THE SEVEN RAYS - What Are They
by RLP
"We are told that seven great rays exist in the cosmos. In our
solar system only one of these seven great rays is in operation. The
seven sub-divisions constitute the "seven rays" which, wielded by our
solar Logos, form the basis of enless variations in His system of worlds.
These seven rays may be described as the channels through which all being
in His solar system flows, the seven predominant characteristics or
modifications of life, for it is not to humanity only that these rays
apply, but to the seven kingdoms as well. In fact there is nothing in the
whole solar system, at whatever stage of evolution it may stand, which
does not belong and has not always belonged to one or other of the seven
rays. " (R I 163)
The author of this passage is the Tibetan Master, Djwhal Kuhl. He has been
our primary source of information on the seven rays for the past 70 years.
Until the end of the last century the seven ray system was known and taught
only to a limited few disciples and adepts of the Ageless Wisdom. There
have long been hints of this doctrine concealed within the teachings of all
great philisophies and religions, but it has not been systematically
presented, as have astrology or numerology. Astrology, since ancient
times, has been divided into exoteric and esoteric branches. The ray
teaching, however, has remained esoteric and largely hidden from the
world. Only now, within the last seven decades, have we seen the
beginnings of an exoteric presentation of the seven rays.
The reason for the new emergence of this ancient knowledge at this time seems quite simple. "When the student is ready, the teacher appears." Humanity, the World Disciple, is apparently now ready, and stands on the threshold of a great awakening. New responsibilities, new opportunities and new light are being urged upon us by the Teachers of the race. Concurrent with this expansion is the need for a deeper, conscious penetration by the human race into the essential nature of reality. What was once occult mystery is now rapidly becoming practical science. Not only is the teaching on the rays emerging, but so are esoteric astrology, psychology, healing and many other formerly occult sciences receiving increased exoteric recognition.
What is meant by the word 'ray'? The Tibetan answers this question in the following manner: "A ray is but a name for a particular force or type of energy, with the emphasis upon the quality which that force exhibits and not upon the form aspect which it creates." (R I 316) The seven rays are seven qualities of energy. Rays do create forms, though the emphasis is not on the external, but rather on that which lies behind or within the form.
Modern physics has concluded that all is energy, that within every form lies an essential network and pattern of energy. The seven ray teaching, in scientific terms, is an hypothesis that asserts the following: All energy within form is fundamentally septenate in character. The energy, as well as tthe forms derived from it, can be described through seven discrete and archetypal streams.
The seven streams of energy, it is said, are the very vibrations within matter, space and form which define and infuse all objects, all beings and all events in manifestation. They combine and interweave to create all the complex systems we know as reality, from the grandest interstellar spectacle to the smallest mundane occurrence of daily life. As concepts they will be found to be familiar, simple and direct of apprehension. They strike a chord in our consciousness and are, quite literally, closer to us than breath. Yet the system they compose is as vast and elusive as the world and the cosmos itself. To truly comprehend and usefully apply this knowledge can be equally elusive, and is an immeasurable challenge.
The seven primordial energies are beyond complete, exact depiction in words, or even in thoughts on the planes of this world. They are too essential and encompassing to be wholly contained or isolated within our narrow band of the Greater Spectrum. But to stimulate understanding and the flow of intuition within us, certain descriptive phrases have been used in connection with the rays. This is a list of some of the more common synonyms:
- Ray One - Will, purpose, power, destruction
- Ray Two - Love, wisdom, inclusiveness, coherence, magnetism
- Ray Three - Active Intelligence, adaptability, creativity
- Ray Four - Harmony through conflict, beauty, sensitivity, unity
- Ray Five - Concrete knowledge, science, mind, analysis
- Ray Six - Devotion, idealism, adherence, force
- Ray Seven - Order, ceremony, organization, group, magic
The ray teaching gives us an energy picture of creation and of life at all levels of being. It provides a means of explaining the intricate interrelationships of all things, spiritual and material; and it proclaims their oneness and interconnectedness.
As part of this energy picture of the cosmos, human beings are, of course, themselves composed of ray energies. The various bodies or vehicles of incarnation of the individual human being - the personality, the mind, the soul, etc. - are said to issue forth on one or other of the rays. The particular, dominant pattern of vibration within an individual or group or nation qill establish its constitution, its environment and the keys to determine the inante opportunities and limitations of the entity. Practically, it is a picture of the inherent impulse, the immediate need and prescribed path of evolution.
The psychological application of the ray hypothesis is of particular interest because it provides a practical energy framework for understanding the make-up of individuals and groups. The rays of a person, when determined, studied and understood, will enable that individual, or his counsellors or therapists, to 'go to the source'. Knowledge of ones' energy-essence and underlying vital composition can be invaluable in developing a balanced program for life, lived in accord with nature collectively, and with what is individually appropriate and true.
The emanation and interplay of human energy is seen as a reflection of the energy of the universe. That which is in man is in all things. And, importantly, it is the energy within that dictates the outer appearance and behavior of each and all.
In order to undrerstand the "seven streams of force", we are constrained to use verbal and numerical descriptions. But bear in mind that any words we may use are mainly attempts to translate a quality into a form. And, in translations of any kind, something of the original is always lost.
The correspondences between the ray doctrine and numerology will be obvious, but the rays are not, in actuality, numbers or symbols or techniques for divination. They are fundamental creative energies, the vibrations of our very essence. The following summaries of the rays, based on research in the teachings of the Tibetan, may help to explain the range and focus of each of the seven qualities:
Ray One. This energy is the beginning and the final synthesis - the source of all other energies. It is the essence of power and energy itself. The first ray is the force of purpose, direction, centralization and one-ness, of which the will is the keynote. It is characterized by the qualities of intensity, dynamism, quickness, and dominance. It often results in detachment, isolation and crystallization. And out of its force and directness is conceived the powerr of creative destruction.
Ray Two. Consciousness is born of the second energy, in the union of duality, spirit and matter. This is the source and blending of light and love, magnetism and relationship, inclusiveness and coherence. It is the ray of wisdom, sensitivity and intuition, as well as clarity and attention to detail. This energy is a qualifying, teaching and healing force. It often results in attachment andd attraction, and, curiously, establishes our awareness of fear, the antithesis of love and relationship. The second ray is the energy of the entire solarr system and hence is also a ray of profound synthesis.
Ray Three. Activity and intelligence work out from this source, a result of purpose and wisdom. It is the energy of full and great manipulations, creativity and adaptability. Needs are recognized through this force, plans are formulated, material is selected and business is undertaken. The third ray is clear, inherent mental and intellectual ideation in pursuit of truth, with the objective of manifesting in matter and substance. It is the power which evokes form.
Ray Four. This energy stands symbolically in the center of the seven and
is the magnetic relation of opposites, the point of harmony, bridging and
mediation amidst conflict, pain and struggle - in a sense, the fruition the
duality rooted in the second ray. It stimulates creativity, art and beauty
and is characterized by sensitivity to color and sound. Discrimination,
quickness and a searching for perfection reside here. The intuitive,
relational force is strong in this ray, which evokes life, love and
understanding.
Ray Five. This is the energy of concretion into substance, of knowledge and science, and of stimulation in the three worlds. It leads to the searching, analysis and development of ideas, which in the end produces light and wisdom. It is the enerrgy of differentiation and investigation which can lead to separativeness, cleavage and crystallization. But the thoroughness and discrimination with which the fifth force works in the mind and the intellect leads the way ultimately to understanding and to the revelation of truth.
Ray Six. The seeds of all devotion and desire pour forth through this energy. It generates adherence, intensity and persistence. The determination resident in this ray is a fiery essence, sometimes full of force, fury and even fanatical display and militant violence. Abstraction and aspiration characterize the sixth force, in the sense of an idealistic nature, loyally oriented toward the causal levels of being. The sixth ray is the power to recognize what is right and righteous, the upward tendency and the capacity to see the light.
Ray Seven. This last of the seven is the most tangibly expressive on the outer planes. It is the quality of relationship between spirit and matter and is thus magical. It is rhythm which builds, integrates, circulates and manifests. It is the bringer and producer of newness in form. The relational power of this ray motivates law and order, rule and ritual, organization and group consciousness. It is practical understanding and vital energy externalized, which embodies both the center and the periphery.