Read the Message of The Kybalion–and follow the example of “the wise”–avoiding the
mistake of “the half-wise” who perish by reason of their folly.
CHAPTER VII.
“THE ALL” IN ALL.
“While All is in THE ALL, it is equally true that THE ALL is in All. To him who truly understands this truth hath
come great knowledge.”–The Kybalion.
How often have the majority of people heard repeated the statement that their Deity
(called by many names) was “All in All,” and how little have they suspected the inner occult
truth concealed by these carelessly uttered words? The commonly used expression is a
survival of the ancient Hermetic Maxim quoted above. As the Kybalion says: “To him who
truly understands this truth, hath come great knowledge.” And, this being so, let us seek this
truth, the understanding of which means so much. In this statement of truth–this Hermetic
Maxim–is concealed one of the greatest philosophical, scientific and religious truths.
We have given you the Hermetic Teaching regarding the Mental Nature of the Universe–
the truth that “the Universe is Mental–held in the Mind of THE ALL.” As the Kybalion says, in
the passage quoted above: “All is in THE ALL. But note also the co-related statement, that:
“It is equally true that THE ALL is in ALL.” This apparently contradictory statement is
reconcilable under the Law of Paradox. It is, moreover, an exact Hermetic statement of the
relations existing between THE ALL and its Mental Universe. We have seen how “All is in
THE ALL”–now let us examine the other aspect of the subject.
The Hermetic Teachings are to the effect that THE ALL is Imminent in (“remaining within;
inherent; abiding within”) its Universe, and in every part, particle, unit, or combination, within
the Universe. This statement is usually illustrated by the Teachers by a reference to the
Principle of Correspondence. The Teacher instructs the student to form a mental Image of
something, a person, an idea, something having a mental form, the favorite example being
that of the author or dramatist forming an idea of his characters; or a painter or sculptor
forming an image of an ideal that he wishes to express by his art. In each case, the student
will find that while the image has its existence, and being, solely within his own mind, yet he,
the student, author, dramatist, painter, or sculptor, is, in a sense, immanent in; remaining
within; or abiding within, the mental image also. In other words, the entire virtue, life, spirit, of
reality in the mental image is derived from the “immanent mind” of the thinker. Consider this
for a moment, until the idea is grasped.
To take a modern example, let us say that Othello, Iago, Hamlet, Lear, Richard III, existed
merely in the mind of Shakespeare, at the time of their conception or creation. And yet,
Shakespeare also existed within each of these characters, giving them their vitality, spirit,
and action. Whose is the “spirit” of the characters that we know as Micawber, Oliver Twist
Uriah Heep–is it Dickens, or have each of -these characters a personal spirit, independent of
their creator? Have the Venus of Medici, the Sistine Madonna, the Appollo Belvidere, spirits
and reality of their own, or do they represent the spiritual and mental power of their creators?
The Law of Paradox explains that both propositions are true, viewed from the proper
viewpoints. Micawber is both Micawber, and yet Dickens. And, again, while Micawber may
be said to be Dickens, yet Dickens is not identical with Micawber. Man, like Micawber, may
exclaim: “The Spirit of my Creator is inherent within me–and yet I am not HE!” How different
this from the shocking half-truth so vociferously announced by certain of the half-wise, who
fill the air with their raucous cries of: “I Am God!” Imagine poor Micawber, or the sneaky
Uriah Heep, crying: “I Am Dickens”; or some of the lowly clods in one of Shakespeare's
plays, grandiloquently announcing that: “I Am Shakespeare!” THE ALL is in the earth-worm,
and yet the earth-worm is far from being THE ALL. And still the wonder remains, that though
the earth-worm exists merely as a lowly thing, created and having its being solely within the
The Kybalion Page 27
Mind of THE ALL–yet THE ALL is immanent in the earth-worm, and in the particles that go to
make up the earthworm. Can there be any greater mystery than this of “All in THE ALL; and
THE ALL in All?”
The student will, of course, realize that the illustrations given above are necessarily
imperfect and inadequate, for they represent the creation of mental images in finite minds,
while the Universe is a creation of Infinite Mind–and the difference between the two poles
separates them. And yet it is merely a matter of degree–the same Principle is in operationthe
Principle of Correspondence manifests in each–“As above, so Below; as Below, so
above.”
And, in the degree that Man realizes the existence of the Indwelling Spirit immanent
within his being, so will he rise in the spiritual scale of life. This is what spiritual development
means–the recognition, realization, and manifestation of the Spirit within us. Try to
remember this last definition–that of spiritual development. It contains the Truth of True
Religion.
There are many planes of Being–many sub-planes of Life–many degrees of existence in
the Universe. And all depend upon the advancement of beings in the scale, of which scale
the lowest point is the grossest matter, the highest being separated only by the thinnest
division from the SPIRIT of THE ALL. And, upward and onward along this Scale of Life,
everything is moving. All are on the Path, whose end is THE ALL. All progress is a Returning
Home. All is Upward and Onward, in spite of all seemingly contradictory appearances. Such
is the Message of the Illumined.
The Hermetic Teachings concerning the process of the Mental Creation of the Universe,
are that at the beginning of the Creative Cycle, THE ALL, in its aspect of “Being,” projects its
Will toward its aspect of “Becoming,” and the process of creation begins. It is taught that the
process consists of the lowering of Vibration until a very low degree of vibratory energy is
reached, at which point the grossest possible form of Matter is manifested. This process is
called the stage of Involution, in which THE ALL becomes “involved,” or “wrapped up,” in its
creation. This process is believed by the Hermetists to have a Correspondence to the mental
process of an artist, writer, or inventor, who becomes so wrapped up in his mental creation
as to almost forget his own existence and who, for the time being, almost “lives in his
creation”. If instead of “wrapped” we use the word “rapt,” perhaps we will give a better idea
of what is meant.
This Involuntary stage of Creation is sometimes called the “Outpouring” of the Divine
Energy, just as the Evolutionary state is called the “Indrawing.” The extreme pole of the
Creative process is considered to be the furthest removed from THE ALL, while the
beginning of the Evolutionary stage is regarded as the beginning of the return swing of the
pendulum of Rhythm–a “coming home” idea being held in all of the Hermetic Teachings.
The Teachings are that during the “Out-pouring,” the vibrations become lower and lower
until finally the urge ceases, and the return swing begins. But there is this difference, that
while in the “Outpouring” the creative forces manifest compactly and as a whole, yet from the
beginning of the Evolutionary or “Indrawing” stage, there is manifested the Law of
Individualization–that is, the tendency to separate into Units of Force, so that finally that
which left THE ALL as unindividualized energy returns to its source as countless highly
developed Units of Life, having risen higher and higher in the scale by means of Physical,
Mental and Spiritual Evolution.
The ancient Hermetists use the word “Meditation,” in describing the process of the mental
creation of the Universe in the Mind of THE ALL, the word “Contemplation” also being
frequently employed. But the idea intended seems to be that of the employment of the Divine
Attention. “Attention” is a word derived from the Latin root, meaning “to reach out; to stretch
out,” and so the act of Attention is really a mental “reaching out; extension” of mental energy,
so that the underlying idea is readily understood when we examine into the real meaning of
“Attention.”
The Hermetic Teachings regarding the process of Evolution are that, THE ALL, having
meditated upon the beginning of the Creation–having thus established the material
foundations of the Universe–having thought it into existence–then gradually awakens or
rouses from its Meditation and in so doing starts into manifestation the process of Evolution,
on the material, mental and spiritual planes, successively and in order. Thus the upward
movement begins–and all begins to move Spiritward. Matter becomes less gross; the Units
spring into being; the combinations begin to form; Life appears and manifests in higher and
higher forms; and Mind becomes more and more in evidence–the vibrations constantly
becoming higher. In short, the entire process of Evolution, in all of its phases, begins, and
proceeds according to the established Laws of the “Indrawing” process. All of this occupies
æons upon æons of Man's time, each æon containing countless millions of years, but yet the
Illumined inform us that the entire creation, including Involution and Evolution, of an
Universe, is but “as the twinkle of the eye” to THE ALL. At the end of countless cycles of
æons of time, THE ALL withdraws its Attention–its Contemplation and Meditation–of the
Universe, for the Great Work is finished–and All is withdrawn into THE ALL from which it
emerged. But Mystery of Mysteries–the Spirit of each soul is not annihilated, but is infinitely
expanded–the Created and the Creator are merged. Such is the report of the Illumined!
The above illustration of the “meditation,” and subsequent “awakening from meditation,”
of THE ALL, is of course but an attempt of the Teachers to describe the Infinite process by a
finite example. And, yet: “As Below, so Above.” The difference is merely in degree. And just
as THE ALL arouses itself from the meditation upon the Universe, so does Man (in time)
cease from manifesting upon the Material Plane, and withdraws himself more and more into
the Indwelling Spirit, which is indeed “The Divine Ego.”
There is one more matter of which we desire to speak in this lesson, and that comes very
near to an invasion of the Metaphysical field of speculation, although our purpose is merely
to show the futility of such speculation. We allude to the question which inevitably comes to
the mind of all thinkers who have ventured to seek the Truth. The question is: “WHY does
THE ALL create Universes?” The question may be asked in different forms, but the above is
the gist of the inquiry.
Men have striven hard to answer this question, but still there is no answer worthy of the
name. Some have imagined that THE ALL had something to gain by it, but this is absurd, for
what could THE ALL gain that it did not already possess? Others have sought the answer in
the idea that THE ALL “wished something to love;” and others that it created for pleasure, or
amusement; or because it “was lonely”; or to manifest its power;–all puerile explanations and
ideas, belonging to the childish period of thought.
Others have sought to explain the mystery by assuming that THE ALL found itself
“compelled” to create, by reason of its own “internal nature”–its “creative instinct.” This idea
is in advance of the others, but its weak point lies in the idea of THE ALL being “compelled”
by anything, internal or external. If its ''internal nature,” or ''creative instinct,” compelled it to
do anything, then the “internal nature” or “creative instinct” would be the Absolute, instead of
THE ALL, and so accordingly that part of the proposition falls. And, yet, THE ALL does
create and manifest, and seems to find some kind of satisfaction in so doing. And it is
difficult to escape the conclusion that in some infinite degree it must have what would
correspond to an “inner nature,” or “creative instinct” in man, with correspondingly infinite
Desire and Will. It could not act unless it Willed to Act; and it would not Will to Act, unless it
Desired to Act; and it would not Desire to Act unless it obtained some Satisfaction thereby.
And all of these things would belong to an “Inner Nature,” and might be postulated as
existing according to the Law of Correspondence. But, still, we prefer to think of THE ALL as
acting entirely FREE from any influence, internal as well as external. That is the problem
which lies at the root of difficulty–and the difficulty that lies at the root of the problem.
Strictly speaking, there cannot be said to be any “Reason” whatsoever for THE ALL to
act, for a “reason” implies a “cause.” and THE ALL is above Cause and Effect, except when
it Wills to become a Cause, at which time the Principle is set into motion. So, you see, the
matter is Unthinkable, just as THE ALL is Unknowable. Just as we say THE ALL merely
“IS”–so we are compelled to say that “THE ALL ACTS BECAUSE IT ACTS.” At the last, THE
ALL is All Reason in Itself; All Law in Itself; All Action in Itself–and it may be said, truthfully,
that THE ALL is Its Own Reason; its own Law; its own Act–or still further, that THE ALL; Its
Reason; Its Act; its Law; are ONE, all being names for the same thing. In the opinion of
those who are giving you these present lessons, the answer is locked up in INNER SELF of
THE ALL, along with its Secret of Being. The Law of Correspondence, in our opinion,
reaches only to that aspect of THE ALL, which may be spoken of as “The Aspect of
BECOMING.” Back of that Aspect is “The Aspect of BEING,“ in which all Laws are lost in
LAW; all Principles merge into PRINCIPLE–and THE ALL; PRINCIPLE; and BEING; are
IDENTICAL, ONE AND THE SAME. Therefore, Metaphysical speculation on this point is
futile. We go into the matter here, merely to show that we recognize the question, and also
the absurdity of the ordinary answers of metaphysics and theology.
In conclusion, it may be of interest to our students to learn that while some of the ancient,
and modern, Hermetic Teachers have rather inclined in the direction of applying the Principle
of Correspondence to the question, with the result of the “Inner Nature” conclusion,–still the
legends have it that HERMES, the Great, when asked this question by his advanced
students, answered them by PRESSING HIS LIPS TIGHTLY TOGETHER and saying not a
word, indicating that there WAS NO ANSWER. But, then, he may have intended to apply the
axiom of his philosophy, that: “The lips of Wisdom are closed, except to the ears of
Understanding,” believing that even his advanced students did not possess the
Understanding which entitled them to the Teaching. At any rate, if Hermes possessed the
Secret, he failed to impart it, and so far as the world is concerned THE LIPS OF HERMES
ARE CLOSED regarding it. And where the Great Hermes hesitated to speak, what mortal
may dare to teach?
But, remember, that whatever be the answer to this problem, if indeed there be an
answer–the truth remains that: “While All is in THE ALL, it is equally true that THE ALL is in
All.” The Teaching on this point is emphatic. And, we may add the concluding words of the
quotation: “To him who truly understands this truth, hath come great knowledge.”
CHAPTER VIII.
THE PLANES OF CORRESPONDENCE.
“As above, so below; as below, so above”–The Kybalion.
The great Second Hermetic Principle embodies the truth that there is a harmony,
agreement, and correspondence between the several planes of Manifestation, Life and
Being. This truth is a truth because all that is included in the Universe emanates from the
same source, and the same laws, principles, and characteristics apply to each unit, or
combination of units of activity, as each manifests its own phenomena upon its own plane.
For the purpose of convenience of thought and study, the Hermetic Philosophy considers
that the Universe may be divided into three great classes of phenomena, known as the
Three Great Planes, namely:
I. The Great Physical Plane.
II. The Great Mental Plane.
III. The Great Spiritual Plane.
These divisions are more or less artificial and arbitrary, for the truth is that all of the three
divisions are but ascending degrees of the great scale of Life, the lowest point of which is
undifferentiated Matter, and the highest point that of Spirit. And, moreover, the different
Planes shade into each other, so that no hard and fast division may be made between the
higher phenomena of the Physical and the lower of the Mental; or between the higher of the
Mental and the lower of the Physical.
In short, the Three Great Planes may be regarded as three great groups of degrees of
Life Manifestation. While the purposes of this little book do not allow us to enter into an
extended discussion of, or explanation of, the subject of these different planes, still we think
it well to give a general description of the same at this point.
At the beginning we may as well consider the question so often asked by the neophyte,
who desires to be informed regarding the meaning of the word “Plane,” which term has been
very freely used, and very poorly explained, in many recent works upon the subject of
occultism, The question is generally about as fellows: “Is a Plane a place having dimensions,
or is it merely a condition or state?” We answer: “No, not a place, nor ordinary dimension of
space; and yet more than a state or condition. it may be considered as a state or condition,
and yet the state or condition is a degree of dimension, in a scale subject to measurement.”
Somewhat paradoxical, is it not? But let us examine the matter. A “dimension,” you know, is
“a measure in a straight line, relating to measure,” etc. The ordinary dimensions of space
are length, breadth, and height, or perhaps length, breadth, height, thickness or
circumference. But there is another dimension of “created things,” or “measure in a straight
line,” known to occultists, and to scientists as well, although the latter have not as yet applied
the term “dimension” to it–and this new dimension, which, by the way, is the much
speculated about “Fourth Dimension,” is the standard used in determining the degrees or
“planes.”
This Fourth Dimension may be called “the Dimension of Vibration.” It is a fact well known
to modern science, as well as to the Hermetists who have embodied the truth in their “Third
Hermetic Principle,” that “everything is in motion; everything vibrates; nothing is at rest.”
From the highest manifestation, to the lowest, everything and all things Vibrate. Not only do
they vibrate at different rates of motion, but as in different directions and in a different
manner. The degrees of the “rate” of vibrations constitute the degrees of measurement on
the Scale of Vibrations–in other words the degrees of the Fourth Dimension. And these
degrees form what occultists call “Planes.” The higher the degree of rate of vibration, the
higher the plane, and the higher the manifestation of Life occupying that plane. So that while
a plane is not “a place,” nor yet “a state or condition,” yet it possesses qualities common to
both. We shall have more to say regarding the subject of the scale of Vibrations in our next
lessons, in which we shall consider the Hermetic Principle of Vibration.
You will kindly remember, however, that the Three Great Planes are not actual divisions
of the phenomena of the Universe, but merely arbitrary terms used by the Hermetists in
order to aid in the thought and study of the various degrees and forms of universal activity
and life. The atom of matter, the unit of force, the mind of man, and the being of the archangel
are all but degrees in one scale, and all fundamentally the same, the difference
between solely a matter of degree, and rate of vibration–all are creations of THE ALL, and
have their existence solely within the Infinite Mind of THE ALL.
The Hermetists sub-divide each of the Three Great Planes into Seven Minor Planes, and
each of these latter are also sub-divided into seven sub-planes, all divisions being more or
less arbitrary, shading into each other, and adopted merely for convenience of scientific
study and thought.
The Great Physical Plane, and its Seven Minor Planes, is that division of the phenomena
of the Universe which includes all that relates to physics, or material things, forces, and
manifestations. It includes all forms of that which we call Matter, and all forms of that which
we call Energy or Force. But you must remember that the Hermetic Philosophy does not
recognize Matter as a “thing in itself,” or as having a separate existence even in the Mind of
THE ALL. The Teachings are that Matter is but a form of Energy–that is, Energy at a low rate
of vibrations of a certain kind. And accordingly the Hermetists classify Matter under the head
of Energy, and give to it three of the Seven Minor Planes of the Great Physical Plane.
These Seven Minor Physical Planes are as follows:
I. The Plane of Matter (A).
II. The Plane of Matter (B).
III. The Plane of Matter (C).
IV. The Plane of Ethereal Substance.
V. The Plane of Energy (A).
VI. The Plane of Energy (B).
VII. The Plane of Energy (C).
The Plane of Matter (A) comprises the forms of Matter in its form of solids, liquids, and
gases, as generally recognized by the text-books on physics. The Plane of Matter (B)
comprises certain higher and more subtle forms of Matter of the existence of which modern
science is but now recognizing, the phenomena of Radiant Matter, in its phases of radium,
etc., belonging to the lower sub-division of this Minor Plane. The Plane of Matter (C)
comprises forms of the most subtle and tenuous Matter, the existence of which is not
suspected by ordinary scientists. The Plane of Ethereal Substance comprises that which
science speaks of as “The Ether,” a substance of extreme tenuity and elasticity, pervading
all Universal Space, and acting as a medium for the transmission of waves of energy, such
as light, heat, electricity, etc. This Ethereal Substance forms a connecting link between
Matter (so-called) and Energy, and partakes of the nature of each. The Hermetic Teachings,
however, instruct that this plane has seven sub-divisions (as have all of the Minor Planes),
and that in fact there are seven ethers, instead of but one.
Next above the Plane of Ethereal Substance comes the Plane of Energy (A), which
comprises the ordinary forms of Energy known to science, its seven sub-planes being,
respectively, Heat; Light; Magnetism; Electricity, and Attraction (including Gravitation,
Cohesion, Chemical Affinity, etc.) and several other forms of energy indicated by scientific
experiments but not as yet named or classified. The Plane of Energy (B) comprises seven
sub-planes of higher forms of energy not as yet discovered by science, but which have been
called “Nature's Finer Forces” and which are called into operation in manifestations of
certain forms of mental phenomena, and by which such phenomena becomes possible. The
Plane of Energy (C) comprises seven sub-planes of energy so highly organized that it bears
many of the characteristics of “life,” but which is not recognized by the minds of men on the
ordinary plane of development, being available for the use on beings of the Spiritual Plane
alone–such energy is unthinkable to ordinary man, and may be considered almost as “the
divine power.” The beings employing the same are as “gods” compared even to the highest
human types known to us.
The Great Mental Plane comprises those forms of “living things” known to us in ordinary
life, as well as certain other forms not so well known except to the occultist. The
classification of the Seven Minor Mental Planes is more or less satisfactory and arbitrary
(unless accompanied by elaborate explanations which are foreign to the purpose of this
particular work), but we may as well mention them. They are as follows:
I. The Plane of Mineral Mind.
II. The Plane of Elemental Mind (A).
III. The Plane of Plant Mind.
IV. The Plane of Elemental Mind (B)
V. The Plane of Animal Mind.
VI. The Plane of Elemental Mind (C).
VII. The Plane of Human Mind.
The Plane of Mineral Mind comprises the “states or conditions” of the units or entities, or
groups and combinations of the same, which animate the forms known to us as “minerals,
chemicals, etc.” These entities must not be confounded with the molecules, atoms and
corpuscles themselves, the latter being merely the material bodies or forms of these entities,
just as a man's body is but his material form and not “himself.” These entities may be called
“souls “in one sense, and are living beings of a low degree of development, life, and mind–
just a little more than the units of “living energy” which comprise the higher sub-divisions of
the highest Physical Plane. The average mind does not generally attribute the possession of
mind, soul, or life, to the Mineral kingdom, but all occultists recognize the existence of the
same, and modern science is rapidly moving forward to the point-of-view of the Hermetic, in
this respect. The molecules, atoms and corpuscles have their “loves and hates”; likes and
dislikes; “attractions and repulsions”; “affinities and non-affinities,” etc., and some of the
more daring of modern scientific minds have expressed the opinion that the desire and will,
emotions and feelings, of the atoms differ only in degree from those of men. We have no
time or space to argue this matter here. All occultists know it to be a fact, and others are
referred to some of the more recent scientific works for outside corroboration. There are the
usual seven sub-divisions to this plane.
The Plane of Elemental Mind (A) comprises the state or condition, and degree of mental
and vital development of a class of entities unknown to the average man, but recognized to
occultists. They are invisible to the ordinary senses of man, but, nevertheless, exist and play
their part of the Drama of the Universe. Their degree of intelligence is between that of the
mineral and chemical entities on the one hand, and of the entities of the plant kingdom on
the other. There are seven sub-divisions to this plane, also.
The Plane of Plant Mind, in its seven sub-divisions, comprises the states or conditions of
the entities comprising the kingdoms of the Plant World, the vital and mental phenomena of
which is fairly well understood by the average intelligent person, many new and interesting
scientific works regarding “Mind and Life in Plants” having been published during the last
decade. Plants have life, mind and “souls,” as well as have the animals, man, and superman.
The Plane of Elemental Mind (B), in its seven sub-divisions, comprises the states and
conditions of a higher form of “elemental” or unseen entities, playing their part in the general
work of the Universe, the mind and life of which form a part of the scale between the Plane
of Plant Mind and the Plane of Animal Mind, the entities partaking of the nature of both.
The Plane of Animal Mind, in its seven sub-divisions, comprises the states and conditions
of the entities, beings, or souls, animating the animal forms of life, familiar to us all. It is not
necessary to go into details regarding this kingdom or plane of life, for the animal world is as
familiar to us as is our own.
The Plane of Elemental Mind (C), in its seven sub-divisions, comprises those entities or
beings, invisible as are all such elemental forms, which partake of the nature of both animal
and human life in a degree and in certain combinations. The highest forms are semi-human
in intelligence.
The Plane of Human Mind, in its seven sub-divisions, comprises those manifestations of
life and mentality which are common to Man, in his various grades, degrees, and division. In
this connection, we wish to point out the fact that the average man of today occupies but the
fourth sub-division of the Plane of Human Mind, and only the most intelligent have crossed
the borders of the Fifth Sub-Division. It has taken the race millions of years to reach this
stage, and it will take many more years for the race to move on to the sixth and seventh subdivisions,
and beyond. But, remember, that there have been races before us which have
passed through these degrees, and then on to higher planes. Our own race is the fifth (with
stragglers from the fourth) which has set foot upon The Path. And, then there are a few
advanced souls of our own race who have outstripped the masses, and who have passed on
to the sixth and seventh sub-division, and some few being still further on. The man of the
Sixth Sub-Division will be “The Super-Man”; he of the Seventh will be “The Over-Man.”
In our consideration of the Seven Minor Mental Planes, we have merely referred to the
Three Elementary Planes in a general way. We do not wish to go into this subject in detail in
this work, for it does not belong to this part of the general philosophy and teachings. But we
may say this much, in order to give you a little clearer idea of the relations of these planes to
the more familiar ones–the Elementary Planes bear the same relation to the Planes of
Mineral, Plant, Animal and Human Mentality and Life, that the black keys on the piano do to
the white keys. The white keys are sufficient to produce music, but there are certain scales,
melodies, and harmonies, in which the black keys play their part, and in which their presence
is necessary. They are also necessary as “connecting links” of soul-condition; entity states,
etc., between the several other planes, certain forms of development being attained therein–
this last fact giving to the reader who can “read between the lines” a new light upon the
processes of Evolution, and a new key to the secret door of the “leaps of life” between
kingdom and kingdom. The great kingdoms of Elementals are fully recognized by all
occultists, and the esoteric writings are full of mention of them. The readers of Bulwer's
“Zanoni'' and similar tales will recognize the entities inhabiting these planes of life.
Passing on from the Great Mental Plane to the Great Spiritual Plane, what shall we say?
How can we explain these higher states of Being, Life and Mind, to minds as yet unable to
grasp and understand the higher sub-divisions of the Plane of Human Mind? The task is
impossible. We can speak only in the most general terms. How may Light be described to a
man born blind–how sugar, to a man who has never tasted anything sweet–how harmony, to
one born deaf?
All that we can say is that the Seven Minor Planes of the Great Spiritual Plane (each
Minor Plane having its seven sub-divisions) comprise Beings possessing Life, Mind and
Form as far above that of Man of to-day as the latter is above the earthworm, mineral or
even certain forms of Energy or Matter. The Life of these Beings so far transcends ours, that
we cannot even think of the details of the same; their Minds so far transcend ours, that to
them we scarcely seem to “think,” and our mental processes seem almost akin to material
processes; the Matter of which their forms are composed is of the highest Planes of Matter,
nay, some are even said to be “clothed in Pure Energy.” What may be said of such Beings?
On the Seven Minor Planes of the Great Spiritual Plane exist Beings of whom we may
speak as Angels; Archangels; Demi-Gods. On the lower Minor Planes dwell those great
souls whom we call Masters and Adepts. Above them come the Great Hierarchies of the
Angelic Hosts, unthinkable to man; and above those come those who may without
irreverence be called “'The Gods,” so high in the scale of Being are they, their being,
intelligence and power being akin to those attributed by the races of men to their
conceptions of Deity. These Beings are beyond even the highest flights of the human
imagination, the word “Divine” being the only one applicable to them. Many of these Beings,
as well as the Angelic Host, take the greatest interest in the affairs of the Universe and play
an important part in its affairs. These Unseen Divinities and Angelic Helpers extend their
influence freely and powerfully, in the process of Evolution, and Cosmic Progress. Their
occasional intervention and assistance in human affairs have led to the many legends,
beliefs, religions and traditions of the race, past and present. They have super-imposed their
knowledge and power upon the world, again and again, all under the Law of THE ALL, of
course.
But, yet, even the highest of these advanced Beings exist merely as creations of, and in,
the Mind of THE ALL, and are subject to the Cosmic Processes and Universal Laws. They
are still Mortal. We may call them “gods” if we like, but still they are but the Elder Brethren of
the Race,–the advanced souls who have outstripped their brethren, and who have foregone
the ecstacy of Absorption by THE ALL, in order to help the race on its upward journey along
The Path. But, they belong to the Universe, and are subject to its conditions–they are
mortal–and their plane is below that of Absolute Spirit.
Only the most advanced Hermetists are able to grasp the Inner Teachings regarding the
state of existence, and the powers manifested on the Spiritual Planes. The phenomena is so
much higher than that of the Mental Planes that a confusion of ideas would surely result from
an attempt to describe the same. Only those whose minds have been carefully trained along
the lines of the Hermetic Philosophy for years–yes, those who have brought with them from
other incarnations the knowledge acquired previously – can comprehend just what is meant
by the Teaching regarding these Spiritual Planes. And much of these inner Teachings is held
by the Hermetists as being too sacred, important and even dangerous for general public
dissemination. The intelligent student may recognize what we mean by this when we state
that the meaning of “Spirit” as used by the Hermetists is akin to “Living Power”; “Animated
Force”; “Inner Essence”; “Essence of Life,“ etc., which meaning must not be confounded with
that usually and commonly employed in connection with the term, i.e., “religious;
ecclesiastical; spirituelle; ethereal; holy,” etc., etc. To occultists the word “Spirit” is used in
the sense of “The Animating Principle,” carrying with it the idea of Power, Living Energy,
Mystic Force, etc. And occultists know that that which is known to them as “Spiritual Power”
may be employed for evil as well as good ends (in accordance with the Principle of Polarity),
a fact which has been recognized by the majority of religions in their conceptions of Satan,
Beelzebub, the Devil, Lucifer, Fallen Angels, etc. And so the knowledge regarding these
Planes has been kept in the Holy of Holies in all Esoteric Fraternities and Occult Orders,–in
the Secret Chamber of the Temple. But this may be said here, that those who have attained
high spiritual powers and have misused them, have a terrible fate in store for them, and the
swing of the pendulum of Rhythm will inevitably swing them back to the furthest extreme of
Material existence, from which point they must retrace their steps Spiritward, along the
weary rounds of The Path, but always with the added torture of having always with them a
lingering memory of the heights from which they fell owing to their evil actions. The legends
of the Fallen Angels have a basis in actual facts, as all advanced occultists know. The
striving for selfish power on the Spiritual Planes inevitably results in the selfish soul losing its
spiritual balance and falling back as far as it had previously risen. But to even such a soul,
the opportunity of a return is given–and such souls make the return journey, paying the
terrible penalty according to the invariable Law.
In conclusion we would again remind you that according to the Principle of
Correspondence, which embodies the truth: “As Above so Below; as Below, so Above,” all of
the Seven Hermetic Principles are in full operation on all of the many planes, Physical,
Mental and Spiritual. The Principle of Mental Substance of course applies to all the planes,
for all are held in the Mind of THE ALL. The Principle of Correspondence manifests in all, for
there is a correspondence, harmony and agreement between the several planes. The
Principle of Vibration manifests on all planes, in fact the very differences that go to make the
“planes” arise from Vibration, as we have explained. The Principle of Polarity manifests on
each plane, the extremes of the Poles being apparently opposite and contradictory. The
Principle of Rhythm manifests on each Plane, the movement of the phenomena having its
ebb and flow, rise and flow, incoming and outgoing. The Principle of Cause and Effect
manifests on each Plane, every Effect having its Cause and every Cause having its effect.
The Principle of Gender manifests on each Plane, the Creative Energy being always
manifest, and operating along the lines of its Masculine and Feminine Aspects.
“As Above so Below; as Below, so Above.” This centuries old Hermetic axiom embodies
one of the great Principles of Universal Phenomena. As we proceed with our consideration
of the remaining Principles, we will see even more clearly the truth of the universal nature of
this great Principle of Correspondence.