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The seven (3 primary + 4 derived) rays (life-energies) of our universe

 The knowledge of seven rays, through first series of books (in a long sequel to follow later during first few centuries of the new age)  revived by Djwal Khul (DK) through Alice Bailey is a fundamental concept underlying the entire fields of esoteric sciences -


Esoteric Astrology: This field deals with constellations and planets and other celestial bodies corresponding to these rays.

Esoteric Psychology: This field deals with rays of human constitution such as those of physical body, emotional body, mental body, personality or aggregate lower self, soul and monad.

Esoteric Philosophy: This field deals with the underlying philosophy and scientific structure of these rays.

These rays were referred to by old sages in India as "the seven rivers of life" in Vedas which is reviewed by Sri Aurobindo in formulating his Integral Yoga (synthesising various schools of yogas) and it has been the knowledge imparted throughout the ages through many mystery schools.
 

Figure: Seven sub-rays of a visible ray of light



Figure: Approximate correspondence of seven rays or life energies


Primary rays (also known as rays of aspect)

Ray 1 (WILL): The Ray of Dynamic Will, Power and Purpose

Ray 2 (LOVE): The Ray of Intuitive Love and Wisdom

Ray 3 (INTELLECT): The Ray of Active or Creative Intelligence and Abstraction

Secondary rays (a.k.a rays of attribute)

Ray 4 (HARMONY): The Ray of Harmony through Conflict, Beauty and Art

This ray is a sort of combination of Ray 2 (heart) and 3 (mind). The traditional conflict between heart and mind is harmonized into beauty.

Ray 5 (SCIENCE): The Ray of Concrete Knowledge and Science

This ray is a sort of combination of Ray 1 (will) and 3 (mind). The higher creative abstraction is made concrete or physically manifested as knowledge (refer my thesis if interested in a mathematical relationship between abstraction and concretization)

Ray 6 (DEVOTION): The Ray of Devotion and Idealism

This ray is a sort of combination of Ray 1 (will) and 2 (heart). The will for loving intuition is physically expressed through faith and devotion for an ideal or a cause.

Ray 7 (CEREMONY): The Ray of Ceremonial Order or Magic

This ray is a sort of synthesis of all rays primary viz Ray 1(will), 2(heart) and 3(mind). The will for loving intuition and mind (the ultimate will of god or planetary logos) is physically expressed through magical or perfect ritual action on material plane.


Note that the description of the rays is based on my contemplation of Alice Bailey and related works (especially Lucille Cedercrans & Micheal D. Robbins) for a couple of months. The corresponding psychological functions and outer life path careers associated with them are as follows:


Seven Energies corresponding to Rays


Higher Self (Spiritual Triad or
Soul) Expression


Lower Self (Personality) Expression
1. Dynamic EnergyHeroic will-to-good actionPioneering Leader, Manager
2. Sensitive EnergyEthical altruistic-loving intuitively wise insightGuide, Helper
3. Mental Intellectual EnergyPhilosphically inspired GeniusThinker, Strategist
4. Creative EnergyIntuitively artistic inspirationAesthete, Transformer
5. Analytical EnergyScientific intuitionScientist, Investigator
6. Dedicated EnergyMystically devoted aspirationIdealist, Devotee, Advocate
7. Practical EnergySpiritual will-to-manifestOrchestrator, Organizer

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