Why has the number seven always held so much mystical significance?
Besides the obvious answer, that the ancients knew of the existence
of only seven heavenly bodies, many occultists hold an entirely different
opinion. They accept the ancient eastern tradition that each man's spirit
is not the same, but belongs to one of seven arbitrary divisions. This
sevenfold division of man's higher self has evolved into the concept
of the seven rays. Although the seven rays are best known through their
theosophical associations, it is not generally recognised that they
have connections with yoga.
The yogis established seven separate schools of yoga in order that any
aspirant could choose the one most suitable to his individual spiritual
leanings, and there is a definite correspondence between these schools
and the rays, as can be seen from the following brief list:
First ray of Will -
Raja yoga
Second ray of Love - Karma
yoga
Third ray of Form - Jnana
yoga
Fourth ray of Links - Hatha yoga
Fifth ray of Truth - Laya yoga
Sixth ray of Devotion -
Bhakti yoga
Seventh ray of Completion - Mantra
or Yantra yoga.
So what are the seven rays? They are the various facets of the
Absolute's manifestation; they emanate as totally abstract principles
and in the course of their descent through the levels of their own making
become clothed in the substance of each level. They are, therefore,
the highest representations of the Absolute's principles to be found
on each level, and act in their sevenfold manner to motivate their manifested
form in the direction laid down by the Absolute. Consequently, there
is a sevenfold division in all things, including man, even though this
is often difficult to appreciate.
Each of us belongs fundamentally to just one ray, but we also possess
minor qualities of other rays which help to form individual characters.
As each ray is linked to a colour, a clairvoyant can analyse an individual's
spirituality by studying the variety of rays shown in his aura.
The first three rays are known as the primary rays, and are associated
with the three primary colours red, blue and yellow. The first ray is
red, and this colour indicates the energy and impetus behind all positive
conditions. The second ray is blue, indicating the negative void of
total unity which can be achieved by the highest expression of the emotions.
The third ray is yellow, which indicates the background of form, or
the intellectual organisation responsible for manifestation. These descriptions
are usually simplified as Will, Love and Form or Mind respectively.
The remaining four secondary rays are compounds of the primaries, and
can be defined by their colours which represent the same proportions
of the qualities indicated by the primary colours involved.
The main quality of the fourth ray is the ability to form links between
any of the rays. Its colour varies according to the rays involved, but
it is always a pastel shade. The fifth ray, green, has the quality of
truth and is a combination of second ray emotions and third ray intellect.
The sixth ray has the qualities of devotion and idealism, and its purple
colour is a combination of first ray will and second ray emotions. The
seventh ray has the quality of completion or attainment. Its colour,
dark brown, combines those of all three primary rays, indicating its
secondary quality of wholeness or independence.
Our characters are dependent on many different influences, so the following
information on 'typical' ray subjects is only intended as a basic guide.
First ray
These subjects are motivated by their will and have lots of energy and
drive. But this very active force needs creative outlets otherwise it
may degenerate into lust or violence. Basically egocentric and often
showy, such subjects are very original, but their natural instinct to
rush things sometimes leads to a lack of care. They are stern and sometimes
severe, but also fair-minded, paternal, gentle, loving, kind and capable
of compassion. Such subjects need to be the dominant partner and, although
independent, occasionally need someone to react upon. They tend to have
sudden and stunning effects on others, and their will-power is strong
enough to force those around them to do what they demand without question.
Second ray
These subjects are motivated by their emotions stemming from a desire
to raise themselves to the heights, so that they can enjoy a unifying
relationship with their Maker. They exemplify the passive, feminine
quality that is in direct opposition to the positive, masculine assertion
of the first ray subjects. They are strongly attracted to all things,
whether people or concepts, that they feel are above them. Consequently,
they often use love, the strongest human emotion, in their efforts at
drawing themselves upwards. But wisdom is very important to these subjects
also, so awareness or consciousness is a necessity in their relationships.
Therefore, they usually play the more passive role. They are affectionate,
friendly, kind, quiet, and often endowed with an attractive appearance
and disposition.
Third ray
The mind or intellect motivates these folk. They can give form to ideas
and transform them into concepts. The first two rays deal with the intangible,
but a third ray subject will resolve such abstractions into tangible
realities. Practical in all things, with a good aesthetic appreciation
of quality, they consider intelligence a virtue and manifestation a
necessity. They are good at discriminating and formulating their own
opinions, hold things connected with the senses in high regard, and
have keen perceptions. Happiness is important to these subjects, whether
through the ordinary pursuits of pleasure or education and knowledge.
They like doing things with others, enjoy discussion and deliberation,
sport, games and art. Because of a deep urge for outside stimulation,
such folk need the company of others similar to themselves and, as they
are very tactful and diplomatic, they make good advisers and organisers.
Fourth ray
These subjects are motivated by a deep sense of harmony in all things.
They act as the link between the separateness of things, creating unity
and making all things equal by bridging apparent barriers. This harmonising
effect comes from the inside, acting outwards, and is therefore totally
selfless. Consequently, such subjects are opposed to selfishness and
hold true brotherhood of man as their highest ideal. They are adept
at co-ordinating various projects and, being able to see a common denominator
in opposing people or ideals, have a good understanding of these paradoxes.
Although they can take pleasure from this ability to see things from
another's point of view, it can also lead to painful and disturbing
experiences. They enjoy become involved with a lot of people, but are
very aware of how others see them; this leads them to give only what
they receive. These folk are easygoing, preferring to give way rather
than upset a peaceful atmosphere.
Fifth ray
These subjects are motivated by a strong yearning to discover the ultimate
truth, a goal they continually pursue. Because they use every part of
themselves in this quest they may appear cold and unemotional. Errors
which another would ignore are noticed by these folk whose emotions
are channelled into the uplifting spiritual pursuit for higher truth.
Their interest in searching out the truth gives such subjects the inquisitiveness
to find answers to everything. They must know how things work and how
things are in precise detail and, being naturally meticulous, they expect
absolute perfection in everything. Associates, social or otherwise,
are firmly placed in their correct positions, and great value is laid
on correct methods and manners. Such folk are always prepared well in
advance for any eventuality. And, in their personal affairs, are good
at holding a stable, objective viewpoint in any situation which may
arise.
Sixth ray
These subjects are motivated by a deep and intense devotion to high
ideals, accompanied by a longing for absorption into eternal bliss.
Intensely emotional, they act mainly on faith which they trust far more
than logic. They are very persistent and cannot be deterred from following
their own path and any kind of sacrifice is seen only as a steppingstone
towards their aspirations. Deep involvement, loss of self-identity and
single-minded idealism keep them solidly fixed on far distant goals.
Unfortunately, they may appear gullible and meek to others and often
suffer as a result. They are devoted and loyal to their friends, easily
become emotionally involved in relationships and are quite often hurt.
Consequently, such subjects sometimes assume a brash facade which barely
covers their inner lack of peace and security.
Seventh ray
A need to materialise on earth all that exists above, by making realities
out of other men's dreams, motivates these subjects. Therefore, they
act as they think, feel and will. They are extremely aware of the separateness
of each thing, and function naturally as a complete, self-sufficient
unity. This makes them very independent and earthy with the capacity
to do without other people entirely. This independence, unlike the first
ray subject's freedom from restrictions, indicates complete attachment
to material surroundings. Through their unity of being and detachment
from others they can become self-centred and find it difficult not to
use other people for their own purposes. They are materially minded
and sow seeds solely that they can gather the fruit - always expecting
a return from their investment and favours. These subjects have to be
the dominant in their relationships with others and may develop a tendency
to treat everybody as either possessions or servants.
Summing up
So, from this broad outline it can be seen that a study of the rays
may be considered as an extension of astrology. Both help us to gain
a better understanding of others - and ourselves.
