives should be concerned with the unfoldment of mind in humanity? The answer is that they are not. It is humanity which - under the urge of great inflowing and outflowing energies - is concerned with the problem of mental development. In the last analysis, the problem of response to and interpretation of the environing contacts is one which is to be found on every planet and particularly upon the non-sacred planets. This response must be evoked, not only in the fourth kingdom in nature but in all the kingdoms. Our solar system is one in which sensitivity to contact is the dominant quality; it is in process of becoming cosmically aware; it is driven by need and environing cosmic circumstance to develop love-wisdom and both these words are [494] descriptive and expressive of the consciousness aspect. Love is response to contact and this - in the human being - means understanding, inclusiveness and identification. Wisdom connotes skill in action as the result of developed love and the light of understanding; it is awareness of requirements and ability to bring together into a fused relationship the need and that which will meet it. Service is essentially a scientific Mode of expressing love-wisdom under the influence of one or other of the seven rays, according to the soul ray of the serving disciple. The whole problem is one concerning our planetary Logos. It might be said (in order to make our theme comprehensible to you) that the evolutionary process - from the standpoint of the ordinary human being - is to make the non-sacred planet, our Earth responsive to cosmic impacts thus bringing more interrelated and inner integration into the logoic body of expression. There are other purposes but it is only after the third initiation that a man begins to comprehend them.

These three constellations, cyclically and eternally, leading the "Eternal Pilgrim" along the path of mental unfoldment produce in him the final stage of mental evolution upon the Path of Initiation. Illumination, the term applied to that final stage, is a synthesis of instinct, intellect and intuition. Students must bear in mind that:

1. Gemini - expresses the relation of the pairs of opposites as they swing the man into activity and evoke his mental perception. With the aid of the ruling planets (Mercury and Venus) the mind begins to function and when the esoteric planet comes into expression and transmitting potency "the Messenger and the Angel exchange their understanding." (Venus and the divine Manasaputras are closely connected. A.A.B.) [495]
2. Libra - expresses the point of balance achieved, prior to a secondary activity and the period of assimilation by the mind of past experience. These processes, when successfully carried forward, evoke the intuition and this brings into activity what is called the supermind which is the response of the illumined mind to the Mind of God.
3. Aquarius - expresses the activity of the mind which has been initiated into the purposes of the Universal Mind. It is the sign which brings the soul into active cooperation with the inner plan of God. This we call service.

There are, therefore, great Triangles of energy which affect the mental response apparatus of humanity and to the above triangle which concerns the unfoldment of the mind, two others can be added:

I

1. Taurus - Desire - the incentive to evolutionary unfoldment in the human kingdom.
2. Scorpio - Aspiration - the key to the testing of the disciple.
3. Capricorn - Illumination - the liberation of the initiate.

II

1. Sagittarius Direction expression of the intuition.
2. Cancer Incarnation experience of realization.
3. Leo Self-consciousness mode of development

There are other major triangles which are called "triangles in consciousness" and, as you well know, the most important of these for mankind is the triangle of Cancer, Leo and Aquarius. They are important at this time because the influences pouring through these three are basically responsible for the growth of the human understanding and the unfoldment not only of man's response apparatus, the [496] form nature, but also of his expanding perception of that which is contacted. This threefold process under these three constellations produces finally the identification with that which is perceived to be the divine essence, underlying form. This identification with that which, is the subjective and real Self and the consequent withdrawing from that which is the not-Self is the keynote of the fourth initiation.

From the mass awareness in Cancer, the man becomes an individual in Leo and the slow unintelligent subconsciousness of the herd becomes the self-awareness of the developed man in Leo. Instinctual reaction gives place to conscious, intellectual activity. This dual activity in turn gives place to the group awareness which is the gift conferred by Aquarian activity; the superconscious divine man then transcends his limited self-consciousness and the intuition supersedes the intellect.

At this stage in the unfoldment of the human consciousness, there is little that I can say further anent the Science of Triangles. I have hinted at the entire structure of living, moving, focusing and transmitting light triangles which should underlie (and eventually will underlie) the manifested universe. I have pointed out certain relations between the various constellations, the esoteric planets and our Earth. I have shifted the approach of the astrological student away from the world of tangible happenings, precipitated events, and personal characteristics (which are distinctive of exoteric modern astrology) into the world of conditioning energies, controlling incentives, impulses and causes, and have thus laid down the basis of an inner esoteric astrology which must govern this ancient science in the future. I have emphasized in your consciousness, the web of light and energy which is the recipient of zodiacal and other extra-systemic forces and I have pointed to the first [497] dim outline of the astrology of the soul and of the unfolding consciousness of man. I have presented to you some esoteric facts which must for a while at least remain hypotheses and theories to the average astrologer and probably unwelcome ones at that; I have made statements which are of necessity revolutionary in nature and, therefore, disturbing, if not apparently untrue or based on premises which deny all that the modern astrologer has worked out and hitherto held dear. In this connection two of these ideas are basic whit the astrology of the soul is concerned:

1. The reversal of the life of the disciple upon the Wheel of Life, by means of which his progress becomes anti-clockwise.
2. The influence of the rising sign which is held by the esoteric astrologer to indicate soul possibility and direction, versus the personality opportunity, offered by the nature of the vehicle of response.

These two ideas are obviously revolutionary and when to them you add the new sets of planetary rulers which I have given you, it is not surprising if you feel the vastness of the astrological theme. This, however, was the first reaction which I hoped to get from you. Astrology must now argue from the universal to the particular because it must in the future deal with soul unfoldment and not with the personality horoscope as hitherto.

At this point, I would remind you that nothing I have said negates the charting of the personality horoscope as at present done in the case of the average man who is proceeding clockwise around the Wheel of Life. I have but brought into your field of astrological research, the astrology [498] of the human consciousness, of the solar angel, of the son of mind, the spiritual man.

In the latter part of this century, what I have given to you will be demonstrated to be true; this will happen where disciples, highly developed aspirants and initiates are concerned. The old exoteric astrology will still persist and prove its usefulness where the average man is in question, focused in his personality life and oriented towards the material world.

Much progress towards right understanding of astrology will come later when certain new meditations on the twelve signs of the zodiac are made available. When the world again settles down to calmer living and conditions are adjusted to a more stable rhythm, these new meditations can form a potent source of usefulness in "brightening the web of life" and in producing more effective spiritual living among men.

The problem of all disciples remains the same. This is to live simultaneously the acutely sensitive inner life of the Pilgrim upon the path of life, of a human being in the world of human events; to live the group life of the pledged disciple and the mass life of humanity; to fulfil his own spiritual destiny, through the medium of a controlled personality and, at the same time, to participate fully in the life of humanity upon Earth - this is no easy task.

We have completed what I felt possible to communicate anent the Science, of Triangles - a science which concerns the entire subjective pattern of manifestation and the significance of which is closely interrelated with the Trinity of manifestation. Another name for this science is the Science of Etheric Structure or Substance. That being so, that science deals with life, quality and appearance in the three worlds of divine Purpose and Will and, for that [499] reason, all that I can do in this treatise is to convey to you certain "seed thoughts" which - at some future date - will blossom forth as the basic Science of Relations. This subjective relation will be both vertical and horizontal, particular and universal, specific and general. With the present mental equipment of humanity, all that is possible for man is to grasp certain facts and vaguely sense certain intuitive implications and ideas. Later, he will perceive intuitively the underlying structure of ideas and sense the basic synthesis which life itself contains. Therefore, beyond what I have given you, you cannot go today.

But the aftermath of the war will change all this. Once there is a measure of nervous release from strain and once the swing of the world-movement has again stabilized, humanity will transcend itself. The spiritual values will emerge more clearly, the fact of the inner world will be no longer questioned as man's increased sensitivity enables him to respond to the higher impression and the inner inspiration; his ability to live the vertical life of the spirit and the horizontal life of relationship will grow with each decade.

Then the relation of life to form, of spirit to body, of the soul to the personality will demonstrate in the realm of quality, and the quality of the immediate divine aspect, the Christ consciousness, will emerge in a manner undreamed of today by any of you - even the most advanced thinkers. Speculation on your part is useless. Time alone will serve to demonstrate the veracity of the picture I portray and the validity of the inner spiritual structure. This structure has always been present but it has been heavily overlaid by the material desires of mankind. A thick crust (if I may use such a word) of thought-forms veils and hides the inner realm of beauty and of meaning, of quality and of spiritual consciousness. This crust is being blasted away by the present [500] catastrophic condition in the world. Men will feel at the close of this present war as if nothing had been left them and that they are destitute and denuded of all that made life worth living - so dependent have they become upon the so-called high scale of living. But these attitudes will serve as stepping stones to a new life and a better and more simple way of living; new values will be released and comprehended among men and new goals will be revealed. And the day will come, in the experience of humanity, when men will look back at the pre-war centuries and wonder at their blindness and be shocked at their selfish and materialistic past. The future will shine with an added glory and, though difficulties and the problems incident to world adjustment and the new relationships between the spiritual man and his material environment will be found, the future will prove itself as the best yet unrolled. Difficulties will be found on all planes up until the last initiation but the destructiveness of the life process will never again be so potent. The reason for this is that humanity is most definitely emerging from the thralldom of matter and in such cases destruction parallels the impact of the descending spirit upon opposing matter. Ponder on this statement. [503]