The Causal Body and the Ego - Canadian Theosophical Association

called the First Elemental, Kingdom.
The Causal Body and the Ego by Arthur E. Powell
As we are here dealing with the Monadic essence on its downward arc, progress for it means descent
into matter instead of as with us, ascent towards, higher planes. Hence this essence, even on the causal
plane, is less evolved than we are, not more so: but it would perhaps be more accurate to say that it is
less in-volved, as its e-volution, in the strict sense of that term has not yet commenced.
There are seven subdivisions in the First Elemental Kingdom: the highest corresponds with the first subplane;
the second, third and fourth correspond with the second sub-plane; the fifth, and sixth and seventh
correspond with the third sub-plane.
After spending a whole chain period evolving through different forms at that level, the wave of life, which
is all the time pressing steadily downwards identifies itself so fully with these forms that, instead of
occupying them and withdrawing from them periodically, it is able to hold them permanently and make
them part of itself.When that stage is reached, it can proceed to the temporary occupation of forms at a
still lower level. Accordingly it takes forms on the lower mental , or rupa [form] levels of the mental plane,
and is known then as the Second, Elemental Kingdom. The student should note that the ensouling life
resides on the higher mental or causal level, while the vehicles through which it manifests are on the
lower mental plane.
The Second Elemental Kingdom is divided into seven subdivisions: the highest subdivision corresponds
with the fourth sub-plane; the second and third divisions with the fifth sub-plane; the fourth and fifth
subdivision with the sixth sub-plane; the sixth and seventh divisions with the seventh sub-plane.
For convenience of reference, the subdivisions of the First and Second Elemental Kingdoms are
tabulated thus:---
Plane Sub-Planes Elemental
Sub-Divisions
Kingdoms
Higher
Mental
Lower
Mental
1 1
2 2 : 3 : 4
3 5 : 6 : 7
4 1
5 2 : 3
6 4 : 5
7 6 : 7
First
Second
After spending a whole chain-period at this stage, the continuous downward, pressure has caused the
process to repeat itself. Once more the life has identified itself with its forms, and has taken up its
residence on the lower mental levels. Then it takes for itself forms of astral matter, and becomes the
Third Elemental Kingdom.
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