• The etheric web, separating the lower physical consciousness of the brain from the astral plane begins to undergo a lengthy process of destruction, and the first "rents" in the web occur. It is through these that the student becomes aware of the inner planes, becomes conscious in the physical brain of the inner happenings, and can (if a disciple) make his contacts with his Ego and (via that ego) with his Guru. ⁷⁴ This marks a very important development.
• The higher head center increases its activity and becomes capable of receiving flashes of illumination from the higher planes. This happens only occasionally at first but with increasing frequency as the years progress, and the "rents" become more numerous.
• The various triangles become vivified and proceed to increased activity in due geometrical progression, whilst the center between the shoulder blades, the converging point for certain fires, becomes active. This marks a definite stage in the process of transferring the fires into the higher centers. Roughly speaking, this period of the transference of the heat or energy of the lower centers into the higher may be divided into two parts: first, that in which the centers in the lower part of the body (those below the diaphragm) are transferred into the centers in the higher part of the torso. These centers in the torso are three in number, the heart, the throat, and the center between the shoulder blades. We must here note that the throat center is situated in the lower part of the throat, and properly belongs to the torso and not to the head. It should also be stated here that the center between the shoulder blades is not a "sacred" center, but is of a temporary nature, and is created by the aspirant himself during the process of transference. [865]
• The second stage is that in which the energy of the lower six centers:
  1. The throat,
  2. The heart,
  3. The solar plexus,
  4. The spleen,
  5. The organs of generation,
  6. The base of the spine,

  are - in due order according to a man's ray and subray - transferred into the correspondences within the head center. These seven head centers are the reflection in the microcosm of those "mansions prepared in the Heavens" which receive the sevenfold energy of the monad. These are the chambers prepared by the lower energy which are to be the recipients of "soul or the higher psychic energy."

The final hint which can be given, may be summed up in the words that as the aspirant progresses, ⁷⁵ he not only balances the pairs of opposites, but the secret of his brother's heart becomes revealed to him. He becomes an acknowledged force in the world, and is recognized as one who can be depended upon to serve. Men turn to him for assistance and help along his recognized line, and he begins to sound forth his note so as to be heard not only in human but in deva ranks as well. This he does, at [866] this stage, through the pen in literature, through the spoken word in lecturing and teaching, through music, painting and art. He reaches the hearts of men in some way or another, and becomes a helper and server of his race.

The aspirant has an appreciation of the occult value of money in service. He seeks nothing for himself, save that which may equip him for the work to be done, and he looks upon money, and that which money can purchase, as something which is to be used for others and a means to bring about the fruition of the Master's plans as he senses those plans. The occult significance of money is little appreciated, yet one of the greatest tests as to the position of a man upon the probationary path is that which concerns his attitude to and his handling of that which all men seek in order to gratify desire. Only he who desires naught for himself can be a recipient of financial bounty, and a dispenser of the riches of the universe. In other cases where riches increase, they bring with them naught but sorrow and distress, discontent and misuse.

At this stage also the aspirant's life becomes an "instrument of destruction" in the occult sense of the term. Wherever he goes the force which flows through him from the higher planes, and from his own inner God, produces at times peculiar results upon his environment. It acts as a stimulator of both the good and the evil. The lunar Pitris who form the bodies of his brothers and his own body are likewise stimulated, their activity is increased, and their power greatly aggravated. This fact is used by Those Who work on the inner side to bring about certain desired ends. This it is also which oft times temporarily causes the downfall of advanced souls. They cannot stand the force pouring into them, or upon them, [867] and through the temporary over-stimulation of their centers and vehicles they go astray. This can be seen working out in groups as well as in individuals. But, inversely, if the lunar Lords of the lower self have been earlier subjugated and brought under control, then the effect of the force and energy contacted is to stimulate the response of the physical brain consciousness and the head centers to egoic contact. Then the otherwise destructive force becomes a factor for good and helpful stimulation, and can be used by Those Who know how, to lead men on to further illumination.

74 A Guru is a spiritual teacher.

"The perfection of the powers of the bodily vesture comes through the wearing away of impurities, and through fervent aspiration."
- Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, Book II, 1, 2, 32, 43 (C. Johnston's Edition).

The longest time is spent in the Hall of Ignorance. The later period in the Hall of Learning is called the Probationary Path. In the Hall of Wisdom the Initiate approaches the central mystery of Being.