considered, as they impart their power and quality to the physical and mental nature of each individual in accordance with law; and operate regulary on definite vital and physical functions. Keep in mind that the planets nearest the sun are more physical in nature and effect than those beyond our planet earth. After studying the creative principles of the seven planets, treated in their general effect, and having obtained an orderly conception of their real nature and qualities, proceed with your observations to prove the truth or falsity of the statement that the Solar Fluid of the ecliptic holds in solution the primal and basic elements of all possible life and thought to be evolved within the confines of our Solar System, in which the earth and planets move, and consequently contains the elements of the human organism corresponding to the twelve departments of the human body. Familiarize yourself with the signs of the Zodiac, and dates in the months when the earth crosses the dividing lines and is immediately immersed in an entirely different mental ether, which is demonstrated by the twelve general mental qualities imparted. Watch carefully persons whose birth-days occur while the earth is passing through a sign, and their mental tendencies according to their physical, mental, and spiritual state of unfoldment. For example, thoughtfully consider the mental charactistics given as the basic principles of all persons born in the sign Aries (between March 21st and April 19th). Are they natural lovers of scientific thought? Do they desire a reason for whatever thought or method is presented to them? Are they easily confused if obliged to work under the dictates of another? Do excitement, worry and disease, manifest themselves first in the head and produce nervous or sick headache, often inflammation of the brain? Is not rest and sleep the remedy for the above mentioned ailments of these persons? Is not harmony absolutely necessary to the health of all born between these dates? Thus, by watching the dominant features given to each of the remaining signs, and comparing one with the other, all will be enabled to verify to their own satisfaction the scientific law upon which this evidence is based. Hold in remembrance that these are but the basic or foundation-principles of each nature; although the position of the earth at the time of birth is an endowment of the most vital character, it is but one point in eight, with which the science deals. By this method of studying, you will commence to be introduced to the thought incarnate in human form. When you have once entered this realm of investigation, your personality, now so prominent, will take its place in the background, and living individuality will stand out revealing its real quality, and you will then recognize othes' true sphere of use, when combat and attempts to control each other will cease. The lack of mental harmony is the great difficulty on the narrow path to success, and not until it can be firmly established among the intelligent minds of our age need any expect to find the peace and rest that every soul under the canopy of the stars yearns for in their inner and real self. Thus we recognize that it is an individual work to bring about the desired ultimate. Then, when studying the inherent thought, in all its varied manifestations, uppermost in the mind of the student should be how can I now in my present limited sphere adapt myself to each quality of thought, without producing inharmony, yet at the same time maintain my own individuality? STUDENT. CORRESPONDENCE. ESOTERIC PUBLISHING CO. POMONA, SEPT. 3, 1888. My dear Brothers, I am always finding in THE ESOTERIC Some good thing that I was wanting, but in the September number just received I have found a "bonanza." For a long time I have seen before me a large, pure, silvery-white globe of light and did not know what use I was to make of it. I was quite sure that I should be shown, so quietly waited, and, behold, you have made it clear. It is the candle of the Lord, and with it I am to try the reins and heart, so secret, and see if there be any hidden wrong in me. do think each number of THE ESOTERIC better, if possible, than the last. have nothing to fear, the Lord is surely with you; you are bound to succeed in all your undertakings. I wish a college were already in existence, as I should like to be there; I would advance more rapidly. But, "Thy will be done," all will come in due time. -I - You I have received the certificate of stock; many thanks. I wish you would send the Constitution, and By-Laws, as I am asked about it, and others may like to invest. I desire to do what I can in the good cause; all want, or need, the good things that THE ESOTERIC brings each month. F. L. DEAR ESOTERIC, Fraternally, CHICAGO, ILL., SEPT. 13, 1888. Many times I have shaken hands with you and said "God bless you" (mentally), always wishing the "air-line" were in a more developed condition; so we might depend on that instead of the slower method, pen and paper. So much of my experience I find in your pages, proving that no man liveth unto himself, can not: for thoughts are things and off they go, and, as Emerson says, "the most impressionable ones get them first." : I think the Western friends have about the right idea of the location for the New Zion, Micah, IV. "But in the last days it shall come to pass, that the mountain of the house of the Lord shall be established in the top of the mountains, and it shall be exalted above the hills; and people shall flow unto it. And many nations shall come and say, Come and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord and to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways and we will walk in his paths for the law shall go forth of Zion, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem (peace). And he shall judge among many people, and rebuke strong nations afar off." Of course we know that all these laws are to come from the mountain (the highest condition), but every spiritual idea generally finds a material expression. How clearly I see the new Jerusalem, (which is the mother of us ALL. Gal. IV. 26), descending from God and heaven, prepared as a bride (clean, pure) and I hear the voice saying, "The Tabernacle of God is with men. And the Lord God which gathereth the outcast of Israel saith, Yet will I gather others, beside those that are gathered, and there shall be one fold and one shepherd." Go on in your blessed work, until every knee shall bow and every tongue confess, (understand,) the gospel of peace, the glad tidings of all good. MR. EDITOR, I have been a reader of THE ESOTERIC from the first and I value it very highly. In your "Instruction for reaching the highest goal" you give the matter of diet and hygienic practice but little consideration. It seems to me that our habits in these respects are of great influence and importance, and I am very anxious to order all of my life so as to produce the results. I wish that you could give us in THE ESOTERIC an especial article on the subject of fast ing, diet, and hygienic practice, and their bearing and influence on our intellectual and spiritual development. I feel assured that such an article would be of general interest. Our Christian Scientists say, Do not lay down any law for yourself in relation to these matters. On the other side, one of our physiological writers says, The physical organism is governed by, and subject to, laws as subtile as those that pertain to the soul, hence the necessity for their strict obserance. We would like to have your opinion in reference to these two positions. One of our Theosophical teachers asserts that we do not derive any part of our strength from our food, and that its function is simply to replace the waste tissues of the body. Is such the fact? If you cannot give us the article which I have requested will you please answer the question in relation to the above mentioned assertion in the question department of THE ESOTERIC. Yours fraternally, H. F. H. Ans. We have now in type the first of a series of articles on Hygienic Laws by our able contributor, Wm. A. English, M. D., that will be commenced in our November issue. We judge from the installment already received that it is the Doctor's purpose to substantially cover the ground embraced by your questions; we therefore refrain from giving such condensed answers in this number as the limited remaining space would necessitate. THE OLD AND THE NEW. WHEN Moses gave, in ages long ago, The stern commands, "Thou shalt not" thus and so, Held men in check, or urged them to fulfill. But, recognizing every man as brother, Wм. A. ENGLISH, M. D. Heaven is distin EVERY affection of good and truth is in the form of man. guished into as many societies as there are organs, viscera and members in man; there cannot be any one part in any other place than its own (Divine Providence.) ALL that we are is the result of what we have thought: it is founded on our thoughts, it is made up of our thoughts. If a man speaks or acts with an evil thought, pain follows him, as the wheel follows the foot of him that drives the carriage. NOT the failures of others, not their sins of commission or omission, but his own misdeeds and negligences should the sage take notice of. Like a beautiful flower full of color, but without scent, are the fine, but shallow words of him who does not act accordingly. SPEAKING of the Eleusinian Mysteries Proclus says, "In the initiations the gods exhibit many forms of themselves, and appear in a variety of shapes: and sometimes indeed, a formless light of themselves is held forth to view; sometimes this light is according to a human form, and sometimes it proceeds into a different shape." The representation of the descent of the soul formed no inconsiderable part of these Mysteries. The abduction of Proserpina signified the descent of the soul and union with the dark tenement of the body, a literal figure, the placing of seed in the ground. EDITORIAL NOTES. It is not the purpose of THE ESOTERIC to promote random discussion, but rather to call into play potential life currents. It is of more account to discover and substantiate the truth than to attempt to fight shadows which will fade of themselves when the light becomes sufficiently strong. THE contribution by Dr. English from "The Healing of the Nations" should receive the careful attention of our readers and especially of those interested or engaged in the healing art. The work from which the selection was made, is, as Dr. English suggests, well worthy of re-publication. THE first of the series of day and evening classes, for the fall term, in Solar Biology, will be commenced October 1st. This offers an opportunity to those desiring to become proficient as healers or as teachers of this science of Man, to acquaint themselves with the diverse mental forces and to secure the key to their intelligent employment. For particulars, address Mrs. Drury, in care of this office. THE Sunday afternoon lectures before The Society Esoteric were resumed at 478 Shawmut Avenue, September 2d, and will be continued each Sabbath at 3 P. M. until further notice. Prof. Butler will esoterically consider Bible-topics in his afternoon lectures, and give attention to general subjects in the evening. The public are cordially invited to the Sunday meetings of the Society. The evening lecture will commence at 7.45. THE summer vacations being over, the mind naturally and fittingly turns to the earnest problems and duties of life, and in this direction The ESOTERIC is especially calculated to be an aid, and the present is an auspicious time for our readers to co-operate with us in extending its circulation and consequent usefulness; we accordingly, earnestly solicit their aid in securing new subscribers, also in sending us the name and address of persons who are likely to appreciate a sample number. For inducements to getters up of clubs see page 176. It seems from the tenor of our correspondence that the preponderance of favor points to the mountain ranges of the Pacific slope as the fitting locality of assemblage for the commencement of the literal outworking of the divine problem of the oneness of humanity. Some favor the valleys of the Rocky Mountains (upwards of a thousand miles inland, and consequently more central and incidentally nearer the eastern markets and great centers of population); but there seems to be an unanimity that the seat should be near one of the grand mountain ranges. Evidently the pioneers are to be an OLYMIPIC PEOPLE in a natural as well as spiritual sense, and must have the fabled "mountain of the Gods" virtually in their midst. "Of course," says L. J. L. under head of Correspondence, "the mountains signify the highest condition, but every spiritual idea generally finds a material expression." This is true: and it is not indispensable to be among the mountains in order to experience "the mountain of the Lord's presence" and again those are most truly "together in one place" whose mind and thought are caught up" into a common exalted condition; but while the hypothetical presence may suffice in the earlier stages, ideals in time perish unless outwrought, and lofty mental conditions recede if not substantiated; therefore while grand thoughts and ideals are of heavenly birth, it is man's prerogative to give them material embodiment, and so a mighty work has yet to be done in the mountains of the Pacific coast and the region to the east, and it is essential that action should be taken by the NEW PEOPLE ere the virgin territory is wholly appropriated to speculation and individualism. THE question seems to be seriously engrossing the attention of many minds as to what the religion of the future is to be; and it is even earnestly suggested that a national or a world's convention of the leading minds in the different lines of thought be convened to canvass the subject to the end of promoting an understanding of its vital essentials, and pointing out the necessary conditions to further the same. Many of those who are identified with present church-organizations, may consider that this subject is substantially settled already, simply requiring minor adjustments and reconciliations on existing lines. Nevertheless, there is a surprising diversity of views extant, and even within the most rigid sects thought is changing rapidly, for the irrisistible current of life in-flowing from the invisible universe is penetrating and quickening the entire human family; so that even those faiths which have seemed fossilized are manifesting signs of life and progress, and heralds of the morning are springing to light in unlooked for quarters. Thus Buddhistic Theosophists make claim that it is no longer St. Peter, but themselves, who hold the keys of the Kingdom. This claim, however, is contested by those who might fittingly be denominated Christian Theosophists, some of the views of whom were recently given through THE ESOTERIC in the articles entitled "Theo-Sophia."* Evidently, new ideals of man in his spiritual, physical, and industrial relations are to dominate the future, and there is a restless yearning for the possession of the new "chart" and "compass," which it is thought that a wisely ordered convention might be instrumental in supplying: not that the ideas of the coming time are to be formulated by conventions or synods, but there are times when the convergence and focalization of currents of maturing thought are not only desirable, but highly serviceable, in that they quicken life, evolve thought, and direct it to specific issues which have in view the solution of the great problems of the human race. *See Advertising Department. CLUB PREMIUMS. Subscriptions may date back commencing with any number desired, as we print from plates and can supply all numbers from the first issue. Anyone sending us $4.50 for a club of three can have a fourth subscription free of charge. To any subscriber who sends us $1.50, and one additional name, we will send the pamphlet of "TWELVE MANNER OF PEOPLE," or any fiftycent book in our list. For $3.00 and two new subscribers we will send any $1.00 book you may select. For $4.50 and three new subscribers we will send Prof. Butler's "SEVEN CREATIVE PRINCIPLES" or its equivalent in other books. For $6.00 and four subscribers we will send "THE PERFECT WAY," or THE ESOTERIC Vol. I bound. forwarded as secured, they will be complete. Where members of a should be sent for each copy re For $12.00 and eight subscribers we will send "SOLAR BIOLOGY." The names can be all sent at one time, or if placed to the sender's credit until the number is club desire"THE PERFECT WAY" $1.50 extra quired. Foreign subscribers will send 25 cents extra for yearly postage on THE ESOTERIC. Make checks and money orders payable to The Esoteric Publishing Company instead of to individual members of the Company. ESOTERIC PUBLISHING PUBLISHING COMPANY. 478 Shawmut Avenue, Boston, Mass. |