The Planes
A basic knowledge of the planes widely discussed in the Alice A. Bailey books should be very helpful for new students and some not so new.
Perhaps the most important phrase to understand in relation to the planes is that which is called “The Cosmic Physical.”
The Cosmic Physical Plane consists of seven subplanes, of which, the universe we can perceive with our senses is merely one, and the lowest at that.
Beginning at the lowest and going to the highest they are:
[1] The dense physical. We can perceive part of this through our senses.
[2] The astral – or the emotional plane
[3] The plane of the mind
[4] The Buddhic where the intuition dominates.
[5] The atmic, the plane of divine ideas
[6] The monadic which links us to our Source.
[7] The plane of Adi, the highest in the Cosmic Physical. This is also called the atomic plane, the divine or divine space.
Whereas the monadic corresponds to the stars we see in the sky the adi is the divine space that gives birth to them.
Each of the seven planes of the Cosmic Physical has an additional seven subplanes.
The first of the planes is the physical, the one in which we currently dwell. The average person is only aware of three subplanes which are the solid, liquid and gaseous states. Beyond these are four additional subplanes made of etheric substance, not normally visible to us. DK says this about them:
“In addition there are four subtler planes, or rather four different types of ether. These four are co-existent with each of the three well known subplanes, and interpenetrate them. The physical body of man is no exception. It, too, has its etheric counterpart, its etheric body. This is positive, while the dense physical body is negative. The etheric body is the cohesive factor, and maintains the physical body in life and being.” The Soul and Its Mechanism, Page 58
“The etheric body is formed of the four highest or etheric subplanes of the physical plane.” Initiation, Human and Solar, Page 218
This invisible etheric double of the body that we see is considered our true physical body whereas the one we see is not considered real for he says:
“The physical body, therefore, is not a principle. It is conditioned and does not condition—a point oft forgotten.” Esoteric Healing, Page 190
He further applies this point to all matter that we see:
“Dense matter is not a principle; it is only that which is responsive to the creative principle.” Externalisation of the Hierarchy, Page 673
Etheric counterparts of our physical bodies are composed of the four grades of etheric matter and as the disciples progresses toward spirit the body moves from the lower to the higher. The higher the grade of etheric matter the fewer are the barriers between the seeker and the Spirit.
The second plane, the astral-emotional, is also composed of seven subplanes of matter. This astral body generates the various emotional feelings that we experience. It is the task of the disciple to create an astral body made of the matter of the higher subplanes for those subject to control of the lower emotions of hate, jealousy, revenge etc vitalize the lower subplanes and allow the aspirants little control over their lives. By focusing on the positive feelings of life the aspirant builds a healthy emotional body that opens the door to higher contact.
The plane of the mind also has seven subplanes but there is a significant difference between the upper three and lower four to the extent that they could be viewed as two different planes.
The lower four represent the lower mind. Average humanity functions in this. As the entity progresses in thinking and education he or she moves from the lowest of the four to the highest, but as long as he remains stuck in these lower four for he is subject to “the mind slaying the real.”
For instance, he may be highly educated and have degrees but cannot accept that there are unseen worlds and advanced intelligence behind creation. He only relies on what can be perceived through the physical senses or felt with the emotional body.
After many lifetimes of trial and error he finally begins to access the higher mind, or the highest three subplanes. Here he can see many things that are true that cannot be proven by material science or found in standard religion. He also gains the ability to use true reason to separate the true from the false.
Focusing on the higher mind then opens the door to the higher planes, each of which have seven subplanes.
These seven planes in total are merely seven subplanes of something greater still called the Cosmic Physical.
It bogles the minds of some students that our whole reality of the physical and non-physical worlds about us are just reflections of a much higher reality. All that the highest of us can perceive or understand is merely the lowest plane in a higher reality that DK prefaces with the word “cosmic.”
All humans on this planet have a consciousness that cannot go beyond the subplanes of the Cosmic Physical. But above the Cosmic Physical are six additional planes – the cosmic astral, mental, buddhic, atmic, monadic and divine.
Our seven subplanes are merely reflections of these higher planes.
Only those who have moved beyond the seven initiations on this planet have moved beyond the Cosmic Physical. Concerning our solar logos this is written:
“His physical solar system, is polarised in His cosmic astral, or emotional body, and is developing cosmic mind.” Letters on Occult Meditation, Page 52
It is mind expanding to know of the existence of higher realms but such knowledge should not distract us from focusing on where we are now so we can take our next step. Each seeker needs to purify the physical and emotional bodies while seeking to raise consciousness to the higher three planes of the mind that opens the door to all higher contact.
You have power over your mind – not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength. – Marcus Aurelius
June 13, 2025
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