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This work is intended to provide a review with original conjecture on colour, in context of the
esoteric philosophies as described by A. A. Bailey and H. P. Blavatsky. These pages will
therefore be most accessible to those familiar with the concepts presented in their works, and
no undue elaboration will be undertaken upon the theories commonly held in those writings.
This work may, however, be of interest to those unfamiliar with these doctrines, who wish to
accept my assumptions and work with colour according to a comprehensive system (which
may seem complex or obscure to the new investigator). If one were inclined to accept the
basic premises, the information in the Practice Chapters could be utilized without the need for
the philosophical background; the suggestions may be used in creating meditative or practical
experiments for transformative personal, group, and global work, through visualisation or the
physical application of coloured lights.
This is primarily a mental approach, with I hope some inklings of the intuition coming through
occasionally (especially when the going gets excrutiatingly hard logically!) There is due
background given and attention paid to exoteric optics and colour theory, as I believe
knowledge of exoteric sciences may be fundamental to a well-rounded and logical system of
thought around the esoteric nature of colour. I have not used an experiential or experimental
approach in developing this material. I do not have any special sight or unusual sensing
abilities. I do not even believe that I “see” or visualise colour mentally in ways common to
other meditators or those with strong visualization faculties.
The style of writing will range from matter-of-fact exoteric science, to quoted references, to
conjecture, pointed and circuitous questioning, sometimes coloured by exasperation! I use
colour, bolding, and various font size in certain places, which I trust will not distract the reader
but enhance a more vibrant and immediately accessible visual presentation of some of this
apparently vague, contradictory, or ‘blinded’ material.
Vicktorya Stone
20 February 2002
OVERVIEW
CONJECTURE
PRACTICE
8 Questions
9 References and Compilations
1. OVERVIEW
In the physical world, colour is a phenomenon of the impact of light upon the visual sense
organs and its subsequent interpretation by the brain. Colour does not exist outside of the
perception of an observer. Colour is therefore a purely physiological phenomenon; not a
physical one. That is: there is not a physics of colour, but a physiology of colour. Thus, there is
no colour ‘out there’; it is a product of our sense organs (eyes) and the interpretation of that
by our brains.
While this is true, it does not diminish the fact that our perception of and interaction with
colour has effect upon our inner psychological reaction. Additionally, knowledge of the
physical behavior of colour is useful to place the esoteric treatment of colour in perspective of
the physical or exoteric universe, and thereby find and create suggestive analogies and
logical relationships.
In the physical sciences, colour theory is primarily based on the work of Sir Isaac Newton in
1665-66. More popular perhaps among the esoteric community is the colour theory work of
Johannes von Goethe, who devised many interesting experiments with less scientific rigor but
with perhaps created a more intuitively-based philosophical system for dealing with colour.
While Goethe's work is suggestive, it is not discussed in this treatise. While Newton may be
referred to as a reductionist, it is likely that he was an initiate of some standing, as the
magnitude of his work testifies. Further, his divisioning of the spectrum into seven colours
reflected his understanding of music and alchemy, and reinforces the esoteric doctrine’s
assertion that form manifests through the archetype of septenantes. It is upon this basis,
therefore, that we proceed.
From Newton's foundational works in optics, we commonly recognize the following names for
the spectral colours, in the order of the rainbow or electromagnetic spectrum. These names
highlight the crucial role of linguistics and cultural factor in colour research: Red, Orange,
Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo, Violet.
When we see, sense, imagine, think of, and speak of colour, we are conditioned by our
particular language and culture. While each language has specific names for the various light
frequencies that cause colour sensation, even in similar modern-western cultures we share
no common one-to-one correspondence between languages and colour definitions. For
instance, in Russian there are two words for (what most English-speakers or ‘westerners’ call)
the colour blue. The sensations most English-natives identify as “light blue” and “dark blue”,
Russian-speaking natives would call two distinct colours, each with different names. Similarly,
in Hungarian there are two terms for what we normally include in “red”; in Japanese one word
that covers green, blue, or all dark stimuli; Welsh has one word that means green, blue, grey
or brown; and, many aboriginal and the New Guinea languages have only two terms meaning
light and dark. (See Chapter 8, 1a, for notes on further study.)
However, the seven names for colour are those primarily used in the esoteric doctrines, and I
believe some archetypal key is involved in their use. While other colour names are also used
(such as turquoise, sapphire, ruby, azure, gold, rose, etc.), I believe their use is qualitative to
the fundamental seven. Therefore, while for the purposes of this work we use these seven
colours, we must not assume that there actually are only – or ‘as many as’ – seven colours, at
least not according to the physical sciences or sociological conventions. There is no
objectively recognized fixed number of colours. (Further, in the esoteric doctrines, we both
told that during this major time period there are only 4 colours we can be sure of, as well as
that there are myriads of colours unknown to us.)
Physiological Considerations
While there are three major receptors in the human eye (the often-called red, green, and blue
cones), this neither implies that there are three major colours.
Most people do notice 4 distinct divisions of colour, that is, they perceive: red, yellow, green,
and blue as colours distinct in themselves, and not due to blending. (This is regardless of
whether people know that yellow and blue pigments make green, or, more sophisticated, that
red and green light make yellow, in general these 4 colours impact most in the modern
western world as distinct colours.)
In terms of our cultural use, colour is one of the first things we recognize about an object: "a
red car"; "a yellow dress", "a blue bird". It is also a primary descriptor for emotional states, “he
saw red”; “I felt blue”; “she was green with envy”; “they view the world through rose-coloured
glasses.” In everyday language, colour adds a quality or 'feeling' to an object. Further, in our
environments, it is now well recognized that the use of colours can assist people to feel more
relaxed, or excited. Restaurant designers may propose the use oranges or reds to stimulate
appetite; waiting rooms are often in subdued hues, relaxing blues or greens. Colours are also
often referred to in terms of volume or texture, and interaction: “Those are very loud colours”;
“She always wears soft colours”; “those colours clash”. The Fauvist artists were known for
their use of wild colours, pushing the limits of conventional expectations about what colour
was and how it should be used in painting. (See Chapter 8, 1b.)
While most of us in modern cultures derive beauty and emotional satisfication from the
aesthetic use of colour, there is ample evidence that the biological development of our colour
sense was likely due to the need to distinguish healthy food, in conjunction with the vegetable
kingdom’s need to distribute seeds (in fruit-bearing trees). (See Chapter 8, 1c.)
With these few basic physical and cultural considerations in place, let’s begin to lay the
foundation of the colour theory in the esoteric doctrines, and then we can more fully discuss
its potential relation with the physical or exoteric evidence.
Yet the right correspondence and application of colour holds “the key to all knowledge”. From
Letters on Occult Meditation, pages 222-223:
By the study of colours and the planes, by the study of colour and its effect and relationship to the life
side, and by the study of the form side of the mind, will come much of value to the student of meditation,
provided always he does three things:
1. That he seeks to find the esoteric colours and their right application to the planes and centres, to the
bodies through which he manifests, and to the bodies through which the Logos manifests (the seven
sacred planets); to the rounds and to the races, and to the cycles of his own individual life. When he can
do this he holds in his hands the key to all knowledge.
3. That he remembers ever that perfection, as we know it, is only partial and not real, and that even
perfection itself—as grasped by the mind of man, is but illusion, and that only the next logoic
manifestation will reveal the ultimate glory in view. As long as there is differentiated colour there is
imperfection. Remember, colour as we know it is the realisation by the man using a fifth root-race body
in the fourth round on the fourth chain, of a vibration that contacts the human eye. What then will colour
be as visioned by a man of the seventh round in a seventh root-race body? Even then a whole range of
colours of wondrous beauty will be outside and beyond his comprehension. The reason being that
only two great aspects of logoic life are being thoroughly demonstrated and the third will be but
partially revealed, waiting for the still greater ‘Day be with us’ to flash forth in perfect radiance.
…”
We begin with a conundrum: Colour holds the key to all knowledge, and the presence of
colour indicates imperfection. All knowledge therefore is a state well below perfection, and this
perfection will be a long time coming, (til the "Day be with us").
Let’s start with the framework that 'imperfection' is caused by an evolution much greater than
ourselves, and is a demonstration of the One in Whom we Live and Move and have our Being
(of at least Solar Systemic levels, and likely beyond). Our "logoic life" is imperfect, or
coloured. He is evolving, and therefore working with the various coloured lives and levels of
consciousness which make up his Being. Whatever we perceive or can know, or perfect, can
only be achieved in relative terms, within the limits of His colouration. One’s colour is what
distinguishes one from another.
The Ahamkara, or “I” principle, is what circumscribes the sense of a separated self, or distinct
identity. Even in the archetypal realms of a grand septenate of colour, such a separated self
as “indigo” is limitation upon that Whole, which if perceived as One would be colourless, or all
colours blended into one white light. While we may rightfully strive towards absorption into the
Great Ray Life of Blue-Indigo, or Love-Wisdom, or Two, the true blue of our Solar Logos, this
is only temporary. It is a mark of, and indicator of, our specific level of our highest level of
achievable imperfection.
The doctrines suggest we have come from the synthesis achieved in the first solar system,
the Green system of Intelligence, are now in this Blue system of Love, and will eventually
attain perfection upon the final expression of the future Power or Red system. At that time,
this final, synthesis ‘solar system’ will blend the three and white light result, which is our goal
of perfection (relative though that will also be in some grander scheme).
More locally, our planetary logos or local “god”, is evolving his particular colour. How do we
find and cooperate with Him in his immediate stage of development? From the doctrines, His
7th purpose is intimately related to colour.
These seven types of purpose embody the seven energies which will reorganise and redefine the
hierarchical undertakings, and thus inaugurate the New Age. ”...
So we have special need to focus on colour, because in cooperating with the purposes and
methods of our Logos we may help inaugurate the "New Age" – a furthering of His, and our,
evolution. Following, from page 246, we receive hints of this final phase or 7th purpose:
g. The final phase of the divine purpose is the most difficult of all to indicate, and when I say indicate, I
mean exactly that, and nothing more definite and clear. Does it mean anything to you when I say that the
ceremonial ritual of the daily life of Sanat Kumara, implemented by music and sound and carried on the
waves of colour which break upon the shores of the three worlds of human evolution, reveal—in the
clearest notes and tones and shades—the deepest secret behind His purpose? It scarcely makes sense to
you and is dismissed as a piece of symbolic writing, used by me in order to convey the unconveyable.
Yet I am not here writing in symbols, but am making an exact statement of fact. As beauty in any of its
greater forms breaks upon the human consciousness, a dim sense is thereby conveyed of the ritual of
Sanat Kumara's daily living.”
While we are a long way from the consciousness of our God, we find colour is a key method
of power suggested for the aiding of evolution, for both the logos and the humble disciple.
While there are many more key quotes and foundational references, they will be included
throughout this thesis. Let’s close this section with the following hint. From LOM, page 228:
… colours are the expressions of force or quality. They hide or veil the abstract qualities of the Logos,
which qualities are reflected in the microcosm in the three worlds as virtues or faculties. Therefore, just
as the seven colours hide qualities in the Logos, so these virtues demonstrate in the life of the personality
and are brought forward objectively through the practice of meditation; thus each life will be seen as
corresponding to a colour.
Law of Correspondences
The Law of Correspondences is the major tool in understanding what is known in one area to
an area where less may be given or understood. So primary is this Law that it is prominent in
the Introductory Postulates in A Treatise in Cosmic Fire, p. 7:
4. The Law of Correspondences will explain the details … This Law of Correspondences or of Analogy
is the interpretive law of the system, and explains God to man.
I rely upon this Law to maintain logic in the realms of conjecture. If a proposition does not hold
true, in the sense of being collaborated by natural systems and archetypal knowledge, then
the proposition is at least out of context and not yet of use if not erroneous.
While at times we know that a certain example is not intended to be an exact reflection, that it
is ‘analogous’ and not a direct correspondence, there are other instances when we are
admonished that the correspondence, analogy, or correlation must be exact.
Principle of Mutation
While something may be ‘true’ – when was it true? The primary struggle for this human mind
has been to logically (correspondingly) place any conjectured relationships according to its
rightful time, or point of evolution, and according to its correct level of consciousness. The
complexity involved can suggest any number of ‘correct relationships’, yet the beauty (and
agony) lies in finding the correct time and space in which to place that relationship.
Thus, in conjunction with the Law of Correspondences, the principle of mutuation must be
constantly held in mind, for without the ability to place a relationship in its proper time or
In realization of the complexity of this subject, perhaps the main offering of this treatise may
be found in study of the correlated material, rather than in any depth of analysis or synthesis I
offer. I shall recommend light-heartedly, therefore, that the reader remembers these lines: “We
shall now come to a considerable amount of tabulation, for all that it is wise and possible to
give at this time are certain facts, names and outlines which can only be demonstrated
through the law of correspondence. The key to comprehension is always this law.”
Along with what will be much abstract conjecture, I also attempt to maintain obvious simple
correspondences or analogies. For example, I think the key relationships are shown in the
colours that surround us. The most esoteric of truths may be found reflected in the blue sky of
day and the indigo of night, in the blue-greens of rivers and seas, from the vibrant yellow-
greens of spring to the flaming oranges of harvest. Perhaps in these omnipresent reminders
we are most easily shown the way.
Now let’s move into some exoteric science, to give us potential for informed supposition and
suggestion, and then we will look into the esoteric fundamentals of colour.
If I may suggest to the reader that a review of the Chapter on Colour in Letters on Occult
Meditation will prove invaluable to your understanding and discrimination of any research
offered and conjecture proposed.
The ethers
For esoteric context, let’s review excerpts from A.A. Bailey’s Light on the Soul (page 54
forward) so that we understand the ether, before taking up the specifics of the
electromagnetic spectrum, scientifically considered.
As we know, Einstein proved that light can travel in a vacuum, and that the proposed
‘medium’ for its propigation, ether or aether, was unnecessary for light to travel. Thus the early
scientific proposal of a required etheric medium required for the propigation of light has been
disproved. However, esotericists may logically enough presume that there is still a more
subtle form of energy which may be the truer, or higher subplanes of etheric matter of the
ageless philosophies. In this light, I suggest the electromagnetic spectrum is directly
associated with (4th subplane) etheric material, as the Tibetan states, the sun is 4th etheric
matter and that the scientists in the latter part of the 1800’s and early 1900’s were working
First: There is nothing but energy, and it functions through a substance which interpenetrates and
actuates all forms, and which is analogous to the ether of the modern world. Matter is energy or spirit in
its densest form, and spirit is matter in its most sublimated aspect.
Second: As all forms are interpenetrated by this ether, every form has an etheric form or etheric body.
Third: As the tiny atom has a positive nucleus, or positive nuclei, as well as negative aspects, so in every
etheric body there are positive centres of force in the midst of negative substance. The human being too
has an etheric body which is positive to the negative physical body, which galvanises it into activity, and
which acts as its coherent force, holding it in being.
Fourth: The etheric body of man has seven main nuclei of energy through which various types of energy
flow, producing his psychical activity …
There is a universal substance, the source of all, but so sublimated, so subtle that it is truly
beyond the real grasp of human intelligence. In comparison with it, the most delicate fragrance, the
dancing radiance of sunbeams, the crimson glory of the sunset, are gross and earthly. It is "a web of
light," forever invisible to human eye. …
Subtle and fugitive as this universal substance is, yet in another sense it is denser even than
matter. … If we could conceive of an agent outside of universal substance—an hypothesis contrary to all
fact and possibility—and if such an external agent attempted to compress universal substance, or in some
other way affect it from without, then substance would be found denser than any known material.
Inherent in substance, and a perpetual counterpart of it, is life, incessant life. Life and
substance are one and the same, one and forever inseparable, but different aspects however, of the one
reality. Life is as positive electricity, substance negative. Life is dynamic, substance static. Life is activity
or spirit, and substance form or matter. Life is the father and begets, substance is the mother and
conceives. In addition to these two aspects of life and substance, there is still a third. Life is theoretical
or potential activity, and needs a field of operation. Substance furnishes this and in the union of life and
substance, there flames forth active energy.
Thus we have a single reality, universal substance—but at the same time a co-existent duality
—life and substance; and at the same time, a coexistent trinity, life, substance, and the resultant
interaction which we call consciousness or soul. Matter is energy in its densest or lowest form; spirit is
this same Energy in highest or most subtle form. So matter is spirit descending and debased; spirit,
conversely, is matter ascending and glorified.
This is a direct correlation to Einstein’s discoveries that energy and matter are really the
same, matter just being very inert energy, which can be converted to energy by squaring.
Energy being related to Spirit or Life, and Matter to form, we read E = mc2 . (i.e.,
energy ‘may become’ matter when multiplied by the square of the speed of light
– to something like:
spirit ‘may incarnate’ into form when multiplied (densified?) by the personality by the soul.
The factor of squaring is a fundamental in the three-dimensional world, and correlates well
psychically with the creation of the quaternary (the personality necessary to interact in the 3
worlds of human evolution) animated by the soul or the incarnating Light. Geometrists may
correlate this to the squaring of the circle, by the triangle or trinity of the 1 Circle of Life. Thus,
animal man, the square of matter, becomes infused with the Hu-man, the threefold Energetic
Soul or Triad, and the ‘seven leaved plant or septenate of the incarnating soul is born. Seven
is the archetypal number of Light manifesting Life into Form, and thus our archetypal
spectrum is presented to us in the seven names of colour.
In taking on density, energy takes on, or descends into, seven degrees or planes. … Three subplanes of
the physical are known to every school-boy—the solid, liquid and gaseous, for example, ice, water and
steam. 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 etheric counterpart,
whether of man or of any physical thing, is of the universal substance, of universal life, and of universal
energy. It partakes of all of these but it is not self-sufficient or independently existing. It draws upon the
This 4th ether is both exoterically this realm of Light, and esoterically, the representative realm
of energetic, soul light, on the physical plane. The 4th cosmic plane, the buddhic, is that of the
Soul, characterised by light and colour, and through the Creative Hierarchies this is the realm
of the Human Hierarchy and the Solar Angels. These are the Lords of Sacrifice, who, like
Lucifer or Prometheus, bring fire to animal man.
This phenomenon of wavelengths therefore, that animate our physical realm, can potentially
travel at the speed of Light (but not when) ‘in-forming’ the matter of our bodies and environ-
ment, as the carriers of soul energy. These wavelengths, built on a dance between electricity
and magnetism, meet at the midway point, the 4th or particularly human realm, and permeate
the denser planes with the spark of light, the animator or energizer of form.
Sir Isaac Newton … "And now we might add something concerning a certain most subtle spirit
which pervades and lies hid in all gross bodies; by the force and action of which spirit the particles of
bodies mutually attract one another at near distances, and cohere if contiguous; and electric bodies
operate to greater distances, as well repelling as attracting the neighbouring corpuscles; and light is
emitted, reflected, refracted, inflected, and heats bodies; and all sensation is excited, and the members of
animal bodies move at the command of the will, namely by the vibrations of this spirit … But these are
things that cannot be explained in few words, nor are we furnished with that sufficiency of experiments
which is required to an accurate determination and demonstration of the laws by which this electric and
elastic spirit operates."
[from the 1926 edition] of the Encyclopaedia Britannica … under the heading of "ether." …
from time to time attention has been directed to the intervening portions of space from which sensible
matter is absent; and this also has physical properties … These physical properties do not appeal directly
to the senses, and are therefore comparatively obscure; but there is now no doubt of their existence; even
among those who still prefer to use the term space. But a space endowed with physical properties is more
than a geometrical abstraction, and is most conveniently thought of as a substantial reality, to which
therefore some other name is appropriate. The term used is unimportant, but long ago the term ETHER
was invented; it was adopted by Isaac Newton … [it] connotes a genuine entity filling all space, without
any break or cavity anywhere, the one omnipresent physical reality, of which there is a growing tendency
to perceive that everything in the material universe consists; matter itself being in all probability one of
its modifications.... The properties of the ether are not likely to be expressible in terms of matter; but, as
we have no better clue, we must proceed by analogy, and we may apologetically speak of the elasticity
and density of the ether …
"We do not usually attend to the ether aspect of a body; we have no sense organ for its appre-
ciation, we only directly apprehend matter. … We know that a body of characteristic shape, or indeed of
any definite shape, cannot exist without the forces of cohesion—cannot exist therefore without the Ether
—meaning … the unmaterialized part of it, the part which is the region of strain, the receptacle of
potential energy, the substance in which the atoms of matter are embedded. Not only is there a matter
body, there is also an ether body: the two are coexistent."
“… Light is an affection of the ether. Light is to ether as sound is to matter ... Subject to
all the laws of time and space, fully amenable to the laws of energy, largely the source of terrestrial
energy, governing all the manifestations of physical forces, at the root of elasticity and tenacity and every
other static property of matter … Electric charges, composed of modified ether, are likely to prove to be
the cosmic building material.... There is the great bulk of undifferentiated ether, the entity which fills all
space and in which everything material occurs. A duality runs through the scheme of physics—matter
and ether.
All kinetic energy belongs to what we call matter, whether in the atomic or the corpuscular form; move-
ment or locomotion is its characteristic. All static energy belongs to the ether, the unmodified and uni-
versal ether; its characteristics are strain and stress. Energy is always passing to and fro from one to the
other—from ether to matter or vice versa—and in this passage is all work done.
Now, the probability is that every sensible object has both a material and an etherial counter-
part. One side only are we sensibly aware of, the other we have to infer. But the difficulty of perceiving
this other side—the necessity for indirect inference—depends essentially and entirely on the nature
of our sense organs, which tell us of matter and do not tell us of ether.
Science admits it can only determine the existence of observable, natural objects – those
which we have instruments, or organs, to perceive. (See Chapter 8, 1d). Thus, the higher ethers
may simply be yet unregisterable by common appliances or organs; however, the 4th etheric
subplane (of the cosmic physical plane) is exactly what we understand scientists to have
been working with early last century (according to A.A.Bailey’s writings). These include all the
phenomenon of electricity, xrays, the cosmic rays, etc.:
With this argument of the reality or rarity of the ether admitted, let’s condition our thinking with
current scientific evidence and terms, making esoteric correlations where logic and the scope
of this paper dictate:
Wavelength is measured from crest to crest. Frequency is the number of times a wave
propigates (crest to crest) in one second (which is usually measured in Hertz, Hz, but electro-
magnetic waves of extremely high frequencies, such as light and X rays, are usually
described in terms of angstrom units, Å is a hundred-millionths of a centimeter). Amplitude is
the height of the wave (from midway between a peak and a trough to the peak of the wave),
which relates to the strength of the fields and number of photons in the light.
Light behaves both as a wave and as a particle. The particles are photons, like packets of
light energy, but not like ‘fixed’ particles as they are not limited to a specific volume in space
or time. Photons are associated with specific frequencies of electromagnetic waves.
Electromagnetic waves are non-mechanical, in that they do not move the material through
which they pass. EM waves are a displacement of the electric and magnetic fields of force in
space or a vacuum. Non-mechanical waves can be propagated in “matter”, but do not require
a medium, unlike mechanical waves. (This difference is illustrated in the segment on colour and sound.)
All electromagnetic, non-mechanical waves are, as the name implies, a compound of electric
and magnetic waves, traveling perpendicular to each other. They wrap, or warp, around each
other: an electric wave moves forward, the magnetic wave whips around it, followed by the
electric wave, etc. Light is carried on electric and magnetic fields, thus:
Polarization refers to the direction of the electric field in an electromagnetic wave, e.g., a
wave with an electric field oscillating in the vertical direction is polarized vertically. If a wave’s
electric field is vibrating in all directions, it is said to be unpolarized, such as the waves from
the sun. Sunlight reflected from a surface is partially polarized parallel to the surface.
Sources of light differ in how they provide energy to the charged particles, such as electrons,
whose motion creates the light. Incandescent sources provide energy from heat; luminescent
sources provide energy from chemical or electric energy:
A luminescent light source absorbs energy in a non-heat manner and is therefore usually
cooler than an incandescent source.
The color of a luminescent source is not related to its temperature. A fluorescent light is
a type of luminescent source based on chemicals called phosphors. As electricity passes
through the tube it excites the mercury atoms and makes them emit blue, green, violet, and
ultraviolet light. Phosphor electrons absorb ultraviolet radiation, release some energy to heat,
and then emit visible light with a lower frequency (i.e., violet, blue or green frequencies). The
high latitude auroras are luminescent sources, created due to electrons in the solar wind
becoming deflected in the earth's magnetic field.
White light and sunlight, like most light sources, do not radiate monochromatic light. What we
call white light (including light from the sun) is a mixture of all the colors in the visible
spectrum, with some represented more than others. Daylight, or other nearly whole-spectrum
or ‘white light’ environments (certain types of incandescent bulbs, for example), displays all
frequencies of the visible light spectrum; i.e., the range from red (the longest wavelength
frequency the human eye can detect) to violet (the shortest wavelength visible to the eye).
When all of these are perceived together our sensory experience is of ‘white light’. White light
therefore is not homogenous (of one frequency), but heterogenous (a composite, made up of
many different wavelengths).
Sunlight is close, but not identical to a white light spectrum. Sunlight has more EM waves in
the medium length (yellowish) frequency. Remember, this is the visible light waves, and only
about half the energy of sunlight at the earth's surface is visible, about 3 percent is ultraviolet,
and the rest is infrared. One way stars are classified is by their spectral signature; our sun is
considered a yellow star. Most accurately, it emits most the frequencies perceived as yellow-
green. Therefore, everything ‘under the sun’ is coloured by its quality of light.
During the middle of the day, there is a distinct blue bias to sunlight. We see this in the color
of the sky. At this time ultraviolet radiation (roughly 290nm to 400nm) is strongest (and causes
the energetic effects such as sunburn, fading paints and fabrics). At sunrise or sunset, the
sun's light passes more obliquely through the earth's atmosphere, and filters out more of the
shorter ("blue" and "green") wavelengths and the light has a red bias, as we see in the
sunrise and sunset.
Detecting light depends on how the light was produced and what is the medium or organ of
reception or detection. For example, as heat produces incandescent light, this light produces
measurable heat when it is absorbed by a material or sensed on the skin. In a photoelectric
effect, atoms absorb photons and part of the photon's energy goes toward releasing the
electron from the atom and part goes to transferring the released electron in the form of
motion, or kinetic energy. The detection process is the change induced in photographic film
exposed to light, which induces a chemical change in photosensitive chemicals on film. The
film is then processed to convert the chemical change into a permanent image. Human vision
works somewhat similarly: light of different frequencies causes different chemical changes in
the eye, the chemical action generates nerve impulses that our brains interpret as color,
shape, and location of objects.
Interaction with matter causes light to behave variously. When light strikes a material or
object it interacts with the atoms in the material, depending upon the frequency of the light
and the atomic structure of the material. In transparent materials, the electrons in the material
vibrate while the light is present. This oscillation momentarily takes energy away from the light
and then puts it back. Materials that are not completely transparent either absorb light or
reflect it. In absorbing materials, like a dark cloth, the energy of the oscillating electrons does
not go back to the light but toward increasing the motion of the atoms: i.e., the material heats
up. In reflective materials, such as metals, the light is re-radiated, which cancels out the
original wave, and only the light re-radiated back off the material is observed. All materials
exhibit some degree of absorption, refraction, and reflection of light.
Refraction is the bending of light when it passes from one kind of material into another. Light
is not traveling at the speed of light when in matter, such as earth’s atmosphere, but light
takes the shortest, or fastest path. It works according to the “Principle of Least Time” that
means a light ray passing through different media will refract so as to minimize the time it
takes the ray to travel between points a and b. Since light travels at a different speeds in
different materials, when it changes speeds at the boundary between two materials, light on
the side of the beam that hits first is slowed down or accelerated before light on the other side
of the beam hits the new material. This makes the beam bend, or refract, at the boundary.
This produces the familiar colorful rainbow spectrum seen when sunlight passes through a
glass prism.
Red light, due to its longest wavelengths, bends the least, and the shorter violet wavelengths
of light bend the most. Esotericists could view this like red and orange lights are less affected
by the medium, while the blue and violet wavelengths are more adaptive or affected by the
density of matter.
Diffraction is the spreading of light waves as they pass through a small opening or around a
boundary. As a beam of light emerges from a slit, the light some distance away from the
screen will consist of overlapping wavelets from different points of the light wave in the
opening of the slit. When the light strikes a spot on a display screen across from the slit, these
points are at different distances from the spot, so their wavelets can interfere and lead to a
pattern of light and dark regions.
Scattering occurs when the atoms of a transparent material are not smoothly distributed. The
sky is bright because the variously distributed air molecules and dust particles scatter the
sunlight. Light with higher frequencies and shorter wavelengths (the violet and blue end of the
spectrum) is scattered more than light with lower frequencies and longer wavelengths (red
end of the spectrum). Therefore, the atmosphere scatters violet light the most, but since
human eyes do not see this color that well, the eye notices more the slightly longer blue
wavelength, the next most scattered color, and we therefore have a ‘blue sky’. Sunsets look
red because the sunlight traveling along the horizon travels a longer distance or thickness of
atmosphere, and the thicker layer of air and dust scatter the blue to even longer wavelengths
of the warmer yellows and reds.
Interference is when lightwaves overlap. Constructive interference is when the peak of one
wave is aligned with the peak of the second wave, then the two waves will produce a larger
wave with a peak the sum of the two overlapping peaks. Destructive interference is when the
peak of one wave is aligned with a trough of the other, then the waves tend to cancel each
other out, producing a smaller wave or no wave at all.
However, a recall of the nature of waves will help us understand the crucial distinction in
exoteric science between light and sound, which make the two qualitatively and behaviourly
different to each other. Sound and colour may perhaps, in some fashion be analogous or
The primary distinction is that sound waves travel significantly slower than light waves:
between 331 meters per second to 345 – as opposed to light’s roughly 300 million meters per
second. The speed of sound varies according to temperature and moisture (slower in cold
and dry and gasses; faster in hot and moist and liquids).
Another key difference is that light is a non-mechanical and sound is a mechancial wave, so
that rather than interpreting the two as ‘octaves’ of each other as one may do in esoteric
science, sound waves (like waves in water) require and disturb the medium through which
they travel by compression and rarefication of the matter.
A longitudinal wave, as it travels through air, compresses and expands the molecules in the
air in the same direction that the wave travels – they shift forward and back, horizontally. A
transverse wave is like ripples on the surface of a pond, where the water is displaced verti-
cally while the wave itself travels horizontally – the water molecules do not move side to side,
but up and down. The behaviours of sound, and all mechanical waves, do have correlation to
electromagnetic light waves in terms of refraction, reflection and interference. In this sense at
least we have solid evidence for good correlations to be usefully made between the two wave
methods, and within the esoteric philosophies.
One popular area of relating colour and sound via electronically programmed machines that
produce a certain colour or patterned movement of colour effects when sound is made. This
however is a simple assigned association, not a relational one, nor in any way indicative of a
cause-effect relationship between sound and colour, exoterically considered.
In the esoteric and new age communities, relating notes to colours are of interest, but not
scientifically correlatable. For instance, the esoteric fact that “fa” is ‘related to’ green, cannot
be substantiated by scientific experiments. If we wish to assume that sound creates colour, or
vice versa, we must do so outside of a way which is yet understood, or understandable, to
scientific methodology.
Sound (in terms of the esoteric doctrines) must mean somethings other than sound as we call
it on the physical plane (as must Light and Colour). We speak of the ‘inner voice’ and realize it
is not necessarily meant as a voice audible to our physical ears, but some effect upon the
‘inner ear’, esoterically understood. Similarly, we may need treat esoteric understanding of
colour in the same context; not necessarily as relevant to the optical function of the eye, but
associated and significant to ‘inner sight’.
As we move into the next section, I’ll insert this reminder from the Tibetan, suggesting our
own research into scientific knowledge, and the illusory nature of sensory perception, from the
soul’s perspective:
Vibration: Some students make demand that I define what is the meaning of the word "vibration" and
state exactly what a vibration is. If I tell you that vibration is an illusion, as sensory perception is known
by the soul to be, do you comprehend (limited as all human beings are by the reactions of a series of
vehicles, all of them instruments of perception) ? If I tell you that vibratory reaction is due to our
possessing a mechanism which is responsive to impact, I am answering your question in part, but if this
is true, what does it mean to you and from whence comes the impact? If I give you the scientific
definition (which you can discover in any good textbook on light, colour or sound), I am doing work that
you can do yourself, and for that I have no time.
In the ageless philosophies, the Masonic quest, and the search for Light, well suggests that
man is uniquely developed to perceive light. The development of vision is also characteristic
of this wave of human development, the 5th or Aryan Race, and so the themes of illumination
and the Greatest Light relates us to the mystical quest. And it is also true that the evolution of
the physical form developed to be sensitive to coloured light, based on some logical biological
needs, such as distinguishing ripe food in the vegetable kingdom.
Here follows the scientific background on the eye and the creation of its illusion, vision,
including some correlations to esotericism as may be useful.
The colour that we perceive of an object depends on the spectral makeup of the light
impacting the object. If the frequency of the light changes, so does our perception of the
colour of the object. The same object therefore will appear different depending upon the type
of illumination.
Matter and energy are colourless; colour exists only in the observer’s perception: the visual
system receives input and the brain creates colour perception as output. depending on the
context in which the light is viewed. For example, a red-pigmented object can, depending on
the light impacting it, appear red (in ‘white light’), or scarlet, crimson, pink, maroon, brown,
gray or black! This is fundamental: there is no colour “out there”; colour is in the mind.
Additionally, and with good esoteric reference, simply detecting the presence of light does not
offer distinction or differentiation. It takes two (at least a duality, if not a triplicity or quaternary)
to create colour: i.e., two cones of differing sensitivity. Perceiving difference, contrast, design,
colour, are aspects considered integral to perceiving beauty. The polarity or circulation
between two or more is what allows the perception of distinction.
Additionally, the human eye only (normally) perceives ‘visible light’. (We are not yet here
considering the proposed ‘etheric vision’; however, let’s review a comment from the esoteric
doctrines, in order to place the physiological nature of perceiving etheric vibration.
"This registering of light within the periphery of the skull is connected with the relation to be found
between the head center and the center between the eyebrows; that is between the area (localized around
the pituitary body) and that localized around the pineal gland. The vibratory effect...of those two centers
can become so strong that the two vibrations or their pulsating rhythmic activity can swing into each
other's field of action and a unified magnetic field can be set up which can become so powerful, so
brilliant and so pronounced that the disciple - when closing his eyes - can see it plainly. It can be
visually sensed and known. Eventually, and in some cases, it can definitely affect the optic nerve, not to
its detriment by to the extent of evoking the subtler side of the sense of sight. A man can then see
etherically, and can see the etheric counterpart of all tangible forms. This is physiological and not a
psychic power and is quite different to clairvoyance. There can be no etheric vision apart from the
usual organ of vision, the eye." Esoteric Psychology II, p. 607-8.
Etheric Vision as defined in the esoteric sciences is a function of the physical eye which will
enable humanity to see into the 4th ether, at least. It anecdotally occurs among many
psychically or spiritually-developed people, children, and some individuals with psychotic
diseases, but this phenomenon is not documented or recognized by mainstream science,
either within the realm of possible physical vision, or as an evolving or mutant development of
sight.
The distinction between (physical) etheric vision to (astral) clairvoyance should also be kept in
mind. Etheric vision is considered an inevitable and natural evolutionary development of the
physical eye. Astral clairvoyance is an ‘inner sight’, not a function of the human eye, and
involves ‘seeing’ entities, thoughtforms, or less organized effluvia on the astral plane. The
other esoteric planes of ‘sight’, include this sense on the mental, buddhic and atmic planes,
respectively called “high clairvoyance”, “divine vision”, and “realization”. Light in terms of
seeing a “light in the head” is considered by the Tibetan as a phenomenon affects the
physical body through the glandular system. (see Esoteric Psychology II, p. 611-2)
GRAPHIX
1. The outer cornea is tough and has five-membrane layers through which light enters to the
interior. Behind the cornea is a chamber of clear, watery fluid, the aqueous humor, which
separates the cornea from the crystalline lens.
2. The middle layer contains the iris or pigmented ‘colour of the eye’, which lies behind the
cornea, in front of the lens, and has a circular opening in its center, which is the ‘black’ pupil.
The pupil dialates or contracts based upon how much the cilliary, a ring-like muscle, relaxes
or constricts in response to the amount of light admitted to the eye. Behind the lens the main
body of the eye is filled with a transparent, jellylike substance, the vitreous humor, enclosed in
a thin sac, the hyaloid membrane.
3. Inside the eye is the sensory or light-sensitive cells of the retina. Directly behind the pupil is
a small yellow-pigmented spot, the macula lutea. In the centre of this is the fovea, the area of
greatest visual acuity. The central area of the fovea is packed entirely of cone-shaped (colour
sensitive) cells. Moving outwards from this central area of highest sensitivity are both rod-
shaped and cone-shaped cells, and towards the periphery of the sensitive, reflective area of
the retina, there are only rod-shaped cells. Therefore colour-sensitive cells are necessary for
the greatest perception of detail, with the more general distinctions of light and dark being
more periphereal.
The optic nerve enters the eyeball below and slightly to the inner side of the fovea. At this
juncture there are no light-sensitive cells, and this area forms the “blind spot”, as nothing can
be seen if it strikes this area of the eye. The optic nerve is the channel upon which the cellular
information transfers to the area of the brain that calculates and then interprets the stimuli as
visual and colour sensation. Interestingly, the part of the brain that processes colour is in a
different region of the cerebral cortex from the area that handles other types of visual
information.
As occult knowledge increases a whole science of energy distribution will be built up around the eyes
and their symbolic function, and their esoteric use will be understood. The time has not yet arrived for
this, though already the power of the human eye when focussed on a person, for instance, is known to
attract attention. One hint I can give you: the optic nerve is a symbol of the antahkarana, and the
entire structure of the eye ball is one of the most beautiful symbols of the threefold deity and the
threefold man.
Perhaps other insights into the distinction of man to animals may similarly be found in the
investigating the physioilogy of the eye. The eye of other vertebrate animals are similar to the
human. However, nocturnal animals have predominantly or only rod cells (and therefore they
lack detail and colour vision); however, the cells are more sensitive and more numerous than
in humans. The eye of a dolphin has 7,000 times as many rod cells as a human eye, enabling
it to see in deep water. Birds’ eyes are elongated from front to back, permitting larger images
of distant objects to be formed on the retina. (The investigation of reptilian eyes may well
repay the esoteric investigator, of especial interest may be research into the New Zealand
Tuatara and its retention of a functioning third eye.)
Each photo-pigment molecule is looped seven times through pads in a membrane. The
chemical effect of light is that it straightens a segment of an amino acid chain. Intertwined with
the photo-pigment is a chromophore molecule that twitches or twists when the photo-pigment
is struck by a photon. Any twitch in a chromophore creates a nerve impulse in the membrane,
which is the first response to light. As more photons strike the chromophores, there is more
reaction by the nerve, and the intensity of light sensation increases. Vision is, so to speak, a
form of touch fused into a dense, three-dimensional array of light sensitive molecules.
GRAPHIX
The rods perceive intensity of light, and cones perceive the various wavelengths. There are
normally three types of cones in a human eye, which are responsible for three levels:
blue-violet short wavelengths
green medium wavelengths
orange-red long wavelengths
These are commonly called blue, green or red cones, but more accurately they are
individually sensitive to roughly these frequencies:
• short or "blue" cones (B, most sensitive to "blue-violet" wavelengths around
435 nm).
• middle or "green" cones (G, sensitive to "green" wavelengths at around 530
nm);
• long or "red" cones (R, actually most sensitive to "greenish yellow"
wavelengths around 565 nm)
The following diagram of cone sensitivity shows that these three levels of sensitivity are not
evenly spaced across the spectral bandwidth.
GRAPHIX
What we call the ‘green’ and ‘red’ cones, are actually very closely related and are sensitive to
light waves that are similar to each other. In terms of their peak sensitivity (530 and 565,
respectively), they could be called the green and yellow cones (not green and ‘red’).
Remember though that all cones should be considered ‘colour blind’ in the sense that they
are simply sensitive to a band of wavelength, not to a colour, and it takes at least two cones,
sensitive to different bands of wavelength, to provide enough information so that the brain can
interpret separate colours. The perception of colour is based upon the information from two
‘viewpoints’, or different cells.
The differences between males and females in potential for evolutionary change in the visual
system is marked and curious. Colour blindness is about 12% (twelve percent) in European
males, and negligible in females. One of the tasks in which colour-deficient men are severely
handicapped in is picking ripe fruit. While for hunters, or for man living in urban environments,
this is not a too dangerous trait, in fruit-eating primates it could have been deadly, if not sorely
inefficient.
Day and Night Vision
The eye sees with greatest clarity in the region of the fovea in the retina, as this is where the
greatest concentration of cone cells exist. Cones are colour sensitive and individually
connected to other nerve fibers, so stimuli to each cell are reproduced directly and fine details
can therefore be distinguished. Conversely, the more general, light-sensitive, rod-shaped
cells, are connected in groups so that they respond to stimuli more generally. The rods,
therefore, respond to minute light stimuli, but do not separate small details. This is why dim
objects can be seen at night in peripheral vision more than when looking directly ahead.
In daylight, we see colour well, but after about ten minutes of low illumination, our eyes
become ‘dark adapted’ and the cones stop responding, which is why we lose color vision at
night, except for isolated points of stronger illumination (distant stoplights or Mars).
Seeing at night involves sensitization of the rod cells by a pigment called visual purple or
rhodopsin (formed within the rod cells). Visual purple is bleached by the action of light and
must be reformed by the rod cells under conditions of darkness, which is why someone
coming from sunlight into a dark room cannot see until the pigment begins to form. The eye is
then able to perceive in low light levels and is dark-adapted. Another type of brown pigment in
the outer layer of the retina protects cone cells from over-exposure to light. If bright light
strikes the retina, granules of this pigment migrate around the cone cells, shielding them from
the light. This is called light adaptation.
The following graph shows the spectral sensitivity of the rods, which is peaked at yellow-
green. This is in distinction to what we may intuitively or societally presume to be the blue
light of shadow (such as motion pictures portray moonlight). However, as all rods share the
same spectral selectivity characteristics and thus cannot create specific colour information,
any portrayed colour for low light is as good as the next, but most accurate would be a blurry
black and white image. Yellow-green is simply the brightest, most illumined segment.
GRAPHIX
Our visual system has greater sensitivity in low illumination, but the cones contribute little or
no sensitivity in this condition. Imaging is primarily accomplished by the rods when illumina-
tion levels are very low. In daylight, rods are largely "switched off" because their photo-
pigment rhodopsin is continuously saturated by light. Rods however can skew the perception
of normal colour. They are most affected by frequencies of around 500 nm ("blue green"), and
therefore, especially during the daytime when this band of the spectrum is strong, the rods
can become activated and shift apparent colours toward bluish green. We can observe this
most readily when spending time in the sun, and then looking at colourful orange and red
objects, such as a flower bed or bright prints, and notice their dullness or lack of ‘saturation’.
The first cone cells developed are believed to be those that are sensitive to the middle band
of wavelengths, or what we call the green cones. (These also provide sufficient information by
themselves for most mammals who rely on vision during the daytime.) Theory holds that each
Of note, some researchers suggest a 4th cone, called "orange" (O) sensitive to wavelengths
(around 590 nm – therefore sensitive more to long wavelengths than Red cones, may be as
prevalent as up to 50% in women (10% of men or about 32% of all people). (Obviously the
research isn’t being aggressively investigated!) The assumption is also untested, in that there
is various assignments of the new cone being inbetween red and green, or, as suggested
above, 590, which is to the further side of red.
Whichever this case may be, both reinforce the assumption that there is a “warm bias” in the
photoreceptor cells; the cones’ sensitivity are skewed towards the longer wavelengths. This is
despite what may be logically supposed that evolution would have developed vision around
the preponderance of frequencies in earth’s daylight (the earlier mentioned, “blue bias” of
mid-day). One idea for this is that, although many birds and insects have evolved to see more
in the ultraviolet wavelengths, for longer lived mammals with a large eye UV radiation is
harmful (it destroys photopigment molecules and yellows the lens in the eye). The primate
eye may therefore be adapted in part to shift away from UV light, due to its potential for
damaging the instrument.
Esoterically, as we are said to be in the second or ‘blue’ solar system, the introduction of
sensitivity to this frequency could be interpreted as analogous to those few who are sensitive
to the 2nd ray or love-wisdom energy, as opposed to the masses characterized more by the 1st
or 3rd (green ‘solar system’). We have been told in Letters on Occult Meditation p. 208, green
is the foundational colour of nature, and upon it blue is built. The suggestions would then be
that we would be becoming increasingly sensitive to blue-violet. If this is true, then it would
follow that there would be an increase in the number of blue-violet receptor cells in the eye.
However, this is not born out exoterically. The “warm bias” in the vision receptors, and the
increasing evidence for orange cones, suggests an even further sensitivity to the longer end
of the spectrum.
If, as DK suggests, etheric vision is a function of the physical eye, would we not assume the
vision to be in either the ultraviolet or infrared end of the spectrum? The question is how does
etheric vision fit in here? Where does the etheric ‘bandwidth’ lie on the electrom-magnetic
scale? If the Electromagnetic spectrum is logically ‘situated’ in the 4th ether, then where is the
‘etheric wavelength’? (Even if the etheric vibrations are is more properly in the 3rd ether, a step
higher than what science has been working with for over a sentury, could also be logical and it
would then interpenetrate the EM wavelengths of the 4th ether, as opposed to being on the
developmental ends of our ‘normal sight’.)
Further, if etheric vision is involved in seeing the ‘violet devas’, this is consistent with how one
is often advised to put one’s vision ‘out of focus’ in order to see auras and other potentially
‘etheric’ phenomenon, as the violet end is fuzzy. The dominance of the cones sensitive in the
longer frequencies would seem to make it more difficult for someone to stretch their focal
length into the level of fuzziness necessary to see actual ‘physical-etheric’ phenomenon. (One
may also wonder whether the characteristic of ‘fuzzy thinking’ could be correlated with those
who may be ‘evolutionarily advanced’ but “out of focus” with the norm.)
This could suggest that what we know of as ‘red’, and what this colour may more truly be
esoterically, is unexplored territory because, as it relates to the final ‘solar system’ or impact of
the First or Red Ray, this has not fully externalised or impacted humanity. In this sense, when
the esoteric doctrine refers to red as a colour we have no cognizance of, this is literally true in
that we do not have cones specifically sensitive to the furthest end of that light; it would take
another new cone that is truly sensitive to long wavelengths to offer us more information
about the long (red) end of the visible light spectrum.
In this case, we could correlate the appearance of the green or middle wavelength logically
occuring first, biologically, then the blue-violet range (for the 2nd system), and now perhaps an
evolvement of the more specifically longer or red wavelengths as humanity becomes more
accustomed to the impact of the will, monadic, red or Shamballic ‘frequencies’. This would
correlate nicely with at least a recapitulation of evolution: the green system first, the blue
system second, and the red system, to come.
The human eye does not function like a machine for spectral analysis; the same perceived
color can be produced by different physical stimuli. For example, in viewing coloured light, a
mixture of red and green light of the proper intensities can appear as exactly the same as a
pure spectral yellow, even though it may not contain any wavelengths that correspond to
yellow.
The perception of colour is made depending upon which type of cones are stimulated, and to
what degree of intensity. Because there are three cone receptors, combined with black and
white, (the absence of full spectrum light and the full intensity of full spectrum light,
respectively), there are eight logically recognizable “basic colours”:
B+G+R white
B violet-blue
G green
R Orange-red
G+R yellow
B+R magenta
B+G cyan
Bl black
Note that magenta, created through the stimulation of the red and blue cones, does not
naturally appear in the electromagnetic spectrum. Note also that yellow is visually created
through the simultaneous stimulation of the cones sensitive to red and green (long and
medium-cool wavelength producing the medium-warm sensation). This is the ‘least intuitive’
pairing, and should be commited to memory until it becomes a natural understanding.
(We may wish to note that the complementary or opposite of this colour, which subject we will
investigate more fully later, would be a very dark, warm indigo or purple, and the esoteric
blinds used by the Tibetan and Blavatsky often consist of the use of calling a colour by its
opposite.)
An increase in intensity of the same spectral makeup of light causes the visual system to
raise or lower the perception level of each colour uniformly.
A change in the spectral quality of a source of illumination (e.g., the sun at noon to the sun at
late afternoon, or a fluorescent to incandescent light bulb) causes the visual system to adjust
so that the optimum perception of colour differentiation is maintained.
THREE COLOURS APPEAR AS FOUR: Using the SAME GREEN (medium wavelength) on
an bluish background, and this same GREEN on a reddish background, would be interpreted
FOUR COLOURS APPEAR AS THREE: Using DIFFERENT GREENs on blue and red can
appear the same (according to some specific wavelengths, not all.) In reverse of the example
above, if a yellow-green object is placed on a red background, it will be perceived as more
blue-green than it would on a white or black background (because the yellow wavelengths will
be diminished by the orange-red cones attempting to focus on the more prominent red
background). Similarly, if a blue-green object is placed on a blue background, it will be
perceived as more yellow-green (because the blue wavelengths cannot ‘compete’ and will
therefore ‘move away from’ the perception of the more prominent blue background.)
Colour reflected from an object is perceived differently depending upon the quality of light,
(e.g, sunlight, fluorescent light, incandescent light, individual spectra of light). As an object’s
reflected colour is ONLY perceived due to the type of illumination impacting an object and
reflected into the visual system, this is a crucial consideration. (For example, an object that
appears white in full spectral “white light” will appear red if illuminated by a red light; a violet-
blue hue will look much darker and impure in a yellowish light than in white light; a red tomato
illuminated by a green light will appear black; etc.)
The possible uses and further definition of these aspects of sight, and of the commonly used
terms “visualization” and “creative imagination”(a sense related to ‘taste’ in the esoteric
schematics), will be explored in the “Practice Chapters”.
DINA II, p367-8: Light upon the physical plane leads to vision, Light esoterically leads to increase in
consciousness, recognition, perception, the role of vision in evolution, Human evolution or the human
evolutionary process is entirely concentrated around the sense of sight, with its consequent effects and
results of vision, recognition and perception—all of them constituting what we mean when we speak of
revelation.
The eye is esoterically speaking most important from the standpoint of humanity. Indeed humanity is
offering the gift of Vision through the Eye of Consciousness to our planetary Logos, indeed its monad
constitute the eye of the planetary Logos.
DINA II, 291-3: "the Monad is to the planetary Logos, what the third eye is to man; this will become
clearer to you if you will bear in mind that our seven planes are only the seven subplanes of the cosmic
physical plane. The monadic world - so-called - is His organ of vision; it is also His directing agent for
the life and light which must be poured into the phenomenal world. In the same way, the Monad is to the
personality in the three worlds, also the source of its life and light.
"The mystery of the eye and its relation to light (esoterically understood) is very great, and as yet not
student, no matter how diligent, knows anything about it. For instance, brother of mine, when the third
eye, the inner eye, and the Monad are brought into direct alignment with "the Eye of God Himself", so
that what the planetary Logos sees can be partially (at least) revealed to the initiate, who can tell what
that revelation will bring of results and enlightment? When the true nature of the will is comprehended
and the self-will of the personality (of a very high order, necessarily), the will of the soul (as
demonstrated by the activity of the highest tier or circle of the egoic petals), atma, expressing itself as the
spiritual will, and Sanat Kumara are also brought, through initiation, into direct alignment, who, again,
can predict what the revelation will be? When again ...the myriad thoughtforms of the concrete or lower
mind are seen as illusion, and the lower mind, the knowledge petals of the egoic lotus, the abstract mind
and buddhi or pure reason are all brought into alignment with the Lords of Karma in a direct relationship
and as signifying the ending of karma in the three worlds, who can foretell the nature of the ensuing
revelation? It is alignment that holds the clue or the key to all these deeply spiritual events " DINA II,
349.
In this section we deal with the combination of colours of light and colours of pigment. We
should first define the common and way of referring to colours:
Any color sensation can be duplicated by mixing varying quantities of red, blue, and green.
These colors, therefore, are known as the additive primary colors. If light of these primary
colors is added together in equal intensities, the sensation of white light is produced. A
number of pairs of pure spectral colors called complementary colors also exist; if mixed
additively, these will produce the same sensation as white light. Among these pairs are certain
yellows and blues, greens and blues, reds and greens, and greens and violets.
Most colors seen in ordinary experience are caused by the partial absorption of white light.
The pigments that give color to most objects absorb certain wavelengths of white light and
reflect or transmit others, producing the color sensation of the unabsorbed light.
The colors that absorb light of the additive primary colors are called subtractive primary
colors. They are red, which absorbs green; yellow, which absorbs blue; and blue, which
absorbs red. Thus, if a green light is thrown on a red pigment, the eye will perceive black.
These subtractive primary colors are also called the pigment primaries. They can be mixed
together in varying amounts to match almost any hue. If all three are mixed in about equal
amounts, they will produce black. An example of the mixing of subtractive primaries is in color
photography and in the printing of colored pictures in magazines, where red, yellow, black,
and blue inks are used successively to create natural color. Edwin Herbert Land, an American
physicist and inventor of the Polaroid Land camera, demonstrated that color vision depends
on a balance between the longer and shorter wavelengths of light. He photographed the
same scene on two pieces of black-and-white film, one under red illumination, for long
wavelengths, and one under green illumination, for short wavelengths. When both
transparencies were projected on the same screen, with a red light in one projector and a
green light in the other, a full-color reproduction appeared. The same phenomenon occurred
when white light was used in one of the projectors. Reversing the colored lights in the
projectors made the scene appear in complementary colors.
Saturation, sometimes called chroma, is the strength or purity of the colour. Saturation
represents the amount of gray in proportion to the hue.. Fully saturated colour approaches
black and is called the “shade” of the hue; “unsaturated” colour approaches white and is
called the “tint” of the hue. An analogy in sound could be that of the amount of base or treble
quality to a note, or the amount of muting that is applied to the tone..
Brightness is the relative lightness or darkness of the colour, similar to volume in sound.
Exoteric science has well defined colour models to describe the various mediums of colour:
the two basic models are
Light
Most of us are most familiar with pigments, as this is what we use in painting and how we
learned about colour combination. In both the light and pigment systems, there are three
primary colours in each of these systems, and the primaries are different in each model.
Light = Red, Green, and Blue (RGB) Light
Pigment Paints = Red, Blue, and Yellow (RBY) Matter
The primary difference between colours of light and the colours of pigments is how they
respond in combination with their other colours. The two distinctions are termed: additive and
subtractive.
Light is “additive” because when one wavelength of light is added to another, more light is
added, and the resulting colour is a combination of the two lights, thus brighter and more
luminous.
Pigment is “subtractive” because when one pigment is added to another, more material is
added, and the resulting colour is a combination of the two pigmented paints, thus darker and
less luminous.
Colour mixing laws refer to the law of vision. How either of these mixing laws take effect
depends on the point in the chain of effects between light emission and the arrival of the
wavelength upon the cones in the retina.
In additive mixture, the radiation itself strikes the eye. This is the most direct possibility of
colour reception upon the visual system. The subtractive system is one step removed from
the visual system, because the absorption performance of the filtered layers work together.
Each filter layer modulates the original radiation wavelength.
If the appearance of a colour comes about because of light reflected off an object, this is
object colour. In contrast to coloured light, object colour reveals the most varied properties,
including translucence and opacity. All colouring agents, such as paints, pastels, etc., are
object colours, because they are ‘absorbing matter’.
In both additive and subtractive mixing laws, the four missing basic colours are produced due
to the cooperation of the four existing basic colours.
E.g.,
Additive – black, plus red-orange blue-violet green
Subtractive – white, plus magenta cyan (blue-green) yellow
Additive
Light Model: RGB
In the visible light spectrum, three of the colours are considered primary. Through combining
the wavelengths of these three basic components of coloured light in various proportions and
intensities, nearly all the other colours in the spectrum can be produced. Specific frequencies
of these three primary colours combine and create white. (A few other specific combinations
of two colours, called “complementary pairs” can also combine to create white, which is called
‘two colour’ white.) While we just learned above that each colour, or wavelength, is
independently produced and has as much as ‘existence’ as any othe frequency on the em
scale., the three “primary colours” of Red, Green, and Blue are uniquely placed so that when
they overlap or are combined, they create the “secondary colours” of light: cyan, magenta,
and yellow.
In common physical environment, the RGB model (additive colours) are used for creating
video, film recorders, lighting, and TV and computer monitors. These monitors creates the
wide range of colours through stimulating phosphors of just the three primaries.
Note that the secondary colours are lighter or brighter than the primaries, because they have
benefit of two sources of light, thus more light or brilliance.
In combining these three primaries, Red, Blue and Yellow, we arrive at the pigment set of
“secondary colours”:
Red and Blue = Purple
Blue and Yellow = Green
Yellow and Red = Orange
Note that the secondary colours of pigment are darker or more saturated than the primaries,
because they are created through two pigments, increasing the material which absorbs light,
and are thus duller or darker.
Subtractive
Pigments behave similarly to filters, because coloured filters ‘subtract’ out light from the
source. However, let’s call this a third model, which is not neatly defined as of light or
pigment, or additive or subtractive, as it has qualities of each and depends upon light to
produce its effects.
The generation of colour due to subtraction occurs when something is ‘taken away’ or
subtracted from the existing radiation energy by absorption. The subtractive basic colours are
yellow, magenta-red and cyan-blue.
E.g., through the yellow layer, no shortwave radiations can pass so the reception sector for
violet-blue will not receive any stimulation and therefore no perception of violet is possible;
yellow regulates the perception of violet-blue. (exoterically, 4 controls perception of 7)
Similarly, through the cyan layer, no red may pass; light blue regulates the perception of red.
(Exoterically, 6 controls perception of 1 … or 2 controls perception of 6)
Through the magenta layer, no green may pass; magenta regulates the perception of green.
(Exoterically, 6 controls perception of 3)
These are therefore the inverse of the RGB, light or additive, system
Colour photography, and in part, multicolour printing, work according to the laws of subtractive
mixture.
Achromatic white is always the indispensable initial basis for subtractive mixture. E.g, in
colour photography the white light, which is necessary to see a colour slide or in printing, the
white paper surface which is the foundation for the photo.
These colours are used in light filters and in photography, we have the additive effect of the
colours of light, yet we are working with a medium which blocks various frequencies of light.
As we see, CMY and RGB are in reciprocal relationship, i.e., each pair of CMY colours
creates a RGB colour. The main point to note is that the apparent resulting colour is not its
own frequency of light, but a combination of two.
As well, in the combination of RGB frequencies, the resulting secondaries produced through
combination of two primaries creates a new colour which, although it may appear the same as
a colour in the natural spectrum, it is a combination of two, and can be resolved into its
component parts. As well, combining just the three frequencies of RGB apparently makes
white light, yet it is ‘three colour white’, and not full spectrum white.
E.g., magenta and yellow creates a ‘two colour red’, it is not the red frequency, but in
stimulating both the medium (yellow) wavelengths and a mix of long and short (red and
violet), the combination appears red. The difference is that when you split a red frequency
from the light spectrum, you will only and always have just the red frequency wavelength. To
the contrary, if you split a red light that has been created from yellow and magenta filters
overlayed on white light, you will find its component parts are distinctly yellow and magenta.
Note: it is interesting that magenta is not found naturally in the em spectrum. Being a
combination of blue and red, it is impossible to have magenta in the ‘linear spectrum’ as it
naturally occurs; magenta does not occur naturally in the electromagnetic spectrum, but must
be created through the application of red and blue separated lights. I.e., As infra-red and ultra-
violet are the two ‘ends’ of the spectrum,
In the case of the RGB and CMY models, let’s look again at the two primaries or trinities
involved. We see that through the relationship of any two in each trinity, the result is one of
the other trinity.
We note there is no orange, or indigo, or violet in this model. Yet blue and cyan, could be,
respectively, Indigo and Blue within the esoteric model. The violet may well be Magenta, yet
violet as normally considered has much more blue than the red of magenta. So where is
Orange?
We quickly find these colours that appear to be missing from the light models if we look to
pigments. In comparing the two major trinities of Light and of Pigment, we note the following
* The red normally used to create the truest purple is more of a cadmium, or bluish red. For
a clear orange, the red should not have the blue pigments but tend more towards a ‘true’ or
orange-red.
chlorophyll a is a green dye. The absorption spectrum of chlorophyll (below) shows that it
absorbs strongly in the red and blue-violet regions of the visible spectrum. Because it absorbs
red and blue-violet light, the light it reflects and transmits appears green, e.g., plants appear
green because chlorophyl reflects green light and absorbs red and blues.
Complementaries
The definition of complementary colours and opposite colours can be complex..
In the light model, a “complementary pair” are two specific frequencies that produce white.
There are 3 pairs of light frequencies that produce ‘two-colour’ white:
Yellow to Blue
Magenta to Green
Cyan (488 nm, blue-green) to Red (600 nm, orangish-red)
If we place these primary and secondary colours of light in a colour wheel model, we see that
the complementary pairs can also be considered opposites; however, truly the spectrum in a
continuum, not a circle or wheel. (However, the creation of the secondary colour magenta
does seem to bring the two ends of red and blue together.)
Note here that, esoterically, the “complements” normally given are as follows. They are very
similar to the exoteric science:
Yellow to Indigo (v blue)
Red (v magenta) to Green
Blue (v blue-green) to Orange (v red)
In regard to the pigment model, we have the following “opposites”, normally considered.
Again, the similarities are just.
Yellow to Purple (v blue or indigo)
Red to Green
Blue to Orange
The term ‘complementary’ may not apply in the pigment model in the way which the light
model do, nor in the way the esoteric doctrines mean. Combining two opposite pigments
creates very muddy dark colours.
Red symbolizes heat, fire, blood, passion, love, warmth, power, excitement and
aggression. It is an attention grabber. Words and objects in red get people's attention
immediately. In decorating and design, red items attract attention. It is an emotionally intense
and very extreme color. Red clothing can be uplifting and convey power and energy but may
invite confrontation. It is dominating. With automobiles there is a positive correlation between
the color red and theft rate and traffic tickets. It can elevate blood pressure and respiratory
rate. It has the effect of stimulating people to make quick decisions and increase
expectations. Red rooms make people anxious, but rooms with red accent can cause people
to lose track of time, thus are favored by bars and casinos. Restaurants often use red as a
decorating scheme because of its appetite stimulant function.
Yellow When used in small amount, produces sensations of brightness and warmth. It
represents playfulness, light, creativity, warmth and an easygoing attitude toward life. It is as
inviting as a warm, sunny day. Yellow is like sunlight -- you want it to be there to feel good, but
you don't want it to be "in your eye". The pure bright lemon yellow is the most eye-fatiguing
color. Light is reflected by this bright color, resulting in excessive stimulation of the eyes,
causing eye irritation. It also speeds metabolism. Paint a room yellow, you will make babies
cry and grown-ups lose their tempers in it. Furthermore, yellow is not a good color for
notepads and monitor background. Although it can alert our brain and enhance concentration,
it is hurtful to our eye. Pure yellow is the most cheerful and sunny of the spectrum. A softer
tint, however, will make it more pleasant to look at. Dingy yellow represents caution, decay,
sickness, jealousy and duplicity. The cheerful sunny yellow, is an attention getter. It is the
most visible color of all the colors, it is the number one attention getter. Yellow is also
associated with spirituality, and is a symbol of the deity in many religions
Green comes with many symbiotic meanings, among which, the strongest and the most
universal is nature. Related to that, it also signifies life, youth, renewal, hope and vigor. Brides
in the Middle Ages wore green to symbolize fertility. It is the easiest color on the eye and can
improve vision. It is a calming color and has a neutral effect on the human nervous system.
The "green rooms" are designed for people who are waiting to appear on TV to sit and relax.
Green is also a popular color in hospitals because it relaxes patients. Various shades have
different symbolic meanings: Dark Green -- cool, masculine, conservative, and implies wealth.
Emerald Green -- immortality. Yellow-Greens -- least preferred color of consumers.
Blue represents solitude, sadness, depression, wisdom, trust and loyalty. Wearing blue to
job interviews indicates dedication and loyalty. It is one of the most popular colors. To
American consumers of both genders, blue is the favorite color. However, be careful when
using blue in association with food - it is a natural appetite suppressant and can be repulsive
in some instances. It is the least appetizing. Blue food is rare in nature. Blue-colored food is
repulsive to humans because when our ancestors searched for food, they learned to avoid
toxic or spoiled objects, which were often blue, black, or purple. During experiments, when
participants were served with food dyed blue, they lost appetite. It relaxes our nervous
system. It has a sobering effect on the mind and can cause people to be more contemplative,
which is the opposite reaction as red. Peaceful, tranquil blue, which is a good color for
bedrooms, causes the body to produce calming chemicals. Darker shades of blue, however,
can feel cold and depressing. Blue surroundings, if not too dark, increase productivity. Studies
show that students score higher, weightlifters lift heavier weights in blue rooms. People retain
more when reading information written in blue text.
Pink is the most romantic and tender color. It is also tranquilizing. Research suggested
that pink makes people calm and soft-hearted. If prison cells were painted pink, it reduced
aggressive behavior among prisoners. Even if a person tries to be angry or aggressive in the
presence of pink, he can't. The heart muscles can’t race fast enough. It’s a tranquilizing color
that saps your energy. Even the color-blind are tranquilized by pink rooms. Such effect
however may be short-lived as once the body returns to a state of equilibrium, a prisoner may
regress to an even more agitated state.
White stands for purity, chastity and innocence. In most of the western societies, brides wear
white to symbolize innocence and purity. It also represents cleanliness. Doctors, nurses, and
lab technicians wear white to imply sterility. White reflects light and keeps cool. So it is the
color for summer clothing. In general, it creates a cool and refreshing feeling
Black is controversial; associated with demons, witches and the devil; on the other hand,
sturdiness and reliability. It speaks with authority and power; on the other hand, despair and
mourning. It symbolizes evil characters and criminal activities; on the other hand, constancy,
prudence and wisdom. It is the clothes color of choice for many people for various reasons.
Some wear black for it feels formal and powerful and visually slimming, stylish or
sophisticated. Priests, on the contrary, wear black to signify submission to God.
The perception of ‘true’ white light occurs only if a sufficient range of frequency is registered
by various cone types simultaneously with the necessary intensity.
“White” doesn’t describe the spectral composition of the emanating or reflected light.
Sunlight is considered white. Yet, the observer should note that sunlight, while the only
naturally occuring full-spectrum light we are exposed to, is of a ‘yellow’ classification,
astronomically speaking. Further, the spectral quality of “daylight” varies greatly depending
upon the time of year, position of the sun in the sky, atmospheric conditions, reflecting
surfaces (e.g., ocean or forest), etc.
Primary three:
There are ‘dominant wavelengths’ that create the perception of the trinity of primaries: blue-
violet, green, and orange-red; these wavelengths correspond to the wavelengths to which the
primary three cone receptors in the eye are most sensitive. Secondary colours are perceived
from the combination of two cones being stimulated simultaneously; i.e., there is no single
receptor (cone) that transmits the information of cyan, magenta, or yellow.
Complementary pairs:
Complements can be created through many combinations of wavelengths. Two colour white
can only be created through combination of wavelengths in the short wavelengths with those
in the long wavelengths (blue-violet colours with orange-red colours). This is because, as
magenta is only perceived through the combination of two colours, green has no single-
wavelength generatable complementary pair. However there are numerous complementary
pairs combined from specific wavelengths of the blue-violet and yellow, and the cyan-blue and
yellow-orange ranges. As we are utilizing the Newtonian or esoteric nomenclature for colours,
we have the following complements that agree in both exoteric and esoteric models:
Red green
Blue orange
Yellow indigo
Violet and white are not exoterically recognized as opposites, but suggested to be so
esoterically.
Black and white would be considered complements logically, but these are not registrable in
the visual system as frequencies, but as the absence of light or full presence of all
wavelengths, respectively.
2.1 The concept of esoteric and exoteric colours is repeated throughout the works of HPB
and AAB. The terms esoteric and exoteric refer to one being more true to the inner reality, and
the other more characteristic of the outer form, respectively.
One meaning of the term esoteric is: “meant for the initiated” – one of the definitions of an
initiate is that he is the “cause of evolution”. A meaning of exoteric is: that which is commonly
available or obvious, or that which is an effect. (As cause and effect are relative terms, any
one cause being the effect of a greater cause, and any effect being the cause of a lesser
effect, let us hold in mind the relative ‘direction’ of our definitions of esoteric and exoteric. The
major question will be: What caused the esoteric colour? Of What greater Cause is this
‘cause’ an effect?) We are therefore commonly presented with a dual expression of colours: a
positive and negative polarity; a light and dark side; a vice and a virtue; a cause and effect
dynamic.
This dual way of interpreting colour, and any phenomenon in the lower worlds, is fundamental
to the esoteric doctrines. However, one also generally finds a triplicity of energies emphasized
in any full system. For example, in esoteric astrology, we are offered three levels of planetary
rulerships: exoteric, esoteric, and hierarchical. Further, the whole nature of triangles and the
circulation of energy in a threefold system is paramount when dealing more with the life
aspect than the form phenomenon.
And so in colour, we find occasions when a triplicity is offered, or can be logically applied to
colour. Any definition of a colour depends upon:
The vehicle or point of evolution which a Life of Colour is expressing through: e.g.,
personality, soul, or monad
The plane of consciousness upon which this Entity is polarised or ‘located’
Plus the plane of consciousness and point of evolution of the observer
The notion of status (point of evolution) and location (polarisation) can be held here for both
the Entity under consideration and for the observer interpreter. Each of these adds its own
colouration in the deciphering of the correct quality or true nature of any entity in question.
LOM, p. 215: "In the esoteric interpretation lies hid half the mystery, and the other half is
concealed by the fact that all interpretation depends upn the standpoint of the interpreter, and
the plane whereon his consciousness is working."
A confirmation of both this twofoldness and threefoldness are colour are found in TCF, p.
1171-1172, Law 7, The Law of Colour: "… colour serves a twofold purpose: It acts as a veil
for that which lies behind, and is therefore attracted to the central spark; it demonstrates the
attractive quality of the central life. All colours, therefore, are centres of attraction, are comple-
mentary, or are antipathetic to each others. …
As to the threefold roles or effects, let’s arrange them under the three above mentioned roles,
and then add in other correspondences used in relation to the threefold nature of colour:
attraction/quality of Life complementary antipathetic
hierarchical esoteric exoteric
true colour complementary colour antagonistic colour
This is in accordance with the basic 1st, 2nd, or 3rd aspect of colours. Simply, it appears that
each ‘true colour” or Life may be the term most appropriate to the originating monad, the
complementary colour relates to that of the esoteric nature or soul aspect, and the
antipathetic relates to the exoteric or personality aspect.
In daily life and consideratio, we refer to a colour in its exoteric form, or that which would be
the reflection or polar opposite or antagonistic colour to the 'esoteric' or 2nd aspect version.
We are likely not given the 1st aspect of the true colour as at this level of exoteric knowledge
getting in touch with the monad or originating source of a colour is beyond the scope of
printed material. The import of this is that, for all of us endeavoring to discern our personality
and soul rays, or these colours, that each of these are ‘effects’ to the true colour, which
ramains unknown until at least the 3rd initiation. Recognizing this major limitation, we note that
the ‘esoteric colour’, the soul colour, the life of a colour, is in itself a reduction or distortion
from the true colour.
Adding some complication in deciphering the esoteric and exoteric and true colours, we are
on one occasion given two colours as the esoteric colours:. This reference is made in context
of the solar logos, "blue in colour, esoteric orange and green." Either with the orange and
green one is our normally considered esoteric or soul colour and one is the true or monadic
colour, else we have the possibility that there can be dual esoteric rulers. My tendency at the
moment is to take the former view, and in this instance, orange is the soul colour of the solar
logos, and green its true or monadic colour. Blue is its exoteric colour, (blinded by the
complementary yellow -- disk of golden light -- to our eyes). [Comment along further
ramifications on this topic are handled in Chapter Two.]
One reference makes clear the need to consider colours at their proper level: TCF, page 1011
"The 'Eye of Shiva,' when perfected, is blue in colour, and as our solar Logos is the "Blue Logos" so do
His children occultly resemble Him; but this colour must be interpreted esoterically. It must be
remembered also that prior to the final two Initiations (the sixth and seventh), the eye of the white
magician, when developed, will be coloured according to the man's ray—again esoterically understood.
More anent this question of colour may not be communicated. According to the colour, so will be the
type of energy manipulated …
Obviously here the reference is not made to exoterically blue-eyed children of the Blue Logos,
but those who resemble Him by quality of the 2nd Ray. In this example, Blue is the esoteric
colour of the Solar Logos, Yellow its exoteric form we see in the sky. (Further, as a reference
suggests of the Blue Logos, "esoteric green and orange" -- this may be the Hierarchical level,
the one more esoteric than the esoteric, and relate it to its origin in the first solar system.)
Likely another factor in our not normally having the third or highest level of 'esoteric' colour
referred to, (here called true or hierarchical) is because, beyond the fact that this info is not for
the general public due to hazards of knowledge in magical work, but because the term 'colour'
isn’t very useful or accurate beyond the 'buddhic' or 'soul' or esoteric level, as the distinctions
or separations, the sense of Ahamkara, is drastically reduced at this level of ‘group’
consciousness. The futher we move ‘up’ in consciousness (away from the heresy of the
concept of separation), the further we move towards pure light or white light, and away from
the divergencies of Colourations. However, this is relative, as distinction or colour must exist
up until the Final Day Be With Us.
Therefore, colour will always ‘be with us’ up until that truly final event of perfection. Yet we
must pay attention to major changes in one’s essential ‘sense of difference’, which colour
suggests. We have one most notable level when we are told that colour is not. In considering
the 7 paths out of the solar system (entrance to the Cosmic Astral plane?), we find that the
Paths are beyond colour. I suggest this is a relative realization, and that the essence which
colour veils, continues, as does number, as far back along the paths of monadic emanation
until The One disappears back into the Absolute.
1. The eye of Shiva - the all-seeing eye, the eye which directs the will and purpose of Deity.
2. The right eye - the eye of Buddhi, of Wisdom and of Vision.
3. The left eye - the eye of mind, of the common sense and of sight.
1. The eye of the Father - carrying light from the great Bear.
2. The eye of the Son - carrying light from Sirius.
3. The eye of the Mother - carrying light from the Pleiades.
We’ll treat this question of colours as Living Light in the second chapter, on macrocosmic and
microcosmic correspondences. For now, we are simply well aware that there are at least two,
and likely three or more names for types of energy. These types of energy make appearances
which we call by the names of certain colours.
Exoteric Esoteric
Purple Blue
Yellow Indigo
Cream Yellow
White Violet
We can assume these as relevant to the 4 rounds of this second solar system, as we are told
as much. DK then goes on to say that the esoteric colours of the exoteric red, green and
range may not be imparted to the general public … yet on an earlier page, 216, he offered
that "esoteric orange is a purer yellow, and the red is scarcely seen at all."
However, we are additionally also told that esoterically violet is white … and DK also stated
that (p. 214) in reference to the listing on p. 213 that "of all I have given only two
corresponding with their esoteric application, indigo and green. … the only two of which you
can be absolutely assured." So let’s add these too:
Violet White
Green green
Indigo indigo
From tabulations sourced out of the Secret Doctrine, we have the following relationships of
colours, and are told that these are blinded, similar to how DK blinds. These are said to be the
colours of the Rays, which perhaps differ from simply the colours, or from the colours of the
planes.
Exoteric Esoteric
Ray 1 Orange/flame red
Ray 2 Indigo with purple light blue
Ray 3 Black green
Ray 4 Cream yellow
Ray 5 Yellow indigo
Ray 6 Red silvery rose
Ray 7 White violet
While we are told that the esoteric and exoteric colours differ widely, yet in the instance of
orange, we are told that esoteric orange is simply more yellow and "the red is scarcely seen
at all." That isn't "widely different". Yet when we view some tabulations of (likely blinded)
exoteric and esoteric colours (reference), we find that there is wide divergence, especially in
the case of exoteric Yellow being esoteric Indigo, or exoteric white being esoteric violet (and
vice versa). In most of the other cases, the differences are not apparently widely different, but
usually a tint or shade of the exoteric version. (E.g., exoteric cream being esoteric yellow;
exoteric purple/indigo being esoteric light blue, etc.)
Thus we have 7 colours given in their exoteric and esoteric forms. The point here is that we
may have the esoteric colours available for more colours than just those 4 of this round. The
only colour which is the same in the list of 4 and the key listing of colours on 213 is yellow,
that of the 4th or buddhic plane. We also find that the information in LOM may be giving us
some truer esoteric hints, less blinded, and we will work with the assumption that Indigo is
Indigo, and Green is Green. Yet, is Indigo THE colour for the second ray, or for the fifth, as
indicated in the esoteric descriptions, and as the 5th Plane is considered to be THE KEY plane
of … this solar system?
In addition to being aware of the exoteric and esoteric (and probably hierarchical) forms of
colours, we must first determine if any information we have been provided is subject to blinds.
To safeguard the mysteries, apparent contradictions and the use of blinds, as a code for those
who are able to safely apprehend the information, is widely used in the esoteric doctrine. As
colour is one of the keys in physical plane manifestation, guarding its secrets has been
especially necessary, as those who may not be working from a motive of light could use this
most vital of keys to create effects most potently upon the physical plane. When one is able to
use the creative imagination and visualize ‘in colour’ – they are manipulating the energies of
manifestation. If their intention and the imaginings are accurate, the potential for magic is real,
for good or ill.
In the Secret Doctrine and the writings of Alice Bailey, DK tells us that the colours referred to
differ, yet the blinds used are the same, and are applied according to the same rules.
Therefore, to our help, the use of contradicting information is not arbitrary, but is used
carefully used in a way that also holds keys for those who penetrate beyond the appearances.
We also know that from the above references about the Secret Doctrine, that some of the
information on colour referred to the first solar system, some to the second. Therefore, our
first ‘blind’ and potential area for contradiction, lies in whether our reference material is
speaking about the personality (unless the first really was monadic) or soul aspect of the solar
system.
Some examples of this usage will be explored below, but, before we go to the examples, let’s
see what complementary means and how it is used in the esoteric and exoteric sciences.
First, here is a key esoteric references that mention “Complementary colours”, from TCF,
Stanze XIII, page 32 “… Many the circling fires; many the revolving rounds, but only when the
complementary colours recognise their source, and the whole adjusteth itself to the seven will
be seen completion. Then will be seen each colour in adjustment right, and the cessation of
revolution.”
This quote suggests “complementary” may relate to the exoteric form, because they must
“recognize their source”. Else, it refers to the esoteric form, and its adjustment to the monadic
‘sources’. At either level, it assumes the complementary colour has a ‘source’. Once this
This next key quote again suggests the three levels of colour, and, in support of this theory,
we find that even in the practical application of colour in healing, we are suggested to use 3
colours. (In LOM, page 335)
"The use of coloured lights. These lights are played on the body of the disciple and effect a shaking-out
process and a simultaneous stimulation of the atoms. This cannot be done till further information is
given anent the Rays; when a man's ray is known, stimulation will come from the use of his own colour,
a building-in will be brought about by the use of his complementary colour, and disintegration of
unwanted matter will be brought about by the use of an antagonistic colour. … " LOM, page 335
Thus we have the following basic practical relationship, (my notes in parenthesis added for
context.)
A "stimulation" will occur through the use of an individual's "his own colour" (Often when DK
refers to someone's "ray" he appears to refer to the monadic ray – if he has not mentioned
context of the soul or personality. Thus we can call this the “true” or “hierarchical colour” of the
monad, that which stimulates Life. Don’t go into the morbidity of the monad.)
A 'building in will be made by use of his complementary colour (the soul or esoteric level,
whose function is as the 2nd aspect, to 'build').
A “disintegration of unwanted matter” can be effected through the use of an antagonistic
colour.
This division reinforces the previous quote’s probable meaning of the complementary colour
being ‘of the soul’ or consciousness level, and ‘the source’ that is to be recognized is “his own
colour” or true colour, the monadic or level of origination.
Alternately, “his own colour” and “his complementary colour” could both be on the ‘soul level’,
and are the two “esoteric colours”, and there is a duad: “stimulation” and “building in” both
referring to activities of the soul. “One’s own colour” need not necessarily refer to the monadic
or higher essence, yet if it does, we still have two ‘esoteric colours’ -- one monadic and one
soular, both esoteric from the point of view of the personality aspect.
Exoterically, in the science of optics a “complementary pair” is defined as any two colours
which when combined produce white. This is called “two colour white.” This is a reminder that
white can be produced by two colours, as well as by specific combinations of three colours,
as well as through a full spectrum. Let us also remember that, in a spectrum, there are not
divisions of 7 colours, or 6 or 5 or 12 or any divisions at all, naturally. The spectrum is a
continuum, and it is based upon convention and the nature of human vision that we assign
colours into various divisions of colours. In most simple colour wheels for example, the basic
division is of three primary colours with the secondary or opposite colours, making 6. Adding
“indigo” as a 7th colour is not so common in spectral optics. This will be shown more clearly in
the next section on optics.
Yellow, Magenta, and Cyan are called the complementary colours, as they are formed by
combining the two adjacent primary colours of Light:
Red and blue make magenta,
blue and green make cyan,
red and green make yellow.
Esoterically, the complements are as follows. Similar, yet distinct in certain respect from
exoteric science:
Yellow and Indigo
Red and Green
Blue and Orange
This again reinforces our assumption to always take into view these three levels of
consciousness, yet adds the question of when is the blind used on what level. For example,
Red, Blue and Green are commonly given as the colours for each of the three solar systems.
If we are investigating the Green or first solar system, which we believe developed the matter
or 3rd aspect, to which level do we assume is this assignation of green? Is it the real colour of
the personality aspect, the soul aspect, or the Monadic? Or none of the above? Is the first
solar system, that which developed the 3rd aspect, more truly the red solar system? Our
assumption that it IS green, may be the blind that we are referring to. Yet, if it is the Red solar
system, then does Red refer to the personality, soul, or monadic level? One sees the
complexity involved.
To touch on another example, considering blinds in general. Let’s take the atmic plane. We
are not offered a colour for the atmic planes, yet the third ray would be normally associated
with the atmic plane, and the colour for the third ray, is normally called green (sometimes
yellow). In this case the normal ray and plane are the same colour. (We have been given
black as an exoteric colour for ray 3, however, but that may have been first solar system.) If
we only consider that the Atmic plane IS green, we have to factor in green is a
complementary blind for red.
Could atma be red? Certainly it makes sense that Atmic plane could be red, because it is
where the will aspect of the monad is situated. Will is often related to Red. Yet -- Could the
third ray be red? If so – What aspect of it? As we are admonished, “if in terms of the
personality one term, if the ego, another, the Monad another. Now if we wanted to refer three
colours to Ray 3 or Atmic Plane, this makes sense. Yet from which point do we start? And
what would be the third colour?
While these examples are neither meant to frustrate us into futility, nor meant to suggest
endless possible logical ways to decipher the ‘true colours’ – they are meant to give an
appreciation for the complexity involved, and the possibilities that may open up when even a
turn or two is made on this colour key. Let’s retain this as integral to all work which will follow.
My efforts in Chapter Two will be to offer some coherent systems which hopefully will bear out
some of these conjectures through simple charts, which resonate truth through their
correspondence to other keys. The conjecture there will be based upon the intuitions
garnered through pondering upon the variety of references on each colour, individually and in
combination, which is documented in Chapter 4, and through leaps of faith and possibly
unfounded confidence.
In Light
the complement of Red is Cyan, or a blue green (perhaps turquoise or light blue). An
antagonistic must be one of the other primaries, not one of the complements. I say this
because if we take a red light and apply a magenta, yellow, or cyan filter – cyan we know
blocks the red light, or more accurately, combines with it to produce white – as they are a
complementary pair. Magenta and Yellow filters allow the red to pass through unaffected.
Thus, one of the other primaries, blue or green, must be antagonistic to Red. – is this a
logical reason that they are antagonistic?
What would best cause a “disintegration of unwanted matter”
Let’s try another example, Blue. Blue is the true colour, its complementary is Yellow, and the
antagonistic colours would be red or green.
With Green as true colour, complementary is magenta (rose), and the antagonists are blue
and red.
In pigment:
If Red is true, green is complement, orange and violet are antagonists.
If Blue is true, orange is complement, green and violet are antagonists
If Yellow is true, violet is complement, green and orange are
antagonists
Polar opposite is esoterically the complementary, venus is polar opposite of Earth, but
esoterically it is the complementary.
Pigment and ink analogy
Blue Logos -- esoterically orange, green?
It looks like DK mainly uses the colours of pigment; however he also uses red, blue, and
green for the primaries of the solar system – red blue and yellow when talking about a man’s
rays (the colours of pigment, or exoteric), and red, blue, and green when talking about cosmic
or planetary sources (the colours of light, or esoteric)
"... outlets of planetary energy through the means of which great and general effects are
produced in the external, planetary life. In this fifth root-race, there are only five such outlets
as far as effects on humanity are concerned; man's responsiveness to them, is demonstrated
by the fact of their relative importance in conditioning world events and world affairs.
Wherever one of these outlets for spiritual force is found, there will also be found a city of
spiritual importance in the same location. These five points are: 1. London.—For the British
Empire. 2. New York.—For the Western Hemisphere. 3. Geneva.—For all of Europe, including
the U.S.S.R. 4. Tokyo.—For the far East. 5. Darjeeling.—For all of central Asia and India.
"... The soul and personality qualities of nations will be studied, the centres within each nation
which focus certain ray energies will be noted, and the qualitative emanations of its five or six
major cities will be investigated. Let me here give you an instance of what I mean: the
influences of New York, Washington, Chicago, Kansas City and Los Angeles will be the
subject of scientific research; the psychic atmosphere and the intellectual appeal will be
studied, effort will be made to discover the soul quality and the personality nature (the spiritual
and the materialistic tendencies) of these great aggregations of human beings which have
I. Monad or red
II. Soul or blue
III. Personality
1. Vulcan 1st ray HEAD (Pluto)
2. Venus 5th ray AJNA
3. Saturn 3rd ray THROAT (Earth)
4. Jupiter 2nd ray HEART (complementary to indigo:
yellowgold) (Sun)
5. Neptune 6th ray SOLAR PLEXUS or ORANGE/BLUE,
(Mars = red/green)
6. Uranus 7th ray SACRAL ("washed white in the
blood"?)
7. Pluto 1st ray BASE (or FLAME, more esoterically,
kundalini afire)
Conclusion:
This doesn't relate "the planetary centres to the human centres or of the systemic centres to
the planets." It just makes some suggested assignments, with little degree of certainity. At this
stage I just hope the background documentation may prove useful to others.
(Ref chapter on colour is DK’s 7th letter in LOM. Also note it is here where he begins with
discussion of the Law of Substance, the law of supply and demand, and the injunction to use,
demand, and take, and that gravitation holds the secret.)
(Conjecture into lives/rays [1]; and qualities/centers [2] is less certain, but can be resonant, or
used as blinds.)
See LOM p. 229 and 218 & on 219, note these ray apportionments are “one way to
consider the rays influencing the evolving life or form” … for these “great basic colours”:
LOM p. 205: Because … the Solar Logos, for THIS solar system, “uttered the great Cosmic
Word/Life” and 3, then 4, major streams of colour issued forth, creating the Cosmic Planes for
this 2nd aspect of his threefold Life (monad, soul, personality, and other 3-fold levels):
Blue - Indigo - Green then the quaternary: yellow, orange, red, violet
A U M
O M
this 7-fold MATTER of the PLANES is what a 3-fold Life (Helios-Sol for example) uses
to ‘work through’.
“orange, red, violet fall naturally together”, because they are Sol’s 3-fold Personality
Ref: The two kumaras who fell, or at least the orange and rose did; knowledge and love, to
create a flame/wisdom system? Blinded here:
(orange =) blue + (red/rose =) green = cyan, sacred blue … see full refs in thesis,
Stanzas.
Note the 3 triangles of Life (of Helios, e.g.) have the following relationships (see LOM p. 217)
and rays (also remember the alternate apportionment of ray influences above.)
Personality or 3rd aspect: form green & orange rays 3 and 5, 1st first solar system
Soul or 2 aspect: love/wisdom indigo-blue & yellow rays 2 and 4, 2nd this solar system
nd
Monadic or 1st aspect: will (blue) red & violet rays 1 and 7, 3rd last solar system
A hint: p. 208:
a. "Just as the green of the activity of Nature
forms the basis of the love aspect, or the indigo vibration of this love system,
b. so will it be found upon the mental plane ...
c. flame, even exoterically, blends all the colours."
Thus:
a. The atmic/mastery/active intelligence (green, old s. system)
IS the 'basis' or foundation for the monadic/love-wisdom (indigo-blue, present s. system).
b. "so will it be found on the mental plane".
c. If we assign the BASIC COLOURS to the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd subplanes of the mental, we
relate the
3rd subplane of the mental,
green, the foundation, achievement of previous ss, basis & natural start
for the causal body on the 2nd, indigo-wisdom and then on the
1st or Will’s vibration, which in this 2nd ss is Love-Blue.
This helps solve the red/will/1st ray confusion with the blue 2nd, ray, as the 2nd is PRIMARY
now.
(It is like Blue is … in the Red position, just like the CHRIST is HEAD, or in the leader
position, of the Hierarchy.)
Cosmic Physical Plane is Violet … with possible chakra and quality correlations):
blue logoic will = love of the father (1 & 2, red/blue) HEART-LIFE
indigo monadic love = wisdom of mind and relation. HEAD/AJNA-CONSCIOUSNESS
green atmic intelligence = mastery of the Son in the 5 worlds, THROAT-ACTIVITY
yellow buddhic SPLEEN – “all need the vital AIR” (or AJNA – HEART IN HEAD?)
orange mental mentation, the Son/knowledge fallen into the 5th plane, SOLAR
PLEXUS
red astral devotion, mother/’love’ fallen into the ocean of red blood -- SACRAL
(wherein the father will wash his robes white)
violet physical order, father's will fallen into the white light of the manifested worlds
(violet/white as exo/eso) BASE
5 Synthesis Colours
Red/white as synthesis of whole system of 7/1
Indigo as premiere synthesis (blue-indigo) for the 6 planes of Monadic achievement in 2nd ss)
Green for the 5 worlds soul-personality: 2+3 = 5 worlds (from atmic plane)
Orange for the 3 worlds of personality (emanates from 5th or mental plane)
“It [astral permanent atom, see p. 512 TCF] is in the direct line of active force emanating from
the cosmic existence, and passing to it in ever-lessening degree, via the solar Logos in His
system of love, and the planetary Logos within a scheme, the Dragon of Wisdom-Love.”
* obviously there is conjecture here that the astrological signs repeat themselves, and Sag
and Cap are not reversed ‘higher up’. Anyway, as an exercise.
Note in connection to Sagittarius/RED “falling”, related to red As we are working ‘towards’ the
cosmic astral, and do not yet have experience of it (via Cancer, veiling the Christ) the astral is
more like Life more Abundant, and indicative(?) of the next or Red solar system, so red is ill-
expressed ‘down below’ and associated with the seas or astral plane, which will disappear.
(“He will wash his robes white in the blood.”; there will “be no more sea”.) Further, Sag as
related to red, Mars, kundalinishakti, lunar lords, who “took the fall” for Venus? – Orange as a
blind? Sagittarius has ‘taken the fall’ for Capricorn, Also check relation to discipleship as an
interim experiment, something which will not ‘always be’: disciples abnormal, earth’s amount
of water unusual – but initiates always are … something here.)
For some tables … In terms of centers and planets, we may also apply this 3 + 4 colouration
(of the planes, matter): blue - indigo - green + yellow, orange, red, violet
I think the centers and planets would at least be affected by this major colouration-structure of
the Cosmic Planes, if not it being the same. This table below is based on Solar Septenary
Chart–and as given for the OAWNMBS and SSSOWOIO charts sent to the Leo Probe group.
However, this bears little relation to exoteric, esoteric, and True in terms of ‘each colour’
Anyway, save that for now.
Transmutation from 226-227 LOM (good for macro, e.g., Agni, or microcosmic man.)
Could make this into a circular model to assist visualizing the spherical aspect.
However:
* question: What is said to be the lowest point/body for next ss? Abstract mind? If so, then eso
and true colour may be violet, then red, correlating with red of physical in this sytem?
RAY Lives
Colour Frequency and SPEED
“Remember … out of the synthetic indigo one ray of this ss, imagine it more as a circle or
band of 7 colours circling and continuously shifting and moving through the planes … which
moves at different rates, passes ‘through all the planes, circling down and up again’, they
move at different rates.”
Exoterically at least, while all light ‘moves’ at the same speed – that of light (duh), the
frequencies of vibration (Hz) are various,
from red ‘slowest’ – meaning ‘longest’ –
through the spectrum of (so called) orange, yellow, green, (cyan), blue, (indigo) –
to the ‘fastest’ meaning ‘shortest’ wavelength, violet.
To investigate:
Alpha and Omega
Longest to shortest These various rates are what (relate to ray cycles please …) cause the
changes (in rays and therefore in the numbers of those?) Investigate: wavelengths, not the
numbers we have assigned to them, are more intrinsically ‘colours’ and qualifying than
numbers? Check therefore into the ‘chords’ of colour, what harmonics are necessary here,
what 7 and what 5 make what 12? (e.g., back to Key Sound). See Rays heading, later in this
paper for correlation to 4th Fundamental
I believe it may be harder to correlate colours to rays as they relate more to life than form …
however, let that be no deterrent J Taking a slice of life, the weekday, what do we have:
1 Sun Sunday
2 Jupiter Thursday
3 Saturn Saturday
4 Mercury Wednesday
5 Venus Friday
6 Mars Tuesday
7 Moon/Uranus Monday
2 Jupiter Thursday
5 Venus Friday
3 Saturn Saturday
1 Sun Sunday
7 Moon/Uranus Monday
6 Mars Tuesday
4 Mercury Wednesday
2. Ray order (starts with Sunday and shows most common colours assigned to planes,
especially the Orange/red? Blue, green, as the first 3, the primary colours of light
There are three (discernable/usable) levels of colour ‘rulers’, like rulers for each
astrological sign:
Hierarchical, Esoteric, Exoteric –
Which in colour may be called similarly or alternately, e.g.:
True, Complementary, and Antagonistic
(not sure about “opposite”, in exoteric colour science this is the complementary)
For BACKGROUND only – don’t bother reading if you are seeking clarity?!
From tabulations sourced out of the Secret Doctrine, we have the following relationships of
colours, and are told that these are blinded, similar to how DK blinds. These are said to be the
colours of the Rays, which perhaps differ from simply the colours, or from the colours of the
planes, as I have conjectured is what LOM presents.
Exoteric Esoteric
Ray 1 Orange/flame red
Ray 2 Indigo with purple light blue
Ray 3 Black green
Ray 4 Cream yellow
Ray 5 Yellow indigo
Ray 6 Red silvery rose
Ray 7 White violet
While we are told that the esoteric and exoteric colours differ widely, yet in the instance of
orange, we are told that esoteric orange is simply more yellow and "the red is scarcely seen
at all." That isn't "widely different". Yet when we view some tabulations of (likely blinded)
exoteric and esoteric colours (reference), we find that there is wide divergence, especially in
the case of exoteric Yellow being esoteric Indigo, or exoteric white being esoteric violet (and
vice versa). In most of the other cases, the differences are not apparently widely different, but
usually a tint or shade of the exoteric version. (E.g., exoteric cream being esoteric yellow;
exoteric purple/indigo being esoteric blue, etc.)
Additionally we read that “esoterically violet is white” (not esoterically white is violet!) See
LOM 221 and 224 … and DK also stated that (p. 214) in reference to the listing on p. 213 that
"of all I have given only two corresponding with their esoteric application, indigo and green. …
the only two of which you can be absolutely assured." So let’s add these too:
Green green
Indigo indigo
So is the first solar system, Secret Doctrine saying green is exoterically Black, or is it that
Black is esoterically Green (there is a difference?!) In either way, it isn’t consistent with green
being green. Similarly with Indigo being Indigo. Ray 2 (SD ref so exoteric at least) has indigo
being “indigo with a tinge of purple” and esoterically it’s normally just called blue. With Indigo
being esoteric for Ray 5, yellow being its exoteric colour is a bit of a stretch. (And even if
‘blinded’, the blinds would be violet and orange, which isn’t helpful.)
Thus we have 7 colours given in their exoteric and esoteric forms. However -- We notice that
exoteric Blue is not present, and there is no esoteric orange. So not all are represented. The
point here is that we may have the esoteric colours available for more colours than just those
4 of this round. The only colour which is the same in the list of 4 and the key listing of colours
on 213 is yellow, that of the 4th or buddhic plane. We also find that the information in LOM
may be giving us some truer esoteric hints, less blinded, and we will work with the assumption
that Indigo is Indigo, and Green is Green.
Yet, is Indigo or Blue THE colour for the second ray, or for the fifth, -- or the FIRST?) as the
5th Plane is considered to be THE KEY plane of … this solar system? See chart above
illustrating the planes of Agni – the Systemic Mental Logoic Plane, the Key is True Blue,
Manas. One day orange and blue will blended be. (The blind!?, or the flames and the mental
plane?)
In all cases, it is the astral plane which stands revealed. The statement can here be made
that where there is colour, form and phenomena analogous to or a replica of that to be found
upon the physical plane then there is to be seen the "duplicating phenomena" of the astral
plane. Where there is materialisation of forms upon the physical plane you see the joint
activity of the astral and etheric planes. You do not have the phenomena of the mental or
soul levels. Bear this definitely in mind. The astral plane is—in time and space and to all
intents and purposes—a state of real being plus a world of illusory forms, created by man
himself and by his imaginative creativity. One of the major lessons to be learnt upon the Path
of Discipleship is to learn to distinguish that which is real from that which is illusion.
Also writing on
e.g.
Aries, mars, red; mercury, yellow; uranus, orange …
In addition to being aware of the exoteric and esoteric (and probably hierarchical) forms of
colours, we must first determine if information blinded. In the Secret Doctrine and the writings
of Alice Bailey, DK tells us that the colours referred to differ, yet the blinds used are the same,
and are applied according to the same rules. Therefore, to our help, the use of contradicting
information is not arbitrary, but is used carefully used in a way that also holds keys for those
who penetrate beyond the appearances. We also know that from the above references about
the Secret Doctrine, that some of the information on colour referred to the first solar system,
some to the second. Therefore, our first ‘blind’ and potential area for contradiction, lies in
whether our reference material is speaking about the personality or soul aspect.
Oh well. Some examples of this usage will be explored below, but, before we go to the
examples, let’s see what complementary means and how it is used in the esoteric and
exoteric sciences. First, here is a key esoteric references that mention “Complementary
colours”, from TCF, Stanze XIII, page 32 “… Many the circling fires; many the revolving
rounds, but only when the complementary colours recognise their source, and the whole
adjusteth itself to the seven will be seen completion. Then will be seen each colour in
adjustment right, and the cessation of revolution.”
This quote suggests “complementary” may relate to the exoteric form, because they must
“recognize their source”. Else, it refers to the esoteric form, and its adjustment to the monadic
‘sources’. At either level, it assumes the complementary colour has a ‘source’. Once this
‘recognition’ is made, then the seven can blend, white light rays forth, revolution ceases, the
goal of evolution, perfection or synthesis, is achieved.
This next key quote again suggests the three levels of colour, and, in support of this theory,
we find that even in the practical application of colour in healing, we are suggested to use 3
colours. (In LOM, page 335)
"The use of coloured lights. These lights are played on the body of the disciple and effect a shaking-out
process and a simultaneous stimulation of the atoms. This cannot be done till further information is
given anent the Rays; when a man's ray is known, stimulation will come from the use of his own colour,
a building-in will be brought about by the use of his complementary colour, and disintegration of
unwanted matter will be brought about by the use of an antagonistic colour. … " LOM, page 335
Thus we have the following basic practical relationship, (my notes in parenthesis added for
context.)
A "stimulation" will occur through the use of an individual's "his own colour" (Often when DK
refers to someone's "ray" he appears to refer to the monadic ray – if he has not mentioned
context of the soul or personality.
Thus we can call this the “true” or “hierarchical colour” of the monad, that which stimulates
Life.)
A 'building in will be made by use of his complementary colour (the soul or esoteric level,
whose function is as the 2nd aspect, to 'build').
This division reinforces the previous quote’s probable meaning of the complementary colour
being ‘of the soul’ or consciousness level, and ‘the source’ that is to be recognized is “his own
colour” or true colour, the monadic or level of origination.
Alternately, “his own colour” and “his complementary colour” could both be on the esoteric
level – from the personality’s perspective -- two “esoteric colours”. There may also be a duad:
This chapter deals with comments about each colour individually, and various combinations of
colours. The basic order I’ll use is that used by DK in his list on page 205 of LOM, (including
related colour names), in the following order: Blue, Indigo, Green, Yellow, Orange, Red,
Violet.
Some colours (rays?) are considered “synthesizing”, in that they indicate perhaps a
consciousness comprehensive of the planes encompassed ‘inside’ of its sphere of influence.
In the following list, the colours (or rays?) could be considered to be synthesizing of the
planes indicated. (Words in bold indicate direct reference, those in parenthesis indicate a best
guess.)
Recall:
Red, blue, and green are three colours of light
Red, blue, and yellow are three colours of matter
CORRELATIONS of references
at face value – not figuring blinds: References not included in table; check compilations.
Bolding used to indicate stronger links of more confidence;
[X] for exoteric, [S] for esoteric, and [T] for True or Hierarchical proposal
The colours of the symbol have blue and indigo and gold dominant.
Blue is clear stated as eXoterically the colour for the sun and for the higher mind.
Indigo/purple is given as the eXoteric colour for the 2nd ray; light blue as eSoteric.
Numerical
In general then, we can relate blue-indigo primarily to 2, to love-wisdom, to the jewel, the
monad.
The interesting connection is to Ray 6, why light blue. Sky blue can literally be considered
inspirational, devotional, the colour of the sky. The colour of water, relates blue to the astral
plane, where it is put in counterpoint with rose, or red.
As the pl is working on the astral plane, perhaps this is why the ‘direct reflection’ of the blue
logos, of the monadic realm, is to the astral.
Two and Six are the primary colours in alliance in this 2nd ss. The 4th plane as well, is it yellow,
violet, or blue –
The primary natural analogy to keep in mind is that of the sky, day light blue, and indigo and
night. The light blue (esoteric Ray 2), the illusory forms are prominent. Ray 2 takes us into the
depth of matter. Capricorn quotes … indigo absorbs like the night sky, and all forms are
obliterated from sight. There is no possibility for vision in true absorbing indigo – certainly no
‘colour vision’ of the various phenomenon of the world.
Path 5, the mental plane, the sons of mind, the linking of the blues with the yellow and
orange, this again is the note of this 2nd aspect solar system, of the soul, of the middle
principle, of consciousness in relation to form.
Parallel to
Green of the personality, the intelligence of nature – the true middle principle in the spectrum
CORRELATIONS:
(“Ref” will link to reference; “BIG” will refer to “Best Intuitive Guess”:
using X for exoteric, S for esoteric, and T for True or Hierarchical proposal.)
Rays: 3rd
4th Esoteric Psychology and Esoteric Astrology
Planes: 3rd (“Green of atma” [X])
5th (“higher manas expressing activity or intelligence aspect”; “two great
devas belonging to the green group on mental levels.”; “… subsidiary
rays d. Orange, e. Green, f. Violet.”; in regards 4th ray: kama-manas.)
Constellational Cancer (3rd Ray)
(only if through Libra (3rd Ray, Venus and Saturn)
rays or direct Capricorn (3rd Ray, and Saturn); “The Goat … need for green”.
reference, planets
assisting.) Mutable cross and fixed cross “… we have the so-called green ray, …
Capricorn is an earth sign … third and fifth rays work … preeminently
through this sign … these pour through Capricorn to Saturn and to
Venus and so reach … Earth.”
Cosmic and 1st, 3rd aspect Solar System (“Indigo-green is the basis of the activity of
Planetary Nature, synthetic colour for system 1, and is the foundation for the
present manifested system.”; “… symbols … swastika of ten arms …
radiant green colour.”)
2nd solar system [S], “esoteric green and orange”
Four are the colours secondary in the cycle of discrimination … green for
vivification.
Saturn (3rd Ray; [X] “In the potency of Green we have … Saturn.
Esoterically speaking … the vegetable kingdom is … advanced, thus
Saturn and Mars are active … prevalence of red, rose, yellow and
orange in the flowers.”) !
Earth (3rd Ray) supposing [T]
Venus (“… holding a trident of fire surmounted by five green emeralds”)
supposing [S]
DAY: Saturday
Green synthesizes 5 lower worlds, atma and below. [X]
Hierarchies/ 3rd, Libra, Lesser Builders
Kingdoms 1st Kumara, Pisces, 3rd Ray (“ … a ball of green fire with three rays of
rose”)
& 2nd Kumara, Aries – symbolic only, “A sphere, divided by a Tau, in
colours green and silver. 4th Ray)
Pathways: all 5 liberated hierarchies – the 5 Kumaras: “… symbol … signifies gains
[of] System One … a bird of green and gold plumage with five wings
outspread.“
2nd Kingdom; Vegetable
all Devic Hierarchies
“Green is the basis of the activity of Nature … synthetic colour for
system 1 … foundation for presented manifested system … note of
Nature is green … great ray for the devic evolution”; “green devas of
vegetable kingdom … protectors of vegetable ;plant life … builders of
the vegetable kingdom”; lowest type of evolutionary devas are violet,
next come the green, last the white.)
the ‘middle principle’ in the spectrum – intelligence, the basis for evolution …
atma, the king of the 5 worlds – Green is the 1st system, representing the 3rd aspect.
3rd ray, Saturn, karma, the material which we owe our due and through which we must ‘blue’,
Blue the green – this is the injunction for this time, or for anyone becoming soul infused.
Blue green, turquoise/cyan – this is the sacred colour.
CORRELATIONS:
Gold
The coming avatar comes through gates of gold.
CORRELATIONS:
(using X for exoteric, S for esoteric, and T for True or Hierarchical proposal.)
Hierarchies/ 1st, Leo, Divine Flames “Lions, the divine and tawny orange Flames”
Kingdoms:
Preponderance of orange and rose … secret of two kumaras who fell
& paths
Path IV: Path to sirius … symbol, two wheels of electric fire around an
orange Cross, with an emerald at the center.
CORRELATIONS:
Laws Preponderance of orange and rose … secret of two kumaras who fell
1st Pisces Hierarchy: ball of green fire with three rays of rose
4th Gemini Hierarchy: two stars of vivid rose linked by band of violet.
Path 1: “Earth service … one scale hides behind a screen of red … “left
hand side.
Path 2: “most elementary and exoteric symbols … five fold star mounts
towards flaming sun of predominantly rosy hue.”
Relation of 6th Ray, 6th chain, red, and 1st ray is highlighted in the 6th school. Note that the
6th globe of the Venus chain could likely be red, and its lines of force touch the 2nd, 4th, and
5th globes of the earth chain. – as MIND, satan and lucifer – cannot green and red be the
same? Green of higher mind, red of lucifer/Venus.
CORRELATIONS:
The 7th law of the 7 laws of group work has the male figure holding a tray of silver, “a
great reflector”.
This section deals with major colour combinations, from those in pairs, to threes, fours, etc.
2.9 Two’s
“Relationship of indigo, blue and yellow lies hid a secret”. LOM 220
“Blue to the green is added and completion quick is seen. The vibration of the third is added
to the one.” (tcf, 24)
“PATH V. The Ray Path: The Adjuster holds the balances, and the scales are duly set … The
energies converge … five in number and their major hue is gold. … Three great Words are
spoken by the Adjuster … The first Word contains the value numerical of the synthetic indigo.
… This dual Word buildeth a wall which surroundeth the Son of Man whose lips are dumb. It
holdeth Him secure until the Word is spoken which will unseal the fount of speech. … When
the Silent One within the wall seeth the Ray approach, when He changeth the key of the
earlier spoken Word, the disruption of the wall is seen and a door openeth before Him. The
second Word holds hid the number of the sacred blue. … He struggleth for speech … he
utters the four deep sounds which cause the scale again to drop … The third Word holds
securely sealed the key to the outer blue. It contains the order for inversion …” page 1276-
1277, TCF
In the 5th direction of the Law of Repulse, the 4th Law of the 7 laws of group life:
“Through the opening on the summit of the pyramid, dropped from the blue of heaven, a key
came down. It landed at the feet of the discouraged worker. The key was of pure gold; the
shaft of light; upon the key a label, and writ in blue, these words: 'Destroy that which thou has
built and build anew. But only build when thou has climbed the upward way, traversed the
gallery of tribulation and entered [Page 170] into light within the chamber of the king. Build
from the heights, and thus shew
forth the value of the depths.' p. 169-170, EPII
“1. Withdraw your outgoing consciousness from the periphery to the point of silence within the
head, to the place where the "gold and the blue meet, blend and merge.’” p. 421, DINA I
TWM, p 354, About souls “in more advanced work in smaller groups. They idealize more and
are the thinkers and leaders of social reform … the higher devas guide them, the blue and
yellow devas …”
“Orange and blue in some more distant time will blended be …” DINA p. 675., and TWM,
page 468/9, “a folded lotus flower, close petalled, but bathed in cold blue light. Orange and
blue in …
“The vibration of the third is added to the one. Blue to the orange blends, and in their wise
admixture is seen the stable scheme.” (TCF, 24)
“… the stone, translucent now and unalloyed, of colour rose and blue …TCF, p. 16
“ TCF, p. 22, Riseth the cave of beauty rare, of colour irridescent. Thineth the walls with azure
tint, bathed in the light of rose. The blending shade of blue irradiates the whole and all is
merged in gleeming.
Agni Yoga, V 89: the pink [aura] can bring into relief the blue. In such complements are
contained currents of special intensity.
The following gives insight into the initiatory process, moving from warmth to coldness, from
red to blue. Especially note the final segment, where the relationship of flame (orange) and
blue seems to suggest the literalness of these opposite colours being a ‘blind’. "The light is
seen, a tiny point of piercing light. This light is warm and red. It nearer draws as it reveals
the things that are, the things which may be. It pierces the third centre and removes all
glamour and desire.
"A light is seen through the medium of the lower light—a light of warmth and heat. It pierces
to the heart and in that light all forms are seen pervaded by a glowing light. The world of
lighted forms is now perceived, linked each to each by light. This light is blue, and flaming is
its nature. Between the warm and reddish light and this clear light there burns a glow of flame
—a flame which must be entered, ere the light of blue is entered and is used.” p. 538, R&I
p. 354, TWM, about souls working only in mass formation, banded together by common
aspiration, the majority of Christians in the churches … aided by devas of rose and blue.
p. 768, R&I, “Blue does it [Chalice the third] appear and blends with the rose … “
“One of the four Lipika Lords … ‘the living serpent’ and his emblem is a serpent of blue with
one eye, in the form of a ruby.” TCF 893
“… the eye which is blue in colour, and the eye which sees not red, when open, produce that
which is intended with great facility.” TCF 1007
regarding 1st purpose of Deity, “His robe of blue … in the rising and the setting sun his orb of
red is seen. EP, I, page 63.
SD II, page 192, “the divine Kings sturck the culprits with sterility. They destroyed the Red and
Blue Races … there were blue and red-faced men … Rudra, as a Kumara, is … red and blue.
Agni Yoga v, 515: 515. How can the blue fire be transmuted into purple? The tension of
psychic energy will send out ruby-like arrows, and their growth will pierce the blue of
consciousness.
TCF, page 495: “…the difference between the sapphire and the ruby … not until the fourth
ether is controlled”.
(lom 227) “direct correspondence between … violet of etheric and blue of higher mental”
EP I, page 121: “…blue ray of devotion passes now into the violet of what we term the
ceremonial ray”
EP I, page 418, Ray II, Jupiter “exoteric indigo with a tinge of purple, esoteric, light blue”
Agni Yoga v, 515: 515. How can the blue fire be transmuted into purple? The tension of
psychic energy will send out ruby-like arrows, and their growth will pierce the blue of
consciousness.
Relationship of 3 and 7, Saturn is 3 and 7th in the solar septenary, Saturn is 3rd in the Earth
Scheme, Jupiter is 7th. Jupiter often associated with 7 and violet, Saturn most often
associated with green. Three and seven, with five – Mercury - are the inner three globes in
the earth chain. This quote illustrates the violet and green devas, who have come in from
another planetary scheme. The number for the deva evolution is 6, and so perhaps the
Jupiter Scheme is suggested. In the Earth chain, Jupiter is given as the 7th chain, and 7 is
also one of the inner three of the earth chain.
“There is another group of devas about which much may not as yet be communicated. They
have come in from another planetary scheme, and are specialists in their particular line. They
have attained, or passed through, the human kingdom, and are of equal rank with certain
members of the Hierarchy, having chosen to stay and work in connection with the physical
plane evolution. They are not many in number, being only twelve. Four work in the violet
group, five in the green group, and two in the white, with a presiding officer of rank equal to a
Chohan.” p. 914, TCF
Complicating this, it appear in TWM that these could be the lowest type of devas: “1. The
lowest types of devas or builders on the evolutionary Path are violet devas; next come the
green, and, last of all, the white devas. These are all dominated by a fourth and special
group. These control the exoteric processes of physical plane existence.” p. 389, TWM
Agni Yoga V 89, … the purple aura is not averse to the green. … in such complements are
contained currents of special intensity.
“When there are a sufficient number of people who are in conscious touch with their souls,
then the sheer weight of their numbers, plus the clarity of their intentions and their widespread
distribution over the face of the earth, must necessarily become effective. These people will
then bring about changes of such far-reaching importance that the culture of the future will be
as far removed from ours today, as ours in its turn is removed from that of the red Indians who
roamed for centuries over the
American continent and of whose possessions the white race took charge.” p. 705, EPII
“The first Word contains the value numerical of the synthetic indigo. … The second Word
holds hid the number of the sacred blue. … The third Word holds securely sealed the key to
the outer blue.
Seems to have relevance to Formula 1, and the eye of fire, the monad, being the indigo eye
outward turned; the eye of vision, the soul, being the turquoise blue looking up, and the eye
that knows, being sapphire blue, gazing in. As well, we can assign the
“the blending of blue and yellow in [the 1st ss] had much to do with the production of activity”
(lom 214); “blue and yellow blended result in green, and the synthetic blue or indigo
dominates when the plane of harmony is reached. It leads then to the third plane of atma
whereon the green of activity dominates” LOM 215
“in this primary grouping lies much of interest” blue, indigo, green and yellow
COMMENT: Esoteric in this context may mean, past, as the orange and green were
prominent in the previous solar system, and the blue is now its colour, more “exoterically” as
the Solar Logos is commonly referred to as the Blue Logos.
regarding path 3: “In the centre of the Cross is to be seen a five-pointed star in a deep indigo
shade, and behind it is a blazing sun of a warm dark blue. Above the whole are certain Sensa
characters, depicted in gold, and conveying to the initiated adept the name of one or other of
the planetary Schools in which this particular line of study is undertaken. There are, as has
been already said, seven such schools and candidates for this Path from our planetary
scheme are transferred to the inner round and from thence to the Jupiter scheme. [VSK note:
figure ‘warm dark blue’ is purple]
Through the band of violet that encircleth the Heavens passeth the globe of purple dark. It
passeth and returneth not. It becometh enrapt in the blue. Three times the blue enfoldeth,
and when the cycle is completed the purple fadeth and is merged into the rose, and the path
again is traversed. Three the great colours in the cycle that counteth as the fourth, violet, blue
and rose, with the basic purple in revolution. Four are the colours secondary in the cycle of
discrimination in which the revolution taketh place. It is circled to the midmost point and
somewhat passed.
Agni Yoga v, 515: 515. How can the blue fire be transmuted into purple? The tension of
psychic energy will send out ruby-like arrows, and their growth will pierce the blue of
consciousness.
2.3 Rays and Planes (charts), Creative Hierarchies, Rays and Planes (charts), Creative
Hierarchies, Devas, Raja Lords, Plane Lords, Elementals (green and orange)
2.5 The Mental Plane; Sons of Mind; Abstract and Concrete mind (Orange and Blue will
someday blended be)
2.6 Time, Mutation and Distortion; Desire, Sons of Necessity; Love … Rose and Red
2.7 Cosmic Physical Plane; space, maya; violet and white
2.8. The Egoic Lotus (as archetypal pattern in cosmos)
2.9. Spiritual Numerals: Planets, Signs, Metals, Perfumes, Shapes etc.
2.10 Other Correspondences and Tables: Laws, Nations, etc. (charts)
In order to avoid undue discussion and explanation, I will simply make assertions as to my
best assumption of what the best colour association is in the various areas. My goal is to
place the bulk of conjecture here, relying upon the macrocosmic analogies to set the stage for
the microcosmic in Chapter Three. This Chapter is therefore the main section which presents
what I hope is a coherent picture of the colours and their essential correspondences.
However, if the reader is left with grave confusion as to why certain associations are made, he
may find the answer under the individual colour or a colour combination, in Chapter Two.
We have seen how colour is interpreted physically, but what is the philosophical or spiritual
meaning to colour, according to the wisdom traditions? What is the way we can look at colour
to further our knowledge about realms invisible, the spiritual perspective?
is 'colour', in itself, something? I propose that colour is, at least a part of or the expression of
both the archetypal Seven Rays (Ray Lord), if not one of the truest manifestations of the Ray
Lords themselves. Also, colours may be an essential quality of the planes or levels of
consciousness through which these Rays manifest. My assumption is that Colour is some
kind of Being, beyond a quality of a life or plane or environment which it ‘colours’. Colour in
this way is a name, just as are number and figure. LOM, page 249, “… science of numbers,
being in reality the science of colour and sound … colours will eventually supersede figures.”
LOM, page 213, further suggests this correlation of colour to ray: "…in the right understanding
of the laws of colour and in the knowledge (for instance) of which colour stands for a
particular ray lies the power the adept wields."
Who are these entities called Colour, veiling lives of light, who lie behind the entities called
Number? Perhaps an example will start us off into the depths of this inquiry:
For example, blue and indigo are often considered analogous, and often used apparently
interchangeably. There may be some correlaton to the first and second aspects, so
intertwined in this second solar system, and as also seen in the workings of the first and
second ashrams. This duad, of male and female, positive and receptive, active and passive
energies, may be represented for us in nature as the blue of day and the indigo of night. Our
living Earth shows us this dual blue nature daily; one does not exist without the other. (The
use of black would indicate some ‘other worldly’ energy, reference beyond the Saturnian ring
pass not?) The Blue Ray therefore, may be associated with Ray 1, and the Indigo Ray to Ray
Two. Love-Wisdom then is the dual expression of 1st and 2nd aspects.
The relationship of blue and red, and its use for both the logoic and astral planes, just as the
often confusion of the 1st and 6th rays, is also suggestive. This unclear relationship is
highlighted in LOM where DK does not give the corresponding sub qualities to what one
would expect are blue-blue and blue red, for the 1st and 6th positions in that LOM ordering of
colours.
A possible explanation for this is that the cosmic astral plane is in superior position (a 1st ray
position) to the cosmic physical plane. This 6th ray (Red or Rose Ray) is therefore qualifying
all of what is ‘above’ us, and our next immediate (cosmic) goal. Red/Rose will then always
have a first-ray type quality, but it is due to being the quality of the much higher cosmic astral.
In the cosmic logoic sense, assuming a second ray (blue ray) solar system, blue is the likely
keynote or colour of the cosmic logoic. Hence, in resonance, all first or logoic planes are blue,
as are the “eyes” of the solar logos, with all monads resembling him.
Love-Wisdom, Blue-Indigo also shows the joining of Jupiterean (the second sun) blue to
Saturn (the black-green ruler of the first solar system of the intelligence or third aspect.) Blue-
black is an apt description of indigo, and suggests the demonstration of the current solar Son
Indigo-blue also implies the supremacy of the 2nd aspect in this system, a more two-one
emphasis than one-two. If relating this to the masters, we see the close connection of KH to
Morya, and it could be said this is a KH-Morya Hierarchy (rather than a Morya-KH Hierarchy),
yet we see their work in the closest cooperation, if not inseparable.
The Blue (1st) and Red (6th) Rays similarly hold potential confusion because red-rose as the
qualifyer of the cosmic astral, and it is ‘above’ the physical plane, thus impressive on all the
planes, behaving like Ray 1. In essence, the entire cosmic physical is violet or qualified by the
7th Ray, and the cosmic astral is qualified by the 6th or Rose Ray – red is therefore superior to
all colours or sub plane rays on the cosmic physical. Thus any reference to Red can indicate
the next great goal, the cosmic astral, and thus we refer to the coming (first ray oriented)
system as the ‘red’ system. We could say then, archetypally, that any step into the future is a
will-full or red act, our present state is a calm, inertial or contemplative blue (indigo-blue), and
as it is qualified by the past, the green-black Saturnian or 3rd aspect system of matter’s
intelligence.
In the last system the colours for Ray Two are suggested to be indigo with touch of purple,
and light blue. We know that the 3rd and 5th rays were very active in the first system (as 2 and
5 are in this … and perhaps 1 and 5 will be in the next?) This exoteric purply indigo could be
caused by admixture of the violet 7th plane or the rose 6th plane.
Blue light when mixed with green light, creates cyan or a light blue. Using the astrological
symbols, if the Sun (blue) is mixed with Saturn (green), we create Jupiter (light blue), as a
type of second sun. Venus as indigo, rules the wisdom aspect, and Jupiter the love aspect, so
we see how Jupiter-Venus, our two beneficents, are directly related to blue-indigo, love-
wisdom. Venus is hermaphroditic, representing (in pigment mixing) a merging between black-
green (Saturn-Saturn) and blue-green (Sun-Saturn).
If each colour is therefore an entity in and of itself, and if any one Being is part of greater
Beings, then in their eventual merging, as we know in Light, all these colours will become
white, pure, and there will be no more ‘colour’, or separation. The Great Heresy of Separation
is also the existence of Colour. We notice distinction, and while true in the temporal worlds of
evolution, are heretical in the real of true Being.
As an example then, Red (beyond what we agree to call that range of visible electromagnetic
spectrum which our eye sees), is at least a philosophical essence. In the esoteric doctrines,
whether this entity Red expresses through Ray 1 or Ray 6, or through the first or sixth planes,
or through the head or throat or solar plexus or sacral or base chakras (yes, all of those!) –
red is more than an expression of quality, but is a Life in itself, independent of a plane, or
chakra or rate of vibration. And what we call Red, essentially understood, may bear no
resemblance whatsoever to any optical effect it produces that our eye registers and our brain
interprets and our language calls “red”.
As we will note in the section on exoteric colour and the scientific basis of optics and vision on
the physical plane, it may well be that what we see and know of colour is truly “upside down
and backwards” to the original impression, and what we observe as a colour is every colour
but that one. We see a very narrow bandwidth, and mostly the colour that is ‘rejected’ by an
environment. Thus it is most likely that the opposite of our assumptions will be closer to the
truth.
Synopsis:
a. Colours are the vibratory essence of the Rays or Lives of Consciousness, at a
frequency which the human kingdom is particularly susceptible
b. Colours are the qualities the varied Planes of matter or manifestation themselves;
colours are the expressions of devic lives
From TCF, 1081: “Many more names might be given but these will suffice to indicate the
general nature of these energy summations, under which all the members of the human
family are gathered and placed according to:
a. Their rhythm,
b. Their quality,
c. Their heat,
d. Their light,
e. Their magnetic influence,
f. Their radiation,
g. Their activity.”
These 7 categories may also be helpful in relating colours to rays and planes, life and form.
1. rhythm blue (egoic) violet head sun
2. quality indigo (monadic) blue ajna
jupiter/mercury
3. heat green (atmic) green throat saturn
4. light yellow (buddhic) yellow heart
mercury/jupiter
5. magnetic orange indigo solar plexus venus?
6. radiation red orange sacral mars
7. activity violet red base moon
Depends on ‘who’ is using the centers or their state of consciousness, as to what is the ruler.
While numerology and Number, are often thought to be primary entities, on LOM, p. 249, we
find that the science of numbers is really the science of colour and sound, and “Colours will
eventually supersede figures”.
Perhaps however we know more about numbers, and if we can assign colours satisfactorily to
numbers, we may then be able to translate. While we made a cursory view of the exoteric
relationship as lacking overt analogies, let’s focus on the inner relationships.
Following on as well from the first solar system to the evolution up to our perceived 4th chain
of this fourth round, we again should look to the four given exoteric and esoteric ‘colours’:
(purple, yellow, cream and white – and blue, indigo, yellow and violet, respectively can be
associated with: Ray 2, Ray 5, Ray 4, and Ray 7 – in this order (as these are the correlations
to the pairs given).
Astrologically, we are given the names of the planets for the numbers of the rounds in the
earth schemes, and are told that numbers and not the names would prove more helpful.
Hence we have at least another way of associating colours to the names of certain planetary
energies as well.
Taking advice from page 224 of LOM, we look to the significance of white being esoterically
violet, and the role of the seventh ray as one of the three major rays – in this round. (Rays 7,
2, and 1 are the major rays “at this time”, TCF, page 600.) We additionally see the
association to the dominant hierarchies, 2, 5 and 4, as given in TCF, pages 1201-1203.
astrologically
Great Bear Red
Pleiades Green (mother aspect), silvery green
Sirius blue, indigo (higher mind = blue)
“...sevenfold brooding Mother, the silver constellation, whose voice is as a tinkling bell, and
whose feet pass lightly o'er the radiant path between our worlds and hers.” p. 1258, TCF
Aries red
Leo yellow, gold
Sagittarius orange
Taurus green
Virgo light blue? white
Capricorn indigo (black, green) this ss, thru cap 5th ray flows to Saturn and Venus
(exo blue, eso orange and green)
Gemini yellow-white
Libra turquoise
Aquarius electric blue
Check all pers, soul, and monad rays of the planets and correlate.
this is likely a blind: green and orange (suggesting the Ray 3 and Ray 5 that were potent in
the first ss), are blinds for red and blue, the true colour (monadic) and esoteric colour (soul) of
the Sun, the reference to “exoterically blue” is likewise a blind, for the sun being exoterically
orange, the colour of flame, and that which exoterically unifies the visible worlds and the three
lower worlds of manas – our God is a consuming fire.
The colour changes appearance, but is the more descriptive and truer nature of the Ray. E.g.,
Ray 1, in lowest manifestation or exoteric colour of Ray 1 is Red (demonstrating desire
through the life blood). The Red Ray then refers to Ray 1 ‘unredeemed’.
The Red Ray is the White Ray, esoterically, and the Gold Ray monadically – all called Ray 1.
The Green Ray is also the Green Ray esoterically, as it has merged itself (from the first ss’s
completion – and as we see demonstrated in the Planetary Schemes with Saturn blending
with itself, exoteric with esoteric.) The Green Ray monadically may be black (indigo?)
Three of the sacred planets, it should be remembered, are the home of the three major Rays,
of the embodied forms of the three logoic aspects or principles. Other planets are
embodiments of the four minor rays. We might consider—from the standpoint of the present
—that Venus, Jupiter and Saturn might be considered as the vehicles of the three super-
principles at this time. Mercury, the Earth and Mars are closely allied to these three, but a
hidden mystery lies here.
Connection between rays and planes due to similarity of colours. Rays and planes are not the
same; neither are their colours – although they may have resonant colours, and hence are
more able to express through various planes.
That’s the 4th plane – but is the 4th ray exoterically yellow, esoterically blue, and truly violet?
DK gives a certain order: To what does it correlate: rays, planes, exoteric, esoteric? Why?
Blue
Indigo
Green
Yellow
Orange
Red
Violet
In this way, we see replicated the fact that the monad is first. Green in this instance, therefore,
is the monadic ray of the Solar Logos, and represents the whole of the first solar system, aka
“the green system”. Green relates most commonly to Ray 3.
As apparently opposed to what is normally posited that we are moving from the matter aspect
developed in the first solar system to the spirit or monadic essence to be realized in the 3rd or
“red system”, this suggestion is that Green is the truest essence of these three solar systems.
In the first or green system, the monad immetalized itself into the mineral kingdom of matter,
and thus intelligence began, and the orange of intelligence (the 5th Ray) cooperated with the
Third. These gave birth to the son, the Blue Logos, our sun, who appears to us through His
complement, yellow. This is a second ray solar system because the Blue Logos, the Son of
the first solar system, is seeking to realize his ‘soul’ aspect.
However, if we apply the rules of the blinds, we see that Green is likely a blind for Red,
Orange a blind for Blue, and Blue analogous to Indigo or a blind for yellow. Thus the true
colour of the monad of the 3 solar systems is Red, the esoteric or soul colour of it is Blue, and
the personality aspect is Indigo, the colour of the 2nd ray, the form building and relationship
aspect, that of the son, the third expression.
TCF: “the three planets that make a triangle with the earth, namely Mars, Mercury, and Earth.
These three planets—in connection with this inner round—are considered only as existing in
etheric matter, and (in relation to one of the Heavenly Men) hold a place analogous to the
etheric triangle found in the human etheric body.“
TCF:
“5. The absorbing Triangles. This term is applied to the evolutionary schools found located in
the three major [Page 1177] planets of our system—Uranus, Neptune and Saturn—and to
those found in the three major chains, and three major globes in a planetary scheme.”
Here is an interesting correlation of three groups of devas, the blue and rose working with
souls who work in mass, the blue and yellow working with souls in smaller groups who are
thinkers and leaders, and the two’s and three’s (never more than in groups of nine) of the
disciples, who work under guidance of white and gold devas. This correlates well with the 6th
ray blue/rose, the 2nd/4th/5th ray blue/yellow devas, and the 1st ray, head center colours of
gold/white for the advanced groups working in groups of nine or less, even singly.
“Some souls can work only in mass formation, banded together and unified by a common
aspiration. Such are the majority of Christians, for instance, in the churches. These, knowing
not the laws of occultism, and only sensing the inner truth, work on broad lines of preparation.
They are aided by bands of lesser devas or angels who suggest, guide and control.
Others more advanced work in smaller groups. They idealize more and in them you see the
thinkers and leaders of social reform, of humanitarian regeneration and of church leadership,
either Christian or Oriental. The higher devas guide them, the blue and yellow devas [could
relate to rays 2, or 4, or 5],
as the former group are guided by the blue and rose [6th ray].
Back of them stand the still more advanced—the aspirants, probationers and disciples of the
world. They work singly or in twos or threes and never in groups exceeding nine—the occult
significance of these numbers being necessary to the success of their work. Great white and
gold devas attend their labours.” p. 354, TWM
Works to DK order:
violet, rose, orange, yellow, green, indigo, blue.
Humanity seems to be yellow, not green – and it’s third ray, throat center association is
therefore more accurate in this lineup. Why Egoic Kingdom green?
[Page 413]
These centres are:
Are silver and gold colours? Black and White? They refer to consciousnesses. Mineral
kingdom, gems, refer to some level of consciousness. Sapphire Throne, for instance, may
refer to a logos (Sanat Kumara), in physical incarnation, as Sapphire is a mineral and hence
suggestive of the 7th or physical plane or the 7th kingdom, the mineral.
From A Treatise on Cosmic Fire, the following excerpt is taken from page 321:
… We are employing the word "colour" here in its original and basic sense as "that which
veils." Colour veils the sevenfold differentiation of logoic manifestation and, from the angle of
vision of man in the three worlds, can be seen only in its full significance on the buddhic
plane. All fire and electrical display will be seen to embody the seven colours.
relate orange, pink, yellow, to lower three planes: physical, astral, mental.
Similarily for the love, pink and its blind/reflection of blue, light blue or indigo ... for
the astral plane.
Spheres/Rounds/circles - blues/indigos
Ellipses/curves - yellows/indigos
Cubes/rectangles/lines - reds, oranges,
Stars - violets
EA: p. 455-456:
"The following relations must consequently be borne in mind:
I. Head centre . . . Shamballa . . . 1st ray . . . 1st & 7th races . . . Will; the goal.
Energy of Life. Synthesis.
Seven centres awakened and functioning.
In first root-race alive and faintly vibrating.
In seventh root-race fully awakened.
II. Heart centre . . . Hierarchy . . . 2nd ray . . . 6th root-race . . . Love; the goal.
Energy of Identification. Achievement of fusion.
Six centres functioning.
The focal point of the egoic consciousness of divinity.
The fifth kingdom. The Kingdom of God.
III. Ajna centre . . . Humanity . . . 5th ray . . . 5th root-race . . . Intuition; the goal.
The energy of Initiation. Development of inclusiveness.
Five centres rapidly awakening.
The focal point of personality.
The human kingdom, the fourth kingdom in nature.
IV. Throat centre . . . Animal . . . 3rd ray . . . 3rd root-race . . . Intellect; the goal.
The energy of Illumination. Creating in the light.
Four centres functioning.
Focal point of the instinctual consciousness.
The third kingdom in nature.
V. Solar plexus . . . Vegetable . . . 6th ray . . . 4th root-race . . . Instinct; the goal.
The energy of Aspiration. Unfoldment of sensitivity.
Three centres functioning.
Focal point of psychic response.
The second kingdom in nature.
VI. Sacral centre . . . Deva evolution . . . 7th ray . . . 2nd root-race . . . Responsiveness;
the goal.
The energy of Magnetism. Power to build.
Two centres functioning; heart and sacral centres.
Focal point of vibratory response to the "eye of God."
VII. Base of spine . . . Mineral . . . 4th ray . . . 7th root-race . . . Synthesis; the goal.
The energy of foundational Synthesis. Completion.
All centres functioning as one.
Focal point of evolution.
The first kingdom in nature.
EA Ray order:
Crown: 1:1st/7th rr (Shamballa) blue/red/violet
Heart: 2:6th rr (hierarchy) indigo/rose
Ajna: 5:5th rr (humanity) orange/orange * (atomic)
throat: 3:3rd rr (animal) green/green * (monadic)
solar plexus:6:4th rr (vegetable) red/yellow/green (atmic strongest in vegetable:
5th mastery)
sacral: 7:2nd rr (deva) violet/indigo
base: 4:7th rr (mineral) yellow/violet (buddhic strongest in mineral)
“Every individual vibrates to some particular measure. Those who know and who
work clairvoyantly and clairaudiently find that all matter sounds, all matter pulsates,
and all matter has its own colour. Each human being can therefore be made to give
forth some specific sound; in making that sound he flashes into colour, and the
combination of the two is indicative of some measure which is peculiarly his own.
Every unit of the human race is on some one of the seven rays; therefore some one
colour predominates, and some one tone sounds forth; infinite are the gradations and
many the shades of colour and tone.
Of the colours, red, blue and yellow are primary and irreducible. They are the
colours of the major rays:
a. Will or Power Red
b.
Love-Wisdom Blue
c. Active Intelligence Yellow
“I would like to describe these centres in greater detail, dealing with them as seen in
etheric matter, and basing what I say upon a similar statement by Mr. C. W.
Leadbeater in "Inner Life," Vol. 1, page 447-460. We will note the colours and petals:
1. The base of the spine, four petals. These petals are in the shape of a cross, and
radiate with orange fire.
2. The solar plexus, ten petals rosy colour with admixture of green.
3. The heart centre, twelve petals glowing golden.
Consciousness
Bodies
Centres
Head
Violet and white
Ajna
Yellow and rose, and purple and blue
Yellow and rose = right eye, and either referring to buddhic and astral
Purple and blue = left eye, and either referring to etheric and mental
Throat
Heart
Sacral
Base
Path of Earth service: red and green as atmic, highest of 5, lowest of upper 3.
Red
THE SUBLIMATION OF THE FIVE HUMAN STAGES
Stage I.
The life has climbed the stairway long through daily use of form. Through the lesser
three, with progress slow, the long path has been travelled. Another door stands open
now. The words sound forth: "Enter upon the way of real desire."
The life, that only knows itself as form, enshrouds itself in vivid red, the red of known
desire, and through the red all longed-for forms approach, are grasped and held, used
and discarded, until the red changes to rose and rose to palest pink, and pink to
white. Forth flowers then the pure white rose of life.
The tiny rose of living life is seen in bud; not yet the full blown flower.
Stage II.
The picture changes form. Another voice, coming from close at hand utters another
phrase. The life continues on its way. "Enter the field where children play and join
their game." Awakened to the game of life, the soul passes the gate.
[page 675]
The field is green and on its broad expanse the many forms of the one moving Life
disport themselves; they weave the dance of life, the many patterned forms God
takes. The soul enters "the playground of the Lord" and plays thereon until he sees
the star with five bright points, and says: "My Star."
Stage III.
The way of red desire fails. It loses its allure. The playground of the sons of God no
longer holds appeal. The voice which has twice sounded from out the world of form
sounds now within the heart. The challenge comes: "Prove thine own worth. Take to
thyself the orange ball of thy one-pointed purpose." Responsive to the sounded word,
the living soul, immersed in form, emerges from the many forms and hews its onward
way. The way of the destroyer comes, the builder and again the tearer down of forms.
The broken forms hold not the power to satisfy. The soul's own form is now the great
desire, and thus there comes the entering of the playground of the mind.
But in these dreams and fantasies, at times a vision comes—a vision of a folded lotus
flower, close petalled, tightly sealed, lacking aroma yet, but bathed in cold blue light.
Orange and blue in some more distant time will blended be, but far off yet the date.
Their blending bathes the bud in light and causes future opening. Let the light shine.
Stage IV.
Into the dark the life proceeds. A different voice seems to sound forth. "Enter the
cave and find your own; walk in the dark and on your head carry a lighted lamp." The
Far off, dim and most vaguely seen, appears an oval opening, its colour blue.
Stretched athwart this space of blue, a rosy cross is seen, and at the centre of the
cross, where four [page 676] arms meet, a rose. Upon the upper limb, a vibrant
diamond shines, within a star five-pointed.
The living soul drives forward towards the cross which bars his way to life, revealed
and known.
Not yet the cross is mounted and, therefore, left behind. But onward goes the living
soul, eyes fixed upon the cross, ears open to the wailing cries of all his brother souls.
Stage V.
Out into radiant life and light! The cave is left behind; the cross is overturned; the
way stands clear. The word sounds clear within the head and not within the heart.
"Enter again the playground of the Lord and this time lead the games." The way upon
the second tier of stairs stands barred, this by the soul's own act. No longer red desire
governs all the life, but now the clear blue flame burns strong. Upon the bottom step
of the barred way he turns back and passes down the stairs on to the playground,
meeting dead shells built in an earlier stage, stepping upon forms discarded and
destroyed, and holding forth the hands of helpfulness. Upon his shoulder sits the bird
of peace; upon his feet the sandals of the messenger.
Not yet the utter glory of the radiant life! Not yet the entering into everlasting peace!
But still the work, and still the lifting of the little ones.
RSU
You are primarily along the occult line. You work with energy and, actually and
mentally, you are fairly well controlled and coordinated. You need to work with the
physical body and use it in the work you have to do and right there is where
hindrance creeps in.
Add more here, on line of occultist and assigned meditation has much about colour.
Nevertheless, let’s investigate what we can based upon the Tibetan’s assignments, checked
with other correlations. A common correlation is based on simple spectral assignments, one to
one, usually starting with red at “C” or the note “DO”. This is usually assigned to the crown or
base. The Tibetan does give green as the note of nature, and correlated to “FA”, and the
crown, or base, and within the logic of the philosophy, the note SO, or SOL, is easily related
to the soul, the Sun, or Blue, the Blue Logos, or the Heart centre.
Do Red Crown
re Orange Ajna Crown
me Yellow Throat Ajna
fa Green Heart Throat
so Blue Solar Heart
plexus
la Indigo Sacral Solar
plexus
ti Violet base Sacral
Do Red base
Wavelength 1 A = 10*-
Converted to Orchestra Physical
Angstrom 10th Note
Hertz Pitch Pitch
Units Meters
Infra Red or ~
7653A to 7813A G 392 Hz 384 Hz
Begins 392X10*12thHz ~
or ~
Red 7228A to 7317A G# 415 Hz 410 Hz
415X10*12thHz ~
Red- or ~
6818A to 7042A A 440 Hz 426 Hz
Orange 440X10*12thHz ~
or ~
Orange 6438A to 6522A A# 466 Hz 460Hz
466X10*12thHz ~
Orange- or ~
6058A to 6250A B 493 Hz 480 Hz
Yellow 493X10*12thHz ~
or ~
Yellow 5736A to 5859A C 523 Hz 512 Hz
523X10*12thHz ~
Yellow- or ~
5415A to 5474A C# 554 Hz 548 Hz
Green 554X10*12thHz ~
or ~
Green 5110A to 5208A D 587 Hz 576 Hz
587X10*12thHz ~
or ~
Green-Blue 4823A to 4878A D# 622 Hz 615 Hz
622X10*12thHz ~
I have indicated to you certain vowels and consonants which are the nearest approach which
I can make to making these Words clear, and I have done so in the case of the first and
second rays. I shall give you no others, as it is entirely useless. I shall only give you the
significances, the concepts involved and the meaning of which these archaic word-forms
(which I have attempted to portray in Anglo-Saxon letters) are the embodiment. As the race
passes more and more into the world of meaning, these word-forms assume less and less
importance, and only the concentrated thought, based on understanding comprehension, can
achieve the results. It is into this somewhat new form of work we are now pioneering.
[R&I517]
Here is an attempt to define, via colour and sound, the two Words of Power as given by DK
for the first and second rays. First, some background referencing from the Rays and the
Initiations
The vivid light of the second ray soul (the most vivid in this second ray solar system)
dominates the light of form and radiates out to the triadal light. Then comes a moment of
intense concentration and the peculiar Word of Power of the second ray is enunciated. Of this
Word, the dual symbol Sxprulxs takes form in the mind of the disciple and signifies the
assertion: "I see the greatest Light." This statement has relation to the Central Spiritual Sun
and not to the Heart of the Sun; it involves, if I might so express it, the most intense effort to
see in the light the relation of the whole, and this is one of the most potent experiences to
which the disciple can be subjected. It is not vision or even aspiration to see the vision. It is
complete sight and of this the Masonic symbol of the "Eye of God," the "All-Seeing Eye," is
the expression. It involves realization of the light of the divine countenance; of this the light of
the soul is the dim reflection. The disciple has learnt the significance of solar and lunar light
(soul and form light), but this is something other. It is the great obliterating light of reality itself,
revealing the fact of the higher Lighted Way which leads to Nirvana.”
APKL two syllable word: AHP, KHUL -- ahp, being the disciple putting himself into this
column or, 'round of fire', oneness making, then KHUL ... don't know, (KL) something indigo ...
death of separation ... killing out desire .... hmmm, ponder ponder ...
I think there is a strong relation to the english sound/word/meaning SEX, and SX, in relation
to this second ray (dualword.
First sound -- incorporating sounds that aren't normally used in English speech however, so,
big guess, something like:
ssssecks (sex, with emphasis on a hissing sss sound at the beginning, the snake, serpent,
kundalini coming into the 8 of matter -- 1+8, Aries/Scorpio, etc.
then, PRULXS (prew or maybe prewl), as the path between the two SX XS pillars,
LXS, as we conjecture, LUX as the root of Light, with the closing sound "Xcess", 8+1, the
serpent coiling back out, raising into the dragon, blinding light.
Interesting, light-wise, S = 1, related to red, and also, in the closing position, violet, it brings
the spectrum 'around', with the LUX, being the most brilliant portion of the spectrum, the
yellow-green (3rd and 4th ray, 'busiest' lights, casting the most light on substance).
written here:
************SUN**************
****black ********* black****
antahkarana ..... antahkarana
************LUX************
*******PR*************X****
*SX*********************S**
Colour trends or fads – in decorating, clothing – variously the use of colour is considered elite
or common. Sometimes bright colours will be a sign of the utmost taste, and other times it is
garish and unrefined. Black is often a sign of wealth and sophistication, and at other times or
other cultures, the colour of utilitarianism.
The main point in psychological analysis would be to determine the cultural constants of the
person or group under question. How is colour, in general, and any specific colour, defined in
the culture and times?
Esoterically correlations of colour preferences to ray influences and sub and branch races
would be most interesting. This could be done for individuals and perhaps more suggestive,
on larger populations, nations or major racial components over longer periods of time.
Blue is the most commonly preferred colour among Europeans, considered “concentric,
passive, sensitive, perceptive, unifying, xpressive of tranquility, tenderness and “love and
affection”.
The tests which offer a preference for one and a rejection of another colour can be indicative
of psychological and physical needs. For instance, preference for blue and rejection of red
can be seen in those frustrated and anxious in the business world, they are looking for a
vacation from the active world in favor of tranquility.
Chromotherapy, does not require the visual system to be active, but is an effect of wavelength
upon the skin.
1. What things, attitudes, and words of beauty did I come across today? Note these
down and note also your reactions to them when recognised—a sunset of radiant
colour; a face or look which brought good remembrance; a paragraph in a book which
illumined your mind. Write it all down so as to share it with your fellow disciples.
Write, for instance, the paragraph which attracted your attention or the spoken
words which brought you light. Hunt every day for beauty and record it.
2. What act of service did I render which was other than my usual programme? What
services did I note that other people were rendering? List what you see your
fellow-men doing each day that strikes a note of selfless service and learn thereby the
wonder of the human being. Give your reactions to that which you record.
3. What colour or colours predominated in my life today? Upon the physical plane—a
blaze of sunshine, the grey of a rainy day, the blue of the sky, the riot of colour in the
flowers in a garden or a shop? Upon the astral plane—the rose of affection and of
friendly feeling, the blue of an inspiring contact, the gold of physical well being, the
interplay of colours which your emotional nature can be trained to recognise?
4. What dramas came my way today, in my own life or in the life of others? Seek for
drama under the dull exterior of a person, in the world of daily happenings as you see
it functioning around you. See it everywhere—the drama of life as lived by yourself,
your environing associates, and also the nations of the world. Evoke and cultivate the
sense of the immanent beauty of drama, and note the recognition of it in your diary;
note also the lessons to be learnt as you sense and study them.
This diary will reveal to you what you lack; it will train you in the objective and
subjective recognitions which you so much need; it will lift you out of yourself and
will carry to you revelation and joy and an enlarging horizon. Ponder upon the words:
Beauty, colour, service, outer relationships, inner linkings. No more I give you now
except my blessing.
1b.
A study into the use of various colours in art in different cultures and in different times could
be illuminating, especially in regard to ray, sub and branch race influences.
1c.
A study into the biological development of colour vision, and the connection to the vegetable
kingdom is suggestive. Fruit trees, bearing produce that reflected yellow, orange and red light,
seem to be instrumental in the development of tri-chromatic vision in new world monkeys.
1d.
Legitimate instruments are normally only those considered to be mechanical or of the physical
senses, if the results can be replicated consistently by someone with a similar instrument or
sense organs. (In the same way we hope to prove the nature or existence of the soul,
scientifically. Science normally approaches every question in an effort to prove it false; a strict
view of science is that it never can prove anything as true, but can hold that a preponderance
of good evidence may suggest something is at least more likely to be true than other options.
While ether is not now proven as existing, in neither the form that esotericists or early
cosmologists may have suggested, it can neither say “it does not exist”. “We do not know” is
always a prudent statement, and one we can be most assured of!)
Emerging or proto sciences do admit that the psychical senses (i.e., 6th sense-type
perceptions) organs) may be legitimate ‘instruments’ – if there are sufficient sensors
(psychics, clairvoyants, meditators, etc.) in an emerging group who can reliably predict and
reproduce results among those of similar capability. This would be a great area for more
scientific and cooperative experimentation by scientists and those with extra-senses or
perception.
2a.
2b.
3a
3b