Planetary Periods and Elements Evolution in Esoteric Tradition

that hosts them. The Tradition assigns planetary names to these epochs or periods: 1. Saturn Period; 2. Sun Period; 3. Moon Period; 4. Earth Period; 5. Jupiter Period; 6. Venus Period; 7. Vulcano Period. These periods have no relation to the homonymous planets of the Solar System, but identify reincarnations of the Earth, interspersed with immense periods of dissolution and non-manifestation of the World Soul with the associated Humanity. Each of these phases or reincarnations of the World Soul has been the occasion for the explication and specialization of an element according to their true order: Fire, Air, Water, Earth and Ether. During each reincarnation of the Earth, a cosmogonic element became dynamic, thus allowing a human principle its manifestation through that element.

The Fire element specialized in the Saturn epoch, the Air element in that of the Sun, the Water element in that of the Moon and the Earth element in the current epoch. From Humanity's point of view, life in these distant epochs corresponds to archaic states of consciousness different from the "waking consciousness" that characterizes the current epoch. In the Saturn epoch, Humanity possessed a consciousness so deaf and profound that it has no parallels in the current state of human incarnation. The evolution of human consciousness begins in the Sun period when it lived in a state we would now call "dreamless sleep" and which contrasts with consciousness in the "dream" state that instead characterizes the Moon period. Transcendental or active consciousness, associated with the Ether element, will be proper to the next evolutionary cycle called Jupiter.

The Orders of Wisdom

The evolution of the Solar System has led, over various periods or planetary epochs, to the specification and progressive aggregation of elements through successive separations. Tradition holds that from the Fire element Light and Air separated; from Air originated Sound and Water, and from Water came Life and Earth. These names indicate two aspects of the same element: one dynamized, active and energetic; in contrast to the other less dynamic and more passive. In the current stage we witness the specification of the Ether element, the "fire mist." Progressively the purified elements will rejoin to return to Fire-Light-Energy.

In their primordial form, that is before aggregating into forms known to us, the elements were Light and as such appear at the moment of dissolution of every aggregate of consciousness at the moment of death. The brilliant red light is the primordial form of the Fire element; the pure force of Water is like a white light; yellow light is the primordial form of the Earth element; green is the symbol of purification of the Air element and the brilliant white-azure light is the primordial form of Ether or transcendental consciousness.

Through these Lights, which are the pure form of elements, one of the Five Orders of Wisdom manifests:

Wisdom of Universal Law. It manifests with a brilliant, dazzling and lightning blue-white light which is the pure form of Ether and is the "antidote to illusion." It is also called the "Light of Eternal Wisdom." In its feminine aspect it is the "pure void of space," while in its masculine aspect it is "pure light," the "Illuminator of heaven."

Absolute wisdom, mirror-like. It manifests with a clear and white light, brilliant and transparent, which is the pure force of Water. It identifies with the state in which things are liberated from objectivity, from their isolation, but without being deprived of their form; stripped of their materiality without being dissolved. The consciousness of this wisdom reflects the form of all things without attaching to it and without being touched or moved by it.

Wisdom of Equality. It appears with a splendid yellow light that is the Light of the Earth element and the archaic aggregate of touch. This is also called the "Wisdom of solidarity among all beings," it is knowledge of the fundamental unity of all beings: compassion for all that lives. The pure principle of feeling is transformed into love and compassion for all living beings, in the feeling of identity.

Wisdom of Discernment. It manifests with a splendid red light that is the Light of the Fire element. It is also called "Wisdom of perfect Charity," which fights egoism. We can suppose to identify the Wisdom that provides an individual character to every being. The consciousness of such wisdom distinguishes inner vision.

Wisdom of every accomplishment. It is also called "Eternal uncreated Wisdom that accomplishes everything." It appears as a splendid and dazzling green light, brilliant and terrifying, radiating with luminous circles which is the purification of the Air element. This Light, which fights jealousy, is "knowledge of action" that allows one to perform the acts of the perfect. It is the natural power of personal wisdom given by God. It is the "Creative Inner Vision that leads to the ultimate realization of perfection."

Elements and States of Consciousness

In its initial phases, every evolutionary cycle retraces the phases and conquests of previous cycles before moving to the specific task or work for which it is destined. Thus, the planetary periods or reincarnations of the World Soul that led to the specialization of the four elements and evolution...