Empathy

EMPATHY

Introduction

When I was growing up, my mama always kissed my brother's and my boo-boos away. Usually that was help enough, and when it wasn't, there were herbs and poultices aplenty. There was no suffering in our farmhouse, just occasional accidents. If my parents had not met with the fatal ambush when I was but 10, I would probably be kissing away my babies' ouches just like mama did, in my own yard. Just that when I was helping Mistress Tartberry at her orphanage years after that tragedy, someone noticed that what I touched healed up faster. Someone of a strange profession - an empath.

That began my road into one of the noblest and hardest professions in Elanthia, and now I can look back and say that I've learned a lot on that road. Maybe enough to share with those who walk their first steps. So welcome, my brothers and sisters, to the life in Empath Guild, and to its joys and hardships.

How do I begin?

If you had a talk with one of our guildleaders, most likely Lady Annael in Crossing, you've begun already. Find a mirror, and take a good look at yourself, for it will be rare from now on that your face and body will not be covered with injuries you've taken from others. Annael and other guildleaders will teach you spells to heal yourself up, even now you should ask her for the one that heals external wounds. But the task of repairing oneself is tedious, and only those of us truly concerned with their beauty manage to look pretty for days. But be careful, for the wound builds upon a wound, and a scar upon a scar, and too much of either can make you quite dead.

But I am going too fast, am I not? How are those wounds I am scaring you with going to get on your body? You have your empath touch now, and as your touch the wounded you can feel their hurts, external and internal, wounds and scars. As the guildleader has taught you, you will take, or transfer, the wounds from others, to relieve their suffering. It hurts, and the Empath guild is not for the weak of heart (and stomach), for many a time you will fall to your knees in pain. Still, you must persevere, and touch the patient again if a link breaks, for you can ease your injuries with spells, while he or she relies on you for help.

Beware, for you can only heal one kind of wounds on yourself at first, only external wounds that are visible on your skin. As you take one of those off a patient's body part, a scar will take its place. You can transfer that as well, but until you learn another spell another empath will have to relieve you of your scars. Never be afraid to ask another empath for help and guidance, for they can tell you many things that Annael will not.

Overhealing

It is not that I want to scare you, my reader, it is just that I have seen too many of my guild brothers and sisters drop at my feet while healing others. I have overhealed myself, though that is not what made me face the void most often. Sometimes, in our desire to help others, and in a rush to help as many as we can, we neglect our own health. A wise soul told me long ago that a dead empath is a worthless empath, and I couldn't agree more. Though death in Elanthia need not be permanent, thank the Gods, it is still dreadful to all involved. Most patients blame themselves when an empath dies while healing them, and most dead empaths feel bad as they've created a problem for clerics and other empaths to solve now. Be wary when working on heavy wounds, take your time, check your health, and don't let yourself die.

Maybe I should give you an example. I do think that the most common cause of empathic death is taking a chest injury (the abdomen comes close) where the chest of a patient looks like it's been danced upon by a bunch of trolls. You can see blood gushing out, bones protruding, gore... Did I warn you that you can't be weak of a stomach? When an empath begins to work on such a deadly injury (and indeed, most likely the work is done for resurrecting a corpse who died from it), she needs to insure that her own chest is healthy inside and out. That includes scars, for after you've healed the wound on yourself it will add to the scar tissue you already have, and that can kill you just as surely.

It is very important to begin preparing a healing spell before you start on the wound, cast it as soon as you see yourself bleed, and prepare another portion of a spell. Do not try to save your mana and heal it all at once, you may not have the time, for the dead can't cast spells. Obviously you should only work in a place where there is enough life energy from which to draw, or you are as good as dead. Never hesitate to that the transfer is becoming dangerous or if your spell does not work. It might be embarrassing to some to fall down and stop transferring, but it is less embarrassing then failure to survive.

In short, some deaths from overhealing are unavoidable, but with care you can survive many a deadly wound. It might seem noble to die while saving others, but how many more others could you save if you had lived?

Empathic Shock

When we join the guild, we pledge never to harm a living creature, be it a troll or a thief. Sometimes some of us do, in error or in rage, and face dire consequences. No matter how old you grow, no matter how advanced you become within the guild, you will never be allowed to even attempt to use any kind of weapons on anything alive. If you do, the light will go out of your eyes briefly, and so will your healing gift, only for a much longer time.

The shock eventually wears off, but it leaves a lingering scar on your soul, to taunt you forever. Any empath who touches you will feel the trace of the empath shock you've suffered. Not only that, but also everyone in the vicinity will see that empath recoil from you in horror. Your guild brothers and sisters can help ease the shock, but few do, especially if you meant to cause harm. I have never heard of any empath who actually killed a living being, but we are taught that any who do will lose their healing power for life.

The Infirmary

Our Crossing and Shard guildhouses have infirmaries, rooms where patients come to be helped. In Haven the empaths gather in front of their guild - don't ask me why, they just do. In any case, the infirmaries and the infirmary-like places are where most of us begin as empaths. Young and old, adventurers crowd these rooms, some just slightly scuffed and some near death, some quietly awaiting their turn and some screaming for attention. This may be highly disorienting, and many an empath gets disheartened by the infirmary scene to the point of running out in tears and never coming back.

Among all the chaos, what do you do, how do you find a way to help the hurt to the best of your skill? The one who yells, "I am dying!" might only have some abrasions and low vitality that will repair itself, yet someone who just quietly states "I am poisoned," might be a corpse within seconds. Elders of the Guild tried long and hard to resolve the issue of whom to heal first, but they've given up on it. When you are new, it does not really matter, as you should seek cooperation with an older empath and help them with the wounds you can take. But later on, the attention should be first given to those in dire need, and then it is up to you to decide how to proceed. If you want to aid the most polite ones first, go ahead. If you want to follow the order they came in, go ahead. Always ask if they need help, always ask if someone else is already helping them, and you will do fine. Sometimes people might get upset at you, but that is life...

In the infirmary people come and go, some never come back, while some will see you again. Friends are made, and romances are kindled. You might feel overworked, but taking a moment for a word or two will do good both to you and to your patients. Most of the time you will be thanked for healing with words, hugs, and gifts. I will talk of the gifts later, but if you really dislike being hugged by strangers, consider that you've seen them inside and out...

The infirmary is a fine place to start, but a bad place to die, so always, always check your health. If you can't handle a patient, ask for help from your guild brothers and sisters, since there is no shame in this but goodness. You might come to love the life of the infirmary empath, but if you become restless...

Wandering Empaths

I am afraid that is one kind of an empath that is dying out. In the times before the Gorbesh War the realms were blessed with wonderful inventions, kyanite and jadeite gwethdesuans. These devices allowed people to converse at a distance by thought, and were a great aid to empath, clerics, and people in need. There are pale copies nowadays that are not so widely used, but you might want to acquire a listening gwethdesuan to be of help outside of the infirmary (just ask, many warriors will share with you).

To lead a life of a wandering empath one must not get too attached to one place. From Shard to Theren, always on the road, always looking for ailing Elanthians, these empaths enjoy seeing new sites and places while serving their guild. They are always on call, listening to the gwethdesuans or checking places where wounded are brought. Some, though, just dislike the infirmary and look for another spot with high life energy to set up their own hospital. This is all up to you, as long as you remember the thing I nagged about quite a lot already. That's right, don't overheal.

Field Empaths

Those of us who can't sit still choose a dangerous path of field empaths. We cover ourselves with armor, wield our shields, and sometimes brandish a sword to parry with. To parry, and never, ever, not under the threat of dying, to hit anything alive with that weapon. If you practice dodging the creatures, beginning with mere rats (I know, disgusting) in the Crossing shipyards or goblins in the western fields, and working your way up, you may learn to defend yourself quite well. A lot of us pride ourselves in being able to survive in a battlefield without a guard, and attempt to acquire the title of Battle Empath (which does not mean you can attack anything).

An excellent way to see if this way is for you would be to join a hunting group. Most adventurers welcome an empath in their ranks, and will offer you protection while in battle and a share of the profit afterwards. Many empaths provide extra help for their hunting companions by carrying the coin and treasure, and skinning the kills. Many refuse to skin the creatures, for it is against their beliefs. I refuse to skin them just because it is disgusting -- in short, it is up to you.

The Morgue

No, it isn't on your map. No one built morgues in major towns because they were not needed, but there are make-shift morgues where Elanthians bring their dead, seeking the attentiongs of clerics and empaths. Ask around in any city, and you will learn of such places. Before our kind clerics can restore life to the body, the body itself has to be restored enough to support the spirit. That means that the corpse should not bleed anywhere or have any dangerous scars, though abrasions are not important. You can't make dead into living, but in most cases the clerics can't do that without you either.

While working at resurrection sites, it is important to cooperate with the clerics involved. There may not be enough life energy on the spot for you, but don't drag the body away without talking to the cleric first. Don't act heroic either, and try to fix everything right there and fast, for the last thing the cleric wants is your corpse. Always, always check your health and be careful not to overheal.

Money

Years ago, joining the guild, I assumed that I will always be poor since I would not be able to hunt for treasure. I was wrong in that being an empath does not make you a pauper, for the adventurers treasure their health and pay for it. Yet I was right, because I never felt comfortable accepting payment for healing.

Every empath in the realms has their own policy about tips - to take or not to take, from whom, when, how much... There is no definite answer, and you will have to decide for yourself. It is considered rude to demand money in advance, and you won't get many patients that way. Many hunters, however, consider it rude on your part if you refuse their gift of thanks, and will chase you down to bestow it on you. Good hiding skill helps, as does a good explanation of why you've chosen not to accept payment.

If you do take tips, it is good to remember that not everyone can spare the same. In Crossing you will find plenty of novices who consider a bronze kronar to be a fortune. If you heal south of Shard, the warriors will be willing to shower you with rich treasure chests. That would be a place to go if you are looking for wealth, but empaths rarely are guided by such motives. Whatever you choose, be gracious about it, and -- you guessed it, do not overheal.

Empathic Etiquette

Would it not be nice, if all empaths had the same ideas of what is right and wrong, and good for the patients, and good for the guild? But we don't, though in any sitting room of any guild, and whenever empaths gather, you can stumble upon a discussion of such matters. Among these is one of behavior towards your fellow empaths, and that is pretty much clear nowadays.

When we join the guild, we bring into it different expectations and goals. Some want to become the best, fastest healer in the realms, some want to become popular, some can't watch others suffer, some were driven by their parents... Whatever is your goal, to reach it you do what empaths do - heal. Amazing as it may sound, you can't just heal everyone.

Be it the infirmary or the morgue, if there is more then one empath it is best to cooperate with your guild brothers and sisters. If someone is working on a patient, they would not appreciate you jumping in unasked. There are many reasons to abide with this, such as their professional pride, the patient's confusion, and, to be honest, their experience in healing. On the other hand, some severe cases require more then one empath, and it is better to ask for help then die trying on your own. Just use your common sense, but remember that conflicts may occur anyway, especially if the place is very busy.

Some rare Elanthians dislike being touched by a strange empath. Once, after healing my friend, I empathically touched her companion, only to have that last burst up in anger. I never learned if she has grown attached to particular wounds, or just was vary of strangers. Whatever the case, I learned that it is best to look at people first, then ask if they desire healing, and only then touch. Of course, if you see someone get hit in battle, forget the asking.

Not only you can't heal everyone, but you also can't heal everything. I've met a barbarian who refused to have his eye replaced since it reminded him of something. Some adventurers endure bleeding wounds, either to prove or to test themselves. When in doubt, ask. As many others, I take a great pride in leaving my patients as healthy as when they were born, but I also respect their wishes.

Just as the hunters have the right not to let you heal them, you have the right to refuse healing someone. This may sound shocking, but you don't have to heal your son's murderer or a thief who steals at resurrection sites. Though many of us do not refuse our healing touch to anyone, you are certainly free to choose. It is unacceptable to many empaths when others of our guild refuse healing on a whim, but that also happens. As an example only, I heal anyone living, but I do not touch certain people (very few) if they are dead. I also do not help those who maim each other for fun; they can go to a hospital. However, empaths whom I respect greatly heal such people, and that is their choice. There are still those innocent souls who give aid to anyone, good or evil, dead or alive. My prayers are with them, so they, unlike myself, may persevere in this noble pursuit.

There are no clear cut rules of empathic etiquette. As always, the choice is your own. You will probably act differently with friends and strangers, elders and novices of our guild and others, in a critical situation and in a peaceful one. No matter what path you choose, it is still going to be a part of a larger road, and to that road I, Battle Empath Alyenah Teplo of the Clan of Gryphon, welcome you. Safe travels, my friend, and may Hodierna guide you.

My sincere thanks to Acynarian Doomseer and Amethystle Opalstorme for their help in preparing this manuscript.

EMPATHY

INTRODUCTION
We as a race go through life sometime not knowing the pain that we cause as we live our daily lives. Empathy is the ability to charge that destructive nature. The wingmaker and the world server use empathy to help heal the pain. That this destructive nature has caused in the world today and we all work hard to bring peace and harmony to the earth and all it's inhabitants.

VISUAL EXERCISE
STEP ONE
Get comfortable and relax.

STEP TWO
Then charge your physical body with prana energy by using the prana energy charging technique.

STEP THREE
Now close your eyes and visualize someone that you know is standing in front of you?

STEP FOUR
Now make eye contact with that visual image.

STEP FIVE
Then stretch out your feelings telepathically and feel what the person in front of you is feeling.

STEP SIX
Then telepathically adjust your feelings to match the feelings of the visual image in front of you.
This is what's known as Empathy.

STEP SEVEN
Then I want you to interact with the person on their level.
How well do you go interacting with this visual image that is in front of you.

REMEMBER
When you have finished this exercise write down all that you have learnt while interacting with this visual image and remember to practice you will get better.

EMPATHY

TWO PERSON EXERCISE
PHYSICAL EXERCISE
STEP ONE
First you will need to work out who will be the sender in this exercise and who will be the receiver in this exercise.

STEP TWO
Right now we have sorted that out. I want you to sit across from each other and get comfortable and relax.

STEP THREE
(Sender) Make eye contact with the receiver.

STEP FOUR
(Sender) Then Stretch out your feelings telepathically and don't forget to open your heart as well. Because the heart center is were we all feel from.

STEP FIVE
(Sender) Then I want you to look deeply in the eyes of the receiver. Because then eyes are the windows to both the heart and soul.

STEP SIX
(Sender)Telepathically stretch out your feelings from your heart center up into your eyes. Don't worry if you can not do this with your eyes open if you need to close your eyes and visualize that you are doing this it will work as a visual exercise. then open your eyes again and focus on the receiver.

STEP SEVEN
(Sender)Then telepathically adjust your own feelings to match those feelings that you are feeling from the receiver.

STEP EIGHT
(Sender) Then tell the receiver what feelings you are perceiving from the receiver.

STEP NINE
(Receiver) Remember to be honest with the sender as they perform the empathy reading and make sure you answer all the questions that the sender ask you honestly and correctly Because once the sender finished reading you its your turn to perform the read on them.

STEP TEN
(Sender) If you have been successful in your reading well done.

STEP ELEVEN
(Sender) Now charge rolls with the receiver and see how the receiver goes doing the empathy reading on you.

REMEMBER
To practice both of you. Because you will get better and faster at this exercise the more times you perform this exercise.

Good Luck and take care.

Telepathy and the Etheric
Vehicle-Inter-Planetary and
Extra-PlanetaryRelationships

You will note, therefore, that though we call one of the major centers HUMANITY, yet - in the last analysis - all the centers are constituted of lives progressing towards the human stage, of those units of life who are at the human stage, and those who have left that stage far behind but who are endowed with all the faculties and all the knowledges wrought out into human expression in earlier planetary schemes or solar systems, or through our own definite and characteristic planetary life.
Because of this uniformity of experience, the art of contact and the science of impression become entirely possible and normally effective. The great and omnipotent Lives in Shamballa can impress the omniscient Lives and lesser lives in the Hierarchy because They share a common humanity; the hierarchical Workers or Masters and Initiates can consequently impress humanity because of shared experience and understanding; then the lives that compose the human family present the goal to the subhuman kingdoms and can, and do, impress them because of basic instinctual tendencies which are expressed in the human group but which are latent instinctual tendencies and potential assets in the three subhuman groups.

This teaching has always been implicit in the esoteric doctrines but has not been sufficiently emphasized, owing to the point in evolution of mankind. Today, mankind has made such progress that these points can be made effectively. I would call to your attention that this was the keynote of the Gospel story: the human-divine nature of the Christ, [128] relating Him to the Father through His essential divinity, and also to man through His essential humanity. The Christian Church gave a wrong slant to the teaching by making Christ appear as unique, though the higher criticism (deemed so shocking fifty years ago) has done much to correct this false impression.

The outstanding characteristic of humanity is intelligent sensitivity to impression. Ponder on this definite and emphatic statement. The work of science is, after all, simply the development of the knowledge of substance and of form; this knowledge will make it possible for humanity eventually to act as the major impressing agent in relation to the three subhuman kingdoms in nature; that is humanity's primary responsibility. This work of relationship is practically the work of developing or the mode of unfoldment of human sensitivity. I refer here to sensitivity to impression from or by the Hierarchy.

The work done through the processes of initiation is intended to fit disciples and initiates to receive impression from Shamballa; the initiate is essentially a blend of scientific and religious training; he has been reoriented to certain phases of divine existence which are not yet recognized by the average human being. I am endeavoring to make clear to you the basic synthesis underlying all manifested life upon our planet, and also the close interplay or relationship which forever exists and expresses itself through the supreme science of contact or of impression.

The three great Centers are in close relationship at all times, even if this is not yet recognized by the intelligent disciple; an unbroken series of impressions is ever present, relating one center to another and bringing about an evolutionary unity of objective, and developing (with exceeding rapidity at this time) a secondary science, that of Invocation [129] and Evocation. This science is in reality the science of impression in activity and not simply in theory.

The first great Invocation was uttered by the planetary Logos when He expressed the desire to manifest and thus invoked and brought to Himself the substance needed for His designed expression. That started the chain of being or of hierarchy; interrelation was then set up between all "substantial" units; the more potent and the more dynamic and greater could then impress the lesser and the weaker until gradually - as the aeons swept by - the seven Centers were created and were in close impressionable relationship. Of these seven we are at this time considering only three; the others we know very little about, for they are largely composed of units of the deva evolutions (and I would ask you to note the plurality there) and of subhuman lives, working under impression from the head, the heart and the throat centers of the planetary Logos.

Students are apt to make their thinking unduly complicated when they seek to itemize and define, to separate into academic groups and brackets the multiplicity of energies with which they feel confronted when considering the planetary and the human centers. I would advise you that you think simply and (certainly, at first) in terms of the three major energies as they emanate from some center, become impressing agents, and then are again transmitted or stepped down:
The dynamic electrical energy of Life itself or divine potency, of embodied Purpose, expressing through evolutionary manifestation the divine Will. It might be well to realize that purpose emanates from the cosmic mental plane and is the all-inclusive, synthetic, motivating principle which expresses itself as the divine will upon the cosmic physical plane - the seven planes of our planetary Life. This dynamic energy focuses itself through the Lives or Beings [130] Who control and dominate Shamballa. Until the divine purpose has been achieved, the planetary Logos holds all in manifestation through the potency of His Will, and animates all forms with electric fire. Knowledge of this Will and Purpose comes to the student who is constructing the antahkarana and who is, therefore, coming under the control of the Spiritual Triad, the threefold expression of the Monad.
The attractive magnetic solar energy to which we give the quite unsuitable name of Love. It is this energy which constitutes the cohering, unifying force which holds the manifested universe or planetary form together and is responsible for all relationships; it is this energy which is the soul of all things or of all forms, beginning with the anima mundi and reaching its highest point of expression in the human soul which is the constituent factor in the fifth kingdom in nature, the Kingdom of God or of Souls. An understanding of this human potency comes as a man makes contact with his own soul and sets up a stable relationship with that soul; then he becomes a soul-infused personality. As you well know, the threefold personality is to the soul what the Spiritual Triad is to the Monad: a clear medium of expression. Most students are or should be today occupied with this attractive energy, for until they have mastered the desire nature and have transmuted it into aspiration and soul control, they cannot hope to comprehend the dynamic energy of electric fire. This attractive magnetism is the energy dominating and controlling the Hierarchy.
The intelligent activity of fire by friction. Students would be well advised to reread A Treatise on Cosmic Fire where I deal at length with these three conditioning energies. This third energy is the basic energy expressing itself in the three worlds and in the four kingdoms in nature, climaxing its expression in the creative energy of the human kingdom. [131] This energy emanated originally (as far as our solar system and our planetary scheme are concerned) in the first solar system and is the best proven and the best known energy in manifestation. It is the medium for activity in all forms through which the planetary Logos expresses Himself; it is the result of the activity of the divine Mind, as that peculiar type of divine energy plays upon and through all atoms and upon all atomic forms. The fission of the nucleus of the atom in the past few years is the outer sign or demonstration that humanity has "encompassed" the divine Mind and can now move on to "encompass" the love or the attractive nature of divinity. Ponder upon this statement. I know not what word to use but encompass and it is entirely inadequate. A new and deeper esoteric terminology is badly needed.
If you will work with and reflect upon these three fundamental energies and search for their expression within yourself, you will greatly simplify your occult thinking. Let me here make a few more statements which you have perforce to accept hypothetically, but which can nevertheless be substantiated by you if you arrive at an understanding of the Law of Analogy or of Correspondences, and if you will also accept the truism that the microcosm reflects the macrocosm and, therefore, each human being is related to Deity through essential similarity.

Statement One
Dynamic electric energy entered into our planetary sphere from extra-planetary sources and from a point of definite focus upon the cosmic mental plane; this energy was paralleled by a secondary energy from the sun Sirius, thus accounting for the dualism of manifestation.
Statement Two
This energy expanded outward from its central focus (the center called Shamballa) and in this expansion [132] became the agency which impressed the Plan upon the serving Hierarchy. The Plan is that measure of possibility of immediate importance which the divine Purpose can present at any given moment in time and space.
Statement Three
This process of expansion set up another focal point of energy, and the heart center of the planet, the Hierarchy came into being; thus two centers were created and en rapport, which constitutes a major event upon the involutionary arc; to this, little attention has hitherto been paid. It coincided with the advent or the arrival of the Lords of Flame from the alter ego of our Earth, the planet Venus. They created the nucleus of the Hierarchy which - in that far, very distant time - consisted of only forty-nine members; these were advanced human beings and not souls awaiting incarnation in human form on Earth, as was the case with the vast majority of these visiting Solar Angels.
Statement Four
Alignment between the head center and the heart center upon the involutionary arc was thus set up; another expansion took place which resulted, as you know well, in the creation of a new kingdom in nature, the fourth or human kingdom. This kingdom was destined to become and is today the third major center in the planetary life. Then another alignment, but one which is still contained upon the involutionary arc, took place.
Statement Five
Today, an evolutionary alignment is taking place. The planetary center which we call Humanity is active and vibrant, and it is now possible to "progress along the Upward Way and create the line which links the lesser with the higher, permitting thus an interplay." Men are rapidly moving out of the human center into [133] the hierarchical center; the mass of men are responding to spiritual impression.
Statement Six
At the same time, the heart center of the planetary Logos, the Hierarchy, whilst it is being responsive to the invocation of the throat center, Humanity, is becoming increasingly evocative and is itself attaining a much higher contact and alignment with the head center of the planetary Logos; it is, therefore, capable of receiving a constantly developing dynamic impression from Shamballa.
Statement Seven
Thus a great alignment is being achieved through the relationship and the interplay going on between these three major planetary centers; this produces a constant inflow of energies from several different sources, and these energies galvanize these three centers into a new and increased activity. Invocation is arising all the time between these centers and producing a consequent evocation of impressing energies.
In these seven statements, you have depicted a PATTERN of the present planetary work or the present logoic thesis. An involutionary alignment (the guarantee of future successful alignments) constitutes most ancient history; an evolutionary alignment in which all three centers are involved is constantly producing an interplay of energies as well as a constantly successful impression of one center upon another. Humanity, as the throat center of the planetary Logos and the prime planetary creative agency (which modern science demonstrates), invokes the heart center, the Hierarchy, and then receives the needed impression which will result in the developing civilizations and cultures as well as the eventual appearance on Earth of the fifth or spiritual [134] kingdom. The Hierarchy or the planetary heart center invokes Shamballa, the planetary head center, and the Plan - as an expression of the Purpose - is impressed upon the hierarchical consciousness. If there is redundancy in these various comments of mine, it is entirely intentional; repetition serves the purposes of accurate presentation where esotericism is concerned.

As the invocative system spreads and a greater alignment is attained, Shamballa - the planetary head center - invokes energies outside the planetary life and the inflow of cosmic and solar energies will be very much greater; for this the esotericists of the world must be prepared. It will also produce the advent or appearance of many AVATARS, bringing with Them many and very different kinds of energies to those which hitherto have controlled human affairs and the events and evolution of the other, the subhuman kingdoms in nature. With the reappearance of the Christ as the focal point or the supreme Agent of the planetary heart center, a new era or "divine epoch" will be instituted. The Avatar of Synthesis will draw very close to humanity and He will inaugurate the "reign of Avatars" Who will be embodied Purpose and spiritual Will; They will initiate both the Hierarchy and Humanity into phases of the divine character of which, at present, nothing is known and for which we have no terminology that could convey the exact facts and nature. All that I am attempting to do here is to give you a general outline of events which may lie centuries ahead but which will inevitably occur - once the Christ is again in physical Presence and recognition on Earth.
H.P.B. speaks in The Secret Doctrine of the "three periodical vehicles," referring as he does so to the Monad, the Soul and the Personality; he is dealing, therefore, with the nine aspects of divinity which connote the nine major initiations and those divine characteristics through which [135] the three major aspects of divinity reflect themselves. In this connection, it is well known to students that the Monad expresses itself through the Spiritual Triad, the Soul through the three aspects of the Egoic Lotus, and the Personality through the three mechanical vehicles. It will be obvious to you surely that these three periodical vehicles are under the influence or impression of the three major planetary centers and are, therefore, finally conditioned by the three major energies to which I referred earlier in this section. I do not feel it to be necessary to enlarge upon this basic relation; it is that which integrates the human soul into the vast general whole and makes the individual an intrinsic part of the sumtotal.

There is one aspect of the Science of Impression upon which I have not yet touched and that is the place of the centers as focal points, as transmitters or as agencies for the seven ray energies. It is known to esotericists that each of the seven centers comes under the influence or is the recipient of some ray energy, and there is a general acceptance of the fact that the head center is the agent of the first Ray of Will or Power, the heart center is the custodian of second Ray energy of Love-Wisdom, whilst the third Ray of active creative Intelligence passes through and energizes the throat center. These Rays of Aspect do find expression through the three centers above the diaphragm, and - on the larger scale - through Shamballa, the Hierarchy and Humanity. It is, however, equally true that Shamballa is primarily second ray as it is expressed, because that is the ray of the present solar system of which Shamballa is a part; and that the first ray, or its dynamic life aspect, is focused in the heart, for the heart is the center of life. The great center which we call Humanity is predominantly governed by the third Ray of Active Intelligence. This ray energy arrives at the throat center via the head and the heart centers. I [136] am pointing this out for two reasons which must form part of your thinking as you study this science:

All the centers come under the influence of all the rays, and this must surely be obvious in relation to average and undeveloped human beings. Were this not so, such human beings would be unable to respond to first ray, second ray and third ray energy, for the centers above the diaphragm are, in their case, inactive.
In time and space and during the evolutionary process, it is not possible to say which center is expressing the energy of any particular ray, for there is a constant movement and activity. The center at the base of the spine is frequently the expression of first ray energies. This is apt to be confusing. The human mind seeks to make everything precise, stable, to bracket certain relations or to assign certain centers to certain ray energies. This cannot be done.
At the end of the world cycle, when divine purpose is fulfiled and the evolutionary process has brought about the changes and adjustments needed for the full expression of the Will of Sanat Kumara, then the situation will be different and men will know (as the Members of the Hierarchy know) which centers express the seven ray energies. It must be remembered also that the Rays of Attribute shift and change constantly; for instance, humanity as the planetary throat center is under the constant influence of the seventh ray, as is the solar plexus center of the planet. To that subdiaphragmatic center I give no name. Though the human throat center is primarily expressing the third ray, there is an interesting situation to be noted in this connection: two ray energies control this center at this time. [137]