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The Morya Federation

Year 2 – Synthetic Paper

Daniel Coro, 2012

The Deva Hierarchy:

The Agnichaitans

Introduction

1.     The Cosmic Physical Plane & the Raja Lords

• The creation of a Solar System
• The 7 Deva Lords of the Cosmic Physical Plane
• Subplane Deva Lords

2.    Elementals & Devas

• Involutionary & Evolutionary lives
• Lunar pitris

3.     The Devas of the Physical Plane: The Agnichaitans

• Electrical Activity
• Groups A, B and C
• Transmitting Devas, Manipulating Devas and Recipients of Force
• Devas Related to Man’s Form
• The Devas of the Individual Subplanes

4.    Dangers associated for man in contacting devas

• Types of Lives Man Contacts
• How These Lives Affect Him
• How these Dangers Can Be Avoided

Conclusion

Introduction

As man walks the psychospiritual journey to return to his Father, he does not walk alone. It is not only that he walks with other souls, but the journey the human kingdom takes is intimately intertwined with another great kingdom, the devic kingdom.

Much has been written across times and continents on the subject of the devas and angels. This paper seeks to explore the particular group of devas that relate to the physical plane and clarify the various classes within this group, shedding light on their functions and duties. These devas are called the Agnichaitans.

The first chapter introduces the major devas involved in the formation of the cosmic physical plane, followed in the second chapter by differentiating between two types of lives, such as the involutionary and evolutionary lives that make up the devic kingdom.

The third chapter explores the specific roles and functions of the devic lives of the systemic physical plane in their various divisions and orders. This is followed by the final chapter which briefly highlights some of the dangers involved for man with premature contact with the devas and how these dangers might be offset.

This subject is incredibly huge and while this paper cannot nor will not possibly answer all the questions about the Agnichaitans, it is hoped the reader is left with a little bit of a greater understanding of the subject.

Chapter 1 : The Cosmic Physical Plane & The Raja Lords


“In the beginning, God created the heaven and the earth”. This is arguably one of the most known quotes around the world. What is less known is that the Hebrew translation actually reads “In the beginning, Gods created the heavens and the earth”, where both God and heaven are plural. A later reference in the New Testament from the book of John states “In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God”¹⁾. Combined, an idea is created about how the transmission of sound (which actually is God) by a number of Divine Beings led to the inception of all that is.

Through the Ageless Wisdom teachings we may come to understand these statements at more than face value, and begin to glimpse some of the deeper layers of the cosmogenical onion. In a tiny way, this is part of the purpose of this paper - to communicate a better and deeper understanding of the lives on the physical plane that are involved in the creative process.

When considering the subject of creation, the only place to start is with the creation of the existence as we know it.


The Creation of a Solar System

The anecdote goes that “One day, God was bored so He created the universe so he would no longer be alone.” Though unable to discern His motives, but knowing that the universe does indeed exist (or at least, the perception of it does), we begin our exploration on the subject of the deva kingdom with how life came into being.

All existence as man knows it is a tiny fraction of actual reality. Not only do we only know a microscopic portion of what there is to know about the physical and observable world, but on top of this exists subtler levels of reality than mankind in general have yet to acknowledge. From the occult perspective we know that everything that exists, exists because it is an expression of something higher; a trail can be followed from everything in manifestation to a higher creative source, closer to what we call Divine. The most obvious example is the concept of the seven planes of our solar system; the world that humanity perceives with their five senses is a fragment of the bigger picture - three sevenths of one seventh to be precise.

In a similar way to how man (as a soul located on the higher mental plane) chooses to incarnate by extending a portion of its essence through the lower mental, astral, etheric and into the dense physical plane, so too does a Solar Logos follow a similar process, precipitating an aspect of itself from the cosmic mental plane through the cosmic astral plane onto the cosmic physical plane. The single point expresses as the three, which then expresses as the seven, and even though differentiations are seen, the isolated unity of the whole still stands true.

We are told:

“Seven Great Words, again based on the sacred three sounds A U M.  These produced creation, or the manifestation of the seven planes of our solar system.” (IHS 153)

The A.U.M. stands for the greater trinity of Shiva-Vishnu-Brahma, or Creator-Preserver-Destroyer, who in unity forms part of the Being that embraces the manifestation of the entire solar system.

The above reference continues:

“Seven Great Words, again based on the sacred three sounds A U M.  These produced creation, or the manifestation of the seven planes of our solar system. They are committed not to human entities, but to the seven great Devas or Raja-Lords who are the ensouling lives of a plane…” (IHS 153)

The three sounds differentiate into seven syllables, and the great word of creation is sounded with each syllable expressing through a great angelic life who ensouls each of the seven planes, called the great Deva Lords or Raja-Lords.

These Lords not only ensoul a plane but are in fact its controlling intelligence as well as being the sumtotal of the very substance of that plane for the entire solar system (IHS 223, CF 442). We are reminded that the planes should not solely be considered from the perspective of substance, but they must also be looked at as states of consciousness:  

“They are the seven Fires, or those seven states of activity through which consciousness is expressing itself.  They are the vehicles of consciousness and the seven vibrations” (CF 629)

The names given for the Deva Lord of each plane are as follows, noting that at times Vishnu alternates with Surya, and Indra with Vayu:

Reference 1:

In the sacred Hindu texts, the Vedas, Vishnu is the same Divine being as Surya:

“[T]he deity or god referred to as Vishnu is none other than the Sun God who also bore the name Suryanarayana, who in turn was also called Vishnu. So the 'Vishnu' referred to in the Rig Veda is none other than the Sun God Suryanarayana or Surya” ²⁾

Just as man on the activity of man on the systemic physical plane originates from the soul on the mental plane (and is therefore an expression of Agni), so too does the “Solar Being” of the cosmic physical plane originate from its soul on the cosmic mental plane. This reveals that while Agni does indeed rule the systemic mental plane, a higher cosmic reflection of systemic Agni exists, whom perhaps we can differentiate through capitalization as AGNI. Since the cosmic physical plane is an expression of the cosmic mental plane, we see why the 7 Raja Lords are considered to be 7 sons or brothers of Fohat, and each form as aspect of his body:

“[Agni] is one of the seven Brothers…Who each embody one of the seven principles, or Who are in Themselves the seven centres in the body of the cosmic Lord of Fire, called by H. P. B. “Fohat.””  (TCF 65)

The 7 Deva Lords also form “the seven spirillae, or force vibrations within the logoic physical permanent atom” (CF 629). We could say then that Shiva relates to the seventh spirilla, Vishnu to the sixth and so on down, or alternatively Shiva to the first spirilla, Vishnu to the second and so on.

Man’s physical permanent atom is said to have three major spirillae and seven minor ones (CF 253) though three of the minor ones can be counted as one with the three major, leaving 3 major and 4 minor. If the logoic physical permanent atom is analogous to man’s and he indeed has 3 major spirillae and 4 minor, then perhaps the following quote might reveal which of the Deva Lords (viewing them as spirillae in the logoic physical permanent atom) could be considered the major ones:

“On each plane one of these Brothers holds sway, and the three elder Brothers (for always the three will be seen, and later the seven, who eventually merge into the primary three) rule on the first, third and the fifth planes, or on the plane of adi, of atma and of manas.” (CF 65)

The first, third and fifth planes would refer then to the Deva Lords Shiva, Brahma and Agni. It could be hypothesised these three elder Brothers relate to the three ‘elder’ planets in our system: Saturn, Neptune and Uranus.

Taking up our original thread of thought, that the seven Raja Lords are expressions of AGNI or Fohat, a simplified tabulation is given, naming them as the objective manifestation of the third aspect of AGNI (CF 607):

Reference 2:

The Seven Deva Lords of the Cosmic Physical Plane

The Lords of the four lowest subplanes (physical, astral, mental and buddhic) have the closest connection with human evolution (CF 113), and keeping in mind that the roles of the higher three Lords are somewhat more abstract than the lower four, we can tabulate some basic information related to each.

Shiva -

• Shiva is the first person of the Trinity and is the final absorber; the whole into which all parts find themselves. He is the expression of divine Will and is represented in man as the Monad descendant from the cosmic mental plane.

Vishnu  

• Vishnu is the builder of form and provides the vehicle (the Monad) through which spirit can express. Vishnu rules the Monadic plane and even though the monad is considered absolute from the perspective of the man, is it a reminder the Monad (on the cosmic physical plane) is a reflection of the Monad on the cosmic mental plane.
• Vishnu is the Great Lord responsible for bringing into being the mineral, vegetable, animal, human and spiritual kingdoms.
• He relates to the Christ principle and as mentioned, is sometimes referred to as Surya.
• Is said to aid the Christ in guarding the location of Sanat Kumara’s Rod of Initiation (IHS 129)

Brahma -

• The Deva Lord of the Atmic plane, Brahma is that by whom all things are illumined.
• Brahma links spirit and form through active intelligence. As a result, Brahmi solves the mystery of the relationship between all pairs of opposites.

Indra -

• The Deva Lord of the Buddhic plane whose symbol is air, is slowly gaining potency as humanity is slowly accessing and striving towards this plane from the mental plane.
• Indra embodies the fire of the cosmic mental plane and relates (with Agni and one other unnamed Lord) to cosmic transmutation.

Agni -

• Agni is the Lord of Fire and rules the mental plane. His role relates to the relationship and at-one-ment of the personality to the triad.
• Works particularly with Master Morya in his role of inspiring political men around the world

Varuna -

• Ruler of the astral plane, whose symbol is water and can be considered either as the waters of space or the waters of matter.
• He has achieved a more unified conscious control than Agni and Kshiti which creates a greater point of tension on the astral plane than the mental or physical. This is one of the factors why the astral plane is for man so potent, and why it represents his battleground.
• Works particularly with Master K.H. in his role of realigning religious thoughtforms to a more suitable conditions that support the reappearance of the Christ.

Kshiti -

• Lord of the systemic physical plane, Kshiti embodies the densest point of spirit-matter and he presides over everything upon the physical plane outside of the human kingdom. His concerns include the force or energy of physical substance, the constructions of forms and the internal heat which causes reproduction.
• Just as Agni is a lower reflection of a greater Being that rules the cosmic mental plane, we could consider that Kshiti is a reflection of a still greater being that rules the entire cosmic physical plane and therefore all of the above Deva Lords.

Just as man has a physical body made of etheric and dense components, each of the Raja Lords are allocated a place in the dense and etheric body of the Logos:

“We should therefore bear in mind that the Deva Lords, Agni, Varuna, Kshiti, represent in the exoteric teaching the substance aspect of the dense body of the Logos whilst the force aspect as flowing through the etheric body of the Logos is considered under various names, such as Shiva, Surya, Brahma. Yet the two aspects are but one.” (CF 625)

Reference 3:

Two points need noting: First, while Indra is not mentioned specifically, the reference states “considered under various names such as” and is not limited to the three names that follow. Secondly, it is assumed the “Logos” referred to is the Solar Logos. If it was the planetary logos the dense physical body would likely not include the top three subplanes of the mental plane. Though man may perceive a thought as intangible, the fact that we talk about “thoughtforms” reveals that they are indeed, still forms.


Subplane Deva Lords

As all lives act as both receivers and transmitters, it will be no surprise that the Deva Lords also have centres of force within their being through which they work (CF 438). These centres can be considered as lesser lives (though still quite great from the perspective of man), that we can call the subplane lords (CF 534), there being 1 subplane lord for each of the 7 subplanes comprising the Deva Lord’s plane:

“Each of the seven Fires, or Deva Lords, of a plane manifest through seven lesser devas, who form the central fire, and consciousness of the substance of a subplane.” (CF 631)

Each subplane lord and thereby every lesser life within that subplane is directed, organised and comes under the governance of the Deva Lord (CF 442). We see how every life no matter how small, is part of a greater mechanism, though in most cases the lives will not be conscious of their role or purpose.

If we consider that the lower 6 subplanes of any plane are an extension of the first subplane, we understand why the 49 subplanes of our solar system can be seen as just being seven:

“Each of the atomic subplanes in the solar system is closely interrelated with the others, and the seven atomic subplanes of all the planes form a unity, and are essentially the cosmic physical plane as the term is occultly understood. The subplanes of which they are the originating source bear the same relationship to them as the six principles do to the seventh.” (CF 655)

For this reason, while the Deva Lords ensoul an entire plane they have a particular resonance with the atomic subplane of their plane.

An interesting point exists comparing the expression of electric fire, solar fire and fire by friction on the 49 systemic subplanes from the perspective of both man and AGNI:

“Lord Agni shows forth His fiery life on the atomic subplane of each plane; He shows forth as solar fire on the second, third and fourth, and as 'fire by friction' on the fifth, sixth and seventh.  From the point of view of the microcosm, the Spark in the Flame, man demonstrates as electric fire on the second plane, or the second cosmic ether; as solar fire on the third, fourth and the three higher subplanes of the fifth plane, and as fire by friction on the lower subplanes of the fifth, on the sixth, and seventh planes.” (CF 521)

We can represent this visually, here:

Reference 4:

The divisions by which AGNI shows forth will be used later in this paper, and having hopefully created a scaffolding that assists understanding of the devic lives that sub-stand the cosmic physical plane, we can proceed to the considering the devas of the systemic physical plane.

Chapter 2: Elementals & Devas

Having established that the seven planes of our solar system are expression of devic entities, we can begin exploring the classifications, groups and functions of the variety of devic lives that work on the lowest plane, the systemic physical plane.


Involutionary & Evolutionary Lives

The term “deva” can be used to describe any number of lives on a particular plane. The main system of identification looks at these lives in two divisions: those on the involutionary arc and those on the evolutionary arc. Those on the involutionary arc are in the process of descending from Spirit deeper into matter and are having their consciousness limited as they journey through denser states of expression, while the evolutionary lives have at one point already descended to densest level of being and are on the return journey toward Spirit seeking expansion of consciousness. Here we see a macrocosmic correspondence to the turning of the wheel that man experiences as he steps onto the probationary path, consciously seeking return to the Father.

The involutionary lives have yet to pass into the human stage and are sometimes called elementals or elemental lives. The ‘elemental’ name itself suggests a rudimentary, basic or simple form of life with limited consciousness that is receptive in its nature with its purpose involving being used by a great entity, while the imagery conjured by the name ‘deva’ or ‘angel’ (as the Christian tradition calls them) suggests a positive, intelligent and complex being that controls or utilises lesser elemental lives to build; one is more active and one is more receptive.

As some intermediary devas on the evolutionary arc are receptive to one group and expressive to another group, confusion may arise when they same group are labelled receptive in some references and active in others. In this paper the term elemental will refer only to the group of lives on the involutionary arc and the term ‘deva’ will be used as a general term that encompasses all aforementioned groups.

We can contrast these two differentiations in a small tabulation:

Reference 5:

It is important to emphasise that both types of devic lives will be found on all three planes of man and that a devic life on a plane higher than the physical does not necessarily mean it is more evolved than a life on the physical plane. It also does not necessarily mean that a life on a higher plane is on the evolutionary arc: elementals exist on all planes (LOM 173). For example, Kshiti (the Deva Lord of the physical plane) is a being of far greater stance than an elemental of the mental plane that makes up one of men’s thoughtforms.

Keeping in mind the cycles we are about to explore occur over great periods of time (at minimum billions of years) we are given some information about the order of progression of a life between kingdoms:

“These three lower groups [of elemental lives who form the 3 involutionary elemental kingdoms] achieve concretion, and enter the upward arc, through the medium of the three lower kingdoms.” (CF 1137)

One could consider these three groups of involutionary elemental lives are those that exist on the physical, astral and lower mental planes. Factoring in that the mineral, vegetable and animal kingdoms are in fact on the evolutionary arc (IHS 21), that the human kingdom follows on from the animal (seen in individualisation) and that it is man’s eventual goal to become a Solar Pitri or a Solar Angel (CF 836), we could illustrate the idea as follows:

Reference 6:

As the evolutionary path progresses, the planes on which the life expresses its consciousness also expands; minerals function on the physical plane and find their highest manifestation on its fourth ether (CF 935), vegetables also function on the physical plane and culminate on the third physical ether, animals function on the physical (with the highest point on the second ether) and astral planes, humans on the physical (with the highest point on the atomic ether), astral and lower mental planes and the Solar Pitris are found on the higher mental plane. Each kingdom works with the kingdom or kingdoms below it.

By no means is this illustration complete, because it does not take into account other groups of lives such as the lunar pitris and lesser builders on the evolutionary arc but serves to summarise what has been discussed. Even for those unlisted lives (i.e. the lesser builders) all lives must at some point pass through the human stage:

“He must remember likewise the fact that every life of every degree, from a god to the most insignificant of the lesser devas, or builders, must at some time or another pass through the human family.” (TCF 895)

As to the question whether an elemental must sequentially pass through each evolutionary stage or whether some “skipping” occurs, an adaptation of Tabulation VI from A Treatise on Cosmic Fire suggests that the order is somewhat sequential:

Reference 7:

It seems logical that in order to pass into the human kingdom one must first pass through the animal kingdom, and so on.

One interesting addition to this sequence is that in order for elementals to become an evolutionary deva such as a fairy or elf they must first pass through the bird kingdom (CF 895 & 914). We are also told that some of the evolutionary lesser builders pass through a series of incarnations in the bird kingdom before incarnating as a human. Many birds have demonstrated intelligence with some having a 2000 word vocabulary, equivalent of a 5 year old child, and apart from mammals they are the only animals (some species) to have demonstrated self awareness³⁾.

One wonders if the passage of elementals into the evolutionary deva kingdom could be a lower turn of the spiral analogy of how the Masters chose one of 7 Ray paths; perhaps the lesser elementals move through certain pathways depending on whether they will become devas that tend a particular kingdom (mineral, vegetable etc), or a particular plane within a kingdom (physical, astral etc.). If this is the case it is most probable these decisions would be made en masse for groups of units rather than individually such as would be the case with the Masters.

The Pitris

As mentioned, a second binary division of the devic lives exist; the lunar pitris and the solar pitris.

The lunar pitris are the lives that concern man’s temporary bodies (his dense physical, etheric, astral and lower mental) while the solar pitris relate to man’s more permanent causal body, his soul. The latter group offer man the gift of self consciousness and individualisation while the former group offer him vehicles to experience and interact with the lower worlds.

We are told there are three grades of lunar pitris:

“They might be considered, in connection with man, as triple in their ranks:

a. The highest group of all receives the energy from the higher levels, and ensouls the spirillae of the three permanent atoms.

b. The second group, being the positive energy that attracts, builds and forms the body of man on the three planes.

c. The lowest group are the negative aspect of energised substance and the matter of the three sheaths.” (CF 780)

Each of these three grades will be found on each of the three planes that relate to man’s lunar bodies. While the third rank are grouped with the lunar pitris because they are directly influenced and controlled by them, they are not true pitris in its proper sense (CF 782), and are the elemental lives that are directed into the form without discrimination or awareness.

The lunar pitris, and the elemental lives they control, are the sumtotal of the substance of man’s lower bodies, and by extension, in their massed groups form the dense physical body of the planetary logos. By contrast, the solar pitris find their place within his etheric body still considered a principle. The lunar pitris were the dominant force in the previous solar system (CF 618) and in this system the solar pitris must find controlling influence. The process of why the lunar pitris express before the solar pitris is clarified:

“The lunar Pitris have to carry on their work in our scheme and system before the solar angels, thrilling with expectancy, take possession of the forms prepared through their endeavour, and stimulate them into self-conscious life and separated existence.” (CF 686)

Each step of evolution finds a greater expression of progress and interestingly, in the next solar system anything below the Monadic plane will not be considered a principle (CF 688).

Those in the third grade are those lives on the involutionary arc, while the first two grades are those on the evolutionary arc. As seen in tabulation VI, the three higher grades will eventually become animal-men and the four lower grades will contribute to the bodies of men. One could suggest the higher three grades are the lunar lords of rank a) of each of the lower three permanent atoms, and the lower four grades are rank b) of the mental, astral, etheric and physical bodies of man.

Considering these groups as parts of the greater whole, they can be placed into the body of the planetary logos:

“[T]he sumtotal of human and deva units upon a planet make the body vital of a planetary Logos, whilst the sumtotal of lesser lives upon a planet (from the material bodies of men or devas down to the other kingdoms of nature) form His body corporeal, and are divisible into two types of such lives:

a. Those on the evolutionary arc, such as in the animal kingdom.
b. Those on the involutionary arc, such as the totality of all elemental material forms within His sphere of influence.”   (TCF 301)

We can represent this graphically:

Reference 8:

Having hopefully clarified the difference between elementals and devas we can now explore the groups of devic lives on systemic physical plane.

Chapter 3: Devas of the Physical Plane: The Agnichaitans

Having established that the seven planes of our solar system are made up of devic substance, we begin exploring the groups and functions of the variety of devic lives that work on the lowest plane: the Agnichaitans.

Just as the human kingdom manifests in a variety of forms (races, subraces etc.) so too does deva substance change depending on factors such as Ray cycles, Zodiacal influences, round and scheme developments (CF 671). We must keep in mind then that whatever information Master D.K. has provided us on the deva evolution will only hold accuracy for a period of time (though this period of time is likely to be extremely vast).

As previously mentioned, the physical plane is ruled by the Deva Lord Kshiti; all devic lives on this plane come under his direction and control. We are told this plane Lord holds a state of rank equal to the Chohan of a Ray, which would be at least the sixth degree. Since the Deva Lords’ field of expression extends through the solar system (IHS 153), they may even be of equivalent rank of the seventh degree (IHS 90). Even though the scope of this paper is limited to the systemic planes, one should bare in mind that a cosmic version of Kshiti exists and would be considered as the ruler for the entire cosmic physical plane.

The devas of the physical plane are called “the Devas of the seventh order”. They come under the influence of the seventh Ray (CF 667) and the seventh planetary logos. We can reason this to be Uranus because exoterically it is the seventh planet from the sun and esoterically it is the sole conveyor of the seventh Ray. They are linked to the “Devas of the first order” on the logoic plane and in this way we see the astrological connections with Aries and Capricorn (both expressing the first and seventh Rays) where the mind of God seeks expression through form, and Uranus (representing the true archetype) who is often veiled by the moon (representing matter and substance), thus connecting this highest and the lowest.

The word Agnichaitan can be separated into two components: Agni and Chaitan. Agni is a clear reference to the Lord of Fire, previously discussed, and all expressions within his Being are expressions of fire. The origin of chaitan is less certain, but may relate to the Sanskrit words “Chaitya” or “Caitya”. Both words come from “cit” which means to perceive, understand or be conscious⁴⁾. A chaitya is also a Buddhist shrine, with similarities to the Catholic reliquary, often holding the ashes of a revered being. If a chaitya then is a dense physical construct that holds the sacred essence of the life of a being (either though ashes which relates to fire, or their texts which relates to the fire of mind), then perhaps this indeed relates to the origin of the word Agnichaitan, who are the life (fire) expression on the physical.

Just as the cosmic physical plane is divided into seven planes, so too is the systemic physical plane also divided into 7 subplanes, each subplane having its own 7 sub-subplanes. This creates the 49 fires of the systemic physical plane, reflecting the 49 fires of the cosmic physical plane:

“We have here a subdivision of the seventh subplane of the cosmic physical plane making the lowest manifestation one that is divided into forty-nine subplanes or states of activity. For purposes of active work, the devas of the system are divided into forty-nine groups—the forty-nine fires. The Agnichaitans in turn are also divided into forty-nine groups, thus reflecting the whole.” (CF 635)

All devas of the cosmic physical plane could then be considered as Agnichaitans from a cosmic perspective, with analogies forming between systemic agnichaitans and cosmic agnichaitans. The term Agnichaitans in this paper will refers to the devas of the systemic physical plane. Their role is wonderfully summarised:

“These are the devas who construct, and build in matter of the densest kind in connection with logoic manifestation. They function on the seventh subplane of the cosmic physical plane, and are the producers of the greatest concretion. In the planetary body of our planetary Logos they are the builders of the Earth, His densest form, and throughout the entire solar system they are the sum-total of that activity and vibration which demonstrates through what we call “solid substance.” (TCF 633)

The individual roles of the Agnichaitans is untabulable; their numbers so vast that it is impossible to know all of their functions. What we will consider though are the various groupings given to us through the Ageless Wisdom teachings. We begin considering them by their electrical expression:


Electrical Activity

The first group of Agnichaitans relate to the first aspect of Divinity, analogous of the central germ around which activity co-ordinates. They relate to the proton which is positively charged and is the central particle within an atom that is the atom’s prime identifier. The second group acts in an intermediary role, providing the force needed for construction of forms. They relate to the neutron whose purpose is to stabilize or anchor the atom balancing atomic interplay. The third group represent the latent heat which allows substance to interact with its surrounding (thereby allowing reproduction), relating well to the electron which is certainly the most mobile of the three particles and are the ones that actively seeks form construction through interaction with other atoms.

Reference 9:

We see from the similarities in roles to the 3 groups of lunar pitris discussed in the previous chapter that they are most likely one and the same group.

These three then undergo further divisions:

“ These three groups are subdivided again into seven groups which form the matter of each subplane…These seven groups are again divided into seven, making forty-nine.” (CF 636)

The location of which subplanes and sub-subplanes that the above 3 groups are found is not clearly defined but it is reasonable to extrapolate from exoteric science. In the dense world just as we have protons, neutrons and electrons in molecules of solid, liquid and gaseous substance, perhaps it is likely that we have each of the devic lives of electrical activity, form construction and internal heat on all the subplanes, and again on all the sub-subplanes. This is represented on the following diagram with the first group by the symbol (+), the second group as (o), and the third group as (-) :

Reference 10:

It seems reasonable that for man to have centres on each of the four subplanes, there must be each group of devas that exist on each subplane. If this is correct, the three electric groups in the 49 subdivisions can be categorised by designating the producer of activity to the atomic sub-subplane, the constructor of form to the second, third and fourth sub-subplane, and the reproducers of form to the fifth, sixth and seventh sub-subplanes:

Reference 11:

While this allocation is only a hypothesis it does reflects a secondary way of grouping the agnichaitans which we will examine next (Groups A, B and C).

Groups A, B and C

Considering again reference 3, the 7 primary groups on each subplane can be further grouped into three, called Group A, Group B, and Group C.

Reference 12:

Group A form the totality of the matter of the atomic ether, Group B form the totality of matter of the next 3 ethers and Group C form the densest matter of the lowest 3 subplanes in the cosmic physical plane.,

Each subplane (and therefore each of the above seven groups of devas labelled ‘Grp 1-7’) forms the body of the subplane lord who is one of the seven bodies of expression of the plane Lord, Lord Kshiti.


Group A

Found on the highest ether, this group corresponds to Agni (CF 654), relating to the father aspect and positive electricity (“relate to” is emphasised as they are not necessarily the same as the (+) group).

This group of devic lives form the sumtotal of all atomic matter of the physical plane. The six lower subplanes can be considered as extensions of the highest subplane making this group particularly profound. Numerically, a resonance also exists that links any given atomic subplane to all other atomic subplanes, therefore group A is also connected to other groups of devic lives on the atomic subplane of the six higher systemic planes as well as the entire logoic plane (considered as the atomic ether of the cosmic physical plane). In many ways then this group is the most important of the Agnichaitans, as they are the lives which allow precipitation on proceeding subplanes to advance.

Referencing Chart VIII (TCF 817) we see both man’s head centre and physical permanent atom are also found on the same subplane as these devas. Since this group of devas make up the sumtotal of the matter of this subplane, we see in essence they constitute these two centres (considering the permanent atom as a kind of centre) in man.

One of the interesting side-effects of the unleashing of atomic power during the time of the war was in the ethers. Effects resulted particularly in the fourth and first subplanes (obvious lettering connection between atomic as in ‘atom’ and atomic as in ‘first ether’) where the fourth spirilla of man’s physical permanent atom was stimulated, accelerating the development of many members of humanity at the time (TCF 652). The fourth spirilla is the highest of the spirillae of the personality field, and relates particularly to the period prior to stepping onto the probationary path when one begins to come under conscious soul influence (as the fifth spirilla awakens). Something positive can be garnered from all crises.

This is the most occult of the three groups and we are told that (in mirroring the logoic plane) they hold a secret to the nature of the planetary logos. For this reason, greater knowledge of them is undesirable for humanity at this time.


Group B

Group B form the substance of the second, third and fourth ethers. They are the transmitters of prana and in their role as intermediaries, relate to the union between negative and positive electricity, therefore having a relationship to microcosmic solar fire, and corresponding to the Vishnu-Surya aspect.

Being more exoteric than the previous group, more information is shared on this group’s roles, of which four are shared (CF 645):

a. They primarily build the etheric bodies of men, as well as other sentient beings.
b. They are the transmitters of prana
c. They link the four kingdoms of nature by building correspondences of the antahkarana between the kingdoms.
d. They perform a variety of other functions, of which 5 examples are given:

Class 1: Agents of magic, particularly related to the building quality and construction of form

    Class 2: Those that manifest as physical plane electricity
   Class 3: Those that form the health auras of the vegetable, animal and human kingdom
    Class 4: Those that make up the etheric centres of man
    Class 5: Those that form the base centre of man


Together Group A and B are called the “devas of the shadows”. Exoterically considering the shadow of a man’s physical body, it is something subtle and unsubstantial in comparison to his physical body, and it holds a position analogous to his etheric body. In another sense the personality is frequently referred to as the shadow of the soul, and the etheric body relates particularly well to this term being the lowest principle in the personality field.

Of the four ethers, the fourth is the most exoteric, being the first that man works with and that subplane which scientists of the 20th century had begun discovering (though they may not have used the term “ether”) (EP1, 123) and it is the subplane about which we have the most information. Some of these points are listed below:

• The fourth ether is the main area of expression for the devas of the shadows (CF 326)
• Though the entire physical plane is related to the seventh Ray, it is particularly connected to this subplane (explaining why the etheric body reacts so “violently” to the colour violet (TWM 347).
• Every human unit must demonstrate mastery over this subplane before the end of this round (the fourth round of the fourth chain)
• The devas of the shadow are particularly involved with this subplane to work with man to bring about healing the dense physical body (CF 429)
• This subplane is (via correspondence) connected to the fourth systemic plane, the buddhic plane. As humanity begins to function on the buddhic plane, they will be able to master the fourth ether. It is interesting to note that esoterically complementary colours can often be used alternately. That yellow is often ascribed to the buddhic plane and is the complementary color to violet, connects the buddhic plane to the fourth physical ether. One can then also make the connection between the importance of the ajna centre (which appears as yellow and violet) with these two planes. We also have the final connection that the fourth Ray is also at times linked to the Ajna centre through Mercury.
• The lord of the 4th subplane has delegated a member of his council to meet with the Masters to decide whether a closer relationship with the human and deva evolutions is permissible, and to reveal new methods of healing for humanity (CF 910)

There is a clear connection between these devas of the fourth ether and healing. While the most esoteric secrets of healing are not yet known to humanity, we are told these devas began work with humanity in the middle of the 20th century. Their education includes treatment of disease from the subtler perspective, the effect of sound, colour and light in the healing of disease particularly the use of violet (ExH 508), and they will teach men to see etherically, thereby being able to discern subjective causes of objective disease. That men cannot see etherically is in part due to lack of pranic vitality that stems from improper dietary and lifestyle habits (CF 651). These devas will also teach about what conditions are needed to support the natural unfoldment of etheric vision and how to draw vitality and sustenance from the ethers. We are told men will receive this information telepathically and subconsciously at first, reminding us that a man who is spiritually serving the world may have no conscious knowledge of occult terminology or any conscious registering of being impressed by a healing angel.


Group C

In this final group of the physical plane trinity, we see the devic expression of fire by friction found on the lowest three subplanes of the systemic physical plane, the gaseous, liquid and solid. They relate to the aspect of the son and negative electricity, relating to Brahma and the creative process. This group falls outside of what is considered a principle for man (the etheric body and prana considered in the previous 2 groups are still principles).

Recalling that all manifestations on the cosmic physical plane are an expression of fire, these devas relate most closely to fire exoterically considered (expressing fire by friction). They have been called “The Agnichaitans of the lowest furnaces” (CF 643) which could reflect that they are the lowest of the 434 systemic fires, though another interpretation of the “lowest furnace” could also be in reference to considering the centres as furnaces as these agnichaitans particularly relate to the kundalini and the base centre.

As the white magician seeks not to work principally with fire by friction, comparatively less information is revealed about this group, who “are as yet a menace to man, and are only handled in group formation, and on a large scale by the head of the Manu's department through their own rulers-certain devas of a development equal to that of the sixth Initiation” (CF 642).

Just as one does not encourage a child to play with matches, neither can the neophyte be encouraged to play with the fire devas, lest he be burned. We see practical examples of the deleterious effect these agnichaitans have on man when we experience sunburn or heat stroke. The giver of life can take life away if it is improperly used - for example, the hearth that warms a family can burn down a building. On this theme, it is fascinating to know that eventually our fire-fighters will employ occult techniques and mantras to counterbalance the elemental divergences that cause public fires. They will eventually no longer use water to fight fire, but incantation to control the fiery elementals (CF 640). Perhaps we could draw an analogy to humanity’s struggle by saying that man too must seek to control his lower fires through the mental plane rather than waging war against it with water and agitating the tranquillity of his astral body; one cannot fight fire with water without making an awful mess; perhaps the more strategic way to fight fire is to master its supply of air.

They are connected to the fire that warms all forms - be it considered to be the fire latent in every atom, the heat within the human body, or the warmth that the stove provides the family to cook their food. On a larger scale they are the devas that build, destroy and purify through fire; they work with the mineral kingdom in the construction of minerals and metals (CF 641) and build and destroy continents through volcanic and seismic activity. In this way we see how this group is related to the Manu:

“[The Manu] works in closer co-operation with the building devas than does His Brother, the Christ, for to Him is given the work of setting the race type, of segregating the groups out of which races will develop, of manipulating the forces which move the earth's crust, of raising and lowering continents…” (IHS 42)

Interestingly, definite locations and time frames were given in relation to some of these volcanic events:

“…the Mahachohan is working specifically at this time (in co-operation with the Manu), with the devas of the gaseous subplane; this is in connection with the destroying work they are to effect by the end of this rootrace, in order to liberate Spirit from constricting forms. Volcanic action therefore may be looked for, demonstrating in unexpected localities, as well as within the sphere of the present earthquake and volcanic zones. Serious disturbance may be looked for in California before the end of the century, and in Alaska likewise.” (CF 907)

The 1964 earthquake in Alaska had a magnitude of 9.2 and was the second largest earthquake recorded in history⁵⁾. Its timing and location certainly fit the above quote. California has experienced a multitude of earthquakes in the same timeframe though the largest measured a 7.3 magnitude⁶⁾.

Having explored one method of grouping the devas of the physical plane (Groups A, B and C), we look at a second system of classification.



Transmitting, Manipulating and Recipient Devas

We begin with a quote introducing these three groups:

“[I]n connection with manifestation on the physical plane the devas may be divided into three groups:
1. The transmitters of the will of God, the originators of activity in deva substance. These are the greater builders in their various groups.
2. The manipulators of the initiated energy. These are the myriads of workers with force who transmit the impulse in their turn to the elemental essence. They are the builders of lesser degree, but are on the evolutionary arc as are the first group.
3. The recipients of force, the sumtotal of the living substance of a plane. These lives are passive in the hands of the builders of greater degree.” (CF 890)

With the work of these three classes of devas we have the process of white magic revealed, as the divine idea precipitates into form.

It is important to clarify that all lives (human included) are both receivers and transmitters of energy and in a sense any devic life could be called simultaneously a transmitting deva and a recipient of force (TEV 53, CF 650), (for example Group B are called the transmitters of prana but are also recipients of force from Group A). In this section we are dealing with a particular group of devas called “the transmitting devas”.


The Transmitting Devas

Also called the “Transmitters of the Word”, this group of devas are associated with the father aspect and electric fire. They are found on the atomic subplane of each plane and form the atomic bodies of the Deva Lord of the plane. Regarding the transmitters of the physical plane, they are responsible for taking up “the vibratory sound as it reaches them from the astral plane and—passing it through their bodies—send it forth to the remaining subplanes” (CF 919). Having done this, they initiate a chain reaction of events on the physical plane, in order to bring the more subjective into deeper objective expression.

Macrocosmically, they are listed in three groups: Group 1 on the logoic plane, group 2 on the monadic, atmic and buddhic planes and group 3 on the mental, astral and physical planes (CF 920). This repeats the pattern of 1-3-3 that was seen with Groups A, B and C. Though they are associated with the atomic subplane of any plane and can be considered as seven in number, it is clear they also exist in lower differentiations. We are told group 1 includes (though is not necessarily limited to) the transmitters on the three lower subplanes of the logoic plane, remembering that all subsequent subplanes are but an extension of the atomic subplane.

Each major transmitting deva (which one imagines is very closely related to if not the same as the Raja Lord) of a plane forms a centre in the body of one of the three greater Logoi Brahma, Vishnu and an unnamed entity which we could reasonably say to be Shiva (CF 921).

With the caveat that the assignment of the Transmitters to the atomic subplanes and the inclusion of the top 4 subplanes on the logoic plane as part of group 1, is by the author alone and not part of the original teachings, this information can be represented pictorially as follows:

Reference 13:

While this seems out of the scope of this paper we are further told:

“The above sevenfold tabulation can be, under the law of correspondences, applied equally to every plane, for the transmitters and workers on each plane form similar groups.  Equally well can man consider this tabulation in connection with his seven centres…” (CF 922)

If we apply this on a microcosmic scale to the systemic physical plane we have the following image:

Reference 14:

Since there are said to be 7 transmitting devas on the physical plane who together “form the atomic physical bodies of the Raja Lord of the plane” (CF 919), if we note the plurality of bodies this suggests various atomic sub-subplanes. Remembering that each subplane also contains 7 sub-subplanes, ‘atomic’ could refer to the first atomic sub-subplane of each seven subplanes (Hypothesis 1), or it could equally refer to the 7 sub-subplanes of the atomic ether (Hypothesis 2) or to the atomic sub-subplane of the four ethers what a quaternary group on the fourth ether (Hypothesis 3). A diagram may clarify:

Reference 15:

Two references here assist: First, if we view Chart VIII (CF 817), we see man’s etheric centres are located on all four of the systemic physical ethers:

Reference 16:

and secondly, we are told that:

“[T]hese seven [transmitting devas] form (in their lower differentiations on etheric levels) the sumtotal of the etheric centres of all human beings” (TCF 919)

This suggests that transmitting devas must be found on all four ethers, ruling out hypothesis 2.

Recalling that each Deva Lord expresses through 7 subplane lords and that they are associated with electric fire and therefore the atomic plane, subplane or sub-subplane (as the case may be), this seems to suggest 1 subplane lord is located on each atomic sub-subplane, adding to the weight of hypothesis 1.

If hypothesis 1 holds truth the transmitting deva of the lowest ether would either hold a quaternary role, making up all four centres on this subplane or else this transmitting deva under consideration would govern four (and perhaps more, when considering the myriad of other minor and mini centres in man) transmitting devas, each allocated to a major centre.

While we know the primary transmitting deva for each plane differentiates into lesser transmitting devas probably on each subplane, it is certainly possible that another differentiation occurs through the sub-subplanes. Either way, this is a firm reminder that man in essence is indeed comprised of devic lives.

It is important to hold in mind that the subplane lords are really an expression of the Deva Lord of a plane, who is also an expression of the still greater being AGNI, and whichever the case is of their configuration, it is safe to say the 7 greater transmitting devas (who are extensions of the plane Lords) are particularly advanced beings:

“The “Transmitters of the Word” on the atomic subplane of each plane are devas of vast power and prerogative who may be stated to be connected with the Father aspect, and embodiments of electric fire. They are all fully self-conscious, having passed through the human stage in earlier kalpas. ” (CF 919)

Perhaps for the scope of this paper all that needs emphasising is that the 7 Transmitting Devas differentiate into at least 1 branch of sub-transmitting devas acting in a microcosmic way as the directing force and father aspect.

The Manipulating Devas & The Elemental Essences

Once the will of God is received and broadcasted on a plane (by the previous group of transmitting devas) the next stage of activity is taken up by the group of devas called the manipulating or the building devas. Their responsibility involves gathering the resources that are needed to create the forms required; they receive instruction from the transmitting devas and in turn transmit force to the third and final group, the recipients of force. While they are ‘below’ the transmitters in an evolutionary sense, they are still found on the evolutionary path.

It is essential to clarify that while this group can be called building devas because they indeed build, they are not the Greater Builders, nor are they the lesser builders when that term is used to describe the elemental lives of substance; they are lesser than the Greater Builders and greater than the lesser builders of elemental lives. In this way they can be considered as both greater and lesser builders, or even the greater ‘lesser builders’. An image may help clarify:

Reference 17:

While we will keep the consideration of the manipulating devas to the scope of the systemic physical plane, we are given examples of the manipulating devas being found on other planes (CF 901) and must imagine they are found on all planes, in various grades.

The interaction between these three groups of devas is beautifully summarised:

“Students must at this juncture remember that all dense physical forms, whether of a tree, an animal, a mineral, a drop of water, or a precious stone, are in themselves elemental lives constructed of living substance by the aid of living manipulators, acting under the direction of intelligent architects.” (CF 892)

The manipulating devas, relating to the second or building aspect, are the cohesive force which keeps a form held together. Following up on the word ‘architect’ in the above quote, we could use an architectural business as an analogy for the creative process. The architect (God, or the soul) first creates a blueprint of the physical form that will be created. He distributes (transmits, as the Greater Builder) this plan to the heads of departments that will be involved in the building: head electrician, head engineer, head plumber, and so on (the transmitting devas). In turn they transmit the architect’s plans to the various workers in their department such as the labourers that will be building the walls, installing the pipes etc (the manipulating devas). These labourers gather the needed materials such as bricks, pipes etc (the elemental lives) and manifest the blueprint on the physical plane through manipulating and placing the materials. In the same way that the labourers do not think for themselves in terms of deciding to make changes to the architect’s design, so too do the manipulating devas and elementals strictly “follow orders” from above.

The main limitation of the above analogy is that it does not convey the idea that as the devas build, they do so out of their own substance:

“All forms, vibrating to any keynote, are fabricated by the building devas out of the matter of their own bodies. Hence they are called the great Mother aspect, for they produce the form out of their own substance.” (CF 489)

As man direct the devic lives through choices and actions, he does more than put them to work but actually weaves their essence into his creations until that time when they are released.

There are two classes of manipulating devas that can be considered: those related to man’s form and those not related to his form.


The Devas Related to Man’s Form

Two main groups of building devas exist in relation to man’s bodies: those that relate to his permanent atoms and those that relate to his actual sheaths. The former are the highest type of building devas and are closely allied to the solar Angels (CF 939), with one subgroup relating to each permanent atom and the mental unit. The latter are made up of two subgroups; those that build the form (manipulating or building devas) and those that are built into the form (the elemental lives):

“These building devas are the ones who take up the sound as the Ego sends it forth through certain of the transmitting deva agencies, and by the vibration which this sets up they drive into activity the surrounding deva essence in their two groups:
a. Those who build the form.
b. Those who are built into the form.” (CF 940)

Once the soul decides to incarnate on the physical plane it sounds its note, the transmitting devas translate it and direct it to the devas associated with the permanent atoms (and mental unit) who take up the sound and in turn transmit its vibration to the devas that will build the bodies the man will use in incarnation, using elemental substance. One group of builders exist for each body man has: mental, astral, etheric and dense physical.

An example of the physical plane sequence can be displayed as such:

Reference 18:


Keeping in mind that Groups A, B and C previously considered do not solely relate to man’s bodies but instead to the physical plane as a whole, if we consider the following quote:

“Another effect upon the devas resulting from the war, as it worked, can be seen among the devas of Group A, or those devas who are (in an occult sense) the physical permanent atoms of all self-conscious beings.” (CF 651)

we can see how the three groups in the above diagram can be categorised as the devas of Groups A, B and C (considering the ones that specifically work with man’s occult anatomy):

Reference 19:


In relation to the devas of the permanent atom, we discover an interesting point:

“A permanent atom follows the line of the least resistance of force, and is passing out of the control of the Deva Lord and coming under the control of positive life.” (CF 517)

Treating the “positive life” as monadic influence via the jewel in the lotus (CF 506 & CF 1245) we see that as the solar pitri dominates the lunar pitris and man progresses on the path, the devas of the permanent atom respond less to the pull of the matter on the surrounding planes (the realm and substance of the Deva Lord) and come under greater rulership of the solar Angel and monadic life.

The 3 groups of devas in Reference 19 can also be classified by the senses that they utilise (CF 783):

1. Those who see and hear, but do not touch.

These are the devas of the permanent atom who oversee (i.e. direct) the second group of devas but who do not actually manipulate the substance itself

2. Those who touch and hear, but do not see.

These are the builders of the bodies who hear the instructions of the group above and then handle the third group

3. Those who hear, but neither see nor touch.

This is the group of elemental lives who are completely recipient and passive; they manipulate and direct nothing, they are just built into the form.

It will be noted that all three groups have the gift of hearing and this highlights how important the “word” or the “sound” is, in relation to the devic kingdom:

“No sound is ever made without producing a corresponding response in deva substance, and driving multitudes of tiny lives to take specific forms. These forms persist and carry out their functions just as long as the sound which caused them is prolonged…” (IHS 159)

and

“All the lesser grades of devas, “The Army of the Voice,” on each plane, the lesser builders and elementals in their myriads, work unconsciously, being guided and directed by words and sound. In this way vibrations are set up in the essence of the planes by the conscious Builders.” (CF 472)

All groups hear because all are directed and controlled by a higher group. Not all groups see because to see something is to know its purpose and be able to direct forces towards the expression of that vision.

Taking this one step further though, when we talk about the devas being able to hear this may actually translate (in the human equivalent) of being able to see, as the devas are purported to see sound and hear colour (CF 666). If a note is sounded, they devas see it; if a thoughtform is created with its unique colourings, the devas hear it.


Having looked at the manipulating devas that relate to man’s bodies, we can also look at those that are found external to man, in nature.


The Devas of the Individual Subplanes

Each subplane of the physical plane has elemental lives and building devas associated with it.

The Devas of the Dense Subplane

This group are “the workers and builders which are concerned with the tangible and objective part of all manifestation. In their totality they literally form that which can be touched, seen, and contacted physically by man.” (CF 891)

Under this category we have the devic lives commonly called fairies, gnomes, elves and nature spirits, and the elemental lives that are under their direction. One of the groups in this category which we are given the most information are those devas that perhaps have been traditionally called ‘dwarves’:

“Among the manipulating devas of the lowest level of the dense physical plane are to be found certain subterranean forms of existence…in the very bowels of the earth, an evolution of a peculiar nature, with a close resemblance to the human.”(CF 891)

This group works with the mineral kingdom and tend the central fires of the earth which make the revolution of the planet possible. Strong connections to the planets Vulcan and Pluto are evident.

Recalling that each Deva Lord has a resonance with the seven subplanes that numerically correspond to it, Kshiti is particularly connected with with the devas of the solid subplane.

The devas of the densest matter eventually becomes devas of the fluidic subplane and from there find their way onto the astral plane, the macrocosmic correspondence being the systemic liquid plane (CF 903).


The Devas of the Liquid Subplane

The devas of this category are well known to mythology under the names of mermaids, undines, sprites and sylphs.

This group work more with the next two kingdoms, the vegetable and animal, and by nourishing those forms they find their greatest service.

The sixth subplane has a resonance with the 6th systemic plane, the astral and therefore these devas come under the influence of Varuna as well as Kshiti (being part of the systemic physical plane). Astrologically these devas come under the rule of Neptune, and to a lesser extend the moon (who exoterically rules watery substance).

The devas of the water eventually progress to become devas of the gaseous subplane, and then graduate to the cosmic gaseous plane, the mental plane.



The Devas of the Gaseous Subplane

Just as Agni, the Lord of Fire rules the mental plane, we see the microcosmic correspondence that the devas of the gaseous plane represent the element of fire. Mythologically we have examples of the fire devas called salamanders “the fiery lives which can be seen by clairvoyants leaping in the flames of a furnace or of a volcano” (CF 904). Curiously these devas also have a relationship to the mineral kingdom, as well as the devas of the densest subplane. To think of the process required to transform a coal into a diamond both heat (fire from the gaseous subplane) and pressure (a “physical” force) are needed.

This group particularly comes under the influence of Saturn, expressing the third ray which resonates with the third subplane counting from below upwards. This is also the subplane that acts as a ring-pass-not between the dense and etheric portions of the systemic physical plane, a very Saturnian quality.

These devas are particularly related to modern technology:

“It might surprise students and inventors could they but realise that the present rapid growth of wireless communication everywhere is due to the swinging into contact with the human vibration of a group of fiery deva lives hitherto uncontacted.”

Extending the idea of “wireless” communication into the 21st century to include satellite transmission, internet, electronic funds transfers and so on, we see this group indeed has a strong third ray representation, through commerce and communication and can understand why this group is connected with the throat centre of the planetary logos (CF 905). Sound waves cannot travel through a vacuum (they require the presence of particles such as gaseous molecules in air) and in this way we see an exoteric connection between the devas of the gaseous plane and communication. For this reason, and combined with the tendency of gaseous substance to be in a constant state of motion, Mercury also relates to this subplane.

Since this subplane relates so well to modern technological developments, perhaps it could also be associated with Aquarius and the fifth Ray, remembering the gaseous subplane is also the fifth subplane counting from above below.

This also reminds us that when we talk about the effects of exposure to electromagnetic radiation from electrical equipment, we are really talking about exposure to devic lives. Just as we are told:

“Unprotected man lies at their mercy, and in this lack of protection, and man's failure to understand the laws of magnetic resistance, or of solar repulsion comes, for instance, the menace of sunstroke. When the etheric body and its assimilative processes are comprehended scientifically, man will then be immune from dangers due to solar radiation. He will protect himself by the application of the laws governing magnetic repulsion and attraction, and not so much by clothing and shelter.” (CF 90)

we could extend this to the idea that man will be able to protect himself from electromagnetic radiation given off from electrical devices through understanding the true nature of radiation and how to work with these devic lives.

Not only do the devas have an effect on man, but also vice versa; the sound (or perhaps more precisely noise) produced by modern developments such as factories and armories have “brought about a very serious condition among the gaseous devas” (CF 909) that at some point mankind will have to rectify by addressing noise pollution as much as any other form of pollution .

These devas progress to become the devas of the fourth ether, eventually moving onto the fourth cosmic ether, the buddhic plane.

We are also told that the devas of the gaseous subplane outnumber the devas of the liquid subplane, which again outnumber the devas of the densest subplane. This is somewhat logical when considering most of the planet is made up of gas (including the atmosphere and the caverns beneath the surface) followed by liquid (be it water of even considering magma as liquid) and finally solid earth.

The Devic Lives of the Ethers: Devas of the Shadows

As previously mentioned, the devas of the etheric planes have a prevailing violet hue particularly those related to the etheric counterparts of that which exists on the dense physical. This group is divided into four subgroups, one working with each ether. The fourth subplane devas have a dark purple appearance, those on the third ether appear as violet, those on the second ether appear pale violet and those on the atomic ether appear as a “glorious translucent lavender” (CF 911). Each of these four groups are split into 2 further subgroups; those who build and those who are built into the doubles. We have previously considered these as the manipulating devas and the elementals (recipients of force). These devas interact with humanity, encouraging them to refine and understand the dual nature of the physical-etheric body, and this is the prime way they evolve. The elementals that work under the manipulators of this group will eventually become violet manipulating devas (CF 914).

The devas of the four ethers can also be divided into a septenary, relating each group to one of the seven Rays (EP1, 123).

Part of the work of the devas of the ethers is the reception and transmission of pranic energies. We can distinguish between solar prana and planetary prana. The devas that work with solar prana are golden in colour (CF 90) and of a considerably high order. They focus the radiatory rays of the sun and transmit them to men, finding its connection with man through his upper aura. The devas of planetary prana are those of the four ethers and appear violet in colour as previously discussed who focus the radiations given off by the planet and likely find its primary contact with man’s lower aura and centres.

In relation to nature, a second group of green devas also exist, who relate to the vegetable kingdom and whose purpose it is to guard and protect certain sacred spaces, such as special areas in nature, those attached to talismans and sacred objects as well as those who protect the area around where the Masters are found. In this group we find the nature spirits such as fairies and elves.

The third group of devas are called “the white devas of the air and water”. In their groups they control areas of water (for this reason they are particularly related to the fish kingdom) as well as electrical activity, and from them are chosen the guardian angels that each man has.

The violet devas are the lowest type of builders followed by the green devas and finally the white devas. These three groups come under a fourth synthetic group that control the previous three. (TWM 389)

While we are not considering the devas of the astral plane, we are told the two groups can be identified from one another (apart from the fact one required etheric vision to see and one requires clairvoyant astral vision) as the etheric devas carry the symbol of a crescent moon on their foreheads (CF 915).

The symbol of the moon can be connected to both the devic kingdom in general, being the esoteric ruler of Virgo, the sign most obviously associated with devic lives, as well as being the ‘planet’ that relates to dense forms.

That the devic hierarchy is considered femininely polarised to the masculinity of the human hierarchy also strengthens the Virgoan and lunar relationship to the devas. The idea of the sacred feminine has long had an association with the moon or the crescent shape:

“Isis was often represented standing on the crescent moon, with twelve stars surrounding her head. In almost every Roman Catholic church on the continent of Europe may be seen pictures and statues of Mary, the “Queen of Heaven,” standing on the crescent moon, her head surrounded with twelve stars.

It would seem more than a chance that so many of the virgin mothers and goddesses of antiquity should have the same name. The mother of Bacchus was Myrrha; the mother of Mercury or Hermes was Myrrha or Maia; the mother of the Siamese Saviour—Sommona Cadom was called Maya Maria, i.e. `the Great Mary'; the mother of Adonis was Myrrha; the mother of Buddha was Maya; now, all these names whether Myrrha, Maia or Maria, are the same as Mary, the name of the mother of the Christian Saviour. The month of May was sacred to these goddesses, so likewise is it sacred to the Virgin Mary at the present day. She was also called Myrrha and Maria, as well as Mary….“” (BtC 59)

In this way we see a most interesting connection between Virgo (the Virgin Goddess) and Taurus through the month of May.

In Taurus not only is the moon is exalted but the crescent shape can clearly be seen in its glyph:

While the exoteric interpretation of Taurus involves desire of, love for and interest in the material, esoterically it reveals the light within the form; that every form is an expression of divine will and its being serves a purpose. Hopefully through this paper it has been made clear that if all that is seen and sensed is made up of devic lives, then something at some point must have willed those lives into that particular formation, and through many cycles of creation and destruction those lives evolve and grow in states of consciousness and self-expression.

Both man and deva have an incredible symbiotic relationship with one another; neither could progress without the other. In the symbol of Taurus we see the circle, representing the masculine expression of the sun (i.e. humanity), and the crescent representing the feminine expression of the moon (i.e. the devas).

As we saw in the second chapter, the turning point between the involutionary arc and the evolutionary arc is the mineral kingdom, the densest forms. In this way Taurus (being both a fixed and earth sign) which carries the symbol of the crescent most certainly relates to evolution:

“The symbol which expresses the door of evolution is the crescent moon.” (R&I 177)

Having examined only some of the myriad of devic lives on the systemic physical plane, we continue to the final part of this paper where the dangers of contact with the devic kingdom are clarified.

Chapter 4: Danger associated with the Deva Kingdom


At first, one might wonder why there could be any risks or possible dangers associated with man dealing with the devic kingdom. We must remember that every point of consciousness causes an effect on any other point of consciousness when brought into rapport with one another. In this final chapter we look at the important points man must remember when dealing with the devic kingdom.

It should be clarified that in this chapter when the devic lives are referred to, we are particularly dealing with the those relating to the lunar pitris. While contact with the solar pitris has its own difficulties and exacerbations, contact with them is something that in general humanity is striving towards, and also lies outside of the scope of this paper.


Types of Lives Man Contacts

Foremost it must be mentioned that the untrained neophyte who seeks contact with the “devas” is not guaranteed to actually make contact with the types of entities he seeks. We are given seven examples of various lives that can indeed cause physical and psychological problems to man who interacts with them (LOM 126):

l—Discarnate entities of a low order awaiting incarnation
2—Suicides, anxious to undo the deed and to again get into contact with earth.
3—Earth-bound spirits, who from anxiety over loved ones, over their business affairs, or eager to do some wrong or to undo some evil act, rush in and take possession.
4—Dark Brothers
5—Elementals and subhuman entities of a malicious nature who rush in on the slightest opportunity and where kindred vibration may be felt.
6—Some of the lower devas, harmless but mischievous who, from sheer freakishness and fun, enter another body in much the same way that a child loves to dress up.
7—Occasional visitors from other planets who enter certain highly evolved bodies for purposes of their own.

In relation to the this paper, the fifth and sixth groups are most relevant but it must be emphasised that for the bulk of humanity while the intent may be to contact something “good, pure and high” such as a solar angel, it is a game of chance whether he succeeds in connecting with them or to any one of the groups above.

These two groups can particularly be a problem for man because they make up the substance of his lower vehicles. Unless man has mastered the elemental forces within his sphere of being, he cannot hope to control the elemental forces he contacts externally (LOM 176). This is summarised:

“[T]he calling of either the devas or the elementals can only be safely undertaken by one who has the power to utilise them wisely when called…Should anyone—not thus capable—be able to contact the devas, and, through the use of mantrams gather them to him, he would find that the force they carry would descend on him as a destructive one, and serious consequences might result in one or other of his bodies.” (LOM 180)


How These Lives Affect Him

Once contact is made, be it for either a short or a prolonged period of time, their effects can range from inconvenience all the way to death. In most cases the effects are likely temporary and cause the man to make adjustment and remedy the issue, though in more severe cases it will be permanent. In the previous chapter we saw how sunstroke can be considered a devic exacerbation, which (though in the future will be treated very differently) is currently remedied by withdrawal from the influence of the fire devas, resting and rehydrating. This is an example of a common and generally benign complication, though for some it can lead to greater problems.

Accidents, sudden illnesses, lost items, unexplainable happenings; all these are good examples of what might happen when the veil between the kingdoms is prematurely rent. Sudden runs of “bad luck” could also fit in this category, where the man is harassed by devas, who treat him as their “plaything” (LOM 121).

On the other end of the scale we see the appearance of psychological changes such as phobias, addictions, obsessions and insanity. Very interestingly, this not only affects man individually, but potentially en masse:

“Knowledge at this time [of the devas] would be productive of two results. It would first of all bring the human family into the power (as yet blind and destructive) of certain elementals, who are of a nature analogous to that of the physical body. Hence destruction of the form would ensue, or paralysis and insanity on a large scale would eventuate. Secondly, it would put power into the hands of certain of the Brothers of the Left Hand Path and of a number of unconscious magicians (of whom there are quite a number) who would use it only for selfish, evil and material ends.” (TCF 641)

In this quote we are clearly pointed to the role selfishness and materialism plays in the destructive results of devic contact. All humans have the ability to create, but since most of humanity is astrally polarised and not yet under soul control, if the magical process was left unguarded the majority of humanity would utilise the techniques of creation for the wrong reasons (LOM 89). Knowledge then about controlling these devic lives cannot be given without having demonstrated wisdom, responsibility, the ability to respond to higher purpose and most of all harmlessness.

A useful exercise is to ask oneself what the world would look like if every single thought one has had or word one has spoken instantly manifested. If in this hypothetical, true harmlessness could be observed to be upheld then perhaps the man is ready to control the elemental forces.

In Atlantean times the formulas for contacting these lives were known by the people and they were used for selfish ends and evil purposes, to perpetuate vengeance on their enemies and to further ambition (LOM 181).

Some of these dangers are not necessarily unpleasant to the personality experiencing them however; insanity could be viewed (by the individual under its spell) as genius, sexual overstimulation treated as being on the path to enlightenment, obsession perceived as finding “true love”, the manifestation of lower psychic siddhis as validation one is under soul influence and vengeance as righteousness. One must be truthfully objective.


How These Dangers Can be Avoided

If the evils of materialism and selfishness are at the root of these dangers, we see their remedy are found in the qualities of physical purity, emotional stability and mental equilibrium (LOM 90). Master D.K. expands upon this and wonderfully expresses what is needed to proper work with the lesser devas. The entire quote follows:

“Only as the heart enlarges its capacity to suffer with all that breathes, to love all that is contacted, and to understand and sympathise with the least desirable of God's creatures, can the work go forward as desired. Only when the development is equable, only when the intellect runs not too far ahead of the heart, and the mental vibration shuts not out the higher one of the Spirit can the student be trusted to acquire powers that, wrongly used, may result in disaster to his environment as well as to himself. Only as he formulates no thoughts save such as he purposes to make for the helping of the world can he be trusted wisely to manipulate thought matter. Only as he has no desire save to find out the plans of the Master, and then to assist definitely in making those plans facts in manifestation, can he be trusted with the formulas that will bring the devas of lesser degree under his control.” (LOM 91)

We are reminded how motive is the key; man finds the safety mechanism to these potential problems within his heart, the entrance to the causal field and to the solar pitris. If we remember that the lunar pitris are seeking to be dominated by the solar pitris it is clear anything that leads to accessing the soul (in this case, the heart centre) will be useful in countering the dangers.

While we read in the above quote that the intellect cannot run too far ahead of the heart, it highlights that the mind nature must still be sufficiently developed; neither the heart nor the mind can function alone in the occultist. The mind must not shut out the vibration of spirit and for this the heart is essential; he who seeks to work with the devas must have at least some degree of at-one-ment between the plane of mind and the plane of intuition. We are reminded of this in the following quote:

“There is no danger involved for the server if he becomes aware of these deva forces and their activities, via the Christ and through their responsiveness to His work and imminent appearance.” (EH 361)

In this particular reference the Christ can be interpreted as the Buddhic principle, from which the first platform of contact is the soul:

“…the soul alone has the power to contact the germ or the principle of Buddhi (in the Christian phraseology, the Christ principle)…” (LotS 19)

The sense of balance (thereby bringing in the tests of Libra and even Gemini) needs to be expressed. The disciple must show commitment and one-pointedness yet maintain equilibrium, ensuring the his life expression extends through all his bodies, his centres and the areas of service in his sphere of influence. One of these fields cannot be developed to the exclusion of all others.

We are given seven points to consider that will support this right sense of proportion (LOM 93):

1) Know thyself.

2) Proceed slowly and with caution.

3) Study effects.

4) Cultivate the realisation that eternity is long and that that which is slowly built up endures forever.

5) Aim at regularity.

6) Realise always that the true spiritual effects are to be seen in the exoteric life of service.

7) Remember that psychic phenomena are no indication of a successful following of meditation.  

As man’s soul nature is emphasised and the solar lords dominate the lunar lords, the dangers associated with contacting the devas are minimized. When man takes his step into the fifth kingdom he works with the soul in the form and ever looks to the world of causes rather than the world of effects. For this reason, the white magician works primarily with the Greater Builders. As he works with these Builders, the lesser are sacrilised and elevated on their evolutionary journey:

“Man in his lower nature, and in his three vehicles, is an aggregate of lesser lives, dependent upon him for their group nature, for their type of activity, and collective response, and who— through the energy or activity of the solar Lord—will themselves later be raised, and developed to the human stage.” (CF 810)


Through this chapter it is hoped that the message has been conveyed that while the devas below the Greater Builders do not need to be feared, they should not be consciously sought out by the beginner and must be treated with cautiousness. It is far wiser to aspire to contact with the soul, trusting that contact with other beings will unfold with divine timing under the solar angel’s watchful eye. It should also be highlighted that mankind has a tendency to regard himself as the evolution at the apex of a planetary ladder that has the prerogative to dominate all lives beneath him. This is not the case: all lives are interdependent and we have seen man cannot perform a single action or thought without creating karmic ripples that affect unknown beings, particularly devic lives.

As man realises more consciously his Divine heritage and the responsibilities that come with that, new relationships will be able to be brought about between the kingdoms and hierarchies.

We end this chapter with a quote from The Tibetan that echoes the importance of emphasising a right inner life, and that the way forward will be unlocked by those with the right vibration, and not just the right formula:


“In your work you may later be shown—all depends upon your aptitude—methods of approach to these dominating forces, but this will come subjectively and not through magical work and formulas.  The attainment of a right vibration will work automatically in the production of right conditions and right rapports.” (TWM 391.)

Conclusion

The deva kingdom is a fascinating subject, having captured the curiosity and attention of men’s minds for thousands of years, be it through parables, legends, spiritual texts or anecdotal tales of direct experiences. Yet the subject is as complex as it is vast, with so many beliefs and interpretations that have accumulated over the millennia.

While this paper has extracted information particularly from the Ageless Wisdom teachings of Master DK, it is hoped that not only has it encouraged a deeper understanding and potentially a some illumination for the reader, but also that it can add clarity to those readers who have an understanding of devic lives outside of the world of the Ageless Wisdom teachings.

Of all the details that have been discussed, it is the author’s opinion that the most important point to take away is that everything in the universe is made up of devic substance. Everything is consciousness, in the process of realising itself as Divine and each revelation leads to a wider more encompassing sphere of identification. To think that a tiny involutionary devic life that starts out as a speck within a nucleus within an atom within a flower might eventually progress to become a Deva Lord of systemic influence, encompassing the life of all beings within its ring pass not is awe inspiring. Each stage of its Divine pilgrimage is equally important as it consciously becomes more and more Divine.

As a semi-conscious being then, man should realise how important and inter-connected he is with all other kingdoms, but particularly the devic kingdom. Every choice he makes sees consequences ripple through infinite spheres of influence.

This reminds the disciple that his life is not really his own and there is no such thing as separation.

In loving service.