In the cosmic and occult understanding, rays represent fundamental emanations of divine energy that connect various planes of existence and serve as channels for creative forces throughout the universe. These rays are not merely physical light but represent spiritual currents that underpin the structure of the cosmos.
The Seven Primordial Rays
At the most fundamental level, the universe emanates from what is called the “Central Sun (1),” which produces seven primary rays. These primordial rays are not physical phenomena but represent the first differentiation of the One divine energy.
The “Primordial Seven” are closely connected to what are termed the “Dhyan Chohans (2)” or divine intelligences that guide cosmic evolution. They are described as “the very root of spiritual man” and represent the highest spiritual forces in the cosmos.
Rays as Spiritual Hierarchies
These cosmic rays function as hierarchical channels through which divine consciousness descends into manifestation. They are described as “the Seven Rays which fall free from the macrocosmic center“. Each ray corresponds to one of the seven principles in metaphysical understanding and connects to the seven races in the physical sense.
The rays are essentially living intelligences. As explained, “all adepts and Dhyan Chohans are divisible into seven classes, each of which is guided, controlled, and overshadowed by one of the seven forms or manifestations of the divine Wisdom”.
The Solar Connection
In our solar system, the rays have particular manifestations through the sun. The seven solar rays are described as “the seven creative Hosts”. The spiritual sun is considered to be the source of these rays, with our physical sun being only a reflection or vehicle.
The solar connection is emphasized where it’s stated that “the Central Sun causes Fohat (3) to collect primordial dust in the form of balls”, showing how rays from cosmic centers initiate the formation of worlds. The “Central Sun” is “the center of Universal life-Electricity; the reservoir within which that divine radiance, already differentiated at the beginning of every creation, is focused”.
The Sushumna Ray
Of particular importance is the Sushumna ray, described as “the first of the Seven Mystic rays of the Sun“. This ray has special significance for spiritual adepts who can perceive super-sensuous states of matter during states of elevated consciousness. The Sushumna ray allows access to deeper understanding of light’s occult properties.
The seven rays are named as “Sushumna, Harikesa, Viswakarman, Viswatryarchas, Sannaddha, Sarvavasu and Swaraj,” and each has its own application within a distinct state of consciousness.
Rays as Vehicles of Consciousness
The rays function as pathways for consciousness throughout the cosmos. They are described as the means by which “the Monads are not discrete principles, limited or conditioned, but rays from that one universal absolute Principle”. The analogy given is that “the entrance into a dark room through the same aperture of one ray of sunlight following another will not constitute two rays, but one ray intensified”.
Practical Understanding of Rays
For practical occultists, understanding the nature of these rays provides insight into cosmic operations. The rays represent both forces and intelligences, connecting the spiritual and material aspects of existence. They are described as having “occult properties, every combination and correlation of it with other forces, mental, psychic, and spiritual”.
Communication with these ray-forces is possible because they operate through “sounds and colors in correlation between the vibrations”, suggesting that sound and color are manifestations of ray energies on our plane of perception.
Conclusion
The cosmic and occult understanding of rays presents them as fundamental emanations of divine consciousness that structure and animate the universe. Far from being merely physical phenomena, they represent living currents of intelligence that connect all planes of existence from the highest spiritual realms to the physical world. Their sevenfold nature corresponds to the sevenfold structure found throughout cosmic manifestation, making them essential components in understanding the deeper workings of the universe.
Reference
This article is mainly based on the book of H.P. Blavatsky “The Secret Doctrine“, but it could include other sources as well.
Comments